Sustainability potential awareness among built environment stakeholders: experience from Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia Marcian Kongela
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Building Design ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Policy Statement ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Key Stakeholders

PurposeSustainability in the built environment is rapidly gaining attention worldwide, although many developing countries have not accomplished much on the ground as many sustainability aspects still remain untreated. Despite their low greenhouse gas contributions to the globe, the high rate of construction activities that do not embrace sustainable practices in these countries pose challenges to the environment. Using the case of Tanzania, this study assesses the level of sustainability awareness among key stakeholders in the built environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a mixed-method research approach where primary data was collected using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with key informants comprising engineers, architects, property managers, property owners, property users and academicians from institutions of higher learning.FindingsResults show that despite the potential for a sustainable built environment, there is a low level of awareness among key stakeholders. Whereas few architects, who were aware, admitted to have not incorporated sustainability aspects in their building design, other stakeholders did not have active roles in decision-making involving building construction projects. Compared to the rest, the awareness level of property users was the lowest. Lack of a specific policy or policy statement on sustainable building, high initial costs of sustainable building, few skilled professionals and lack of a broad choice of building materials are some of the factors accounting for the low level of sustainability adoption in the built environment.Originality/valueThe significance of this study lies within the objective of showing awareness levels of sustainability aspects among key built environment stakeholders and policymakers, which is important in devising strategies for promoting sustainable construction practices.

Informing sustainable building design

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 194-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathilde Landgren ◽  
Signe Skovmand Jakobsen ◽  
Birthe Wohlenberg ◽  
Lotte Bjerregaard Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interdisciplinary Design

Purpose In recent decades there has been a focus on reducing the overall emissions from the built environment, which increases the complexity of the building design process. More specialized knowledge, a greater common understanding and more cooperation between the stakeholders are required. Interdisciplinary design teams need simple and intuitive means of communication. Architects and engineers are starting to increase their focus on improving interdisciplinary communication, but it is often unclear how to do so. The purpose of this paper is to define the impact of visually communicating engineering knowledge to architects in an interdisciplinary design team and to define how quantifying architectural design decisions have an impact during the early phases of sustainable building design. Design/methodology/approach This work is based on a study of extensive project materials consisting of presentations, reports, simulation results and case studies. The material is made available by one of the largest European Engineering Consultancies and by a large architectural office in the field of sustainable architecture in Denmark. The project material is used for mapping communication concepts from practice. Findings It is demonstrated that visual communication by engineers increases the level of technical knowledge in the design decisions made by architects. This is essential in order to reach the goal of designing buildings with low environmental impact. Conversely, quantification of architectural quality improved the engineer’s acceptance of the architects’ proposals. Originality/value This paper produces new knowledge through the case study processes performed. The main points are presented as clearly as possible; however, it should be stressed that it is only the top of the iceberg. In all, 17 extensive case studies design processes were performed with various design teams by the 3 authors of the paper Mathilde, Birthe and Signe. The companies that provided the framework for the cases are leading in Europe within sustainability in the built environment, and in the case of Sweco also in regards to size (number of employees). Data are thus first hand and developed by the researchers and authors of this paper, with explicit consent from the industry partners involved as well as assoc. Professor Lotte B. Jensen Technical University of Denmark (DTU). This material is in the DTU servers and is in the PhD dissertation by Mathilde Landgren (successful defence was in January 2019). The observations and reflection is presented in selected significant case examples. The methods are descriped in detail, and if further information on method is required a more in depth description is found in Mathilde Landgrens PhD Dissertation. There is a lack in existing literature of the effect of visualisation in interdisciplinary design teams and though the literature (e.g. guidelines) of integrated design is extensive, there is not much published on this essential part of an integrated design process.

Assessing design buildability through virtual reality from the perspective of construction students

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Don Amila Sajeevan Samarasinghe ◽  
Imelda Saran Piri
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Information ◽  
2D Drawing ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of visual models on the ability of construction students to assess design buildability.Design/methodology/approachThe study engaged 45 construction students from one selected tertiary education institute in New Zealand. The data collection process involved meeting the students face-to-face and demonstrating the VR model to them, after which the students completed an online questionnaire and assessed design buildability using both 2D drawing and virtual reality (VR) models. To make this assessment, the participants considered a residential earth building modelled to promote sustainable building features. The assessment process required the participants to evaluate the design buildability of the same building design using a 2D drawing and a 3D VR model.FindingsThe study found that VR models have significant advantages for assessing design buildability. Students measured 16.80% higher average buildability with the 3D VR model compared to the 2D drawing. The participants in the evaluation felt that the visual model significantly improved the comprehensibility of complex designs, which helped identify and manage design buildability (overall, 83% of participants strongly supported this).Originality/valueThe paper showed construction digitisation such as VR, augmented reality and building information modelling is highly cooperative as it can easily be made available for online learning. Thus, the findings support construction educators use online-based VR learning to promote efficient teaching of design buildability to students.

scholarly journals Motivation of female entrepreneurs: a cross-national study

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 684-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Solesvik ◽  
Tatiana Iakovleva ◽  
Anna Trifilova
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
National Study ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Outcomes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose This paper focuses on the motivation of females to start businesses in developed and emerging economies. Although the issues related to the motivation of entrepreneurs have been widely studied, there are a few studies focusing on the differences in women’s entrepreneurial motivation in countries with different levels of market economy development. Furthermore, existing studies on female founders mainly adapt the concepts that have often been developed in male-dominated paradigm. The purpose of this paper is to explore in depth motivations of female entrepreneurs in different contexts and discover the dissimilarities in women’s entrepreneurial motivations in countries with different levels of economic development. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative research approach is applied in this study to explore the social-driven and profit-driven motives of female entrepreneurs. The authors have employed purposeful sampling to select cases. The authors investigated the motivations of 45 female entrepreneurs in Norway (12), Russia (21) and Ukraine (12). Semi-structured interviews were used to collect primary data. The authors have also triangulated the data collected from interviews with the data available on the internet, company reports and newspaper publications. Findings The findings indicate that women often pursuit business opportunities to satisfy social needs, rather than focusing on traditional business outcomes such as growth or profit. However, different contexts – the emerging economies context of Russia and Ukraine and the developed one of Norway – seem to influence the motivation to establish new ventures differently. The study found a stronger desire to contribute to a society’s needs among female founders in Norway compared to their counterparts in Russia and Ukraine. This indicates that cultural and social context in developed countries, such as in Norway, probably provides more possibilities for female entrepreneurs for self-realisation elsewhere leaving more room for focusing on societal issues in business in comparison with emerging countries contexts. Originality/value A novel conceptual contribution is the exploration of links between the social-driven and profit-driven motives of female entrepreneurs in emerging and developed economises. The study also adds to debates relating to context embeddedness of smaller firms.

Economics of seismic safety for earthquake-prone Himalayan province of Uttarakhand in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piyoosh Rautela ◽  
Girish Chandra Joshi ◽  
Shailesh Ghildiyal
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Seismic Vulnerability ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Seismic Safety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corrective Measures ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Seismic Resilience

Purpose The purpose of this study is to estimate the cost of seismic resilience of identified vulnerable lifeline public buildings in earthquake-prone Himalayan province of Uttarakhand in India. Design/methodology/approach Built area of the identified vulnerable lifeline buildings together with prevalent rate of construction has been considered for assessing the cost of seismic resilience while improvised rapid visual screening (RVS) technique, better suited to the built environment in the region, has been used for assessing seismic vulnerability. Findings Investment of US$250.08m is assessed as being required for ensuring seismic safety of 56.3, 62.1, 52.9, 64.6, 71.9 and 61.7% surveyed buildings, respectively, of fire and emergency services, police, health, education, local administration and other departments that are to become non-functional after an earthquake and result in a major socio-political turmoil. A total amount of US$467.71m is estimated as being required for making all the buildings of these departments seismically resilient. Research limitations/implications Actual investment estimates and reconstruction/retrofitting plans have to be prepared after detailed investigations as RVS technique only provides a preliminary estimate and helps in prioritising buildings for detailed investigations. Practical implications This study is intended to provide a snapshot of the state of seismic vulnerability together with the financial resources required for corrective measures. This is to help the authorities in planning phased mobilisation of financial and technical resources for making the built environment seismically resilient. Social implications This study is to bring forth awareness on this important issue and consequent public opinion in favour of safety of public facilities to ensure allocation of appropriate financial resources together with changes in techno-legal regime for the cause of earthquake safety. At the same time, this study is to motivate masses to voluntarily assess safety of their neighbourhood and undertake corrective measures. Originality/value This study is based on primary data collected by the authors.

The application and barriers of BIM in sustainable building design

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olufolahan Oduyemi ◽  
Michael Iheoma Okoroh ◽  
Oluwaseun Samuel Fajana
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and rank the benefits and barriers (technological and non-technological) of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) in sustainable building design. It also employs the use of a design tool analysis of a case study using BIM compatible tools (Ecotect and Green Building Studio) to determine the environmental performance of a proposed multi-use building at Derby North. Design/methodology/approach The paper explores the benefits and barriers of using BIM through a literature review. Regression and factor analysis were used to rank these benefits and barriers. A questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 120 practitioners with 69 completing the survey. Finally, the paper employs the use of a design tool analysis of a case study using BIM-compatible tools (Ecotect and Green Building Studio) to determine the environmental performance of a proposed multi-use building at Derby North riverside. Findings The key findings of the statistical analysis indicated that professionals ranked the integrated project delivery as the most established benefit, while the lack of interoperability was ranked the greatest technological challenge. Only three of the attributes of non-technological challenges made statistically unique contributions, namely, training costs and software costs, client demand and potential legal issues. It was also discovered that BIM delivers information needed for environmental performance. In a forward-looking approach, the paper attempts to provide some recommendations that would encourage the continuous application of BIM in sustainable building design. Research limitations/implications This paper does not cover all features of BIM functionality, as the scope of BIM is very enormous and the resources of this research were limited. Practical implications The implication of the study is that it will assist in exploring and ranking the benefits and barriers (technological and non-technological) of using BIM while proffering recommendations for future use. This research will be of interest to industry practitioners and academic researchers with an interest in building information modelling. Originality/value This paper contributes with new outlooks aimed at syndicating sustainability with environmental performance and adds to the limited empirical studies on the benefits and barriers of the application of BIM.

scholarly journals Technology innovation in the Nigerian banking system: prospects and challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeku Salihu Ohiani
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Technology Innovation ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nigerian Banking

Purpose The banking system in Nigeria is gradually moving away from transactions “across the counter” to the fingertips of the customers with the adoption of modern technology. However, every development comes with its “pros and cons” because as technology innovation has improved service delivery and profitability of banks in Nigeria, crimes are also at a high side. To activating the minds of bank operators about the importance of technology adoption and its shortcomings, this paper aims to examine the prospects and challenges of technology innovation in the Nigerian banking system. Design/methodology/approach Secondary data were retrieved from the annual reports of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) from 2013 to 2017 to know the interaction between e-banking platforms and performance of banks in Nigeria. The study administered a questionnaire to the bank customers in Lagos Island, Nigeria to understand their perception towards e-banking. This study is anchored on prospect theory to ascertain the risk orientation of the Nigerian banks regarding how they adopt technology and reasoned action theory to understand the intention of bank customers in using the opportunities of e-banking copiously. Findings The findings of this study reveal the migration from cheques to electronic related transactions. It further indicates a high rate of fraud committed through those channels. The analysis of primary data shows that innovation adoption, service quality, cybercrime have significant relationship with the competitiveness of banks, the intention of bank customers, and perception of customers towards online services. However, the rate of frauds does not have significant relationship with the usage of mobile banking products which further studies can critically examine. Originality/value This study has revealed available huge potentials in the e-banking that are yet to be used in Nigeria. However, consumer orientation needs to be worked on, because, customers still have the fear that cybercrime is mostly committed via e-banking platforms. Unlike in developed countries whereby quite good numbers of customers make use of e-banking platforms, majority of bank customers in Nigeria still prefer using manual methods and the world is already on the verge of moving into 5 G from 4 G.

scholarly journals Defining the sustainable building design process: methods for BIM execution planning in the UK

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 562-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria-Angeliki Zanni ◽  
Robby Soetanto ◽  
Kirti Ruikar
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Sustainable Design ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Building Performance ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Process Model

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop a building information modelling (BIM)-enabled sustainable design process model that identifies critical decisions actions in the design process along with the information and level of detail that facilitate an informed and timely decision. Building performance analysis is usually performed after the design and construction documents are produced, resulting in lost opportunities. Design/methodology/approach – A number of research methods have been adopted; these include extensive literature review and 11 in-depth exploratory interviews with industry practitioners (sustainable building design experts, early BIM adopters). Findings – Project delivery methods have a significant effect on the sustainable outcome of buildings. The development of a structured process can assist sustainable design practice among building professionals. Learning from implemented projects, that have utilised BIM processes, facilitates the scope of creating this process and advises future projects to prevent failures. Process mapping is essential to streamline the process, support key project processes and help the design team manage their own responsibilities and deliverables required by them. Originality/value – The identification of the gap and the need for a structured process for sustainable building design for BIM execution is discussed. The synergies that exist between BIM, building performance modelling, Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method assessment and the Royal Institute of British Architects Plan of Work are shown. The effect that project delivery has on sustainable design outcome has been established. A coordinated collaborative design process model is presented based on the findings from interviewing early adopters.

Clusters of key barriers to life cycle assessment adoption in the South African construction industry: perspectives of stakeholders

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Titus Ebenezer Kwofie ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
The South ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The South African Construction Industry (SACI) in recent times has been characterized by a strong emphasis towards achieving sustainable building practices in infrastructural delivery. However, the lack of progress encountered in making gains in achieving sustainable practices has raised concerns over the effectiveness and understanding of the extent to which life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques may aid in meeting requirements of sustainable construction. Most efforts at LCA have been blighted with numerous barriers that have not been rigorously pursued and aggregated. Ironically, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the limitations and barriers to these methodologies, especially in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to delineate the cluster of barriers to the adoption of LCA methodologies in the SACI. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was carried out from a deductive research design elicit primary data based on the experience of purposively sampled stakeholders in LCA in the SACI on the extent they perceived the presence of well-established barriers in LCA adoption culled from the extensive literature review. Findings Through the use of factor analysis, three aggregated clusters of key barriers to LCA adoption in the SACI were identified, which were knowledge and enabling conditions constraints, cost and time constraints and technical constraints. The results confirm that indeed human and technical barriers have been notable in limiting gains in LCA adoption and achieving sustainable practices. Originality/value These findings are, thus, useful in overcoming challenges to LCA methodologies in achieving sustainable building practices in building and infrastructural delivery in SACI.

Enhancing sustainability through designing for adaptive reuse from the outset

Facilities ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 531-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila Conejos ◽  
Craig Langston ◽  
Jim Smith
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Adaptive Reuse ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Design Criteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environment Sustainability ◽  
Decision Making Model ◽  
Research Show

Purpose – This paper aims to make the case for the development of an adaptive reuse rating tool targeted to new building design that maximises the embedded adaptive reuse potential of these buildings later in their life, thereby adding to built environment sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study retrospectively analyses successful adaptive reuse projects to establish and test a multi-criteria decision-making model for new design projects. This paper contains a report on the final stages of the research methodology (quantitative approach) used in the development of the adaptSTAR model that critically assesses the list of design criteria identified in the first stage of the study. Improvements to the case studies that would have further enhanced their reuse potential later in life are proposed. The results are compared to an established decision tool (adaptive reuse potential [ARP] model) to determine their level of consistency. Findings – The findings of this research show that design criteria can be identified and weighted according to seven categories to calculate a building’s adaptive reuse star rating. Both the adaptSTAR and ARP models exhibit a strong relationship and are positively correlated. Originality/value – The research demonstrates that by applying adaptSTAR to new designs, it will contribute to greater sustainability for the built environment in the long term via reducing the rate of building obsolescence.

scholarly journals Improving productivity of road surfacing operations using value stream mapping and discrete event simulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeeshan Aziz ◽  
Rana Muhammad Qasim ◽  
Sahawneh Wajdi
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Event Simulation ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Value Stream Mapping ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Production Rates ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Stream ◽  
Event Simulation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the integration of discrete event simulation (DES) and value stream mapping (VSM) to enhance the productivity of road surfacing operations by achieving high production rates and minimum road closure times. Highway infrastructure is one of the most valuable assets owned by the public sector. The success of national and local economies as well as quality of life of the general public depend on the efficient operations of highways. Ensuring smooth traffic operations requires maintenance and improvements of the highest standard. Design/methodology/approach Research approach involved the use of primary data collected from direct observation, interviews, review of archival records and productivity databases. Based on this, process maps and value stream maps were developed which were subsequently used to produce discrete event simulation models for the exploration of different optimisation scenarios. Findings This research highlights the synergistic relationship between VSM and DES in driving innovation in construction processes. Identified factors that affect roadworks process productivity include machine, manpower, material, information, environment and method-related factors. A DES model is presented to optimise the process and increase the production rates. A hybrid DES-VSM approach ensures an integrated approach to process optimisation. Research limitations/implications This study is an application of hybrid version of previously published DES-VSM framework in the manufacturing sector. The present study has extended and tested its applicability within road surfacing operations. The different what-if scenarios presented in this paper might not be applicable to other parts of the world owing to various constraints. The study has focused on addressing the waste production inherent in pavement laying process. Even though external variables could possibly influence pavement process, those were ignored to allow for in-depth focus on the process under consideration. Practical implications Road users are one of the most important stakeholders that will benefit from the positive implications of this study. Private resurfacing companies and transport departments can optimise their overall process and style of working by comparing their end-to-end process and work plans with the ones mentioned in this paper. It will boost the productivity of equipment like planners, pavers and other machines used for resurfacing operations. Originality/value Existing approaches to process modelling such as VSM and process diagrams are constrained by their effectiveness in the analysis of dynamic and complex processes. This study presents a DES-based approach to validate targeted improvements of the current state of road surfacing processes and in exploration of different optimisation scenarios.

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