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The Viability of Product-Service Systems in the UK Built Environment: an Exploratory Appraisal
Get PDFThere is growing industrial consensus that the built environment must rapidly transition to a more circular economy to maximises resource lifespan, minimises waste, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While circularity often focuses on design and waste reduction, new business models are essential for enabling this transition. Product-service systems (PSSs), a circular business proposition centred on product or service usage rather than ownership, has been the subject of growing research. Comprehensive feasibility appraisals on PSSs in this sector, however, are lacking. As such, this study employs Stewart Brand\u27s \u27shearing layers\u27 concept to analyse the viability of PSSs in the built environment and highlight areas of further research. By examining environmental, economic, and legal factors, the paper uses case study analysis cross-referenced with literature to establish potential opportunities and limitations for PSS implementation. Overall, the results suggest that product service models are compatible with several building layers in the built environment. The current fiscal and legal climate poses challenges to the viability of PSSs, but targeted reforms and further trials could facilitate their widespread implementation. Specifically, PSSs focused on achieving specific building performance targets, offer significant environmental benefits. This could most effectively be achieved through the assimilation of multiple building layers into an integrated product-service proposition, which should be the subject of continued testing. Overall, PSSs are not a silver bullet to decarbonisation but if inherent risks are mitigated and confidence is developed by clients, financial institutions and legal stakeholders, it could play a vital role in the transition towards a more circular built environment
The Activation of Open Building through an Adoption of Mass Timber Construction: A Case Series Analysis
Get PDFOpen Building (OB) represents a fundamental shift in the approach to building design viewing the overall superstructure (the base building) as one element and each unit/residence within (the infill/fitout) as separable non-standardised spaces. Mass Timber Construction (MTC) is a modern approach to building that utilises large structural wood components to create sustainable and innovative structures. To support and enable an OB approach MTC technology presents itself as a promising activating agent for the benefits of OB. The present study is a case series of five projects. The aim was to find evidence supporting a relationship between OB and MTC. A comparative analysis was performed. Details from the cases are presented and synthesised to identify the most impactful/effective practices of OB and MTC. The case series analysis resulted in the development of a model, at the centre is the core purpose ‘renewable technology and building adaptability\u27 surrounding the core are all the identified themes including ‘renewable technology, circularity and design for disassembly\u27. Recommendations from the study include promoting the integration of OB in MTC project designs. Adopt a Design for Disassembly (DfD) approach in the designing of future buildings. Foster collaboration between parties involved in the design of the building and include end-users in the conversation. Upskilling design teams through the dissemination of best practices, conducting more research into the combination of concepts, and identifying regions and sectors that will be able to accommodate the combined technology as a viable solution and overcome any barriers to implementation or greater adoption
Leveraging Sensing as a Dynamic Capability: A Strategy-as-Practice Approach to Enhancing Organizational Resilience in Construction Firms
No full textThis study examines how construction firms operationalize sensing as a dynamic capability to enhance resilience in the face of escalating environmental pressures, addressing critical gaps in research on organizational adaptation within the construction sector. Grounded in the strategy-as-practice perspective, the research employs a qualitative case study approach, gathering data through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis reveals the mechanisms by which sensing capabilities are developed and applied, emphasizing structured systems, iterative reviews, and strategic integration of technology. Findings highlight that tools like Entrepreneurial Operating Systems, AI, and drones play a pivotal role in enabling real-time risk identification and decision-making. Leadership-driven cultural practices, including transparency, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving, further embed sensing within daily operations. Diversification strategies, reflective practices such as postmortems, and alignment of long-term goals with short-term objectives emerge as critical enablers of resilience. However, contextual challenges, including regulatory inconsistencies, competition from foreign firms, and socio-economic pressures like community disruptions, influence the efficacy of sensing practices. These insights underscore the importance of robust systems and adaptive strategies in fostering resilience amid volatility. This study provides actionable recommendations for practitioners to strengthen resilience through enhanced sensing and informs policymakers on fostering supportive regulatory and economic environments. The research advances both theoretical understanding and practical strategies for resilience-building in the construction sector, contributing to sustainable growth in a volatile industry landscape
SMART CITY DIGITAL TWIN: A SYSTEM-OF-SYSTEMS APPROACH
Get PDFThe concept of smart cities has emerged to battle the problems facing cities from rapid urbanization and mismanagement of resources. In order to monitor and control these large-scale environments such as cities, digital twins were proposed. These digital twins represent a large-scale environment virtually and connect it to the physical world. However, complexity arises when studying these cities. A city is a complex system of interconnected systems, or a system-of-systems (SoS), according to definitions by systems engineering. To understand how SoS can be applied to a smart city digital twin, a literature review is first conducted on SoS applications in construction in order to understand how to apply it to the different parts of a smart city. This paper the proposes a unique view on smart city digital twins by applying the system-of-systems engineering approach to view the cities and thereby understand and model them
Revitalisation of Urban Heritage Sites through Community-Based facilities Management: The Case of Botswana
Get PDFThis paper explores the role of community-based facilities management (CbFM) in the revitalisation and utilisation of heritage sites, focusing primarily on government-owned urban heritage sites in Botswana, particularly those that are facing dilapidation and/or obsolescence. In addition, it discusses CbFM through the confluence of its main pillars with that of placemaking. Existing research points to the insufficiency in the literature concerning an in-depth investigation into heritage CbFM that integrates placemaking principles in cities of the global South. The paper argues for and presents a theoretical framework that outlines the confluence of CbFM and placemaking for the holistic management and revitalisation of built heritage sites in the context of Botswana
Smart Device Energy Adaptation: Critical Drivers towards Energy Sustainability in Purpose-Built Student Housing Market in Ghana
Get PDFThe high demand and energy consumption in student housing raise significant financial, social, environmental, and organizational concerns in achieving sustainability. This study assesses the critical drivers of smart energy adaptation among Purpose-Built student housing in Ghana. The study used a quantitative research method, whilst 225 questionnaire surveys were distributed among the student housing investors (through Public-Private Partnership) within eight public tertiary and technical universities in Ghana. The study findings uncovered eight energy devices used in student housing in Ghana, which were classified into entertainment, cooking, learning, ventilation, heating, laundry, consumer electronics, and personal grooming appliances. Thus, a 59%, 25%, and 17% energy appliance use rate as personal and academic appliances, cooking and heating, and laundry and entertainment devices, respectively. The study findings further revealed that the most critical drivers for the adoption of smart energy devices in student housing in Ghana are operational, energy security, innovation, and social purposes. The correlation of these drivers displayed a high eigenvalue value greater than 0.5, which indicates significance for adapting to smart energy devices. The study concluded that a meaningful understanding of the adaptation and acceptance of smart energy devices from a student housing perspective and their relevance to smart energy device designers and practitioners is critically important for achieving energy sustainability and optimal building performance
Enhancing Disaster Resilience: A Review of Public-Private Partnership Models for Secondary Hazard Risk Transfer
Get PDFDisasters, whether natural or man-made, often result in cascading secondary impacts that exacerbate direct damages and losses. While governments at different levels bear most of the response and recovery costs, the increasing frequency and severity of disasters have stretched public budgets, suggesting the need for collaboration with the private sector. However, innovative risk transfer instruments involving private capital markets have emerged globally to help governments and communities better manage expenditures related to secondary hazards. Therefore, this study reviews public-private partnership (PPP) models to identify those that can help transfer risks associated with secondary hazards. Through a systematic review of literature sourced from academic databases (Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar), reports, and case studies, the study identifies and narratively analyses different PPP models used internationally to transfer multi-hazard and indirect risks out of publicly funded reconstruction programs. The study found that some PPP models for risk transfer, including parametric insurance, index-based insurance, catastrophe bonds, resilience bonds, and risk-sharing agreements, are effective mechanisms for enhancing resilience, promoting financial stability, and mitigating the socio-economic impacts of disasters. The findings of the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge by offering valuable implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to address the complexities of disaster risk management through collaborative approaches, as well as to identify key considerations and potential solutions related to risk transfers in PPPs. The study concludes that effective PPPs need suitable model selection, strong stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and thorough risk management
Designing and Prototyping a Smart Upper-Limb Exoskeleton for Enhancing Wellbeing and Productivity in Construction
Get PDFThe construction industry is plagued by high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), workplace injuries, and low worker productivity, necessitating innovative solutions to enhance worker safety, health, and efficiency. This study presents the design and prototyping of, a wearable upper-limb exoskeleton (EXOCON) tailored for construction tasks, particularly heavy lifting. The exoskeleton integrates advanced technologies, including ergonomic and biomechanical engineering, multimodal sensory systems, and a hierarchical control architecture, to provide active assistance while minimizing physical strain on workers. Anthropometric and 3D body scanning techniques were employed to customize the design for diverse body sizes and genders, ensuring user inclusivity and comfort. EXOCON’s sensory system incorporates inertial measurement units (IMUs) and a wireless camera to collect real-time kinematic and environmental data, processed through a deep learning-based multimodal control system for accurate intention prediction and adaptive task support. The prototype achieved significant reductions in biceps muscle strain and demonstrated an overall classification accuracy of 99% for user actions. These findings underscore the potential of EXOCON to enhance worker safety and productivity while mitigating MSD-related risks in construction environments. The study concludes with recommendations for the adoption of wearable exoskeletons in construction and highlights areas for future research, including expanding the device’s functionality, integrating it with digital construction site technologies, and exploring its long-term impacts on worker health and efficiency. This research advances the role of wearable technologies in creating safer, more sustainable construction practices
A Comprehensive Review of Plastic Recycling in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Opportunities in the U.S.
Get PDFPlastic, owing to its strength and versatility, has become one of the most widely used synthetic materials globally. In the construction industry, plastics are essential for applications like pipes, insulation, membranes, and structural components. However, their extensive use poses significant environmental challenges, exacerbated by material contamination, mixed waste streams, economic disincentives, and insufficient regulatory frameworks. This study examines the recyclability of plastics used in the construction industry based on the Resin Identification Code classification system and identifies key barriers and opportunities for plastic recycling. Findings highlight technological advancements such as chemical and biological recycling, which offer potential solutions but remain constrained by high costs and infrastructure limitations. The study also underscores the need for enhanced training programs, policy interventions, and industry collaboration to improve plastic waste management. The results lay the groundwork for developing targeted training materials to enhance recycling practices and promote environmental stewardship. Training should educate stakeholders on the types of plastics used in the construction industry, practical methods for minimizing contamination, and leveraging advanced recycling technologies. By addressing these challenges, the study aims to foster a circular economy, reduce environmental impacts, and promote sustainable building practices
Reducing Embodied Carbon Emissions of High-rise Concrete Modular Buildings Leveraging Lightweight Module Design
Get PDFTo reduce embodied carbon (EC) emissions from the construction industry, promoting modular buildings, especially for highly populated regions, is of crucial importance. Nonetheless, the heavyweights of concrete modules have been reported to lead to a series of logistical problems in manufacturing, transportation, and hoisting. On the other hand, the double-panel issues in modular buildings posed concerns related to inefficient material usage, thus leading to potential EC increments. This paper aims to adopt the practical and idealized parametric lightweight designs of modules to estimate the EC reductions throughout the cradle-to-end-of-construction stages. Two types of lightweight module designs, i.e., dematerialized module and lightweight concrete module, were examined in high-rise concrete modular buildings in Hong Kong, considering the structural system features. The results indicate that the utilization of lightweight concrete in non-structural components of modular buildings resulted in EC reductions of 10.1% for a typical floor. Dematerialization by 30% on modules exerts the potential to reduce 11.6% EC for modular buildings compared to regular designs. The findings presented in this paper could provide valuable reference to assess the carbon-saving potentials of adopting lightweight modules in Hong Kong and worldwide