scholarly journals Implementation of a Building Sustainability Rating Tool: a Survey of the New Zealand Building Industry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jonathan Smith
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Base Point ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Sustainable Buildings ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Industry Response ◽  
And Performance

<p>Building Sustainability Rating Tools (BSRTs) are being developed worldwide with considerable success. As a result their implementation has created the awareness necessary to cement their role in creating positive change. With the release of New Zealand's own BSRT, Green Star New Zealand (Green Star NZ), and the establishment of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) this awareness was expected to strengthen. The NZGBC has stated that the implementation of Green Star NZ can only be successful if the selected tool is widely accepted, and meets the requirements of the building industry. To date, little research has been carried out into the correct implementation of a BSRT despite this being a fundamental part of a tool's overall success. Therefore, the overall aim of this research was to investigate the requirements of stakeholders and end-users including their understanding of sustainability, BSRT's and the NZGBC. The research also intended to provide a 'sustainability snapshot' of the New Zealand building industry and of the current New Zealand market, establishing a base point for future measurement. The specific objectives of the research were to investigate: -The building industry's level of awareness and the level of involvement regarding sustainability, sustainable building and BSRTs -The building industry' s existing knowledge and experience with BSRTs -How different groups within the building industry anticipate using Green Star NZ and if they are likely to seek formal certification -The building industry's understanding of the NZGBC, and its likely impact in the production of more sustainable buildings in New Zealand -The drivers, triggers, obstacles and reasons for sustainable building -The requirement for sustainable building information and the corresponding level of satisfaction regarding this information -How international research compared with the current study, allowing trends, differences and similarities to be discussed. To meet these aims and objectives a survey was developed in collaboration with the NZGBC, with the intention of acquiring a wide building industry response (e.g. property developers, building contractors, and architects). The participants were canvassed from several associated building organisations which agreed to assist in the distribution of the survey. The survey was conducted between 19 February and 12 March 2007 and ultimately received 476 responses which approximated to a response rate of 3% with a confidence interval of 95% and margin of error of plus or minus 4%. Significantly, the analyses identified a substantial difference between the level of interest and level of involvement regarding sustainability, sustainable buildings and BSRTs. This result emphasised that the building industry is much more willing to participate, and be part of a sustainable building community than may be currently perceived. Anecdotal evidence suggests BSRTs are often used primarily as 'design guides', with no intention to seek a formal rating. According to the results, using Green Star NZ as a 'design guide' was still reasonably high, however a good proportion of the industry anticipated seeking a certified rating for both 'design' and 'performance'. According to experience of the respondents, the client was considered the single most important person to drive sustainable building. Clearly, as the main financial source, the client has the final say on any proposed design, although they may not have the necessary knowledge to propose sustainable design options or even be aware of them. For this reason, a further question explored who rather 'should' be the main driver for sustainable building. The results showed rather than a single person being responsible for driving sustainable building, it should be 'an integrated process where responsibility is shared'. The main reason for sustainable building was 'rising energy costs' and emphasised the importance and increasing demand on energy production. The biggest obstacle for sustainable building was 'perceived higher upfront costs', which indicated confusion and the requirement for better information and the need for organisations such as the NZGBC to be a 'vehicle' to provide the building industry with direct and reliable information. Even though, at the time of the survey the NZGBC and Green Star NZ were in their infancy, there was a significant demand for Green Star NZ related material, such as Green Star NZ certified case study buildings, accreditation procedures and building professionals. In terms of satisfaction, the participants were clearly not content with the current level of information regarding sustainable building. Again, this lack of information reinforced the requirements for more sustainable building information, and the need for better education procedures. While aspiring to assist in the facilitation of more successful BSRT for New Zealand, the results from the research could serve to enhance the potential of Green Star NZ's success and smooth the period of transition for implementation. Furthermore the results could reinforce the relationship between the NZGBC and the wider building industry, encouraging dialogue to help develop the tool and ultimately lead to the construction of more sustainable buildings in New Zealand.</p>

scholarly journals Implementation of a Building Sustainability Rating Tool: a Survey of the New Zealand Building Industry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jonathan Smith
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Base Point ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Sustainable Buildings ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Industry Response ◽  
And Performance

<p>Building Sustainability Rating Tools (BSRTs) are being developed worldwide with considerable success. As a result their implementation has created the awareness necessary to cement their role in creating positive change. With the release of New Zealand's own BSRT, Green Star New Zealand (Green Star NZ), and the establishment of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) this awareness was expected to strengthen. The NZGBC has stated that the implementation of Green Star NZ can only be successful if the selected tool is widely accepted, and meets the requirements of the building industry. To date, little research has been carried out into the correct implementation of a BSRT despite this being a fundamental part of a tool's overall success. Therefore, the overall aim of this research was to investigate the requirements of stakeholders and end-users including their understanding of sustainability, BSRT's and the NZGBC. The research also intended to provide a 'sustainability snapshot' of the New Zealand building industry and of the current New Zealand market, establishing a base point for future measurement. The specific objectives of the research were to investigate: -The building industry's level of awareness and the level of involvement regarding sustainability, sustainable building and BSRTs -The building industry' s existing knowledge and experience with BSRTs -How different groups within the building industry anticipate using Green Star NZ and if they are likely to seek formal certification -The building industry's understanding of the NZGBC, and its likely impact in the production of more sustainable buildings in New Zealand -The drivers, triggers, obstacles and reasons for sustainable building -The requirement for sustainable building information and the corresponding level of satisfaction regarding this information -How international research compared with the current study, allowing trends, differences and similarities to be discussed. To meet these aims and objectives a survey was developed in collaboration with the NZGBC, with the intention of acquiring a wide building industry response (e.g. property developers, building contractors, and architects). The participants were canvassed from several associated building organisations which agreed to assist in the distribution of the survey. The survey was conducted between 19 February and 12 March 2007 and ultimately received 476 responses which approximated to a response rate of 3% with a confidence interval of 95% and margin of error of plus or minus 4%. Significantly, the analyses identified a substantial difference between the level of interest and level of involvement regarding sustainability, sustainable buildings and BSRTs. This result emphasised that the building industry is much more willing to participate, and be part of a sustainable building community than may be currently perceived. Anecdotal evidence suggests BSRTs are often used primarily as 'design guides', with no intention to seek a formal rating. According to the results, using Green Star NZ as a 'design guide' was still reasonably high, however a good proportion of the industry anticipated seeking a certified rating for both 'design' and 'performance'. According to experience of the respondents, the client was considered the single most important person to drive sustainable building. Clearly, as the main financial source, the client has the final say on any proposed design, although they may not have the necessary knowledge to propose sustainable design options or even be aware of them. For this reason, a further question explored who rather 'should' be the main driver for sustainable building. The results showed rather than a single person being responsible for driving sustainable building, it should be 'an integrated process where responsibility is shared'. The main reason for sustainable building was 'rising energy costs' and emphasised the importance and increasing demand on energy production. The biggest obstacle for sustainable building was 'perceived higher upfront costs', which indicated confusion and the requirement for better information and the need for organisations such as the NZGBC to be a 'vehicle' to provide the building industry with direct and reliable information. Even though, at the time of the survey the NZGBC and Green Star NZ were in their infancy, there was a significant demand for Green Star NZ related material, such as Green Star NZ certified case study buildings, accreditation procedures and building professionals. In terms of satisfaction, the participants were clearly not content with the current level of information regarding sustainable building. Again, this lack of information reinforced the requirements for more sustainable building information, and the need for better education procedures. While aspiring to assist in the facilitation of more successful BSRT for New Zealand, the results from the research could serve to enhance the potential of Green Star NZ's success and smooth the period of transition for implementation. Furthermore the results could reinforce the relationship between the NZGBC and the wider building industry, encouraging dialogue to help develop the tool and ultimately lead to the construction of more sustainable buildings in New Zealand.</p>

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.

Green Building Implementation through Integrated Project Delivery System

2014 ◽  
Vol 1065-1069 ◽  
pp. 2177-2181
Author(s):  
Yun Hui Yang
Keyword(s):  
Delivery System ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Integrated Project

The building industry is undergoing a substantial transition period. There are three significant trends that are driving these changes in the industry. These trends are building information modeling (BIM), sustainable design and construction (green), and integrated project delivery system (IPD). They are not only re-shaping the building industry, but also reshaping the construction management and career education. This paper presents the advantages and challenges of green building implementation through integrated project delivery system (IPD). Which was refined based on literature reviews, requests for information from professionals and members of the industry advisory group.

scholarly journals File-to-Factory: Transferring Design Intent to Manufacture

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Maya Robinson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Industry Professionals ◽  
The Way

<p>Digital fabrication has become a common way of producing and constructing designs more efficiently, challenging the traditional methods of construction, and the way we design. Despite the new technologies used to enhance the design process, there is still a disconnect between design and construction. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been a step towards creating a more fluid workflow. However, it is not currently being fully utilised within New Zealand. Along with a lack of interoperability, this has contributed to the limited productivity of the construction industry. The ability to take a BIM model direct to manufacture is critical to leverage the information of the model and reduce expensive remodelling. The use of BIM tools not only aims to maximise efficiency when delivering a project but also provides a new way of working and a solution to improve file-to-factory production.   Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), although relatively new to the architecture and building industry, could have substantial benefits for the way architecture projects are designed and constructed. This process consists of a set of guidelines that take into consideration the manufacturability and assembly of the design from the very beginning. Qualitative and experimental methods have been used for initial and developed testing drawn from case studies, a review of the literature, and data from interviews with industry professionals. Five interviews were conducted with industry professionals across the design to manufacturing spectrum. The interviews identified current issues within the architecture and building industry directly related to file-to-factory.   A new file-to-factory workflow has been developed utilising BIM tools and DfMA principles to explore the impact this process could have on the buildings we design and construct in New Zealand. The workflow does not consist of new processes or tools but instead couples the two together. By utilising the existing BIM technology and implementing DfMA, this means the designer can consider both the requirements of the design and how the design will be manufactured and assembled. The collaborative workflow can eliminate the need for remodelling, and reduce errors, cost, and time. This is significant to the industry because it begins to streamline the design-to-construction process and allow for the industry to grow, advance, and increase productivity.</p>

scholarly journals An empirical examination of Green Star certification uptake and its relationship with BIM adoption in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dat Tien Doan ◽  
Ali GhaffarianHoseini ◽  
Nicola Naismith ◽  
Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini ◽  
Tongrui Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Building Performance ◽  
Performance Modelling ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Government

PurposeGreen building information modelling (BIM) has been highlighted as an essential topic owing to its potential benefits. However, both Green Star and BIM are still in their earlier stages in New Zealand. This paper aims to examine and evaluate the benefits, barriers/challenges and solutions for the integration of Green Star and BIM in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a total of 77 responses collected from construction professionals in New Zealand using questionnaires were analysed through descriptive and statistical tests.FindingsBuilding performance modelling used for Green Star assessment can be implemented using BIM; this was highlighted as the most significant benefit of the integration. Whereas, the most significant barrier preventing the integration of Green Star and BIM was the fact they are two completely separate processes. Regarding the solutions for the integration, showcasing BIM-Green Star benchmark projects was considered as the most effective solution amongst a range of eight provided.Originality/valueThe research provided insights into Green Star–BIM integration in New Zealand. By evaluating the significance of the benefits, barriers/challenges and solutions for the integration, this research could be used as a guideline for Green Star and BIM development by New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), the Government and construction practitioners in New Zealand. Specifically, the results here could be valuable inputs for Green Star manuals and the New Zealand BIM handbook.

scholarly journals BIM-based LCA and energy analysis for optimised sustainable building design in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kofi A. B. Asare ◽  
Kirti D. Ruikar ◽  
Mariangela Zanni ◽  
Robby Soetanto
Keyword(s):  
Energy Analysis ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Selection Decisions ◽  
Building Information

AbstractIntegration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is regarded as useful for making design decisions regarding the environmental and health impacts of building products and materials. This research aimed at studying the process of BIM-LCA integration to assist designers in making sustainable material and product selection decisions in Ghana. A guidance framework for implementation of BIM-LCA supported by energy analysis has been developed to aid optimisation of sustainable design solutions based on simulations using Autodesk Revit as a BIM authoring tool, Green Building Studio and Tally to perform energy and LCA simulations on a hypothetical two-bedroom single-family house. The research considers both operational and embodied carbon effects of the design solution. The framework aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 Stages 0–2 (i.e. Strategic definition, Preparation and briefing, and Concept design) and presents a systematic approach for BIM-based LCA estimation for the early design stages using the Business Process Modelling Notation. The paper proposes a generic approach which has the potential to incorporate LCA as an integral part to the BIM-enabled design development process. This assists designers in decision-making that consider environmental impacts of materials and energy consumption as part of sustainable building design considerations.

scholarly journals An Automated BIM Model to Conceptually Design, Analyze, Simulate, and Assess Sustainable Building Projects

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Jalaei ◽  
Ahmad Jrade
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Embodied Energy ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Potential Gain ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Building Components

Quantifying the environmental impacts and simulating the energy consumption of building’s components at the conceptual design stage are very helpful for designers needing to make decisions related to the selection of the best design alternative that would lead to a more energy efficient building. Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers designers the ability to assess different design alternatives at the conceptual stage of the project so that energy and life cycle assessment (LCA) strategies and systems are attained. This paper proposes an automated model that links BIM, LCA, energy analysis, and lighting simulation tools with green building certification systems. The implementation is within developing plug-ins on BIM tool capable of measuring the environmental impacts (EI) and embodied energy of building components. Using this method, designers will be provided with a new way to visualize and to identify the potential gain or loss of energy for the building as a whole and for each of its associated components. Furthermore, designers will be able to detect and evaluate the sustainability of the proposed buildings based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. An actual building project will be used to illustrate the workability of the proposed methodology.

scholarly journals File-to-Factory: Transferring Design Intent to Manufacture

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Maya Robinson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Industry Professionals ◽  
The Way

<p>Digital fabrication has become a common way of producing and constructing designs more efficiently, challenging the traditional methods of construction, and the way we design. Despite the new technologies used to enhance the design process, there is still a disconnect between design and construction. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been a step towards creating a more fluid workflow. However, it is not currently being fully utilised within New Zealand. Along with a lack of interoperability, this has contributed to the limited productivity of the construction industry. The ability to take a BIM model direct to manufacture is critical to leverage the information of the model and reduce expensive remodelling. The use of BIM tools not only aims to maximise efficiency when delivering a project but also provides a new way of working and a solution to improve file-to-factory production.   Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), although relatively new to the architecture and building industry, could have substantial benefits for the way architecture projects are designed and constructed. This process consists of a set of guidelines that take into consideration the manufacturability and assembly of the design from the very beginning. Qualitative and experimental methods have been used for initial and developed testing drawn from case studies, a review of the literature, and data from interviews with industry professionals. Five interviews were conducted with industry professionals across the design to manufacturing spectrum. The interviews identified current issues within the architecture and building industry directly related to file-to-factory.   A new file-to-factory workflow has been developed utilising BIM tools and DfMA principles to explore the impact this process could have on the buildings we design and construct in New Zealand. The workflow does not consist of new processes or tools but instead couples the two together. By utilising the existing BIM technology and implementing DfMA, this means the designer can consider both the requirements of the design and how the design will be manufactured and assembled. The collaborative workflow can eliminate the need for remodelling, and reduce errors, cost, and time. This is significant to the industry because it begins to streamline the design-to-construction process and allow for the industry to grow, advance, and increase productivity.</p>

AT WHAT COST? AN ANALYSIS OF THE GREEN COST PREMIUM TO ACHIEVE 6-HOMESTAR IN NEW ZEALAND

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-155
Author(s):  
Rochelle Ade ◽  
Michael Rehm
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Capital Cost ◽  
Commercial Buildings ◽  
Additional Cost ◽  
Family Context ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Comparative Cost

ABSTRACT In the green building industry there is an implicit understanding that the use of a green building rating tool will attract additional capital cost. This phenomenon has been well studied in commercial buildings, with mixed results, but has received little focus in the residential, single family context. In New Zealand the local green building council advises the market that they have reduced the time and cost to implement their green building rating tool, Homestar, through modifications to version 4 of the rating tool, which include the use of a new 6-Homestar checklist. This research investigates this claim using a comparative cost methodology to determine the potential additional capital cost commitment that would be required to achieve a 6-Homestar certification, utilising ten standalone and terraced house designs from the Hobsonville Point development in Auckland, NZ. This research determines that there is an additional cost to achieve 6-Homestar of 3–5%. This is nearly double compared to previous research into Homestar and also finds that, for the houses reviewed, the use of the 6-Homestar checklist is less cost effective than other options. Therefore, in this instance the advice and guidance of the green building council is erroneous and misleading to the market.

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