Sustainable Material Awareness, Belief and Readiness in Housing Development

The construction industry is one of the industries accounting for a large proportion of Vietnam's overall GDP. It is also one of the least sustainable industries with extensive use of non-renewable resources. A study on the current situation of occupational awareness of sustainable building materials, identifying factors that prevent the diffusion of sustainable building materials is critical. The present study raised the theoretical basis of using sustainable building materials for the construction industry. Questionnaire data from 130 valid responses were used to carry out statistical analysis and make interpretation of results. The results indicate no significant difference between the two groups of respondents in awareness, belief, and readiness towards sustainable materials. The awareness and readiness levels are higher among construction practitioners who have experience. The present findings might suggest several courses of action to solve the problem of sustainable materials being overlooked. Our research suggests that it is essential for policymakers to encourage stakeholders to consider sustainability more seriously. The research findings have profound managerial implications that experienced practitioners might significantly impact the decision-making process in the realm of sustainable orientation. Future work should concentrate on integrating sustainable building materials into innovative and transformative practices in the construction industry. Keywords: sustainable materials; awareness; belief; readiness; Vietnam; construction industry

Evaluation On Different UAV’s Georeferencing Points to Generate Accurate Orthophoto and Digital Terrain Model

UAV or drone application of autonomy ranging can be divided into several levels, from basic hovering and position over trajectory tracking and waypoint navigation to fully autonomous navigation. This study used the DroneDeploy application for an autonomous flight mission. It is the process of taking photographs from an aircraft or other flying objects with a camera mounted on them to produce a three-dimensional (3D) map from the images captured, including a digital terrain model (DTM) and orthophotos. As for this study, the same output will be generated, but different flight parameter applications were used. Therefore, the study determined the optimum number of ground control points (GCPs) and evaluated the accuracy of the final results for each flight design. Acquired data were processed using the Pix4D modeller software due to the user-friendly factor and faster processing rate offered by the software. The results were analysed, and recommendations were made for future study improvement and to avoid similar problems. This study is useful for the mapping industry to achieve high accuracy results. Keywords: Aerial photogrammetry, Flight Parameter, UAV apps, DTM, Orthophotos, GCPs

Data Collection and Analysis for the Development of Environmental Resilience Index in Selangor

Over the years, population surges resulted in urban sprawl in meeting the needs and demands of the future generation. However, excessive human activities in the environment cause environmental degradation, which affects cities resilience. In addition, the impact of global climate change has significantly affected the local environmental context in many towns. As a result, we experience constant incidences of natural disasters, such as monsoon floods, flash floods and landslides. The absence of a framework to address the resilience level in Selangor may lead to a problematic situation in planning and managing the development concerning the physical contexts, for instance, the location and topographic aspects. Therefore, this paper introduces the research to develop an Environmental Resilience Index (ERI) to measure Malaysia's level of environmental resilience by selecting Selangor as a case study because of the difference in economic activities that could result in different levels of environmental resilience. This paper also explains the general framework and indicator selected for this study by reviewing environmental systems and reviews of past research and established indicators. Though this study uses secondary data as the basis of data collection, data from authorised departments and agencies are gathered to verify the reliability and validity of data essential in the analysis stage. Lastly, this paper elaborates on the methodology of data collection and data analysis with an example by measuring the ERI level for the component of environmental resources for the district of Kuala Selangor. Considering the latest secondary data, the results demonstrate that Selangor has an ERI of moderate level for the component of environmental resources. Keywords: resilience, environment, index, Kuala Selangor, methodological

Accuracy Assessment of Atlas L-band GNSS Global Correction Service and Autonomous Positioning at Perlis, Malaysia

Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) is the most common positioning method used for navigation in the hydrography field. During the loss of the correction signal, the differential solution becomes an autonomous solution that may affect the accuracy of the position during that time. However, the availability of the Atlas L-band global correction service that adapts the Real-Time Precise Point Positioning (RT-PPP) technique has broadened the choice of solutions that can be used for navigation in the maritime industry and may solve the problem of signal loss. This research compares the positioning between autonomous solution GNSS and Atlas L-band correction solution using the static method to assess the accuracy of positioning between both methods. Data acquisition of the autonomous positioning and Atlas L-band service was conducted by using Hemisphere receiver VS330 and antenna A43. The statistical T-test reveals that the accuracy of analysis Atlas-L band and autonomous solution GNSS using static positioning was significant, as the p < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval. Besides, the result also shows that the position given by the Atlas L-band is more accurate and precise than Autonomous Solution GNSS, with an average position of 0.479 meters and 2.281 meters, respectively. Ultimately, the continuity of positioning data given by the Atlas L-band in the northern part of Malaysia is good, and positioning using Atlas L-band can be classified as Special Order based on the classification table by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). Keywords: Atlas L-Band, GNSS, RT-PPP, Autonomous Positioning

External Marketing Relationship Practice of Quantity Surveying Firms in the Selected States in Nigeria

It has been established that marketing is very significant to the success of any organization, especially in a competitive environment. In the Quantity surveying profession, marketing might be more relevant than other professions because it is less known. The significance of marketing and competitive business environment calls for effective marketing practice by Quantity Surveying Firms (QSFs). One of the effective ways is to build a strong external marketing relationship, which exists between a firm and its client. Therefore, this paper investigated the external marketing relationship practice of QSFs with a view to enhancing firms’ productivity and client satisfaction. Forty-six (46) registered QSFs and fifty-nine (59) corporate clients in Lagos, Oyo, and Ondo States were assessed through questionnaire survey. Data were collected on the attributes of parties involved in external marketing. The collected data were analysed using Mean Item Scores (MIS) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results reveal important attributes of clients to include “pay on time (MS=4.59)”, “willingness and readiness to take advice from the firm (MS=4.59)”, and “make expectations known clearly to the firm (MS=4.54)”. From the findings, clients averagely displayed these attributes. The result of ANOVA shows that firms viewed the importance of these clients’ attributes in the same way at p>0.05 except for one of these attributes (making expectations known clearly to the firm), which firms viewed its importance differently at p<0.05. Furthermore, results show the important attributes of firms to include: “ability to give clients value for their money (MS=4.51)”, “knowing clients’ requirements (MS=4.51)”, and “being attentive (MS=4.47)’. Findings show that these attributes were adequately displayed by QSFs. The perceptions of clients on the importance of these firms’ attributes were the same at p>0.05. The study concluded by establishing attributes for strong external marketing relationship to include: “readiness of a client to take advice from the firm”, “ability of a client to pay on time”, “ability of a firm to satisfy the client”, and “knowing the client’s requirements”. The study recommended that QSFs and clients should endeavour to possess and display these attributes for the enhancement of service delivery in terms of firms’ productivity and clients’ satisfaction. Keywords: Attributes, Clients, External Marketing Relationship, Quantity Surveying Firms

The Perception of Thermal Comfort in Malaysia Public Low-Cost Housing

In Malaysia, the thermal comfort of low-cost high-rise housing has not been widely given a significant emphasis in the qualitative study despite its increasing scale and significance in the urban areas. Occupant’s perception and adaptive behaviour are important to achieve the level of satisfaction in terms of a comfortable living environment. This paper assesses the occupants’ perception and behaviour in a low-cost high-rise housing development that has been argued with various problems which have a considerable impact on lifestyle. Understanding of comfort as social and cultural behaviour, rather than an engineering approach. This research shows the results of a pilot study that utilized a qualitative strategy for analysing thermal comfort, rather than using the standard thermal comfort research methodologies. The building of study, in the category of low-cost high rise residential located at the urban context of Kuala Lumpur housing area, which is mainly natural ventilated with a versatile adaptive possibility available for the occupants. The outcomes signify the adaptive behaviour that enhances or limit the thermal comfort-related varieties. The results from the pilot study direct for more extensive research and comparison with previous qualitative studies. Keywords: Thermal comfort, Qualitative study, Occupant perception, Adaptive behaviour, Housing

Integration of Safety Aspects in the Maintenance Work of a Living Wall: An Overview of Practice and Challenges

Building maintenance is crucial to prolong a building's lifespan. Conducting the maintenance work can be dangerous, especially if it involves high-rise areas such as walls and roofs. Most literature discusses safety aspects at the construction site, while the safety aspects of maintenance work, which occur after occupancy, received less attention. This paper discusses the potential of integrating safety aspects into the maintenance work of a living wall. Living wall system (LWS) is one of the green design aspects in which the wall is designed to allow for vegetation growth. Maintenance works of a living wall involve various risks especially working in high or difficult places. This paper reviews the maintenance process and techniques adapted for maintaining the living wall through literature. This paper presents the safety practices that have the potential to reduce the risks of conducting maintenance work on the living wall and its potential challenges. It is hoped that this paper raises further awareness that work safety in construction is not only enclosed within the construction site and its vicinity, but safety should also be considered post-occupation, especially when the design demands specific maintenance requirements such as a living wall. Keywords: Safety, building maintenance, living wall, maintenance risk, green wall

Application of Remote Sensing in Mangroves at the Surrounding of Sungai Selangor Estuary in Kuala Selangor

The mangrove forest ecosystem protects the land area from the tidal wave hence preventing the coastal areas and properties from severe damage. Mangroves provide valuable ecological services and goods, sediment retention, food sources of some animals, and stabilisation of the coastal areas. Unfortunately, the species have been experiencing an extensive loss in many parts of the world. This paper aims to detect the changes in mangrove forests and possible changes in the Selangor river basin area. The methodology uses remote sensing data via supervised classification on a maximum likelihood algorithm to analyse the distribution of mangrove forests at the Selangor River basin for a thirty-two-year period, from 1989 to 2021. The findings indicate that the percentage of mangroves in the study area has reduced over the study period. The coverage of mangroves has reduced from 24.29 percent (1989) to 15.57 percent in 2008, and continued to reduce to 13.12 percent in 2021. The research finding indicates a decrease in mangroves due to aquaculture, tourism, agriculture, and other human activities. Such a trend may risk coastal and river erosion, thus necessitating a revision of the management policies for environmental protection. Keywords: mangrove, forest, remote sensing, Selangor river basin

Public Housing Environment and Depression: Case Study Bandar Baru Sentul

Depression is one of the common mental health problems worldwide, and in Malaysia, it is mostly from low-income groups. Due to this factor, most low-income groups in urban areas will reside in public housing due to high living costs. This study aims to understand the public housing environment's effect on mental health. The objectives are to study and analyses states of depression in public housing and its relationship with the surrounding built environment. This study was conducted at the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The questionnaire is an adaptation of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). The sampling technique using homogenous sampling in the selected case study area. The selected area is based on several characteristics, which are housing typologies, green areas, and density. The collected data were analysed using correlation analysis and compared with the theoretical framework to study the relationship between the surrounding environment and depression. The results have shown that public housing's surrounding built environment is associated with depressive symptoms and mental health wellbeing. The findings also show that the surrounding built environment may contribute to mental health wellbeing and worsen existing sufferers' condition. Keywords: built environment; urban; depression; mental health

Assessment on the Circular Economy for Waste Minimization in the Construction Industry

The movement towards sustainability and resiliency has become a central talking point for the Malaysian government. Waste that is immeasurably generated from the construction activities should be appropriately managed to preserve the environment. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge about the concept of Circular Economy (CE) as an approach for waste minimization via a survey questionnaire sent to the G7 contractors in the Klang Valley area. The ultimate version of the questionnaire consisted of 38 questions, and it was sent to 360 targeted G7 contractors. 135 questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 37.5%. The results reveal that most of the contractors were knowledgeable about the potential of the CE concept as an approach for waste minimization. Environmental sustainability would be attained when the CE concept is used to minimize the waste generated from the construction activities. The integration of adaptative reused is found to be suitable to enhance the implementation of the CE concept. The results revealed considerable potential for the CE concept to be used as a waste minimization approach in the construction industry. In this sense, the enhancement of the CE concept implementation throughout the construction cycle could set up a direction for future research. Keywords: Waste, Circular Economy, Environmental Sustainability, Adaptative Reused, Malaysia