Abstract
Value engineering (VE) methodology can be a decision-making tool used to provide value to project owners by improving cost, quality and performance of systems. VE process mainly involves function analysis, creativity, and evaluation of systems to select the best system from a list of alternatives. Employing suitable evaluation method can be challenging especially when better sustainability outcome is the main goal. In evaluation, VE may utilize certain multi-criteria decision-making methods such as weighted-analysis method. However, some problems may arise. This research analyzed the value methodology and the use of weighted-analysis method in the evaluation phase of the conventional VE process was found to be limiting relative to sustainable design and construction. Specifically, the research aim was to refocus the conventional VE process to improve building sustainability outcomes. Choosing by Advantages (CBA) method was proposed to address the limitation. Both the conventional VE using weighted-analysis method and the alternative VE method utilizing CBA method were examined using a case study building. Masters students prepared VE final reports using the two methods that were then evaluated by faculty sustainability experts who rated the contribution of each of the recommended systems to building sustainability. SAS v. 9.4 was used to analyze the data. The hypothesis was that the alternative approach would provide better building sustainability outcomes. The results showed CBA to be superior to weighted-analysis method and could be a valuable inclusion in the VE methodology to deliver better sustainable buildings.