scholarly journals Low carbon buildings: a solution to landlord-tenant problems?

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Greenough ◽  
Paolo Tosoratti
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
International Energy Agency ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commercial Property ◽  
Energy Efficient Buildings ◽  
The Cost

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors present in successful energy efficiency investments that might indicate how to resolve the landlord-tenant dilemma in existing and new commercial property. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews literature to indicate the importance of energy efficiency in buildings and to explore the barriers to such investments, including problematic landlord-tenant relationships. Such relationships have been investigated by the International Energy Agency, and a similar approach is used here in two case studies in new and existing buildings. These studies explore the nature of landlord-tenant relationships and the importance of policy and standards of building performance. Findings – In neither case did landlord-tenant issues constitute barriers to investments in energy efficiency, however, these investments were made for other reasons than simple cost savings. Construction of new commercial property to Passivhaus standards ensures a high-build quality and a comfortable building with low-energy costs. The added value to tenants may justify the cost of construction. The cost of investments in energy efficient buildings can also be justified by the enhanced reputation of landlords which may be more valuable than a DEC rating. In neither case was the commercial Green Deal felt to be an attractive funding mechanism. Practical implications – Conclusions based on these case studies must be regarded as tentative, so future studies of successful energy efficient buildings should be undertaken to explore the motivation to invest, particularly the relative importance of indirect benefits of energy efficiency. Originality/value – One of the case study buildings is exceptionally energy efficient and is the result of a particularly open and effective contractual relationship. Further study of such cases may suggest a new approach to landlord-tenant problems of energy efficiency, even in refurbishment of existing buildings.

Assessing energy rating premiums in the performance of green office buildings in Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 352-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graeme Newell ◽  
John MacFarlane ◽  
Roger Walker
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Lower Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Office Buildings ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commercial Property ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Property Performance ◽  
Rating Scheme

Purpose – Green office buildings have recently taken on increased significance in institutional property portfolios in Australia and globally. The key issue from an institutional investor perspective is the assessment of whether green office buildings add value. Using an extensive portfolio of green office buildings, the purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the level of energy rating premiums in the property performance of green office buildings in Australia. Design/methodology/approach – Using a portfolio of over 200 green office buildings in Australia benchmarked against a comparable portfolio of non-green office buildings, the level of energy rating premiums in the property performance of green office buildings in Australia is empirically evaluated. Hedonic regression analysis is used to account for differences between specific office buildings and to explicitly identify the “pure” green effect in identifying the level of energy rating premiums in several commercial property performance characteristics (e.g. office value, rent). Findings – The empirical results show the added-value premium of the 5-star National Australian Built Environment Rating Scheme (NABERS) energy rating scheme and the Green Star scheme in the property performance of green office buildings in Australia, including office values and rents. Energy rating premiums for green office buildings are evident at the top energy ratings and energy rating discounts at the lower energy ratings. The added-value “top-end” premium of the 5-star vs 4-star NABERS energy rating category is clearly identified for the various property performance parameters, including office values and rents. Practical implications – This paper empirically determines the presence of energy rating premiums at the top energy ratings in the performance of green office buildings, as well as energy rating discounts at the lower energy ratings. This clearly highlights the added value dimension of energy efficiency in green office buildings and the need for the major office property investors to prioritise the highest energy rating to facilitate additional property performance premiums. This will also see green office buildings become the norm as the market benchmark rather than non-green office buildings. Social implications – This paper highlights energy performance premiums for green office buildings. This fits into the context of sustainability in the property industry and the broader aspects of corporate social responsibility in the property industry. Originality/value – This paper is the first published property research analysis on the detailed determination of energy rating premiums across the energy rating spectrum for green office buildings in Australia. Given the increased focus on energy efficiency and green office buildings, this research enables empirically validated and practical property investment decisions by office property investors regarding the importance of energy efficiency and green office buildings, and the priority to achieve the highest energy rating to maximise property performance premiums in office values and rents.

Energy efficiency practices in facilities management in Johannesburg

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-343
Author(s):  
Yewande Adetoro Adewunmi ◽  
Anthony Alister ◽  
Bopape Phooko ◽  
Thabethe Nokukhanya
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Cost Implications ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Energy Efficiency Standards ◽  
Energy Conservation Measures

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine at energy efficiency practices within the facilities management sector and barriers to adopting energy efficient strategies, it further explored the factors that promote the employment of energy efficient practices. Design/methodology/approach The data were gathered by means of an electronic survey, administered to facilities managers in Johannesburg. Findings Energy efficient lighting is the most used energy efficiency practice. It further uncovered that occupant engagement and education is considered least, amongst current energy efficiency practices. This study revealed that the biggest barrier to the implementation of energy efficient facilities management practices was the cost implications of adopting FM strategies and rated the lowest were policies and regulations of energy efficiency standards. Cost reduction was the highest rated factor that promotes energy efficiency practices. Practical implications Occupants should be educated on energy efficiency through a change of their behaviours and also exposed to the benefits of using energy conservation measures. Management buy-in should be the goal of the facilities manager for the success of energy efficient practices. Originality/value This study is an encompassing study on energy efficiency where many aspects of energy efficiency and factors that promote energy efficiency were explored.

Green cost premium for attaining energy-efficiency rating in Nigeria's hot-humid residential buildings

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Ekung ◽  
Isaac Abiodun Odesola ◽  
Timothy Adewuyi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Average Energy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Building Energy Efficiency ◽  
Departure Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Cost

PurposeThe dearth of green standards (GS) in sub-Saharan Africa is alarming and the green cost premiums (GCP) in seeking certification in emerging markets are scanty. This paper studied the Building Energy-Efficiency Code of Nigeria (BEEC) and estimated the potential GCPs associated with the various energy-efficiency ratings.Design/methodology/approachThe study retrofitted 150 conventional residential bungalow and maisonette buildings using BEEC's energy-efficiency interventions and performed analytical estimating of the retrofitted designs. The mean cost premium associated with each energy-efficiency intervention is presented as well as their financial benefits and payback periods. The benefits are achievable financial-savings due to a reduction in energy consumption and savings in electricity payment estimated from the average energy demands of each building. An independent t-test was further conducted to determine the cost differential between energy-efficient design (ED) and conventional design over a five-year period.FindingsThe potential GCPs and their payback periods are actually less than feared. The study showed that less than 5% and 21% extra funding would be required to achieve 1 to 4-Star and 5-Star energy-efficiency ratings involving passive design interventions and photovoltaic systems. Passive and active design interventions produced a financial savings of $8.08/m2 in electricity payment and $2.84/m2 per annum in energy consumption reduction. The financial-savings ($10.92/m2) was objective to pay-off the GCPs in less than four years. The independent t-test analysis showed the cost of ED is more economical after four years into the project lifecycle.Originality/valueThe research provides cost benchmarks for navigating cost planning and budgetary decisions during ED implementation and births a departure point for advancing energy-efficient construction in developing markets from the rational economic decision perspective.

Does total factor productivity affect the energy efficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Haider ◽  
Javed Ahmad Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Intensity ◽  
Paper Industry ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficiency Performance ◽  
Energy Efficient Technology

Purpose Because of growing energy consumption and increasing absolute CO2 emissions, the recent calibrations about the environmental sustainability across the globe have mandated to achieve the minimal energy consumption through employing energy-efficient technology. This study aims to estimate linkage between simple measure of energy efficiency indicator that is reciprocal of energy intensity and total factor productivity (TFP) in case of Indian paper industry for 21 major states. In addition, the study incorporates the other control variables like labour productivity, capital utilization and structure of paper industry to scrutinize their likely impact on energy efficiency performance of the industry. Design/methodology/approach To derive the plausible estimates of TFP, the study applies the much celebrated Levinsohn and Petrin (2003) methodology. Using the regional level data for the period 2001-2013, the study employs instrumental variable-generalized method of moments (GMM-IV) technique to examine the nature of relationship among the variables involved in the analysis. Findings An elementary examination of energy intensity shows that not all states are equally energy intensive. States like Goa, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu are less energy intensive, whereas Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Assam and Punjab are most energy-intensive states on the basis of their state averages over the whole study period. The results estimated through GMM-IV show that increasing level of TFP is associated with lower level of energy per unit of output. Along this better skills and capacity utilization are also found to have positive impact on energy efficiency performance of industry. However, the potential heterogeneity within the structure of industry itself is found responsible for its higher energy intensity. Practical implications States should ensure and undertake substantial investment projects in the research and development of energy-efficient technology and that targeted allocations could be reinforced for more fruitful results. Factors aiming at improving the labour productivity should be given extra emphasis together with capital deepening and widening, needed for energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Given the dependence of structure of paper industry on the multitude of factors like regional inequality, economic growth, industrial structure and the resource endowment together with the issues of fragmented sizes, poor infrastructure and availability and affordability of raw materials etc., states should actively promote the coordination and cooperation among themselves to reap the benefits of technological advancements through technological spill overs. In addition, owing to their respective state autonomies, state governments should set their own energy saving targets by taking into account the respective potentials and opportunities for the different industries. Despite the requirement of energy-efficient innovations, however, the cons of technological advancements and the legal frameworks on the employment structure and distributional status should be taken care of before their adoption and execution. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that empirically examines the linkage between energy efficiency and TFP in case of Indian paper industry. The application of improved methods like Levinsohn and Petrin (2003) to derive the TFP measure and the use of GMM-IV to account for potential econometric problems like that of endogeneity will again add to the novelty of study.

Recommended angle of a modular dynamic façade in hot-arid climate: daylighting and energy simulation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyedeh Samaneh Golzan ◽  
Mina Pouyanmehr ◽  
Hassan Sadeghi Naeini
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Arid Climate ◽  
Visual Comfort ◽  
Building Envelopes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Optimum Angle ◽  
Energy Efficient Buildings ◽  
Hot Arid Climate

PurposeThe modular dynamic façade (MDF) concept could be an approach in a comfort-centric design through proper integration with energy-efficient buildings. This study focuses on obtaining and/or calculating an efficient angle of the MDF, which would lead to the optimum performance in daylight availability and energy consumption in a single south-faced official space located in the hot-arid climate of Yazd, Iran.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consists of three fundamental parts: (1) based on previous related studies, a diamond-based dynamic skin façade was applied to a south-faced office building in a hot-arid climate; (2) the daylighting and energy performance of the model were simulated annually; and (3) the data obtained from the simulation were compared to reach the optimum angle of the MDF.FindingsThe results showed that when the angle of the MDF openings was set at 30°, it could decrease energy consumption by 41.32% annually, while daylight simulation pointed that the space experienced the minimum possible glare at this angle. Therefore, the angle of 30° was established as the optimum angle, which could be the basis for future investment in responsive building envelopes.Originality/valueThis angular study simultaneously assesses the daylight availability, visual comfort and energy consumption on a MDF in a hot-arid climate.

scholarly journals MULTIPARAMETRIC OPTIMIZATION OF THE SHAPE AND THICKNESS OF INSULATED ENERGY EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTED BUILDING WITH A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF FACES

2021 ◽  
pp. 196-204
Author(s):  
Viacheslav Martynov
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Heat Losses ◽  
Geometrical Parameters ◽  
Energy Efficient Buildings ◽  
Multiparametric Optimization ◽  
Heat Influx ◽  
Number Of Faces ◽  
The Given ◽  
First Time

To calculate the optimal parameters of outbuildings, a mathematical model and method for optimizing the shape and resistance of heat transfer for opaque and transparent structures with a certain constant number of faces, building volume and amount of insulation to minimize the thermal balance of enclosing structures with the environment during the heating period In the course of calculations the geometrical parameters of translucent, opaque structures in the heat-insulating shell of buildings are determined taking into account heat losses, heat influx from solar radiation by the criterion of ensuring minimum heat losses through enclosing structures, rational parameters (buildings) The given technique and mathematical models should be used in the future in the design of energy efficient buildings in the reconstruction and thermal modernization of buildings. This will increase their energy efficiency and, accordingly, the energy efficiency class of buildings. For the research faceted attached building in the form of a triangular pyramid, the reduction in heat loss was 14.82 percent only due to the optimization of the shape and redistribution of the insulation. Similar results were obtained for other initial forms. For the first time, a computerized method was proposed, an algorithm and application package Optimparam for multiparameter shape optimization and insulation of translucent and opaque structures for outbuildings with a given number of arbitrarily arranged faces were developed.

How social media aids consumer engagement

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 21-23
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Consumer Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Marketing interest in consumer engagement is widely evident. This is illustrated by the fact that having a substantial base of engaged consumers is now high on the agenda of many marketers. And why shouldn’t it be? After all, individuals demonstrating such high levels of commitment can secure added value for the brand in question. Engagement inspires tendencies which reach further than purchasing and other market-related activities. High levels of attachment are typical of engaged consumers who will often thus serve as brand advocates. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Energy Design by Evolution: Applying Evolutionary Computing to Energy Efficient Architectural Design

2014 ◽  
Vol 899 ◽  
pp. 120-125
Author(s):  
Bernhard Sommer ◽  
Ulrich Pont
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Evolutionary Computing ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Energy Efficient Buildings ◽  
Optimum Solution

In this paper, the authors want to show a method that allows customizing energy efficient buildings to the very task and to the very site by linking environmental data and design strategies through algorithmic processes. An optimum solution for the energy efficiency of a building can then be found by running an evolutionary solver.

Mitigating the legal challenges of imposing disincentives on nonperforming transportation projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 2859-2891
Author(s):  
Douglas Alleman ◽  
Eul-Bum Lee
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Subject Matter Experts ◽  
Pavement Rehabilitation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transportation Projects ◽  
Legal Challenges ◽  
Liquidated Damages ◽  
Valuation Process ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Transportation Agencies

PurposeThe publication presents an analysis of the cost and schedule performance of incentive/disincentive projects and case studies toward developing a systematic disincentive valuation process, with Construction Analysis for Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies (CA4PRS) software integration that aids agencies in minimizing the likelihood of court challenges of disincentives.Design/methodology/approachFrom a California transportation database, the authors performed cost and schedule analyses of 43 incentive/disincentive (I/D) projects and case studies on four of those I/D projects. Interviewees included subject matter experts from transportation organizations to ensure applicability and maximum value-adding, and the process was implemented on ten California transportation projects and monitored for performance.FindingsThe presented process mitigates the contractor's ability to claim disincentives as penalties in a court of law through the following: (1) all calculations are performed using project-specific bases, backed by estimations of actual incurred costs; (2) the CA4PRS software allows for estimation transparency and (3) the clarity of cost inclusions reduces any chances of “double-dipping” between disincentives and liquidated damages.Practical implicationsTransportation agencies have historically faced legal challenges to their enforcements of disincentives. As agencies continue to apply disincentives on more megaprojects, contractors will likely attempt to pursue legal challenges more frequently. The presented process mitigates the likelihood of these challenges going to court and increases the accuracy and efficiency of disincentives.Originality/valueWhile there have been publications that discuss the legal challenges of imposing disincentives, they mainly provide guidelines and lack applicable processes. Existing literature that does present incentive/disincentive valuation process focuses on incentive valuations and neglects the disincentives' legal challenges. The following publication fills this gap by presenting an applicable disincentive valuation process for transportation projects which incorporates the guidelines for legal mitigation.

Effects of determinants of dried fruit purchase intention and the related consumer segmentation on e-commerce in China

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuting Sun ◽  
Chaoyun Liang
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dried Fruits ◽  
Dried Fruit ◽  
The Cost

PurposeIn this study, a comprehensive theoretical framework was developed to investigate the influence of the determinants of online dried fruit purchase intention in China.Design/methodology/approachThe dried fruit eating experiences of 1,160 participants from China were collected using an online survey.FindingsSignificant differences were noted in the sociodemographic distributions among three age-based consumer segments. Furthermore, the cost of the marketing strategy had the strongest effect on online dried fruit purchase intention. Finally, different patterns of online dried fruit purchase intention were observed among the three consumer segments: consumers aged below 24 years regarded dried fruits as a new and healthy snack choice and favoured companies with high-quality communication with consumers; consumers aged 25–29 years viewed dried fruits as a healthy eating habit, reflecting their strong self-control over their lifestyle; and consumers aged over 30 years valued the convenience marketing strategies applied by dried fruit manufacturers.Originality/valueOverall, the results indicate that dried fruits are considered a niche market of snacks that provides added value for core products in the Chinese e-commerce (EC) market; therefore, developing cost-effective strategies to raise consumer awareness of dried fruits is crucial. Furthermore, marketing strategies should target different consumer segments.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document