Ensuring functionality of a nearly zero-energy building with procurement methods

Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 312-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikko Kantola ◽  
Arto Saari
Keyword(s):  
Research Program ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Zero Energy Building ◽  
House Building ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show the results of the task given by a major research program concerning low-energy building and indoor environment. The task was to develop contracting document model layouts to be used in zero-energy building (ZEB) and nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) construction projects. Design/methodology/approach – A workshop method was chosen for gathering information and developing the layouts. Findings – In the debate in the workshop three main topics arose: the selection of project delivery system, the use of performance controller for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and making innovation possible by making the call for bids as loose as possible. Research limitations/implications – The use of performance controller could be investigated more, and more accurate information and knowledge about the best practices on nZEB construction can be captured as the industry moves in that direction and more projects will appear. Originality/value – The goals of the research program were met and also the main issues of nZEB construction contracting were documented, which can be utilized by the whole industry of house building.

Identifying and managing risks involved in the transition to the EU nZEB decree

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 339-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikko Kantola ◽  
Arto Saari
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Zero Energy Building ◽  
Modern Project ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the risks and challenges related to the change in building construction projects to the European Union (EU) zero-energy building (nZEB) decree in the year 2020. Another goal was to create solutions to those risks and challenges. Design/methodology/approach A workshop method was chosen to gather up-to-date information from the construction cluster in Finland. Findings In the workshop, the main concern was the level of knowledge and know-how with all the parties working with construction projects. As an answer to this challenge, serious and substantial education in the organisations and competence requirements for designers and piloting as much as possible in the next few years was offered. Commissioning consultant was also seen as vital for nZEB project. Tight schedules and unfit project delivery systems were also seen as a risk for nZEB projects. However, modern project delivery systems were seen to be problematic in practice even if they were functional in theory. Originality/value The results of the workshop are valuable for all parties working with building construction projects in Finland and the whole EU area.

Developing an integrated framework for optimization of spatial requirements of construction equipment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Hemalattha ◽  
R. Vidjeapriya
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Actual Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Space Planning ◽  
Existing Structures ◽  
Building Information

PurposeThis study aims to develop a framework for optimizing the spatial requirements of the equipment in a construction site using a geographic information system (GIS).Design/methodology/approachAn ongoing construction project, an existing thermal powerplant in India, is considered to be the case study, and the corresponding construction activities were scheduled. The equipment spaces were defined for the scheduled activities in building information modelling (BIM), which was further imported to GIS to define the topology rules, validate and optimize the spatial requirements. The BIM simulates the indoor environment, which includes the actual structure being constructed, and the GIS helps in modelling the outdoor environment, which includes the existing structures, temporary facilitates, topography of the site, etc.; thus, this study incorporates the knowledge of BIM in a geospatial environment to obtain optimized equipment spaces for various activities.FindingsSpace in construction projects is to be considered as a resource as well as a constraint, which is to be modelled and planned according to the requirements. The integration of BIM and GIS for equipment space planning will enable precise identification of the errors in the equipment spaces defined and also result in fewer errors as possible. The integration has also eased the process of assigning the topology rules and validating the same, which otherwise is a tedious process.Originality/valueThe workspace for each activity will include the space of the equipment. But, in most of the previous works of workspace planning, only the labour space is considered, and the conflicts and congestions occurring due to the equipment were neglected. The planning of equipment spaces cannot be done based only on the indoor environment; it has to be carried out by considering the surroundings and topography of the site, which have not been researched extensively despite its importance.

scholarly journals Designing a decision support system to evaluate the environmental and extra-economic performances of a nearly zero-energy building

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 413-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Dell'Anna ◽  
Marta Bottero ◽  
Cristina Becchio ◽  
Stefano Paolo Corgnati ◽  
Giulio Mondini
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Real Estate Market ◽  
Preference Ranking ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Energy Investment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Promethee Ii ◽  
Site Analysis ◽  
Zero Energy Building

PurposeThe cost-optimal analysis is not able to address the multi-dimensionality of the decision according to the new European objectives and International sustainable development goals in the field of the nearly-zero energy building (NZEB) design. The purpose of this paper is to study the role of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for guiding energy investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the Preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations II (PROMETHEE II) application to support the project of transforming a rural building into a NZEB. The evaluation provides an estimate of the effects of alternative energy efficiency measures, involving energy consumption, life cycle costs, carbon emissions, property value and indoor comfort criteria. The study performs a multi-actors analysis in order to understand how different consumers' point of views can influence the final choice of the best investment. Furthermore, a multi-site analysis explores the spatial variation of NZEB building appreciation in the real estate market.FindingsThe PROMETHEE II-based model ranks 16 alternative solutions for the NZEB according to energy, economic and extra-economic criteria. The multi-actors analysis highlights the configuration of the NZEB building that best meets the needs of different end-users, respecting the European directives and national standards. The multi-site analysis concludes that location does not change users' appreciation and not influence the output for the best solution.Originality/valueThe MCDA occurs as a support tool that helps to optimize the preliminary design phase of NZEB through the exploration of the optimal solution considering crucial criteria in the energy and environmental and real estate market rules.

scholarly journals Sustainable Illumination for Baroque Paintings with Historical Context Considerations

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 8705
Author(s):  
Pedro Luengo
Keyword(s):  
Eighteenth Century ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Museum Displays ◽  
Zero Energy Building ◽  
Sustainable Conservation ◽  
Scholarly Attention ◽  
Selection Of

The topic of museum illumination and conservation has been richly developed in recent years to take steps toward a zero-energy building concept. Most artworks preserved in museums’ expositions were designed for specifically defined light contexts, wherein daylight and seasonal changes were part of the artistic effect, an issue which has received little scholarly attention. From this premise, this paper aims to prove that defining the original illuminative context of artworks is required for a sustainable conservation, perception, and ultimate interpretation. To do this, a selection of seventeenth and eighteenth century churches and palaces from Europe, the Americas, and Asia will be presented using modern conservation frameworks for artworks. The results demonstrate that both aspects, chosen materials and light exposure, were connected, allowing the spaces to be effective without consuming too much electric lighting. This leads to a discussion about if museum displays should incorporate this context, if it is a more sustainable solution, and if it presents the artworks more accurately to visitors, even as other problems may arise.

scholarly journals An empirical examination of moral hazards and adverse selection on PPP projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 910-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
David John Edwards ◽  
A.S. Kukah ◽  
Erika Anneli Parn ◽  
Hatem El-Gohary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Moral Hazard ◽  
Adverse Selection ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Relative Significance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moral Hazards ◽  
Selection Problems ◽  
Research Findings

Purpose Failures of public–private partnership (PPP) projects are often ascribed to the agency problem, which arise under conditions of inadequate and asymmetric information when a principal (the client) hires an agent (the contractor). This paper aims to identify the causes and effects of moral hazard and adverse selection on PPP construction projects using a synthesis of extant literature (to determine key variables) and analysis of survey questionnaire data collected. Design/methodology/approach Mean score ranking was used to rank the causes and effects of moral hazard and adverse selection problems in PPP construction projects. One sample t-test was conducted to establish the relative significance of these variables. Findings Effort dimensions (which are not verifiable), low transfer of risk, lack of accurate information about project conditions, wrong party chosen to execute project and renegotiation of contracts were the most significant causes of moral hazard and adverse selection problems in PPP construction projects. In addition, reduction of competition, high transaction costs, consequences on profitability of project, siphoning of funds and negative implications on enforceability of contract were the most significant effects of moral hazard and adverse selection problems in PPP construction projects. Practical implications Application of these findings will help mitigating moral hazard and adverse selection problems occurring when undertaking PPP construction projects. Originality/value Research findings provide guidance to construction stakeholders in the PPP sector on the different causes and effects of adverse selection and moral hazard. This pioneering study is the first to conduct an empirical assessment of the causes and effects of moral hazard and adverse selection of PPP construction projects in a developing country.

Project delivery system selection of construction projects in China

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 5456-5462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Qiang Chen ◽  
Jun Ying Liu ◽  
Bingguang Li ◽  
Binshan Lin
Keyword(s):  
Delivery System ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
System Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Project delivery systems for nZEB projects

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 85-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikko Kantola ◽  
Arto Saari
Keyword(s):  
Inductive Reasoning ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Zero Energy Building ◽  
System A ◽  
Integrated Project ◽  
The Eu

Purpose – The paper aims to reveal the most functioning project delivery systems for nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) projects. The focus is set to reveal the qualities of the systems that support the nZEB goals and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – Research method used in this paper is inductive reasoning. The reasoning is based on existing literature, and conclusions are drawn by combining pieces of that literature. Findings – The state-of-the-art heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and insulation requirements of nZEB technology and the lack of experience in the industry regarding nZEB projects suggest that modern collaboration-based project delivery systems should be favoured. The authors found that the most suitable project delivery system for a standard nZEB project is the integrated project delivery (IPD), which binds the financial goals of the main parties together via a reimbursement solution: target pricing. The authors also found the construction management (CM) at-risk system a suitable solution, especially if it is modified by adding the tools utilised in the IPD approach, thereby making it an IPD lite system. Originality/value – The paper has value for the entire construction industry in Finland and European Union (EU). The owners and construction companies can use the findings in their development efforts towards nZEB construction. The EU 2020 nZEB degree makes all the findings concerning practicalities of nZEB projects valuable due to the lack of time and the lack of experience in the industry.

Funding community sustainable development using zero energy buildings

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-43
Author(s):  
Daniel Wubah ◽  
Chris Steuer ◽  
Guilbert Brown ◽  
Karen Rice
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Community Sustainability ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Community Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Zero Energy Building ◽  
Infrastructure Project

Purpose This study aims to provide an example of how higher education institutions (HEIs) can use a successful campus infrastructure project to fund a student- and faculty-led, community-success platform that advances the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach The authors applied conceptual models for systems thinking and creating virtuous cycles to analyze Millersville University’s work to establish a community-impact, micro-grant fund using cost savings and utility rebates associated with a new campus zero-energy building. The analysis provides a case study that other HEIs can implement to create university and community virtuous cycles that advance the SDGs. Findings The case study suggests that as HEIs face increasing financial challenges, opportunities exist to capitalize on philanthropic giving and other funding sources to support community prosperity and increase university vitality through a shared responsibility paradigm centered on the SDGs. Practical implications This case study identifies specific funding sources that HEIs can use to fund campus and community sustainability projects using the SDG framework, mechanisms for establishing shared purpose around that impact and a conceptual model for thinking about opportunities to leverage philanthropic giving to create a virtuous cycle that increases university vitality through community impact. Social implications Constructing a campus zero energy building funded in part through philanthropic giving provided a unique opportunity to explore how a project’s success can be leveraged to create additional community successes. This case study offers an example for how to convert one success into a platform that funds projects that have direct community impact in one or more of the SDG goal areas. Originality/value This paper aims at bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks for community sustainable development and descriptive-only case studies by using a case study to demonstrate a conceptual model or framework for advancing community sustainability (Karatzoglou, 2013). The case study provides a unique model for using utility rebates associated with an infrastructure project that was funded through philanthropic giving to establish a fund for projects that support the community. Utility rebates associated with campus energy efficiency projects are often otherwise overlooked, used to fund additional energy efficiency projects or simply returned to a university’s operating budget. For some HEIs, this model may connect the work of facilities staff to student success in ways that have not previously been explored. For others, this alternative use of utility rebates may offer an opportunity to increase the investment value of utility rebate dollars by creating virtuous cycles within their communities that contribute to university vitality.

Towards nearly zero energy building concept – visual comfort and energy efficiency assessments in a classroom

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norhayati Mahyuddin ◽  
Mozhgan Samzadeh ◽  
Suzaini M. Zaid ◽  
Norafida Ab Ghafar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Building Energy Efficiency ◽  
Visual Comfort ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Artificial Lighting ◽  
Zero Energy Building ◽  
Efficiency Cost ◽  
Simple Action

PurposeThis paper aims to raise awareness on how a simple action by the occupant can significantly influence building energy efficiency, cost and CO2 emissions to the environment. Classrooms in schools are the primary energy consumers (45.4%) due to the use of artificial lighting, despite Malaysia's tropical climate being ideal for daylight exploitation. This paper focuses on assessing the workplane daylight distribution quality and quantity in baseline and existing conditions of a typical pre-school classroom in Kuala Lumpur as a model-based exploration strategy towards nearly Zero Energy Buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe adopted method is based on the calculation of average daylight factor (DF), daylight illuminance level (IL) and uniformity ratio (UR) parameters affected by the internal fixed drapes through computational and in situ measurements according to the requirements of the law and respective standards comprising the MS1525:2019, GBI and BREEAM.FindingsThe results show how user behaviour can turn a well-daylit area (Net Lettable Area>90%) into a poor-daylit area (NLA<5%) by sacrificing natural daylight. All the parameters' values were significantly decreased from 10% (UR) up to 88% (ADF). Full dependency on artificial lighting has imposed a total of RM18858.90 and CO2 emissions of 25,362 kg for all pre-schools' classrooms in the country per day.Social implicationsThe paper develops the occupants' awareness on their contribution to climate change and global warming through the information and transparency provided.Originality/valueThe evidence indicates that a simple action by the occupant can significantly influence visual comfort, EE, cost and CO2 emissions to the environment.

Understanding the motivation and context for alliancing in the Australian construction industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek H.T. Walker ◽  
Beverley M. Lloyd-Walker
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Construction Project Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Performance ◽  
Complex Projects

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore and explain the circumstances in which a highly collaborative integrated project delivery form such an alliance is the most appropriate choice of delivering infrastructure projects. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon two previously published studies on alliancing to enable gathering insights from a quantitative study with some qualitative data that indicates project alliance delivery performance is high and suggests why it may be adopted as a project delivery form. A second qualitative study recently completed and published on integrated collaborative forms of project delivery such as alliances is re-analysed to better understand how and why this form may be successful. Together these two studies allowed a focus on the motivation to form an alliance and specific conditions relating to the alliance party’s level of ability and willingness to deeply collaborate. Findings – The motivation to deeply collaborate may be triggered by specific internal and external trigger mechanisms. These are identified in the paper together with discussion about the requirement of parties to have sufficient knowledge, skills, attributes and experience to collaborate at a deeply engaged level. Research limitations/implications – The data used in the studies were from large scale infrastructure construction projects. The examples are mainly drawn from countries where collaboration is common and culturally acceptable; results may not apply to cultures, country or workplace, where high levels of competition are seen to be the optimal strategy for project delivery success. Also, the data were drawn from construction project management (PM). Other project-based areas such as professional services for example may present a different context and hence a different rationale. Practical implications – The study provides deep insights about the nature of collaboration. It may have wider applicability. Social implications – Project organising is a social activity with social implications for how they are delivered that affect internal as well as external stakeholders. Being mindful about the motivation to choose a particular delivery form is important. Originality/value – This is a new area of research in PM and the world faces a massive demand for large scale complex projects. This paper may provide a rational to drive policy in project delivery choices.

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