Economic sustainability of buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domingos António Ribas ◽  
Paulo Cachim
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Economic Sustainability ◽  
Construction Costs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Index ◽  
Use Phase ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Building Life Cycle

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative approach for the development of a methodology to systematically assess the economic performance and for the assessment of the economic sustainability of a building, through the calculation of an economic sustainability index, within the sustainability framework according to the rules defined in EN 16627. Design/methodology/approach The methodology follows the principle of modularity, where aspects and impacts that influence the economic performance of the building during the phases of its life cycle are assigned to levels. It presents a model based on the construction costs of the building. The methodology in centered in the before use phase and restricted to residential buildings. Findings Definition of a model for assessing the economic performance and calculation of an economic sustainability index. Research limitations/implications The methodology is focused only in the before use phase of the buildings, assuming they have the same functional equivalent. It can be expanded to include the other phases of the building life cycle. Practical implications The developed methodology will allow the selection of construction procedures, based on economic sustainability, contributing to more rational and support decisions. Social implications Contributing to a more sustainable society. Originality/value The European framework of EN 15643 and EN 16627 for the assessment of building sustainability is new and, as such, not implemented in most practical tools. Also, economic sustainability is not usually considered in detail in existing models. This paper presents a methodology following the framework and, simultaneously, possible to integrate in existing approaches.

A taxonomy for Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA)

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-205
Author(s):  
Barbara X. Rodriguez ◽  
Kathrina Simonen ◽  
Monica Huang ◽  
Catherine De Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Building Life Cycle ◽  
Global Carbon ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Goal And Scope

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of common parameters in existing tools that provide guidance to carry out Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA) and proposes a new taxonomy, a catalogue of parameters, for the definition of the goal and scope (G&S) in WBLCA. Design/methodology/approach A content analysis approach is used to identify, code and analyze parameters in existing WBLCA tools. Finally, a catalogue of parameters is organized into a new taxonomy. Findings In total, 650 distinct parameter names related to the definition of G&S from 16 WBLCAs tools available in North America, Europe and Australia are identified. Building on the analysis of existing taxonomies, a new taxonomy of 54 parameters is proposed in order to describe the G&S of WBLCA. Research limitations/implications The analysis of parameters in WBLCA tools does not include Green Building Rating Systems and is only limited to tools available in English. Practical implications This research is crucial in life cycle assessment (LCA) method harmonization and to serve as a stepping stone to the identification and categorization of parameters that could contribute to WBLCA comparison necessary to meet current global carbon goals. Social implications The proposed taxonomy enables architecture, engineering and construction practitioners to contribute to current WBLCA practice. Originality/value A study of common parameters in existing tools contributes to identifying the type of data that is required to describe buildings and contribute to build a standardized framework for LCA reporting, which would facilitate consistency across future studies and can serve as a checklist for practitioners when conducting the G&S stage of WBLCA.

scholarly journals Life Cycle GHG Emissions of Residential Buildings in Humid Subtropical and Tropical Climates: Systematic Review and Analysis

Buildings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Daniel Satola ◽  
Martin Röck ◽  
Aoife Houlihan-Wiberg ◽  
Arild Gustavsen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Tropical Climates ◽  
Building Life Cycle ◽  
Total Life

Improving the environmental life cycle performance of buildings by focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions along the building life cycle is considered a crucial step in achieving global climate targets. This paper provides a systematic review and analysis of 75 residential case studies in humid subtropical and tropical climates. The study investigates GHG emissions across the building life cycle, i.e., it analyses both embodied and operational GHG emissions. Furthermore, the influence of various parameters, such as building location, typology, construction materials and energy performance, as well as methodological aspects are investigated. Through comparative analysis, the study identifies promising design strategies for reducing life cycle-related GHG emissions of buildings operating in subtropical and tropical climate zones. The results show that life cycle GHG emissions in the analysed studies are mostly dominated by operational emissions and are the highest for energy-intensive multi-family buildings. Buildings following low or net-zero energy performance targets show potential reductions of 50–80% for total life cycle GHG emissions, compared to buildings with conventional energy performance. Implementation of on-site photovoltaic (PV) systems provides the highest reduction potential for both operational and total life cycle GHG emissions, with potential reductions of 92% to 100% and 48% to 66%, respectively. Strategies related to increased use of timber and other bio-based materials present the highest potential for reduction of embodied GHG emissions, with reductions of 9% to 73%.

Review of methods for evaluating adaptability of buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoraya Roldán Rockow ◽  
Brandon Ross ◽  
Anna K. Black
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Existing Building ◽  
Adaptation Decision ◽  
Building Life Cycle ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Context Features ◽  
New Buildings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a review of existing models and tools for evaluating the adaptability of buildings. A baseline of the current state of the art in adaptability evaluation and adaptation decision support is established; from this baseline, gaps for future research are recommended. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted to identify papers describing adaptability models and tools. The identified models were characterized based on their focus (new buildings, existing buildings, building life cycle), considered variables (physical and/or context features) and degree/type of validation. Findings Models can be grouped as those focusing on: evaluating adaptation decisions for existing buildings; the design of new buildings for future adaptation; and understanding adaptation throughout a building life cycle. Models focusing on existing building evaluation are further in development and validation than the other model types; as such, they are more suitable for use by practitioners. Another finding is that modeling of adaptability in buildings is still in its nascent stage and that data-driven quantitative modeling is a prime area for future research. Originality/value This paper is the first comprehensive review of models and tools for evaluating adaptability. Other works have evaluated the topic of adaptability more broadly, but this is the first paper to systematically characterize existing models and tools. Based on the review future, research topics are recommended.

Modelling environmental and economic sustainability of logistics

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-94
Author(s):  
Pragya Arya ◽  
Manoj Kumar Srivastava ◽  
Mahadeo P. Jaiswal
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Economic Sustainability ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Model Based

Purpose Research on sustainability has progressed from a singular focus on one aspect to a simultaneous focus on more than one aspect of the triple bottom line. However, there is a dearth of research that explains why sustainability-related decisions in business often do not bear the expected results. Research that provides managers with a tool to achieve environmental sustainability of logistics without compromising the economic sustainability is scarce. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to bridge the above gaps and to explore the factors that affect investment in technology to balance environmental and economic sustainability of logistics. A model based on system dynamics approach explains the simultaneous interplay of these factors. Simulating the model helps the managers of logistics function decide the size of investment in technology, to achieve environmental efficiency without negatively influencing the economic performance. Design/methodology/approach A model based on system dynamics approach explains the simultaneous interplay of these factors. Simulating the model helps the managers of logistics function decide the size of investment in technology, to achieve ecological efficiency without compromising with the economic performance. Findings Collaboration with regulatory authorities and with players within the same industry and across industries is a must so that eco-logistics does not become an economic burden for businesses. The decision to invest in technology for eco-logistics is further accentuated if the technology promises some added economic benefits. Research limitations/implications From a theoretical perspective, the research has added to the less extensive literature on system dynamics modelling, which is a mixed methodology, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research is also one of the few attempts that have attempted to simultaneously study more than one aspects of sustainability in business, quantitatively through simulation. Simulation was demonstrated through a single case study, Future works can aim to apply the causal loop diagram to firms in varied sectors. Practical implications The managers can use the causal loop diagram to assess the environmental performance of logistics and decide on appropriate level of investment to balance ecological and economic performance of logistics. Originality/value The causal loop diagram has been developed through primary data collection via semi-structured interviews. The results were validated by presenting them to respondents to ensure they represent their view points. The results are, therefore, practical and original. This research does not build upon an existing data set or aims to test the applicability of any existing model. The model for this research has been developed from the grass-roots level.

scholarly journals Towards a conceptual framework to manage BIM/COBie asset data using a standard project management methodology

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Alnaggar ◽  
Michael Pitt
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Data Flow ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Company ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Building Life Cycle ◽  
Asset Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate a systematic methodology to manage asset data flow between building stakeholders throughout building life cycle using the Construction Operation Building Information Exchange (COBie) standard. Design/methodology/approach A literature review of the relevant building information modelling (BIM) for facilities management (FM) studies including the gaps and challenges of producing COBie data is analysed. Then a standard project management methodology by Project Management Institute (PMI) is introduced as a theoretical framework to map the different areas of managing COBie data as a project in coordination with Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of work. This theoretical background is coupled with an inductive approach through the placement within a construction company (Bouygues, UK) in the UCLH construction project to produce the conceptual framework that is aligned with industry needs. Findings The lack of well-structured approach to manage COBie data throughout building life cycle causes many problems and confusions about the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in creating and managing asset data. This confusion in turn results in incomplete and low-quality COBie data at the handover phase which hinders the ability of facility managers to use these data effectively in the operations phase. The proposed conceptual framework provides a standard project management process to systemise the data flow among all stakeholders. Practical implications The proposed framework is developed in liaison with a large construction company, so it is well aligned with an actual industry approach to managing COBie data. Furthermore, it provides a systematic step-by-step approach to managing COBie as a project that could be easily implemented in actual construction projects. Originality/value The paper introduced a novel approach to manage COBie data using a standard project management methodology based on an actual live construction project perspective coupled with project management theory.

A review of integrated applications of BIM and related technologies in whole building life cycle

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1647-1677
Author(s):  
Qingfeng Meng ◽  
Yifan Zhang ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Weixiang Shi ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Current Mode ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Framework ◽  
Current Implementation ◽  
Management Technology ◽  
The Future ◽  
Implementation Level ◽  
Building Life Cycle ◽  
Implementation Status

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarize the current applications of BIM, the integration of related technologies and the tendencies and challenges systematically.Design/methodology/approachUsing quantitative and qualitative bibliometric statistical methods, the current mode of interaction between BIM and other related technologies is summarized.FindingsThis paper identified 24 different BIM applications in the life cycle. From two perspectives, the implementation status of BIM applications and integrated technologies are respectively studied. The future industry development framework is drawn comprehensively. We summarized the challenges of BIM applications from the perspectives of management, technology and promotion, and confirmed that most of the challenges come from the two driving factors of promotion and management.Research limitations/implicationsThe technical challenges reviewed in this paper are from the collected literature we have extracted, which is only a part of the practical challenges and not comprehensive enough.Practical implicationsWe summarized the current mode of interactive use of BIM and sorted out the challenges faced by BIM applications to provide reference for the risks and challenges faced by the future industry.Originality/valueThere is little literature to integrate BIM applications and to establish BIM related challenges and risk frameworks. In this paper, we provide a review of the current implementation level of BIM and the risks and challenges of stakeholders through three aspects of management, technology and promotion.

Assessing electricity and CO2 emission savings through energy efficiency measures in shopping malls in India: a feasibility study of appliance retrofit

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyoti Maheshwari ◽  
Pramod Paliwal ◽  
Amit Garg
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Shopping Malls ◽  
Emission Reductions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
End Use

Purpose Energy-efficient retrofitting of existing buildings is an inexpensive way of reducing energy consumption and mitigating climate change impacts. The purpose of this study is to examine electricity savings and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction potentials of energy-efficient retrofit measures for surveyed two large shopping malls in India. Design/methodology/approach A techno-economic model was developed to estimate the electricity savings achieved due to energy-efficient retrofit measures in shopping malls that were surveyed in 2017. Alternative scenarios were constructed based on capital cost and cost of conserved energy (CCE) value for retrofit measures: cheapest replacement, best available technology and best value for money. The life-cycle electricity and CO2 emission savings and payback period for end-use retrofit measures were evaluated. Findings The estimated average electricity savings were around 39–56% for various retrofit measures across all three scenarios while the average CO2 emission reductions were around 50–125 kt-CO2. Retrofits to light-emitting diode lights and air conditioners with inverter technology offered more life-cycle electricity savings. Paybacks for most lighting end-use measures were estimated to be within 1.5 years while for most space conditioning end-use measures were between 1 and 4 years. Originality/value The primary survey-based comprehensive research makes an exclusive contribution by estimating life-cycle electricity savings and CO2 emission reductions for energy-efficient retrofit measures of lighting and space cooling end-use appliances for existing shopping malls. The present research methodology can also be deployed in other types of commercial buildings and in residential buildings to estimate electricity savings from energy-efficient retrofit measures.

Sustainable municipal solid waste management decision making

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 909-928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hacer Ak ◽  
Washington Braida
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Municipal Solid Waste ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Solid Waste Management ◽  
Municipal Solid Waste Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Index

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess a comprehensive model that computes a single score in order to evaluate the sustainability of the municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system of a given city. The model was applied to calculate the sustainability index for the MSWM of Istanbul, Turkey as a case study. Design/methodology/approach – Different sustainability indicators (including environmental, economical, and social parameters) along with exergy analysis were integrated to utilize an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) under a life cycle perspective. Findings – The Istanbul case study helped to verify that AHP is an effective and efficient decision-making tool. According to the analysis, the current MSWM system of Istanbul is sustainable, and the sustainability can be improved only by changing the amounts to be treated by the current system without any new technological investments. Research limitations/implications – The Municipal Solid Waste Management Sustainability Index (MSWMSI) in this study allowed to integrate large amount of information on interrelated parameters and the sustainability indicators in the whole life cycle into one value that is useful for a general or a comparative judgment and helpful in MSWM decision making. Originality/value – The fact that the weighting assigned to each component in the model is dependent on the decision makers’ evaluations enables the model to be tailored to any city of concern. The model allows the user to readily determine the relative contribution of each criterion or sub-criterion to the final MSWM selection. It is convenient to use and the computations can be run utilizing available specialized software as well as computing by hand.

Toward improved LCC-informed decisions in building management

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa Salvado ◽  
Nuno Marques de Almeida ◽  
Alvaro Vale e Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Background Knowledge ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informed Decisions ◽  
Building Management

Purpose Stakeholders of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector require information on the buildings economic performance throughout its life cycle. This information is neither readily available nor always accurate because building management (BM) professionals still face difficulties to fully incorporate the life cycle cost (LCC) concept into their daily practice. The purpose of this paper is to identify and contribute to solving these difficulties. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a background knowledge review and set the ground for a structured research roadmap and a management framework that highlight the links and limitations to be addressed within and between LCC and BM. A six-stage method was used for developing conceptual frameworks targeting six goals: establishing a point of departure; mapping sources of information; literature research; notion deconstruction and conceptual categorization; overview of the applicable background knowledge; and structuring of a framework for LCC-informed decisions in BM. Findings Management solutions for the built context are necessarily connected with LCC and BM current concepts such as asset management, project, program and portfolio management, facility management and data management. These management approaches highlight the importance of incorporating life cycle concepts and promote LCC effective application within the AEC sector. Originality/value This paper identifies and discusses current limitations on the information availability for the economic performance of buildings throughout its life cycle. This work also identifies LCC-related topics that need to be further explored or addressed by both the scientific community and practitioners to overcome these limitations and facilitate the integration of the LCC concept into BM activities.

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