Flavio Celis-D’Amico, Ernesto Echeverria-Valiente, Rodrigo Garcia-Alvarado, Olavo Escorcia-Oyola and Fernando da Casa-Martín
This study aims to introduce the results of a research carried out to develop a prototype of a highly energy-efficient modular detached house, called CASA+ CASA means HOUSE in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to introduce the results of a research carried out to develop a prototype of a highly energy-efficient modular detached house, called CASA+ CASA means HOUSE in spanish, adapted to the climatic features of central-southern Chile. The project enables a sustainable alternative to facilitate the reconstruction of the residential areas after the impact of the 2010 earthquake.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is based on an “integrated design process” of a case study that proposes a constructive response that quantitatively and qualitatively improves the initial data of traditional dwellings. The characteristics of the new system have been simulated with specific software to validate the final decisions, considering the cost–benefit ratio.
Findings
Simulation tools were used to assess and improve the system’s energy performance with respect to present options and to analyse its economic and construction viability. We obtained several economically competitive housing prototypes that substantially reduced energy consumption and the CO2 footprint by between 20% and 80%.
Research limitations/implications
The prototype has not been developed, as we are waiting for funding, but all its energy features have been simulated.
Practical implications
Furthermore, this experience also identified similar modifications made to the design of the houses, which revealed general possibilities for improving energy performance.
Social implications
The origin of this research is a public call for international researchers to improve the quality of the new homes to be built in Chile after the strong earthquake of 2010. The result of the research has been put at the direct service of Chilean society and in other international projects for the construction of low-energy social housing.
Originality/value
These are the result of a long research aimed at establishing a new architectural model that, in addition to improving the architectural quality of the product, obtains significant improvements in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The most particular aspect is the practical vocation and its implementation with real construction with the support of construction companies.
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Tanya Munir, Rao Muhammad Atif Jamal and Sean Watt
Construction projects in developing countries frequently face criticism for engaging in social and environmentally irresponsible practices. Therefore, the purpose behind this…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction projects in developing countries frequently face criticism for engaging in social and environmentally irresponsible practices. Therefore, the purpose behind this research stems from the critique, requiring to formulate a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework that integrates sustainable innovation into business processes through stakeholder engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 23 experts from the Pakistan construction industry took part in the Delphi study. Criteria set in terms of diverse backgrounds, organization size, characteristics or experiences of experts.
Findings
The finding reveals that the integration of CSR with sustainable innovation demands significant change in business processes, starting from planning, implementing and oversighting stages of project management and a demand for top management commitment to realize sustainable benefits that deliver value to all stakeholders.
Originality/value
Construction projects in developing countries frequently face criticism for engaging in socially and environmentally irresponsible practices. Therefore, the purpose behind this research stems from the critique, requiring to formulate a comprehensive CSR framework that integrates sustainable innovation into business processes through stakeholder engagement. In total, 23 experts from the Pakistan construction industry took part in the Delphi study. Criteria set in terms of diverse backgrounds, organization size, characteristics, or experiences of experts. The finding reveals that the integration of CSR with sustainable innovation demand significant change in business processes, starting from the planning, implementing and oversighting stages of project management and a demand for top management commitment to realize sustainable benefits that deliver value to all stakeholders.
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Padma Priyan, An Le, Niluka Domingo and Thi Huong Quynh To
New Zealand (NZ) has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with the refurbishment of existing buildings and infrastructure playing a crucial role in this…
Abstract
Purpose
New Zealand (NZ) has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with the refurbishment of existing buildings and infrastructure playing a crucial role in this endeavour. This research aims to evaluate current zero-carbon refurbishment (ZCR) practices and collect expert perspectives to improve these practices across the country.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing a qualitative approach, this study involves semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including construction managers, engineers, cost managers, quantity surveyors and sustainability experts. It also includes an analysis of industry documents to enrich the findings.
Findings
The research highlights effective strategies and tools currently used for achieving ZCR, with a focus on carbon assessment and life cycle costing techniques. Key challenges identified include the need for accurate building data, access to consistent and reliable carbon data sources, standardised methodologies for carbon assessment, specialist involvement and enhanced collaboration and integration. Based on these insights, the study offers practical recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making and help stakeholders select cost-effective ZCR options, thereby fostering sustainable practices in NZ and potentially influencing global standards.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into the practical aspects and critical considerations necessary for successful ZCR projects. By fostering a deeper understanding of these elements, it assists in making informed decisions that advance sustainable practices in the refurbishment sector.
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Ain Farhana Jamaludin, Mohd Fariz Helmi Husain and Muhammad Najib Razali
This study aims to examine the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in Malaysian public-listed property companies, focusing on how these…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in Malaysian public-listed property companies, focusing on how these entities incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. The research evaluates the extent of ESG adoption and its implications for the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs an ESG matrix derived from existing literature to systematically evaluate companies’ adherence to ESG principles. Variations in implementation across the sector are highlighted, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities of ESG integration.
Findings
The results reveal that while some companies demonstrate strong ESG performance, others encounter barriers such as high costs and limited awareness. Additionally, the study identifies the impact of ESG integration on corporate governance and financial performance, influenced by regulatory pressures, investor demands and global sustainability objectives.
Originality/value
The findings emphasise the growing importance of ESG frameworks in driving long-term competitiveness within the Malaysian property sector. The research calls for enhanced governance structures and greater transparency in ESG reporting to address existing gaps and align with global sustainability trends.
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Mariana Andrei and Simon Johnsson
This study aims to develop a maturity model to assess manufacturing companies’ adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency and to formulate strategies to facilitate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a maturity model to assess manufacturing companies’ adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency and to formulate strategies to facilitate progress toward higher maturity levels. To achieve this goal, the study will identify and analyze the challenges inherent in the adoption and implementation of digital technologies for energy efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a mixed methodology, combining analysis of the literature for building a maturity model and a questionnaire for validating the model and developing strategies for advancing maturity. The questionnaire was answered by 101 Swedish manufacturing companies.
Findings
The findings reveal that the aluminum industries and iron and steel industries exhibit higher maturity levels in adopting digital technologies. Most companies are intermediate adopters utilizing core technologies such as the Internet of things, cloud and big data for energy use monitoring, analysis and reporting. A smaller subset of companies, identified as leading adopters, reached the highest maturity level, integrating artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and machine learning into their energy management systems to optimize both production and energy use. A key challenge identified is the “lack of knowledge” regarding the adoption and implementation of these technologies.
Research limitations/implications
It is essential to emphasize that the developed maturity model does not prioritize the adoption of multiple types of digital technologies. From a maturity standpoint, what truly matters is how effectively the information obtained from digital technologies is utilized in energy efficiency and energy management work to create knowledge and, thus, add value to the organization.
Practical implications
The maturity model and the strategies for advancing maturity related to the adoption of digital technology for energy efficiency are designed to be applicable to all types of manufacturing industries regardless of what sector or country the company is active in. The model can also be used by academia or other actors interested in evaluating the maturity level for the adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency in companies in the manufacturing industry. The developed strategies offer guidance on determining which activities to undertake within the organization based on its current level of maturity.
Originality/value
This study’s main contributions are: (1) the maturity model to assess digital technology adoption for energy efficiency, (2) a set of strategies to advance maturity in adoption and (3) empirical investigation of maturity levels in the adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency in 101 Swedish manufacturing companies.
Details
Keywords
- Energy efficiency
- Sustainable manufacturing systems
- Maturity model for digital technologies adoption
- Digital technologies for energy efficiency
- Challenges to the adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency
- Strategies for advancing maturity in the adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency
Edward Ayebeng Botchway, Kofi Agyekum, Judith Amudjie and Hayford Pittri
This study aims to explore occupants’ perceived importance and satisfaction with high-rise students’ housing facilities’ fire safety considerations (FSCs). The specific objectives…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore occupants’ perceived importance and satisfaction with high-rise students’ housing facilities’ fire safety considerations (FSCs). The specific objectives are to explore the FSCs for high-rise students’ housing facilities and assess the level of importance and satisfaction with the FSCs provided in high-rise students’ housing facilities in controlling fire outbreaks.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an exploratory sequential design with an initial qualitative phase followed by a quantitative data collection phase. Twenty FSCs were identified through the qualitative phase via semistructured interviews. Their importance and satisfaction were revealed through survey questionnaires with 168 respondents who stayed in or were involved in the operation of high-rise students’ housing facilities. Data from the qualitative phase were analyzed thematically, and those obtained from the quantitative phase were analyzed descriptively and inferentially.
Findings
The study’s findings revealed that all the 20 FSCs identified via the qualitative phase and confirmed through the quantitative phase were perceived to be very important in fighting fires in high-rise students’ housing facilities. However, only 9 out of the 20 FSCs received some satisfaction among the respondents in fighting fires in the facilities.
Originality/value
This study offers insight into a rare study area, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, it grants insight into the occupants’ perspective regarding which FSCs they consider essential and their level of satisfaction with such FSCs in fighting fires in high-rise students’ housing facilities.
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Yusri Yusri, Najwa Almaida, Rahmadani Rahmadani, Siti Nur Aisyah, Nur Awalya and Viqri Ananta Idhma
This study aims to examine the forms of victim blaming in online news coverage of sexual harassment cases in higher education and analyze the extent to which the news patterns…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the forms of victim blaming in online news coverage of sexual harassment cases in higher education and analyze the extent to which the news patterns affect readers’ perceptions of victims.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used a mixed method that combined qualitative and quantitative methods through a sequential exploratory design model. The text of the news coverage of sexual harassment cases in higher education published in online media was analyzed using the discourse analysis model. The survey was conducted among 300 university students in Indonesia, who were selected using the cluster sampling method.
Findings
Many news reports in online media still use approaches that implicitly or explicitly indicate victim blaming in cases of sexual violence. There are three common types of victim blaming found in media reporting on sexual violence: seeking attention, passive behavior and being unalert. Findings show that although students, as readers, show a significant tendency to blame victims of sexual harassment after reading the news excerpts provided. This shows that reporting on sexual harassment, which is categorized as leading to victim blaming, has been proven to make readers blame the victim in the context of the sexual harassment case.
Practical implications
This study can provide recommendations for fairer and more sensitive reporting toward victims, as well as raising awareness of the importance of supporting victims of sexual harassment.
Originality/value
This study identifies forms of victim blaming in the news and analyzes how these patterns affect readers’ perceptions. Previous research has not studied this combination of analysis.
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Terence Y.M. Lam and Robin M. Jones
For historical buildings, devastating fires often result in the destruction of the cultural heritage. This study aims to establish a total framework for achieving fire…
Abstract
Purpose
For historical buildings, devastating fires often result in the destruction of the cultural heritage. This study aims to establish a total framework for achieving fire compartmentation while maintaining culture value in historic public building facilities, which are often adapted to provide business functions such as historic museums and public attractions.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework was validated by triangulation, using primary data from three case studies (observational surveys and interviews with key stakeholders), and four expert interviews from conservation specialists, fire engineering and architectural practitioners.
Findings
Evidentially adverse impact from occupational activities and low-impact protection methods for providing effective fire spread mitigation were confirmed. The total framework was validated, comprising three elements of education, low-impact protection methods and strategic planned maintenance.
Research limitations/implications
Data were collected from public heritage buildings managed by a county council in Wales. To generalise the results and ensure universal applications, the scope of this study should be expanded nationwide. Further research should also be conducted internationally.
Practical implications
Facilities managers should raise awareness of operational management on the importance of fire protection through education and training relating to operational management and fire spread; use low-impact methods to reduce fire spread; and apply strategic planned maintenance to ensure maintenance standards and inspection control. The low-impact innovative materials identified can be developed into a niche market for fire safety improvement.
Originality/value
There is a lack of research into passive and operational fire safety measures for historic buildings. The total framework can be used as a tool for strategic facilities management to achieve fire safety and maintain cultural value for historic buildings at both adaptation and occupancy stages, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to social, environmental and economic sustainability.
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Rasha Adel, Naglaa Megahed, Asmaa M. Hassan and Merhan Shahda
Passive design strategies contribute to improving indoor comfort conditions and reducing buildings' energy consumption. For several years, courtyards have received wide attention…
Abstract
Purpose
Passive design strategies contribute to improving indoor comfort conditions and reducing buildings' energy consumption. For several years, courtyards have received wide attention from researchers because of their significant role in reducing energy demand. However, the abundance of multi-story buildings and the courtyards' incompatibility with them, the courtyard is currently limited. Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternatives. This paper aims to bridge the gaps in previous limited studies considering skycourt as a passive alternative on the vertical plane of the facades in contrast to the courtyard.
Design/methodology/approach
This research presents an overview and a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of the courtyard to the skycourt via VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package.
Findings
The research provided various concepts related to skycourt as a promising passive design strategy, which can be suitable for multi-story buildings, starting with its evolution, characteristics, configurations, benefits, and challenges.
Practical implications
The findings can urge designers, researchers and policymakers to incorporate such an important passive alternative.
Social implications
Researchers, instructors, educational specialists, faculty members, and decision-makers can provide design motivation for skycourt in buildings, in addition to achieving awareness about skycourt and its significant benefits and its role as an important passive design strategy.
Originality/value
The research highlights the possibilities of the skycourt and its role as a passive design element as an extension of the courtyard in addition to identifying design indicators that help designers determine the appropriate designs.
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Meenakshi Sharma and Nishu Gupta
With the use of a curriculum framework, consumer educators can “work to improve their students' emotional states and examine critically their self-beliefs.” Active learning…
Abstract
Purpose
With the use of a curriculum framework, consumer educators can “work to improve their students' emotional states and examine critically their self-beliefs.” Active learning research has focused on attitudinal reactions rather than cognitive outcomes. It can be processed and implemented for real, dynamic and vibrant learning whereas passive learning is used to acquire ideas and information that is available for recall. This study aims to assess the impact of active and passive learning tools on Environmentally sustainable consumption behaviour [ESCB]. This study will help to grasp the authorities' focus on recommending the types of active and passive learning for the institutions for enhancing Environmentally sustainable consumption behaviour [ESCB] among children.
Design/methodology/approach
The data analysis for this study was conducted using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), a statistical method commonly used to compare the means of multiple groups to determine if there are significant differences among them. The study followed an experimental design, specifically a pre-test–post-test control group design, which is ideal for assessing the impact of an intervention. The study involved a total of 641 school children as participants. These children were distributed across three grade levels: Third Class, Fourth Class and Fifth Class.
Findings
It was found that active learning forms were effective and statistically significant for impacting ESCB as compared to control group results. It was also found that passive learning forms were an effective but statistically non-significant method for impacting ESCB among primary school children.
Research limitations/implications
Based on the findings, the study concluded that while active learning styles have a greater impact on ESCB than passive learning styles, it is still necessary to determine which active or passive learning styles are most effective in influencing ESCB.
Practical implications
This study will assist educators in understanding the kinds of Active and Passive learning environments that can be used to encourage children's environmentally friendly consumption practices.
Originality/value
This paper is entirely novel and has been composed by the author