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International Comparison of Environmental Policies for Housing and Buildings -Comparison of Environmental Assessment Indicators in Japan and Germany-
Get PDFEnvironmentally oriented efforts are expanding on a global scale to realize sustainable, diverse, and inclusive societies. In research on the rehabilitation of housing complexes, there is a need to establish evaluation criteria and consensus-building methods that include consideration for the earth, health, and welfare. The purpose of this study is to show how to establish rehabilitation and evaluation criteria for housing complexes in an era when sustainability and the global environment should be considered. Currently, global environmental and sustainability considerations are discussed only at the Society level. However, we believe it is important to give a global environmental and sustainability perspective to each level of open building. The goal is to find a method to break down the global environment and sustainability perspective into each level. This paper is a continuation of the paperpresented at CIB WBC2022. In the previous paper, we identified the characteristics of the assessment tools developed by 54 environmental assessment indices around the world. Among them, this report selected Japan, whose policies are average, and Germany, whose policies are severe, based on the OECD\u27s Environmental Policy Severity Index. The study was conducted in Japan and Germany to understand the impact of differences in environmental policies and regional characteristics on measures to reduce the environmental impact of housing and buildings; the degree of achievement of the SDGs, climate conditions, and legislation were summarized, and how they are reflected in CASBEE and DGNB, which are representative environmental assessment indices in both countries. In both indexes, evaluation items were set with climate change countermeasures in mind. However, CASBEE had few items that indicated specific goals, and the weighting of the evaluation items was set low; it can be inferred that DGNB aims to promote efforts to combat climate change by evaluating environmental impacts throughout the life cycle. Since the number of certified environmental evaluation indicators is increasing year by year, it has a great responsibility to serve as one of the guidelines when planning and constructing buildings. It is believed that guiding the way to environmental improvement while flexibly matching evaluation indicators to both domestic-specific issues and issues that should be addressed globally will lead to the formation of high-quality building stock
Exploring Potential BIM Application across the Project Life Cycle of Public Sector Construction Projects: The case of Tanzania
No full textDespite its proven benefits, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has witnessed limited adoption in developing countries. In response, recently, there has been a significant increase in research works investigating BIM in developing countries. These studies have investigated various aspects of BIM adoption and implementation, including barriers/challenges, drivers/enablers, benefits, implementation strategies, BIM awareness, and adoption rates, among others. However, there has been an absence of studies that have attempted to explore the potential application of various BIM functions across the construction lifecycle of public sector construction projects in the context of a developing country, such as Tanzania. Accordingly, the present study seeks to bridge this gap by employing a qualitative approach. Specifically, semi-structured interviews with 34 BIM knowledgeable experts with extensive knowledge of the delivery of public sector construction projects in Tanzania were conducted. Thematic analysis was then employed to report key findings. The findings revealed that BIM had various potential applications across the lifecycle of the public sector construction projects. It is anticipated that findings of the present study will provide valuable insights into the potential areas where BIM can practically benefit public sector construction projects in Tanzania taking into account its distinctive contextual issues. It is further hoped that the findings will generate interest for the wider adoption of BIM in developing countries. This would facilitate in the sustainable delivery of public sector construction projects which constitute the backbone of developing economies and hence promote the 9th goal of SDG
Investigating Student Perceptions of Biophilic, Visual and Acoustic Design on High-Performing Learning Spaces
No full textHigh-performing educational buildings are designed to foster optimal learning, teaching, and research environments. However, many higher education spaces still lack a fully integrated approach that combines biophilic design principles with effective acoustic solutions. This gap between envisioned performance and current reality highlights the need to understand students\u27 perceptions of indoor conditions within high-performance buildings. This study investigates students’ perceptions of environmental quality, specifically focusing on biophilic, visual and acoustic design features in two contrasting classrooms at the Research University’s Lee Hall. Using a mixed-methods approach, objective measurements of lighting and acoustic conditions were combined with subjective survey responses to evaluate how these spaces influence students’ comfort, cognitive performance, and well-being. Findings indicate that while biophilic elements like natural light can enhance visual appeal, they also introduce issues such as glare, impacting lighting comfort. Acoustic analysis revealed that traditional enclosed classrooms provide better sound control, highlighting challenges in maintaining acoustic comfort in open, biophilic layouts. These insights can guide future design strategies prioritizing visual openness and auditory clarity, ultimately supporting academic engagement and mental well-being in educational spaces
Evaluating the Role of Offsite Construction in Achieving Net Zero Building in Nigeria\u27s Construction Industry
Get PDFThis study explores the role of off-site construction in achieving net zero buildings in the Nigerian construction industry, which is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Therefore, the research aims to evaluate Off-Site Construction\u27s contribution to Nigeria\u27s sustainability goals by evaluating the challenges of Off-site construction in achieving net zero. In addressing the aim of the study, a quantitative research approach was adopted; the questionnaire was distributed to Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) professionals across Nigeria\u27s six geo-political zones, gathering data on the challenges and contribution of OSC in achieving net zero building in Nigeria construction industry. The key challenges hindering OSC from achieving net-zero results include quality control issues, technological integration, resistance to change, and high upfront costs. The results of the obstacles were analysed using Spearman’s correlation analysis to assess the direction and strength of the connection between two ranking variables. This method is beneficial when the data does not necessarily follow a normal distribution or when dealing with ordinal variables. The highlight of the study is the positive contribution of OSC, which includes enhanced energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, and alignment with Nigeria\u27s green goals. Despite these challenges, OSC is a promising approach to achieving net zero building and promoting sustainability in Nigeria\u27s construction industry. This study addresses a critical gap in understanding how OSC can contribute to achieving net zero in Nigeria\u27s construction industry. The findings will guide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors in adopting sustainable construction practices, aligning Nigeria’s growing construction sector with environmental sustainability target
V-Model Approach in Generative AI System Architecture Design for Construction Cost Management
Get PDFThe UK construction sector has increasingly encountered cost management inefficiencies in overruns, errors, rework and variations. This study demonstrated how Generative AI (GAI), an emerging trend in digital construction, can foster large language models (LLMs) from the industry’s historical data to predict costs. The process of developing the GAI system architecture applied the V-model and agile methodological approach and BIM templates. As used in the UK construction sector, the BIM templates considered data from building cost information service (BCIS) and task information delivery plan (TIDP) to develop the architecture. The system architecture designed in this study aligned with the RICS New Rules of Measurement 1 (NRM1) for early cost advice and text-to-task models. The implication of the GAI system architecture for digital cost management presented in this study elicited the integration of GAI with the BIM processes, offering substantial benefits to the construction industry. This includes streamlined workflows, reduced errors, and improved decision-making. The implications of the system architecture offer opportunities for increased BIM uptake in the UK and the sector globally
Assessment of Interdependency for Building Components in Facility Management
Get PDFThis research presents a systematic approach for assessing component interdependencies within building subsystems in relation to unplanned maintenance (UPM). Utilizing a three-step methodology—quantitative content analysis, component causal relationships, and interdependency analysis—the study leverages work order description data to identify key components and their interactions. By applying social network analysis to top keyword and term frequency data, the study examines component centrality, revealing critical interdependencies that impact maintenance needs. Findings show that specific components, such as the steel damper and supply fan, play prominent roles within the subsystem network, with significant ripple effects in case of failure. This methodology not only provides valuable insights for facility managers in prioritizing maintenance efforts but also offers a foundation for future predictive maintenance strategies
The Role of Personality Assessments (PAs) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry
No full textWith a long history of serving diverse industries, Personality Assessments (PAs) have been widely used to examine potential relationships between personality profiles, employee behavioral tendencies, and performance outcomes. The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry involves complex and interdependent processes that require the collaboration of diverse professionals with varying skills and roles. Individuals and teams play a critical role in these processes to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in project delivery. PAs have emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the intricacies of organizational dynamics within the AEC sector. However, their exploration and implementation have been limited, leading to a significant knowledge gap that presents challenges for firms striving to optimize talent management and maintain competitiveness. This study employs a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews with human resource managers, company executives, and senior leaders of AEC firms in the United States (U.S.) to investigate the utilization of PAs within the industry, shedding light on their advantages, disadvantages, and optimal practices. The results are based on 63 survey responses and 12 interviews. While perceptions of PAs are largely positive, challenges such as the need for careful planning, resource investment, and the risk of misuse were identified. Recommended best practices include clear implementation plans, cultural integration, and comprehensive training for employees and managers
Factors affecting residential property values: the case study of Kimberly, South Africa
Get PDFKimberley is a mining town in South Africa that has witnessed increased property values over the years. This study aimed to establish the factors contributing to the increase in residential property value in Kimberley. A quantitative research approach was used to attain the research objectives. Data were collected from 200 participants: landlords, tenants, estate agents, and property investors. Data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study found that people in the case study area generally perceive property values as high. The main factors affecting the hike in residential property values are mining activities, the associated employment opportunities, and the increased development in the area, among others. Study respondents were selected from Kimberley City; thus, the findings may not apply to other cities. The government must institute measures to avert Kimberley\u27s rise in property values and make it affordable to the working class and less-privileged individuals. The study gives an insight into the factors that have contributed to the hike in property values in Kimberley, thus guiding future property developers, buyers, and investors
Influence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unmanned Ground Vehicles on Workers Hazard Recognition Performance
Get PDFAs the construction industry evolves into a smart construction paradigm, the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) signifies a pivotal shift towards automation and intelligent environments. This study investigates the impact of robotic integration on workers\u27 hazard recognition performance (HRP) using an innovative virtual reality (VR) platform. Participants engaged in a controlled VR-based work-at-height scenario, allowing for the assessment of their hazard identification abilities in environments with and without UAVs and UGVs. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant 32% reduction in HRP when UAVs and UGVs were present, emphasizing the potential cognitive challenges and distractions associated with robotic systems. The findings underscore the need for enhanced training programs to address the cognitive demands and potential distractions posed by robotics in construction. Future research should extend these findings by incorporating eye-tracking technology to analyze visual attention patterns and explore a broader range of construction scenarios. This comprehensive approach aims to prepare workers for the complexities of smart construction and foster safer, more effective operational practices
Strategies for Mitigating the Challenges of Post-Disaster Reconstruction Projects: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFThe impacts of disasters range from social to physical, which comprise psychological impacts, economic impacts, casualties, damage to buildings and infrastructure, etc. While developing countries like Nigeria and Nepal are prone to suffering more human casualties, the effects of disasters in developed countries like Australia and Japan are felt more in buildings and infrastructure. Disasters leave the affected areas deprived of the capacity to function normally without support. Construction projects constitute the greatest loss component in the event of major disasters and thus render people homeless, insecure, and susceptible to unpleasant conditions. This makes post-disaster reconstruction a must in places hit by disasters to restore housing, which is already limited in supply due to the rising population. Therefore, this study will examine the challenges and the strategies employed to improve the success of post-disaster reconstruction projects through a systematic literature review using the PRISMA model. Journal articles between 2004 and 2024 were obtained from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The study results revealed that there is a steady increase in the number of publications on post-disaster reconstruction (PDR) projects. The study also discovered Inadequate labour, governance and management issues, logistic and supply issues; funding issues as the popular challenges while building capacities of participants and stakeholders, pre-disaster recovery planning, engagement of affected persons and community in PDR projects as the popular strategies for mitigating the challenges of post-disaster reconstruction. The study aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 of providing safe, resilient, and inclusive human settlements