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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1993

Bill Bordass

Based on a presentation to the Cambridge University Programme forIndustry′s short course on environmental management in buildings,outlines things which can go wrong and how to…

258

Abstract

Based on a presentation to the Cambridge University Programme for Industry′s short course on environmental management in buildings, outlines things which can go wrong and how to correct them. Looks also at the importance of energy and its consumption and shows how energy‐efficient buildings can be. Stresses that good design, execution, management and the right technology are key ingredients in achieving energy‐efficient office buildings.

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Facilities, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 1993

Adrian Leaman and Bill Bordass

Looks at complexity in office buildings and its consequences,desirable and undesirable. Draws on evidence from studies of comfort,control, productivity, health, energy efficiency…

644

Abstract

Looks at complexity in office buildings and its consequences, desirable and undesirable. Draws on evidence from studies of comfort, control, productivity, health, energy efficiency and human satisfaction carried out in offices in the United Kingdom since 1985. From this work, it is known that many office buildings do not function as well as their designers originally intended. They are frequently uncomfortable for their occupants, especially in summer, and too often make people chronically ill. This results in lower human productivity – a substantial hidden cost to many organizations. Their energy consumption is often excessive and, consequently, so are their emissions of carbon dioxide, which is one of the causes of global warming.

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Facilities, vol. 11 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1990

Jane Bell

Considers the problem of choosing between either fullyair‐conditioned or naturally ventilated space. Examines the choice takenby Refuge Assurance PLC to operate its headquarters…

146

Abstract

Considers the problem of choosing between either fully air‐conditioned or naturally ventilated space. Examines the choice taken by Refuge Assurance PLC to operate its headquarters building without constant air conditioning. Describes the cooling and environmental systems of the building and energy performance. Argues that it would be a brave step to eliminate air‐conditioning altogether from any modern building.

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Facilities, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1993

Adrian Leaman

Uses as an example the start of the McDonald′s fastfood chain andits aims of cleanliness and speed. Stresses the importance of responsespeed along with cleanliness in achieving…

90

Abstract

Uses as an example the start of the McDonald′s fastfood chain and its aims of cleanliness and speed. Stresses the importance of response speed along with cleanliness in achieving consumers′ needs. Shows that even the unimportant small things, like glare, need to be rectified quickly to help staff to return to working in a comfortable environment. Good ventilation is also purported to help in the office environment.

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Facilities, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 1992

Adrian Leaman

Describes how the communicational and economies‐of‐scale advantagesof open‐plan offices are lost when working groups have to endureuncomfortable and uncontrollable environments…

1573

Abstract

Describes how the communicational and economies‐of‐scale advantages of open‐plan offices are lost when working groups have to endure uncomfortable and uncontrollable environments resulting from lack of consideration of their needs at the planning stage and from management and maintenance deficiencies thereafter. Concludes that facilities managers who lack the resources to run the open‐plan system properly should kill it and go for shallow‐depth cellular offices with simpler services; cure it only if there is full understanding of, and resources to provide for, all the elements of its management.

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Facilities, vol. 10 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 20 March 2017

Veronika Lilly Meta Schröpfer, Joe Tah and Esra Kurul

The purpose of this paper is to examine knowledge transfer (KT) practices in five construction projects delivering sustainable office buildings in Germany and the UK by using…

3994

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine knowledge transfer (KT) practices in five construction projects delivering sustainable office buildings in Germany and the UK by using social network analysis (SNA).

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were adopted as research strategy, with one construction project representing one case study. A combination of quantitative data, social network data and some qualitative data on perceptions of the sustainable construction process and its KT were collected through questionnaires. The data were analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, content analysis and SNA. This resulted in a KT map of each sustainable construction project.

Findings

The findings resulted in a better understanding of how knowledge on sustainable construction is transferred and adopted. They show that large amounts of tacit knowledge were transferred through strong ties in sparse networks.

Research limitations/implications

The findings could offer a solution to secure a certain standard of sustainable building quality through improved KT. The findings indicate a need for further research and discussion on network density, tie strength and tacit KT.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on KT from a social network perspective. It provides a novel approach through combining concepts of network structure and relatedness in tie contents regarding specialised knowledge, i.e. sustainable construction knowledge. Thereby it provides a robust approach to mapping knowledge flows in office building projects that aim to achieve high levels of sustainability standards.

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Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2010

Goksenin Inalhan

613

Abstract

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Facilities, vol. 28 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 18 September 2019

Rajat Gupta, Matthew Gregg and Rohini Cherian

The field of building performance evaluation (BPE) forms a fragmented whole with tools and methods that are not widely applicable. In response, the purpose of this paper is to…

386

Abstract

Purpose

The field of building performance evaluation (BPE) forms a fragmented whole with tools and methods that are not widely applicable. In response, the purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a novel BPE framework to bring consistency and flexibility in evaluating actual building performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically reviews and evaluates existing BPE methods and techniques and situates them in different building life stages. Using a hierarchical approach, a “BPE framework” is devised for new and existing buildings as well as refurbishments. The working of the BPE framework is demonstrated by applying it to four discreet BPE studies to enable cross-comparison of different BPE approaches based on their stage of application, depth and duration of BPE investigations.

Findings

The framework is designed to have four graduated levels starting at the “basic” level and developing incrementally to “core”, “comprehensive” and “advanced” levels, thereby focussing on “need to know” rather than “nice to have”. The framework also offers a mechanism to map different types of BPE studies with varying scope and content.

Practical implications

As we enter a world of smart meters and smart buildings, we are transitioning into a new future of understanding building performance. The study helps to better understand which BPE method can be used to study what aspect of building performance and in what building lifecycle stage, against time, cost and user expertise.

Originality/value

The graduated and flexible framework helps to bring consistency in evaluating building performance in an otherwise fragmented field, to help improve building performance.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

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Article
Publication date: 24 May 2013

Judith Thomsen, Thomas Berker, Åshild Lappegard Hauge, Karine Denizou, Solvår Wågø and Sidsel Jerkø

The article's aim is to present user experiences with passive houses and zero‐energy buildings. The focus is on the interaction between the building and the users, specifically on…

848

Abstract

Purpose

The article's aim is to present user experiences with passive houses and zero‐energy buildings. The focus is on the interaction between the building and the users, specifically on how user interfaces, knowledge, and commitment influence the use of the building and the level of energy consumption awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows an explorative grounded theory approach. This approach generates insights that will be consolidated in follow‐up studies. Qualitative interviews with users of six buildings were conducted. Site inspections applying walk‐through method and other available information complement the data.

Findings

Users in general were satisfied with having a new energy efficient building. Several respondents were more concerned about the environment now than before. However, there were concerns about thermal comfort. Misuse or misunderstandings among users in some cases led to lower indoor comfort. New or dissatisfactory design solutions were also responsible for unsatisfactory indoor environmental quality.Practical implications – Specific topics that should be paid more attention to in the design and research on new energy efficient buildings: level of end‐user control and adaptability of the building; level of complexity of systems; the need for adequate information.

Originality/value

The open approach enabled occupants to influence the parameters of the evaluations. Most evaluations of zero‐energy buildings are not yet publicly accessible.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

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Article
Publication date: 10 May 2011

Jorn van de Wetering and Peter Wyatt

The purpose of this research was twofold. First, to investigate the views of occupiers in a typical UK city on the importance of various sustainability issues, their perceived…

2787

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research was twofold. First, to investigate the views of occupiers in a typical UK city on the importance of various sustainability issues, their perceived impact of different sustainability drivers and willingness to pay. Second, the environmental and social performance of existing buildings in that city was examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The research focuses on buildings of 10,000 feet2 or more that have been constructed in the Bristol city‐region in the UK over the past 50 years. The buildings in the sample are located in the city centre and in out‐of‐town business parks. A questionnaire survey investigated the views of occupiers and follow‐up interviews looked more closely at the sustainability performance of the existing stock.

Findings

The findings indicate that, as far as occupiers are concerned, the strongest drivers are consumer demand and staff demand. Green features of a building appear to rank low in the overall building selection preference structure and a willingness to pay a premium for green features was indicated. The interviews uncovered barriers to progress as well as initiatives to reduce both energy consumption and the environmental impact of office space.

Practical implications

The paper identifies progress and issues which could form obstacles to improving the environmental performance of office buildings. It is argued that there is a need to focus on energy efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper explores the linkage between the perception and use of office space by occupants and how this affects the environmental performance of this space.

Details

Journal of European Real Estate Research, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-9269

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