Using Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) to assess the sustainability of New Educational Building Designs (NEBDs)

Purpose This paper aims to develop an analytical Sustainability Building Assessment Tool (SBAT) for New Educational Building Designs (NEBDs) in Bahrain that is comprehensive, accounting for economic, environmental and social sustainability dimensions. Design/methodology/approach Globally and locally recognized Sustainable Building Rating Systems (SBRSs) and the literature were reviewed, resulting in the identification of 21 critical indicators for assessing the sustainability of NEBDs in Bahrain. An online survey was conducted among the built environment practitioners and academics in Bahrain to investigate the local importance of the indicators. The Mean Score ranking (MS) and the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) methods were used to analyze the 364 valid responses received. Findings The SBAT was developed, encompassing three criteria: “Site and Transportation,” “Health and Wellbeing” and “Resources and Materials,” accounting for 33.1, 34.2 and 32.7%, respectively, of the sustainability attainment in NEBDs in Bahrain. Originality/value The findings can be generalized to other countries with similar attributes and regional characteristics to Bahrain, such as those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The novel SBAT developed in this study is simple and easy to use individually. The design team can apply it to assess and improve the sustainability of an NEBD during the design phase. Additionally, it can be used to provide a snapshot of the level of sustainability attainment in an NEBD or to rank several NEBDs with regard to their level of sustainability attainment by decision-makers.