Environmental sustainability of prefabricated low-rise residential buildings in Australia: a systematic review

Purpose Prefabricated construction is widely recognised for offering numerous sustainability benefits to the construction industry and plays a key role in advancing the sustainable objectives outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Australia, prefabrication is increasingly acknowledged as a key pathway to improving the environmental performance of the construction industry. However, its development remains limited, particularly in the low-rise housing sector in Australia. This study investigates the key environmental sustainability issues and challenges in the prefabricated low-rise housing sector in Australia. Design/methodology/approach A systematic search of the Web of Science and Scopus databases was conducted in May 2025. A total of 46 articles were selected for qualitative synthesis of topic-related outcomes, using thematic analysis to synthesise the findings. Findings The review identified four key themes of sustainability indicators for prefabricated low-rise housing in Australia: (1) circular economy, (2) material consumption in construction, (3) energy performance and efficiency, and (4) site disruption and appropriate strategies. Originality/value The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable development in the prefabricated construction and housing field and offer valuable insights for policymakers, developers, architects, and urban planners in both academia and industry.