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Pérez, Cristina Toca; Costa, Dayana
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/bepam-04-2018-0062
The purpose of this paper is to present a taxonomy of transportation waste in construction production processes based on lean construction (LC) principles.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology used is case study and the main stages for the identification of the transportation waste in two construction projects were: mapping physical flows; measurement of transportation time; and monitoring of transportation waste events; assessment of the taxonomy.FindingsThe main contribution of this paper is the proposition of a taxonomy of transportation waste in construction production processes through the understanding of the transportation waste causes and consequences.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the literature reviewed addresses sources from different parts of the world, the case studies performed are limited to one country, Brazil. However, the studies were carried out in two different construction sites separated by more than 3,000 km.Practical implicationsAll data collected during the taxonomy application can be organized in order to develop an improvement plan. Moreover, if data collected is disseminated, there is the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction sector.Social implicationsAlthough the paper does not explore in depth the impact of the study on society or policy, the theme of waste minimization is focused on cost reduction, and one way to do that is through the flow management for waste minimization.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the concept of transportation waste of production in construction based on LC philosophy, through the understanding of its causes and consequences.
Dolla, Tharun; Laishram, Boeing Singh
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2017-0087
The Low carbon (LC) agenda has captured interest across governments and research communities. But such focus is not addressed so far in the operation of municipal solid waste (MSW) infrastructure in India. The purpose of this paper is to draw focus on the promotion of low carbon infrastructure by improving the procurement process of the public–private partnership (PPP) approach.Design/methodology/approachThe current study employed a case study methodology. This paper develops and validates a “five-fold framework,” comprising of selection, financial, operational, standards and targets measures, for integrating LC principles in the procurement of infrastructure projects.FindingsThe public sector fails to understand the importance of the need to incorporate climate change mitigation strategies due to poor procurement competencies. With respect to the operationalization of the framework, funding of viability gap in operations instead of construction, allowing renegotiation clauses to cater possible future LC technological improvements and incorporating emission reduction targets at the local and national levels were highlighted.Research limitations/implicationsLC principles presented in this paper are not exhaustive and are verified using a single Indian PPP case. Future research endeavor can focus on the relevancy and operationalization of these principles using a more elaborate set of indicators and extend the study to other sectors and countries.Originality/valueThis paper seeks to act as guidelines for governments on how to create and improve LC MSW PPP infrastructure projects to facilitate simultaneous achievement of both climate change mitigation and infrastructure delivery goals. The current study could add value to the current emphasis on LC transitions by policymakers, government agencies and regulators.
Agbesi, Kwaku; Fugar, Frank D.; Adjei-Kumi, Theophilus
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2017-0108
The adoption of sustainable procurement in construction clients’ organisation remains a difficult concept. Current research of sustainable procurement adoption studies fails to focus on a multi-stage adoption process. The purpose of this paper is to develop an organisational adoption model in a multi-stage process for the adoption of sustainable procurement in construction.Design/methodology/approachThe paper developed an organisational adoption model. The model was tested against data obtained from survey administered to 193 respondents of central and local government institutions with a response rate of 63.7 per cent. Structural equation modelling using the partial least squares was employed to determine and confirm the factor structure of the model, and to measure the relationships between the model constructs.FindingsAn organisational adoption model is developed, tested and is robust to aid the adoption decision process of sustainable procurement within construction organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited in scope affecting generalisation of the results. Future study should expand the scope to include consultants, contractors and suppliers.Practical implicationsThe adoption model will assist policy makers and top managers to understand the adoption decision process and prioritise on the technological, organisational and environmental factors that significantly affect sustainable adoption decision process within construction organisations.Originality/valueThis study appears to be among the first to empirically develop an organisational adoption model to aid the adoption of sustainable procurement in construction.
Ranawaka, Indeewari; Mallawaarachchi, Harshini
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2017-0088
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the risks associated with green retrofit projects in Sri Lanka in order to develop a risk responsive framework.Design/methodology/approachThe survey method under the quantitative approach was selected as the research methodology as this research is required evaluating the risks associated with green retrofit projects. Both preliminary survey and the main questionnaire survey were conducted to collect the data. The survey data were evaluated and analysed by using mode value as a descriptive statistical analysis technique, and the risk rating matrix.FindingsThe overall results of risk assessment deliberated that there are ten “critical” risk factors, such as construction cost, inflation, energy saving uncertainty, warranty risk, delay in project completion, productivity and quality risks, requirement of permits and their approval, design changes, damage to structure or property and procurement delay influencing green retrofitting. Finally, a risk responsive framework was developed by proposing suitable strategies for mitigating the risks associated with green retrofitting.Practical implicationsThe developed framework can be used as a basis to mitigate the risks associated with green retrofitting projects. An abundant upgrade of existing high-rise buildings into green can be reached.Originality/valueA little attention paid on green retrofitting and the absence of proper risk management strategy for green retrofit projects in current practice have made this research a paramount need and a focal point.
Crippa, Julianna; Boeing, Letícia Cavassin; Caparelli, Ana Paula Angonese; da Costa, Marienne do Rocio de Mello Maron; Scheer, Sergio; Araujo, Aline Medeiros Ferreira; Bem, Diogo
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/BEPAM-10-2017-0093
PurposeAiming to simplify the extraction of embodied carbon data using a building information modeling (BIM) software, the purpose of this paper is to present a framework that integrates BIM and life cycle assessment (LCA), which are useful to the architecture, engineer and construction (AEC) industry. As a further purpose, this study also tests four different wall systems.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies design science research and it presents a framework that integrates BIM and LCA. For analysis and validation, a case study features four different wall systems costs based on the Brazilian context. In the proposed framework, SimaPro8 accomplishes the LCA, while ArchiCAD 19 the modeling.FindingsThe first analysis covers embodied carbon and the second covers the total cost of each m² of wall. The proposed framework performs well, and it is effective in the Brazilian context. Concerning the walls, the wood frame system is the most sustainable option within this analysis and the most financially feasible option in Brazil.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to embodied carbon data analysis, ensuring that the best choice of elements and components is being used in the building project. This BIM–LCA integrated solution is valuable not only to the AEC industry and to professionals, but also to future researchers. This analysis is of great value to new ventures, since the society shows a great concern about reducing GHGs emissions.
Victoria, Michele Florencia; Perera, Srinath
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2017-0095
The purpose of this paper is to identify the carbon intensive building elements or “carbon hotspots” of office buildings in order to maximise the carbon reduction potential during design stages.Design/methodology/approachEmbodied carbon (EC) estimates of 28 office buildings in the UK were obtained and carbon hotspots of the sample (in accordance with the new rules of measurement (NRM) element classification) were identified using the 80:20 Pareto principle.FindingsFrame, substructure, external walls, services and upper floors were identified as carbon hotspots of the selected sample. However, findings do not support the 80:20 ratio in this case but propose a ratio of 80:36. Stairs, internal walls and partitions, internal doors, wall finishes, ceiling finishes and fittings and furnishings were identified as carbon insignificant elements that have a lower EC reduction potential compared to the rest.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are applicable to office buildings in the UK but the methodology is adaptable to different types of buildings in other countries.Originality/valueFindings unveil carbon intensive and carbon insignificant building elements of typical office buildings in the UK. This informs designers of the elements that could yield the highest potential EC savings via effective design choices. In addition, a logical design timeline is proposed for building elements based on their element hotspot category and design sequence to assist design decision making.
Bandara, Chamali; Dissanayake, D.M.P.P.; Karunasena, Gayani; Madhusanka, Nadun
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2017-0102
The successful continuation of green certification in the Sri Lankan hotel sector is vital for tourism industry as well as the economy of the country as it balances the economic interests with social and environmental responsibilities. However, it has become an issue in the Sri Lankan hospitality and tourism industry to sustain green certification due to many challenges. The prevailing situation highlights the need of exploring long-term strategies to mitigate challenges in sustaining green certification which has not been researched to date. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to propose strategies to mitigate challenges in sustaining green certification in the hotel sector in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 3 hotels were selected as cases of the study and 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with engineers, maintenance managers and supervisors, who are responsible for sustaining green certificates at such hotels. The collected data were subjected to cross-case analysis to determine challenges in sustaining green certification. The findings were analysed with the support of the QSR.NVivo version 11.0 computer software.FindingsChallenges were identified in detail under five main categories. They are technical, managerial, political and legal, environment and biological and social and cultural. Such challenges include design and construction defects, use of poor quality building and other materials, improper maintenance practices, incomplete and unclear construction documents, plans and specifications, resource limitations, insufficient budget allocations, government intervention, legal constraints, lack of user awareness and natural environmental conditions. Finally, strategies to mitigate such challenges are proposed based on empirical research findings.Research limitations/implicationsOnly the Green Globe certified hotels in Sri Lanka were selected considering their need to renew certification annually. Further, interviewees were selected mainly focusing on the operational phase of a building. Hence, the findings were mostly limited to the perceptions and knowledge areas of selected interviewees. This can be highlighted as a primary limitation of the research, where a further study should be carried out on the perceptions of design stage professionals incorporating design stage challenges and strategies into the study.Originality/valueThe proposed strategies can be pursued by hoteliers to mitigate challenges in sustaining green certification, which will ultimately facilitate to balance economic interests with social and environmental responsibilities.
Weerasinghe, Achini Shanika; Ramachandra, Thanuja
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2017-0105
In Sri Lanka, a limited number of buildings have been certified for incorporation of green features and the reasons are attributed to green building investors who continue to perceive that green buildings are expensive. Further, the green building investors fail to appreciate the subsequent benefits received by those buildings during the operational phase. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to compare the life cycle cost (LCC) of green certified industrial manufacturing buildings with a similar form of the conventional buildings to establish the economic sustainability of green buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved a comparative case study analysis of two green buildings and a similar natured conventional building. The data required to perform the LCC analysis were extracted through documentary analysis.FindingsThe comparative analysis shows that the construction cost of a green industrial manufacturing building is 37 per cent higher than that of a similar natured conventional building while operation, maintenance and the end life cost of green buildings result in 28, 22 and 11 per cent savings, respectively. This results in an overall cost saving of 21 per cent in green buildings.Originality/valueThe current study provides an assessment of the total LCC of green industrial manufacturing buildings. In Sri Lanka, green industrial manufacturing buildings offer LCC saving of 21 per cent over its lifetime compared to similar natured conventional buildings. Thus, comparative analyses would enable green investors to make informed decisions before commissioning their investment in green facilities and thereby promote sustainable construction in Sri Lanka.
Yumarni, Tri; Amaratunga, Dilanthi
2018 Built Environment Project and Asset Management
doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2017-0086
The purpose of this paper is to discuss policy-relevant findings regarding strategies for mainstreaming gender in achieving sustainable post-disaster reconstruction (PDR).Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory case study was used to explore the implementation of gender mainstreaming strategies and the link to sustainable PDR. The Bantul and Sleman regencies of Yogyakarta province provide a unique site for researching PDR as they are located in a region that is more strongly affected by earthquakes than nearly any other in Indonesia. Data were collected through interviews with 17 key stakeholders and 26 beneficiaries who were involved during and after the earthquake. To support the interview findings, surveys involving 50 policy makers and 150 beneficiaries were conducted. Content analysis and t-statistics were used in analyzing the data.FindingsGender mainstreaming strategies within sustainable reconstruction should incorporate strategies for protecting against gender vulnerabilities and for promoting gender capacities. Both are fundamental to the achievement of sustainable PDR.Originality/valueThe paper establishes comprehensive strategies for mainstreaming gender under three pillars (i.e. economic, social and environmental) of sustainable development. The findings benefit relevant policy makers by improving the policy performance of gender mainstreaming in the affected communities in enhancing sustainable PDR.
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