scholarly journals The initial impacts of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in England

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 435-447
Author(s):  
Sarah Louise Sayce ◽  
Syeda Marjia Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Carbon Reduction ◽  
Market Values ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe paper investigates the initial impacts on asset management and valuation practice of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) introduced in England and Wales from April 2018 for new lettings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports findings from a small-scale pilot study of valuers, asset managers, lawyers and building consultants. Interviews were conducted over the summer of 2019 and explored the impact on practice and market values and perceived links to the carbon reduction agenda. Data were analysed thematically manually and using NVivo software.FindingsParticipants welcomed MEES but many had doubts about the use of energy performance certificates (EPCs) as the appropriate baseline measure. Compliance was perceived as too easy; further, enforcement is not occurring. Vanguard investors have aligned portfolios for carbon reduction; others have not. Lease practices are changing with landlords seeking greater control over tenant behaviours. Valuers reported that whilst MEES consideration is embedded in due diligence processes, there is limited value impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by its small-scale and that the MEES regulations are not yet fully implemented. However, the research provides early findings and lays out recommendations for future research by identifying areas in which the regulations are/are not proving effective to date.Practical implicationsThe findings will inform investors, consultants and policy makers.Social implicationsAchieving energy efficiency in buildings is critical to driving down carbon emission; it also has economic and social benefits through cost savings and reducing fuel poverty.Originality/valueBelieved to be the first post-implementation qualitative study of MEES.

Preparing for PhD: exploring doctoral students’ preparation strategy

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Thamrini Fadzlin Syed Mohamed ◽  
Ahmad Fahimi Amir ◽  
Nur Khadirah Ab. Rahman ◽  
Emily Abd Rahman ◽  
Afifah Quraishah Abdul Nasir
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Preparation Phase ◽  
Personal Level ◽  
Preparation Strategy ◽  
Professional Doctorates ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to give insight on the important preparation task needed to be considered by prospective PhD candidates prior to the start of their study. As pursuing and obtaining a higher degree qualification is becoming more eminent for those who want to advance their academic career, crucial preparation is needed before embarking on the doctoral quest. Design/methodology/approach A small-scale study of the PhD experience was carried out in a public university in Malaysia using semi-structured in-depth interviews with eight successful doctoral students representing three different faculties to assess respondents’ experiences concerning the preparation aspect, challenges faced and strategies used to overcome the problem. Findings From the interview data, three overarching themes emerged: motives, task and financial and health as important dominators that could influence a successful venture of a PhD journey. Research limitations/implications As the present research respondents were few, further research with bigger number of respondents may shed better light in identifying other important aspect in preparation for PhD. The authors are unable, in the space of this paper, to fully explore the implications of the data, and the work of others that it builds on, for the future of professional doctorates or other types of PhD awards. As professional doctorates are fully concentrated on their professional endeavour, i.e. nursing and education, the preparation needed may include different groundwork. In addition, this study was carried out in Malaysia, where the system may not necessarily share the same characteristics to other doctoral systems in other countries. Cultural differences, the impact of age, gender and race, were other variables that could be weighed by future research in the same area. Practical implications The university’s graduate office should line-up courses to inform future doctoral candidates on the aspect of preparation at personal level that the students need to carry out. Social implications The study provides new views where potential doctoral students should be helped and guided to become more consciously aware of their decision in pursuing a higher degree. This paper provides suggestions on the guidelines of the initial preparation needed before embarking on a PhD journey and managing their own learning. Originality/value The paper establishes the important aspect of the preparation phase needed to be considered by future doctoral students before pursuing their doctoral quest.

scholarly journals The impact of dwelling renovation on spatial quality

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-309
Author(s):  
Fernanda Acre ◽  
Annemie Wyckmans
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Urban Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improve Energy Efficiency ◽  
Spatial Quality ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Non-technical dimensions such as spatial quality are just as relevant for energy efficiency as technical and economic dimensions in the renovation of dwellings. However, the significance of non-technical dimensions is often neglected in the energy renovation of dwellings. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the renovation of dwellings for energy efficiency influences spatial quality in the MS-1 building in the neighbourhood of Arlequin, Grenoble, France. The Arlequin case study is part of the ZenN project, nearly zero energy neighbourhoods, funded by the European 7th Framework Programme (Grant Agreement No. 314363). Design/methodology/approach – The impact of the renovation on spatial quality is analysed by crossing technical measures, applied in the energy renovation of dwellings with the definition of spatial quality proposed by Acre and Wyckmans (2014). The spatial quality definition results from a literature review on quality of design and urban life, wherein works of Weber (1995) and Gehl (2010, 2011) are related to the residential use in the scales of the building and block. The impact of renovation on spatial quality is further evaluated by using the spatial quality assessment developed by Acre and Wyckmans (2015). The impact on spatial quality is observed by considering all the renovation measures, instead of only considering the measures primarily related to energy performance. This emphasises the need for a cross-disciplinary approach between technical and non-technical dimensions in the energy renovation of dwellings. Findings – The results display both negative and positive impacts of the energy renovation on spatial quality in the dwellings and emphasise the potential of non-technical dimensions in promoting renovation. The impact on spatial quality is primarily negative when only measures adopted in order to improve energy efficiency are considered in the evaluation. Originality/value – This paper consists of a novel crossing of technical and non-technical dimensions in energy renovation of dwellings. The work aligns with the current European trend of nurturing energy-deep renovation to reach Europe’s 2050 energy-efficiency targets (Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) 2011).

Energy performance certificates in the context of sustainability and the impact on valuations

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Turley ◽  
Sarah Sayce
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Performance Of Buildings ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The Government of UK is committed to reducing Green House Gas emissions by 80 per cent based on the 1990 levels, by 2050. In order to achieve this reduction, the UK Government, along with their European counterparts, have implemented various directives and incentives, which progressively and incrementally are intended to move them towards this target. One such directive is the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which sets the policy for achievement. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper seeks to examine the complexities of these changes when considered against the real world use and operation of buildings, most particularly at lease end. It explores the inter-relationship of landlord and tenant at lease expiry and renewal. Findings – It argues that the Energy Act regulations might have significant impact on the actions of landlords and tenants; both in advance of and shortly after the lease is determined. Practical implications – One of the key mechanisms contained within this directive for the reduction in emissions is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC must be produced where a building is being constructed, rented or sold. EPCs rate buildings on their asset energy performance and in conjunction with building regulations are becoming increasingly more stringent to achieve targets. Regulations under the Energy Act 2011, due to take effect from April 2018, will mean that it will be unlawful to let or re-let a building which fails to reach minimum energy performances standards, currently defined as an E rating; further it is intended that the regulations will extend to all lettings from 2023. Originality/value – This paper looks at the inter-relationship of landlord and tenant at lease expiry and renewal with the proposed directives on EPCs.

Life cycle assessment of anaerobic digestion systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 683-711
Author(s):  
Gahana Gopal ◽  
Manikprabhu Dhanorkar ◽  
Sharad Kale ◽  
Yogesh B. Patil
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Biogas Production ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Biogas Plants ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Impact

Purpose It is well known that sustainability is the ideal driving path of the entire world and renewable energy is the backbone of the ongoing initiatives. The current topic of argument among the sustainability research community is on the wise selection of processes that will maximize yield and minimize emissions. The purpose of this paper is to outline different parameters and processes that impact the performance of biogas production plants through an extensive literature review. These include: comparison of biogas plant efficiency based on the use of a diverse range of feedstock; comparison of environmental impacts and its reasons during biogas production based on different feedstock and the processes followed in the management of digestate; analysis of the root cause of inefficiencies in the process of biogas production; factors affecting the energy efficiency of biogas plants based on the processes followed; and the best practices and the future research directions based on the existing life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopted a systematic literature review of research articles pertaining to LCA to understand in depth the current research and gaps, and to suggest future research directions. Findings Findings include the impact of the type of feedstock used on the efficiency of the biogas plants and the level of environmental emissions. Based on the analysis of literature pertaining to LCA, diverse factors causing emissions from biogas plants are enlisted. Similarly, the root causes of inefficiencies of biogas plants were also analyzed, which will further help researchers/professionals resolve such issues. Findings also include the limitations of existing research body and factors affecting the energy efficiency of biogas plants. Research limitations/implications This review is focused on articles published from 2006 to 2019 and is limited to the performance of biogas plants using LCA methodology. Originality/value Literature review showed that a majority of articles focused mainly on the efficiency of biogas plants. The novel and the original aspect of this review paper is that the authors, alongside efficiency, have considered other critical parameters such as environmental emission, energy usage, processes followed during anaerobic digestion and the impact of co-digestion of feed as well. The authors also provide solid scientific reasoning to the emission and inefficiencies of the biogas plants, which were rarely analyzed in the past.

Minimum energy efficiency – is the energy performance certificate a suitable foundation?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Organ
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Rental Sector ◽  
Current Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Efficiency Standard ◽  
The Uk

PurposeClimate change is one of the most significant challenges of our time. The existing housing stock is a crucial component in achieving international and national climate change targets through energy efficiency improvements. The private rental sector incorporates some of the worst performing housing. To address this, the UK has implemented the minimum energy efficiency standard, based on the energy performance certificate rating. However, the energy performance certificate has a number of criticisms in the UK and across the EU. This viewpoints paper discusses the primary criticisms of the EPC and whether these undermine the minimum energy efficiency standard.Design/methodology/approachThis viewpoint paper draws on the recent work across academic, government and professional literature to develop a critique of the energy performance certificate and its underlying methodology as a basis on which to form the minimum energy efficiency standard.FindingsThe paper concludes that based on the current form of the energy performance certificate in the UK, the minimum energy efficiency standard is likely to unfairly advantage some landlords and penalise others. This has implications for landlords, tenants and the wider housing stock.Originality/valueThis paper presents a discussion of the new minimum energy efficiency standard based on the limitations of the energy performance certificate. It has implications for policymakers, researchers and practitioners in the private rental sector.

The impact of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards on the UK investment market: one year on

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick French
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Investment Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Energy Efficiency Standards ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on how the 2018 energy efficiency legislation in the UK, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), is impacting upon the UK market with a particular emphasis on the investment market. Design/methodology/approach This practice briefing is an overview of the 2018 legislation and comments on how market awareness has changed since its introduction and the potential impact upon prices of affected properties moving forward. Findings This paper discusses how capital and rental values are beginning to be discounted in the market to allow for current and future liabilities under the MEES legislation. This has a significant impact on strategies for property investment. Practical implications The role of the property professional is to ensure that clients are fully conversant with their statutory obligations and to advise on appropriate investment strategies to optimise their property portfolios. Originality/value This paper provides insights on the requirements of MEES legislation to aid the property professional.

Evaluation of Age & Dementia Friendly Gymnastics Programme

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinal Khushal Karania
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Day Care Centre

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of an bilaterally asymmetric gymnastics-based exercise programme on older people participating in a care home and day centre setting. Design/methodology/approach The research design comprised a small-scale pilot in two care homes and one day care centre in Cambridgeshire, England. The research was a qualitative evaluation that included observing sessions delivered; interviews with older people participating, their spouses, family members and friends; interviews with staff; and a review of the diary of each session written by the person delivering the exercise programme. Findings Older people participating in the programme showed a demonstrable improvement with aspects of their physical, emotional and cognitive ability. Older people with mild to advanced forms of dementia appeared to benefit most. The sessions were enjoyable and a real bond developed between the older people. Research limitations/implications Future research will benefit from understanding whether the observed improvements are reflected in objective measures. The inclusion of a comparison group will be important to further add to the belief that the observed changes are caused by the programme. The inclusion of a large sample size covering different geographic areas will be needed to test more widely the viability of this programme. Originality/value This research is the first to investigate the impact of an asymmetric gymnastics-based exercise programme on older people, with varying levels of dementia, in a care home and day centre setting.

Implementation of supply chain management and its impact on the value of firms

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uma V. Sridharan ◽  
W. Royce Caines ◽  
Cheryl C. Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Firm Value ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Values ◽  
Implementation Methodology ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the effect of supply chain implementation issues on firm value.Design/methodology/approachUsing case study methodology, this paper outlines the cases of Hershey and Nike and the impact of supply chain implementation issues on these firms’ value.FindingsDifficulties in the implementation of supply chain management software designed to maximize firm value, can result in a disruption of a firm's supply chain, causing losses for the firm and a decline in firm value; thereby creating much disappointment for the firm's shareholders. Hence, great care should be taken with the implementation of new SCM solutions.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research may be directed at extending this work by examining the changes in the market values of a wide sample of client and provider firms following the implementation of new supply chain solutions.Practical implicationsWhen modifying a standard supply chain template to suit a customer's requirements, particular care should be used in implementation and provider firms should insist that clients follow the provider's implementation methodology. Complex SCM systems designed to track a multiplicity of product varieties, may lead to difficulties in implementation. Prior to switching to a new SCM system there should be adequate testing to see if the system meets the client's requirements. Premature switching can have disastrous consequences.Originality/valueThis research demonstrates the impact of implementation issues on the effectiveness of SCM technology.

Lesson study beyond Japan: evaluating impact

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Seleznyov
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a systematic literature review of recent studies of the implementation of Japanese lesson study beyond Japan, reviewing evidence of impact and robustness of the studies. Two studies of the implementation of lesson study from outside the timeframe for the literature review are also reviewed in detail, in order to explore the problematic nature of impact evaluation of lesson study. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of 154 English language studies of the implementation of lesson study with in-service teachers beyond Japan published between 2006 and 2016 identifies 56 as a measuring impact. A lesson study-specific adaptation of Guskey’s (2000) five levels for the evaluation of professional development enables an analysis of the types of impact measured. An analysis using the Maryland Scientific Method Scale (MSMS) enables a review of robustness. Two recent robust studies from beyond this timeframe are then analysed in detail in terms of their framing of lesson study as an intervention and selection of related impact measures. Findings The literature review and subsequent analysis shows that studies are largely small-scale US case studies ranking as 1, or “least robust” on MSMS. Studies demonstrate the impact of lesson study on teacher learning and positive reactions, but little evidence of it making a difference to teaching, nor of the impact on schools’ professional learning cultures and structures, is present. The detailed analysis of the two recent studies shows that there are many potential pitfalls for researchers to avoid when measuring the impact of lesson study, specifically in relation to distinguishing lesson study as a professional development intervention, and measuring its impact accordingly. Research limitations/implications The systematic review is limited to articles available in the English language, and there is a clear bias towards the USA. The study suggests that future research on lesson study in the UK and beyond should evaluate the implementation of lesson study over a larger scale, gather evidence of the difference lesson study makes to daily teaching and learning, and to its effect on school culture and structures. Practical implications The study suggests that researchers should pay careful attention to the fact that lesson study is not an end in itself, merely a means to achieve an identified change to teaching and learning, and design impact measures accordingly. Originality/value Unlike other systematic reviews of lesson study, this study analyses the impact evidence for lesson study that might be seen as most relevant to its introduction in cultural and structural contexts beyond Japan. It also explores in detail the potential pitfalls of lesson study impact evaluations, offering guidance to both practitioners and researchers.

Accountability and the rise of “play safe” pedagogical practices

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. 663-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Teacher Relationship ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the culture of teacher accountability has been intensified in further education (FE) under neo-liberalist policy, with the result that the student-teacher relationship has shifted to one of supplier-consumer. The paper focuses on the impact which this shift has had on teachers’ pedagogical practice and employment prospects. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on data gathered during a three-year ethnographic study which focused on the experiences of trainee and newly qualified teachers working in the FE sector. The data were generated from naturally occurring evidence including reflective diaries, lesson observations and class discussions. Findings – The findings suggest that target-driven college cultures are creating conditions which encourage teachers to “play safe” in terms of pedagogical practice whilst students are becoming increasingly dependent on teacher-led direction in a bid to achieve targets. Not only are teachers being held increasingly accountable for their students’ results but their employment prospects are also dependent on them. Research limitations/implications – Although based on a small-scale study, the findings are of sufficient significance to stimulate debate and future research around the issue of how neo-liberalist policy impacts on practice in FE. Practical implications – The paper suggests that for both FE teachers and their students, creative thinking and experimentation may be at risk from the impact of such policy. Originality/value – This paper goes beyond existing critiques of accountability: it argues that as teachers’ employment prospects become increasingly dependent on student results, both teachers and their students are vulnerable to focusing on risk-free practices which jeopardise the potential for innovation and autonomy.

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