Track: Tools for Sustainable Manufacturing and Service Systems Design, Management, and Performance Measurement

Abstract

The rate of globalisation around the world and the corresponding emergence of innovative technologies daily calls for an efficient and sustainable learning strategy for professionals. It is therefore imperative for professionals to be well-equipped with requisite knowledge and skills to maintain relevance in their field of practice in tandem with the global sustainability paradigm. Nature is notably a rich source of inspiration for high performance, resource efficient, and innovative solutions due to its over 3.8 billion years of evolutionary refinement. Hence, biomimicry, a field that study and emulate nature’s forms, processes and strategies to find sustainable solutions to human challenges. This paper sets out to explore the biomimicry problem-based approach as exhibited by nature, in maintaining relevance and sustainability. A quantitative research method was adopted and a structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis reveals the systematic approaches towards understanding and emulating the mechanisms behind the survival, sustenance and longevity of organisms in nature. The outcome of this study will provide professionals and other stakeholders in the construction industry with a nature-inspired approach for achieving sustainable innovative solutions.