Pages: 353 - 365 Abstract: Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, Page 353-365, September 2017. Purpose The zero carbon building (ZCB) approach has gained momentum in improving energy performance and reducing carbon emissions. Despite policy promotion for achieving zero carbon, innovative business models (BMs) are needed to overcome the challenges and accelerate the ZCB uptake. However, little research has examined ZCB and BM in tandem, and business strategies for ZCB delivery. The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical relations between BM and ZCB. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a critical review of the definitions, components, and theoretical bases of BM and ZCB, this paper develops a conceptual model that maps out the multifaceted interrelations between ZCB and BM at both project and organisational levels. Findings The results discover co-productive interrelations between BM and ZCB in four aspects, namely, value offering, project delivery process, stakeholder network, and revenue generation logic. Innovative BMs address the socio-technical challenges to delivering ZCBs through innovating BM components, while ZCB provides a new paradigm of organisational-level systems to BM innovations as a source of corporate competitiveness. Practical implications The findings will be of immense benefit to the decision makers of construction organisations in enhancing their business strategies for successful ZCB deliveries, and help to de-risk business innovations and ZCB take-up for their maximised synergies. Originality/value The findings contribute a novel approach to disentangling the complex co-productive interrelations between BM and ZCB. This review calls for a step change in future research into the two important areas, BM and ZCB, in an interrelated manner. Citation: Built Environment Project and Asset Management PubDate: 2017-09-18T10:38:40Z DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-11-2016-0064
Pages: 366 - 376 Abstract: Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, Page 366-376, September 2017. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to create and present a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction (LEED NC) building performance assessment model that will identify and prioritize external parameters affecting a LEED-certified building’s operational performance. Design/methodology/approach The uncertainty associated with external parameters affecting a LEED-certified building’s operational performance is examined through the use of analytic network process (ANP). An ANP model is created based on the extensive literature research and experiences of professionals in the green building industry. Eight case studies are analyzed, and data collected through interviews with experts are utilized in prioritizing external parameters affecting buildings’ operational performance. Findings The findings show that the most important external parameters affecting a LEED-certified building’s operational performance are lack of enhanced commissioning, lack of life cycle assessment/life cycle costing analysis, lack of energy modeling, and lack of knowledge in green technology. The results demonstrate that both asset value and profit, as well as the economic life of the facility, are mostly affected by the energy efficiency of the building, and consequently LEED NC energy and atmosphere category. Originality/value This research contributes to the body of knowledge on green architecture by defining and prioritizing external parameters and their relationships to operational building performance in LEED NC projects. The proposed model can be used by construction managers and facility managers to operate LEED-certified buildings better and reduce environmental impacts throughout the functional life cycle of the building. Citation: Built Environment Project and Asset Management PubDate: 2017-09-18T10:38:34Z DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-11-2016-0073
Pages: 377 - 387 Abstract: Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, Page 377-387, September 2017. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the enablers and barriers to the adoption of green leasing in Sri Lanka and propose probable solutions. Design/methodology/approach As an in-depth investigation was required, the case study method with a qualitative approach was selected as the research methodology. A documentary review and semi-structured interviews on three selected green buildings were conducted to study their leasing processes. QSR NVivo statistical analysis software was used for the content analysis. Findings Enablers and barriers to the adoption of green leasing under different categories such as those related to processes, institutions and government and also to legal, economic and social factors were determined along with probable solutions identified through a comprehensive framework that was developed. Practical implications The findings can be used as a basis to evaluate the current leasing processes that have adopted this emerging and important approach toward the sustainable operation and management of green buildings. Originality/value The little attention paid to this latest concept makes it important to evaluate the adoptability of green leasing in developing countries. Hence, the determination of key enablers, barriers and solutions was the focal point of this research. Citation: Built Environment Project and Asset Management PubDate: 2017-09-18T10:38:34Z DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-11-2016-0059
Pages: 388 - 399 Abstract: Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, Page 388-399, September 2017. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an ontology of eco or natural assets to represent eco asset knowledge at two levels: eco asset metal model and eco asset ontology (EA_Onto). The three objectives of this paper are to: define eco assets explicitly to reach a common understanding of the terms; evaluate the ontology; and discuss a potential area of application. Design/methodology/approach A seven-step methodology was used to develop the proposed ontology: define the scope; develop the eco asset meta model (EA_MM), define taxonomy, code ontology, capture ontology, evaluate ontology and document ontology. Findings The EA_MM was developed to represent eco asset domain knowledge, which was further extended to develop the EA_Onto, explicitly defining the eco asset knowledge in asset management. As a part of evaluation, it was found that the knowledge representation is consistent, concise, clear, complete and correct. Practical implications Theoretically, the proposed ontology is a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in asset management. Practically, the knowledge representation provides a common understanding of eco assets for asset management experts. In addition, it will be used in applications for effective eco asset management. Originality/value The current literature lacks explicit declaration of eco assets, how they are related to built environment for effective integration and how asset management functions are to be applied to accomplish effective eco asset management. Presently, eco assets are managed on an ad hoc basis, which need to be explicitly defined through developing an EA_Onto for implementation in applications for effective eco asset management. Citation: Built Environment Project and Asset Management PubDate: 2017-09-18T10:38:43Z DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-11-2016-0061
Pages: 400 - 412 Abstract: Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, Page 400-412, September 2017. Purpose Water conservationists have been promoting a hierarchy of measures to preserve water resources in the face of decreasing freshwater availability in the world. However, applicability of water hierarchy to the construction industry is yet to be investigated. To fill this knowledge gap, the purpose of this paper is to investigate water usage, water use efficiency, and conservation measures relevant to the construction operations. Design/methodology/approach A triangulation-based mixed-methods approach was adopted for the collection and analysis of data. First, four case studies were carried out to explore the current practices and the possibilities of applying the water hierarchy to the construction operations. This was followed by a questionnaire survey, administered among construction professionals to obtain their views and to verify the findings of case studies. Findings Strategies such as reuse and recycling were found to be less applicable and least preferred by the construction professionals compared to reduce, replace, and eliminate. Based on the research findings, three enabling measures, namely, regulation, responsibility, and reward, were found to enhance the effectiveness of these conservation strategies. Practical implications Knowledge on preferences of different water conservation measures among the construction professionals and their effectiveness on construction site could help the construction companies to device strategies to mitigate water wastage and enhance water use efficiency. It could also help policy-makers to develop guidelines that would have higher probability of acceptance among construction stakeholders. Originality/value The study proposes an extended water hierarchy (3R.6R) by integrating three enabling measures discussed above for the construction project sites. Citation: Built Environment Project and Asset Management PubDate: 2017-09-18T10:38:31Z DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-01-2017-0006
Pages: 413 - 425 Abstract: Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, Page 413-425, September 2017. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the sustainability benefits of using demolition and industrial wastes as a replacement for aggregates and cement in traditional concrete mixes. Design/methodology/approach Crushed concrete from demolition sites served as a replacement for fine and coarse aggregate in some of the mixes at various ratios. In addition, ground granulated blast furnace slag, metakaolin, silica fume, and fly ash each served as a cement replacement for cement content in the mixes tested in this research at various rates. Compression strength tests, permeability, and thermal expansion tests were performed on various mixes to compare their performance to that of traditional mixes with natural aggregate, and with no cement replacement. Findings The compressive strength results indicated the suitability of using such demolition wastes as replacements in producing green concrete (GC) without hindering its mechanical characteristics significantly. In addition, the results indicated an enhancement in the mechanical characteristics of GC when replacing cement with pozzolanic industrial wastes and byproducts. Originality/value The research assesses the utilization of sustainable GC using recycled waste aggregate and byproducts. Citation: Built Environment Project and Asset Management PubDate: 2017-09-18T10:38:25Z DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-09-2016-0047
Pages: 426 - 440 Abstract: Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, Page 426-440, September 2017. Purpose There is a growing concern that contractors can be motivated for environmental protection through effective fund allocation and proper payment mechanisms. However, an in-depth analysis of environmental hazard-controlling methods and related payments to the contractor in road construction in Sri Lanka is not much popular among the extant literature. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore different payment mechanisms that are being used with environmental hazard-controlling methods, to achieve better control in such hazards in Sri Lankan road construction projects. Design/methodology/approach This research was approached through a mixed research method. Initially, hazard-controlling methods and relative payment mechanisms for the contractor were identified through three exploratory case studies using interviews, observations and document survey. Next, the relative effectiveness of payment mechanisms for contractors for better environmental hazard controlling was identified through a questionnaire survey with a sample of 45 professionals involved in 15 road construction projects. Findings Based on the findings, a comprehensive list of environmental hazard-controlling methods was derived. Furthermore, four types of payment mechanisms were identified: (A)-payments, where a unit price was assigned; (B)-payments, where a provisional sum was established in the contract; (C)-payments, where fixed amounts (lump sums) were assigned in the contract and (D)-payments made along with some main work item in the contract. Relative effectiveness of these four mechanisms for better control of environmental hazards was varied for each hazard-controlling method being practiced in a road construction project. Originality/value These findings would be more beneficial for consultants, project managers, bidders and estimators in the pre-contract stage. This is by identifying cost items for environmental hazard controlling and selecting relatively more effective payment mechanisms to motivate contractors for better control of environmental hazards during project execution. Citation: Built Environment Project and Asset Management PubDate: 2017-09-18T10:38:36Z DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-11-2016-0069
Pages: 441 - 455 Abstract: Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Volume 7, Issue 4, Page 441-455, September 2017. Purpose Most megaprojects focus on overcoming current infrastructure capacity problems or opening up new business opportunities, while a few may be inspired by iconic-symbolic or socio-political drivers. Also, many megaprojects may be seen to focus on benefitting proximate stakeholders in the short-medium term. A case is made here, for aligning the immediate expectations from a megaproject with a parallel focus on the best overall value for all, including long-term stakeholders, thereby also targeting more meaningful and sustainable contributions to the built environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws together and synergises relevant findings from two completed PhD projects and another research project in Hong Kong. Additionally, a focused literature survey and a case study, also contribute to the development of the proposed concepts and strategies. This is therefore a hybrid between a “review” paper and a “conceptual” paper where a suite of significant improvements to current practice are conceptualised and proposed, based on logical integration of relevant findings from the above three research projects, literature review and case study. Findings Inadequate stakeholder engagement has led to many process disruptions and adverse outcomes in recent megaprojects. A structured approach focusing throughout on common overall value from the outset is proposed to achieve better and more sustainable megaproject outcomes. Specific recommendations include: aligning megaproject stakeholder objectives with regional or even national needs and targeting co-creation of common value through early stakeholder involvement in planning and design of built infrastructure megaprojects. Originality/value The increasing number, scale and complexity of megaprojects has amplified their impact on the built environment and its sustainability, hence the imperative to incorporate sustainability considerations, so as to formulate and manage megaprojects better. The proposed approaches in this paper can help revamp megaproject strategies towards such sustainable outcomes. Citation: Built Environment Project and Asset Management PubDate: 2017-09-18T10:38:26Z DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-01-2017-0003
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