Gap analysis of green features in condominiums between potential homeowners and real estate agents

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 630-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sui Pheng Low ◽  
Shang Gao ◽  
Ling Ling Grace Teo
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Real Estate Agents ◽  
The Government

Purpose The building sector is one of the main contributors to carbon dioxide emissions in Singapore. Over 90 per cent of life-cycle carbon emissions are due to the operations phase of buildings, and 90 to 98 per cent of the building cost is associated with operation, maintenance and personnel costs. Hence, occupants have a major role in achieving environmental sustainability objectives. This study aims to understand the awareness level of potential homeowners and real estate agents concerning environmental sustainability issues in the built environment, to identify the types of green features required by potential homeowners and to understand real estate agents’ perceptions of the types of green features required by the homeowners in a green condominium. Design/methodology/approach The features of the Green Mark (GM)-awarded buildings, as well as the benefits derived by homeowners were identified from the literature. A survey of a group of potential homeowners and real estate agents was carried out in Singapore to analyse the gap, if any, between the potential homeowners’ needs and expectations and real estate agents’ perceptions of these needs and expectations with respect to the green features in the homes. Findings The results indicate that potential homeowners are more aware of environmental sustainability issues in the built environment than are real estate agents; potential homeowners seem to be more supportive of environmentally sustainable development than the real estate agents are aware of, despite the fact that the price of the apartment remains an important deciding factor; and potential homeowners are more concerned about the ease of maintaining green homes and paying greater attention to green features in the areas most heavily promoted by the government. However, green features do not constitute the main considerations of potential homeowners when making the decision to buy a green home. Research limitations/implications To close the gaps identified in the analysis, recommendations are suggested, including having public education and awareness campaigns to emphasize the long-term energy savings of green homes, conducting GM courses for real estate agents and involving real estate agents in the developers’ project consultancy team. Originality/value As there has been no prior research in this area, this study serves to provide fresh perspectives on how developers can better select the types of green features to be included in the green homes, so as to meet the potential homeowners’ needs and expectations and, at the same time, balance mandatory GM requirements with such demands. Choosing the right type of green features to incorporate in a residential development for homeowners to utilize increases the owners’ satisfaction level and allows them to reap the intended benefits of green features.

The adoption of green building practices in construction projects in Qatar: a preliminary study

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1238-1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Redhwan Mohammed Saleh ◽  
Abdullah Al-Swidi
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Government

Purpose It is widely known that carbon dioxide emissions and climate change are among the most critical global challenges. These issues were worsened partly by the continuous adoption of traditional non-green behaviors and practices in the construction sector. As both environmental and health-related practices continue to worsen, practitioners, researchers and government think tanks are taking a major shift to promote green building practices (GBP). The purpose of this paper is to examine and investigate the effects of several environment-related variables such as sustainable government support, environmental concern and green engagement in the adoption of GBP. Design/methodology/approach The model of the study was developed based on the integration of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), value-belief-norm and cognition-affective behavior (CAB). The instrument used to capture these constructs was adapted from existing validated instruments. The data were collected from Qatar-based consultant and contractor engineers. Of the 877 questionnaires distributed, 378 were completed which yields a response rate of 43 percent. The collected data were analyzed by employing the PLS-SEM approach. First, the measurement model was examined to confirm the validity and reliability of the measures. Next, the structural model was analyzed to test the hypotheses of the study. Findings The results of the study showed that environment-related variables such as green engagement, sustainable government support and environmental concern have strong effects on GBP along with other TPB variables, namely, subjective norms and attitudes. Research limitations/implications Although the objectives of the study were achieved, there are still some limitations. First, this study yields a deemed suitable response rate. Second, since this research focused solely on the view of the contractors and consultants of the country’s engineering sector, it may have narrowed down the real scenario. Practical implications Besides the government providing awareness campaigns on the importance of GBP in reducing pollution, the government may also set some regulations to be followed by construction companies to reduce the negative impacts on the environment and regulations that could motivate the decision makers to increase the green construction projects and practices. In addition, the engineers still need some supports from green building authorities and government to motivate them toward GBP. Some incentives that could be offered by the government are financial allowances, funding and reduced governmental fees. Originality/value This study has a great theoretical value since it extended the TPB by incorporating some important environment-related variables to explain the adoption of GBP. In addition, from the practical perspective, this study provides useful insights for the practitioners and policy makers who are concerned about designing and planning environment-friendly strategies in the sector of construction.

Environmental implication of coal and oil energy utilization in Turkey: is the EKC hypothesis related to energy?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Adewale Alola ◽  
Ulrich Tiamgne Donve
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Kuznets Curve ◽  
Ekc Hypothesis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Mix ◽  
The Government

PurposeIn spite of the drive toward environmental sustainability and the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs), coal, oil and natural gas energy utilization has remained the Turkey's largest energy mix. In view of this concern, this study examined the role of coal and oil energy utilization in environmental sustainability drive of Turkey from the framework of sustainable development vis-à-vis income expansion over an extended period of 1965–2017.Design/methodology/approachIn this regard, the authors employ carbon emission as an environmental and dependent variable while the Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDPC), coal and oil energy consumption are the explanatory variables employed in the study.FindingsThe study found that both energy mixes (coal and oil) have a detrimental impact on the environment in both the short and long run, but oil consumption exerts a less severe impact as compared to coal energy. In addition, sustainable development via income growth is not feasible because the income–environmental degradation relationship follows a U-shaped pattern (invalidating the Environmental Kuznets curve, EKC hypothesis) especially when coal and oil remained the major source of lubrication to the economy. At least the EKC hypothesis is unattainable in Turkey as long as the country's major energy mix or primary energy (coal and oil) is in use, thus the application of other socioeconomic, macroeconomic policies might be essential.Research limitations/implicationsConsidering the lingering energy challenge associated with Turkey, this novel insight further presented useful policy perspectives to the government and stakeholders in the country's energy sector.Originality/valueThis evidence (the U-shaped relationship) is further ascertained when the aggregate primary energy is employed. Thus, this study provides a novel insight that attaining a sustainable economic growth in Turkey remained a herculean task as long as a more aggressive energy transition approach is not encouraged.

Prospects and restraints of green roofs for high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-260
Author(s):  
Subaskar Charles ◽  
Herath Vidyaratne ◽  
Damithri Gayashini Melagoda
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
The Government

Purpose Green roofs are acknowledged as a method to substitute greenery washed out by the urbanization. They provide many ecological and sustainable benefits of greenery; reduce the adverse effects of high-rise building constructions. Though this concept is more popular across many countries over the past few decades, still, implementation of this technology in Sri Lanka is new and scant. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the potential of green roofs in high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach The data collection was conducted through expert interviews and questionnaire survey. Expert interviews were carried out to validate the prospects and restraints identified through literature review to the Sri Lankan context and analyzed using content analysis. Questionnaire survey identified the most significant prospects and restraints using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Findings Reduction of air pollution, aesthetical appearance, thermal benefits and energy savings, reduction of an urban heat island effect, the addition of points in the green rating system are the top most significant prospects that need to be highlighted in promoting green roof systems in Sri Lankan high rises. Less space allocation on rooftops, lack of technical competence and lack of awareness and research are restraints that need most effective elimination strategies to encourage green roof systems. Originality/value The first identified and quantified prospects and restraints for green roof system in Sri Lankan high-rise buildings can be utilized by the government, donors, multi-lateral agencies to promote the sustainable development in Sri Lanka and this knowledge could be used in different scale awareness programs. The value of this paper is such that the paper discusses the links of green roofs with the other facets of sustainability. The new legal reforms and amendments in Sri Lanka could potentially be pending with findings of this study.

scholarly journals Dynamic relationship between embodied and operational impacts of buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saheed O. Ajayi ◽  
Lukumon O. Oyedele ◽  
Jamiu A. Dauda
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dynamic Relationship

Purpose Buildings and their construction activities consume a significant proportion of mineral resources excavated from nature and contribute a large percentage of CO2 in the atmosphere. As a way of improving the sustainability of building construction and operation, various sustainable design appraisal standards have been developed across nations. Albeit criticism of the appraisal standards, evidence shows that increasing sustainability of the built environment has been engendered by such appraisal tools as Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficacy, among others. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the appraisal standards in engendering whole lifecycle environmental sustainability of the built environment. Design/methodology/approach In order to evaluate the adequacy of sustainability scores assigned to various lifecycle stages of buildings in the appraisal standards, four case studies of a block of classroom were modelled. Using Revit as a modelling platform, stage by stage lifecycle environmental impacts of the building were simulated through Green Building Studio and ATHENA Impact estimator. The resulting environmental impacts were then compared against the assessment score associated with each stage of building lifecycle in BREAAM and CfSH. Findings Results show that albeit the consensus that the appraisal standards engender sustainability practices in the AEC industry, total scores assigned to impacts at each stage of building lifecycle is disproportionate to the simulated whole-life environmental impacts associated with the stages in some instances. Originality/value As the study reveals both strengths and weaknesses in the existing sustainability appraisal standards, measures through which they can be tailored to resource efficiency and lifecycle environmental sustainability of the built environment are suggested.

Mitigating climate change in the building sector

Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 342-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick T.I. Lam ◽  
Edwin H.W. Chan ◽  
Ann T.W. Yu ◽  
Wynn C.N. Cam ◽  
Jack S. Yu
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Emissions Trading ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Building Sector ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate how unique features of built facilities would affect the application of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trading, and to explore what adaptive measures may be taken for emissions trading to be applied to the built environment. Emissions trading is a financial tool to encourage GHG emissions reduction in various industries. As the building sector is responsible for a large amount of GHG emissions, it is valuable to explore the application of emissions trading in built facilities. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on a comparative study reviewing the current emissions trading schemes (ETSs) in Australia, Japan and the UK covering the building industry, and to evaluate the approaches adopted by the schemes to tackle the problems related to buildings and facilities management. Findings – The research findings reveal that the small energy savings of individual building units, the large variety of energy-saving technologies and the split incentives and diverse interests of building owners and tenants would be the barriers hindering the development of emissions trading. To overcome these barriers, an ETS should allow its participants to group individual energy savings, lower the complexity of monitoring and reporting approaches and allow owners and tenants to benefit from emissions trading. Originality/value – This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current emissions trading practices in the built environment. Besides, it raises the attention and consciousness of policymakers to the need that building characteristics and facilities management should be taken into consideration when designing an ETS for the building sector.

Using interpretive structure modeling to analyze the interactions between environmental sustainability boundary enablers

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 601-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navin K. Dev ◽  
Ravi Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Business Community ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modern Business ◽  
The Government ◽  
Power And Dependence

Purpose – The modern business community understands the importance of long-term satisfaction of consumer. Enabling the consumer to return products is a significant part of the equation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the sustainable boundaries in terms of their relationship toward greening a supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – Using interpretive structural modeling the research presents a hierarchy-based model to realize the driving power and dependence of sustainable boundary enablers. Findings – The research shows that there exists a group of enablers having a high driving power and low dependence requiring maximum attention and of strategic importance while another group consists of those variables which have high dependence and are the resultant actions. Practical implications – This classification provides a useful tool to supply chain managers to differentiate between independent and dependent variables and their mutual relationships which would help them to focus while making strategic, tactical or operational decisions as and when required while designing a green supply chain. Originality/value – This research assumes importance in context of greening a supply chain when globally enterprises are getting a lot of pressure from consumers as well as the regulatory measures from the government. Sustainability demands that the resources be used in lean manner through information coordination with all partners in a supply chain. The findings of this study would help delineate those variables that should to be necessarily considered to design a sustainable supply chain.

Egypt’s slum development plan will be applied unevenly

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Public Spending ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real ◽  
The Real Estate ◽  
The Government ◽  
Policy Priority

Subject Plans to rid Egypt of its slums. Significance Since President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi came to office in June 2014, the eradication of informal settlements has officially been a top policy priority. More than 20 billion Egyptian pounds (1.2 billion dollars) has been allocated to the development and demolition of 351 slum areas since 2014. In February, Sisi pledged to rid the country of its slums by 2030. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of consultation with the communities affected. Impacts The slum redevelopment plans will drive growth in investment in the real estate and construction sectors. Public spending will increase from subsidised provision of electricity, water and sewerage services. The government will boost revenues by selling repossessed land to the private sector. Lack of consultation with residents over relocation will drive resentment among many of the poorest segments of society.

scholarly journals Mobile CRM development for real estate agents

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
João Antão ◽  
Rúben Pereira ◽  
Ricardo Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Information Industry ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real Estate ◽  
Real Estate Agents ◽  
And Performance

PurposeReal estate agents are professionals who need up-to-date and accurate information about their clients in order to maintain profitable and long-lasting relationships with each of them. A satisfied customer can be very valuable and profitable in the long term. This research focuses on solving the problem of the lack of a mobile Customer Relationship Management (CRM) adapted to the needs of professionals. The importance of solving this problem is related to the importance of optimizing work and resources in a highly abundant information industry.Design/methodology/approachIt was developed of a CRM for mobile devices capable of managing information about the customers and business partners of each user, which provides a set of features well defined by the professionals. These features were collected through 15 face-to-face interviews and validated with six video conference interviews with industry specialists. For the development and evaluation of this artefact was followed the DSR methodology, corresponding each interview to an iteration of this model.FindingsFrom this research resulted a selection of functionalities considered essential to the real estate agent's work. These features were successfully implemented in a mobile application that real estate agents appreciate for its simplicity and that they feel adds real value to their daily lives. Using this service, the productivity and performance of real estate agents might be improved.Originality/valueIt was verified that the mobile CRM solution developed is a desired solution by real estate agents in terms of customer portfolio management, enhancing the evolution of their relationships and monitoring professional's performance.

Tidal power could reduce UK carbon footprint

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Irish Sea ◽  
Tidal Power ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Price Subsidy ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Irish Sea ◽  
Swansea Bay ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Installed Capacity

Subject Tidal power in the United Kingdom. Significance An independent review commissioned by the government and published on January 12 recommended a power price subsidy be paid to a 320-megawatt (MW) pilot tidal electricity-generating plant at Swansea Bay in Wales. The project could be a pathfinder for a further nine sites on the UK west coast -- in the Severn estuary, Liverpool Bay and the Irish sea -- with total installed capacity of 25,000 MW that would satisfy up to 12% of the country's electricity demand for more than a century, while cutting carbon dioxide emissions. Impacts Seawalls would cost at least 35 billion pounds (44 billion dollars) and turbines, generators and housings another 50 billion pounds. An average of 40,000 jobs a year would be created during a 15-year construction period, with some 7,000 permanent staff required thereafter. The cost of fossil fuel imports could be reduced by 500 million pounds annually once all the plants are operational.

From perpetual to wasting asset

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-267
Author(s):  
Stephen Ameyaw
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Responsibility ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
The Government ◽  
Corporate Investors ◽  
Infrastructure Maintenance ◽  
Key Informant Interview ◽  
National Infrastructure

Purpose – This paper aims to present an objective overview of the factual discourse around the wasting nature of real estate for an appreciation of the resultant exacting management responsibility. The durability feature of real estate has had consequential implications on the appreciation of the asset class. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses literature survey and key informant interview to identify the peculiar features of real estate to understand the exacting responsibility of its ownership and management. Findings – The study reveals that real estate is a specialised investment asset that requires extra management care, costs and specialised expertise to retain its investment value. Thus, the asset is not inherently perpetual but wasting and requires conscious physical and functional management, which are dependent on sound financial management. Practical implications – Real estate investment decisions must be made with the exacting management responsibility in mind. Both individual and corporate investors must use a sinking fund policy to meet the financial liability involved in managing both income and non-income properties. The Government of Ghana must create a National Infrastructure Maintenance Fund and adopt a National Infrastructure Management Strategy for managing the existing stock of public real estate. Originality/value – It is the first literature appraisal and facts collation on the wasting nature of real estate and its attendant exacting management responsibility with a call for paradigm shift in our understanding of this investment asset.

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