Search results

1 – 10 of 248
Article
Publication date: 4 September 2019

Jehangir Dar

The purpose of this paper is to describe the first and novel beam splitting day-lighting system possessing highest possible solar transmission efficiency to provide illumination…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the first and novel beam splitting day-lighting system possessing highest possible solar transmission efficiency to provide illumination to the core and underground areas of any structure/building.

Design/methodology/approach

In this system, by using a number of individually pointable thin and light optical elements mounted on a top of structure/building, the solar light is concentrated. The concentrated beam is focussed to a secondary reflecting element which directs it to a beam splitter while passing through a Fresnel lens and a horizontal solar pipe. The beam splitter located inside the structure/building splits the solar beam into a number of secondary beams using a special arrangement of a number of inbuilt light guiding optical elements inside the beam splitter. The beam splitter produces a desired number of beams which are then redirected to the beam diffusers with the help of the solar pipe and the solar pipe joint which deflects the light at the angle of 90°.

Findings

The system considers the use of highly sophisticated and the highly efficient optical elements so that to attain the highest possible end-to-end efficiency of the system. The system has the highest potential to transport the solar energy to larger distances than all the available day-lighting systems and possesses the potential to be used for underground human colonisation.

Research limitations/implications

The widespread adoption of such a system could substantially reduce energy consumption worldwide, which would contribute to bring down the increasing slope in the graph of greenhouse gases.

Originality/value

The paper presents the novel beam splitting day-lighting system.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 20 August 2016

Verónica León-Bravo, Federico F. A. Caniato, Antonella Moretto and Raffaella Cagliano

This chapter explores two business and innovation strategies to increase sustainability in a small-medium enterprise. The two strategies, one addressing the improved…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter explores two business and innovation strategies to increase sustainability in a small-medium enterprise. The two strategies, one addressing the improved sustainability of an existing product line and the other addressing the development and implementation of a new product line, employ different supply chain sustainable practices and utilize different dynamic capabilities.

Methodology/approach

The chapter describes how sustainable supply chain management practices, sustainable new product development processes, and theories of dynamic capabilities interact to support a sustainable and differentiated strategy in the Alcass organization.

Findings

The models of sustainable supply chain management and sustainable new product development are applied to “more sustainable” products and “new sustainable” products, by raising different relevant practices as well as different supporting dynamic capabilities.

Details

Organizing Supply Chain Processes for Sustainable Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-488-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2013

Shiv Lal, S.C. Kaushik and P.K. Bhargava

The ventilation and air-conditioning systems consume the highest energy in the building sector. The proper ventilation in residential buildings through the passive solar systems

Abstract

Purpose

The ventilation and air-conditioning systems consume the highest energy in the building sector. The proper ventilation in residential buildings through the passive solar systems can substantially reduce the energy consumption in building sector. The paper aims to identify the application of wind shaft as a solar chimney, a passive ventilation system and evaluated the performance of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigated the performance of the solar chimney with size, absorber area 9.76 m2 and height 4.57 m, based on experimental data recorded in the city, Kota (25°10N, 75°52E), India. Solar data were recorded using the state of the art weather station situated very closer to the residence. The air velocity and temperatures in the chimney and in the building are recorded in data logger. A simple mathematical model was used for the evaluation of the air change per hour (ACH) in the residential building.

Findings

From the analysis of weather data, it was found that the ambient temperature varies linearly with the solar irradiance. Air change rate of 5.7-7.7 can be achieved from this solar chimney, in peak summer season which is appropriate and meets the ventilation requirement as per BIS (Handbook of Functional Requirements of Buildings – 1987).

Originality/value

The air temperature increases from bottom to top in the solar chimney. The solar irradiance dictates the chimney air temperature, and both are in step with each other. It shows that the solar chimney is working in tune with the solar radiation availability. In peak summer, it provides sufficient ACH to the tune of 3-6. Resulting wind shaft can act effectively as a solar chimney. It is a feasible solution for the ventilation needs and it improves the looks of any residential building.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2010

Maria‐Eugenia Ruiz‐Molina, Irene Gil‐Saura and Beatriz Moliner‐Velázquez

There is a consensus about the negative effects of transportation and some activities related to hospitality on the environment. In this sense, several proposals have been pointed…

9175

Abstract

Purpose

There is a consensus about the negative effects of transportation and some activities related to hospitality on the environment. In this sense, several proposals have been pointed out to pursue environmental sustainability of tourism activities and minimize their impact on climate change. In particular, some applications of information and communication technologies (ICT) have a direct contribution to the reduction of the demand of supplies and energy by the hospitality industry. The present paper has a double aim: first, to focus on evaluating the potential of several ICT applications to reduce the environmental impact of hospitality and tourism activities. Second, considering the Spanish tourism industry, the paper aims to analyze the level of development of the environmentally sustainable technologies and the difficulties experienced in their implementation as well as the future challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was conducted based on the literature in hospitality.

Findings

The use of online promotion and booking, information analysis and report management systems, ERP systems, ICT systems connected to providers, GPS and ambient intelligence, among others, may help hospitality companies to minimize the environmental impact of their activities.

Originality/value

Taking into consideration the evidence obtained from Spain, the second tourism destination in the world, the paper provides a set of implications for practitioners and policy makers that may orientate their decisions on ICT for the tourism and hospitality industry.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2011

Claudia Colicchia, Marco Melacini and Sara Perotti

Given the relevance of supply chain sustainability, the aim of the present paper is threefold: first, to investigate the strategies currently undertaken by companies in the supply…

6360

Abstract

Purpose

Given the relevance of supply chain sustainability, the aim of the present paper is threefold: first, to investigate the strategies currently undertaken by companies in the supply chain sustainability arena, and, second, to find out which phase of the supply chain is at the forefront in the implementation of initiatives towards more sustainable supply chains. Finally, the criteria commonly used for priority‐setting amongst different initiatives within the same supply chain phase are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐pronged methodology was adopted. First, a framework was developed to identify the initiatives towards supply chain sustainability. Second, the framework was applied to a set of multinational companies by examining their environmental reporting, thus to assess the adoption of each initiative. Third, a further in‐depth investigation of three companies was finally performed in order to provide additional insights on the obtained results.

Findings

The research offers a benchmark of primary multinational companies with respect to the supply chain sustainability initiatives and their level of adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The examined set of companies, although representative (i.e. the analysed companies operate in industries in which the environmental concern is particularly critical), is limited. However, the present paper contributes to the knowledge on supply chain sustainability and captures variations in theory, paving the way for new research.

Practical implications

The paper provides an instrument to evaluate and compare companies in terms of supply chain sustainability and highlights the main challenges that companies have to confront.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in the adoption of a supply chain perspective to investigate sustainable initiatives.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

Florence Y.Y. Ling, Benjamin G.Y. Toh, Mohan Kumaraswamy and Kelwin Wong

The purpose of this paper is to investigates strategies for achieving better integration between the design and construction (DC) and operation and maintenance (OM) supply chains…

1053

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigates strategies for achieving better integration between the design and construction (DC) and operation and maintenance (OM) supply chains in Singapore. The specific objectives are to: discover the goals that stakeholders want to achieve in integrating the supply chains; identify the stakeholders that play important integration role in each supply chain; and investigate the effective strategies that may yield better integration of the supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The sampling frame was Singapore-based clients, consultants and construction firms involved in developing and managing built facilities.

Findings

The most important strategies for integrating the supply chains are: sharing relevant information and addressing sustainability issues jointly with DC and OM teams; and integrating life cycle optimization options in DC and OM supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations include low response rate, and the subjective nature of a Likert scale which was used to rate importance levels. The research implication is that activities in DC and OM supply chains can indeed be integrated, and this leads to higher value for all stakeholders.

Practical implications

The practical implication is that stakeholders could adopt the effective strategies identified by this study to foster closer integration of the two supply chains in Singapore. Teams from both supply chains need to work jointly instead of consecutively. Sharing information through an online platform by setting up a web-based database may help in their collaboration. It is also important that common goals need be set out at the onset, preferably by clients of built facilities, with strong buy-in by main contractors and consultants, so as to achieve better value.

Originality/value

The study revealed effective strategies for integrating DC and OM supply chains.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2015

Erika Meins and Daniel Sager

– This paper aims to identify the relative contribution of sustainability criteria to property value risk.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the relative contribution of sustainability criteria to property value risk.

Design/methodology/approach

A discounted cash flow (DCF) model is used to assess the effect of a given set of 42 sustainability sub-indicators on property value. The anticipated demand for each sustainability sub-indicator is described by four future states of nature. Their impact on costs or revenue is estimated and included in the model. Subjective probability distributions describe the occurrence of the future states of nature. Monte Carlo simulations of the DCF model are then used to estimate the impact of an individual feature on the risk (volatility) of the property value distribution.

Findings

The results for Switzerland show that “use of thermal energy” (29.3 per cent), followed by “access to public transportation” (16.3 per cent), “day light” (9.6 per cent) and “story height” (6.3 per cent) have the highest single impact on property value risk.

Practical implications

The results are used for a risk-based weighting of a sustainability rating. The rating illustrates how sustainability criteria affect the risk of specific properties and are used as a basis for real estate investment decisions.

Originality/value

In this paper, an effort is made to rigorously ground sustainability ratings in financial theory.

Details

Journal of European Real Estate Research, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-9269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2013

Maged Kamal Mohammad Attia

The purpose of this paper is to enhance sustainability in affordable housing in Saudi Arabia within an effective locally adopted sustainability assessment tool by discussing the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance sustainability in affordable housing in Saudi Arabia within an effective locally adopted sustainability assessment tool by discussing the multi interdisciplinary concept of sustainability in the built environment and introducing environmental indicators which are recently developed to foster environmentally responsible practices. The study aim expands beyond proposing sustainable feasible alternatives for existing affordable housing project in Saudi Arabia, namely, Al-Ghala project, to appropriating the measuring tool itself to make the review process easier, faster and more effective.

Design/methodology/approach

Al-Ghala project, a typical affordable housing project is selected to act as a case study for this research. The housing units are assessed according to LEED to obtain the overall evaluation which obviously reflects the quality of the project sustainability. Elements that negatively affect the score and suggested feasible remedies are then identified, as well as inapplicable and inappropriate LEED components. The data were complemented by observation, interviews with occupants and project management team, monthly consumption rates of water and electricity, in addition to computer modelling and analysis by Ecotect and Green Building Studio.

Findings

Sustainability in affordable housing requires a holistic framework that promotes environmentally responsible practices including design, construction and management phases. LEED provides evidence that it can considerably contribute in enhancing sustainability of post-occupied affordable housing units by identifying points of weakness that lead to inefficient use of energy, water and materials; paving the way for a wide range of sustainable modifications. In addition, for LEED to be competent in Saudi Arabia a native version needs to be developed in which local circumstances are taken into consideration.

Research limitations/implications

According to the wide range of subjects covered by LEED, some elements could not be measured in depth. Impact of modifications proposed for LEED needs to be tested further.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of feasible environmentally sensitive affordable housing in Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how affordable housing can be made sustainable.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2020

Timur Rizovich Ablyaz, Karim Ravilevich Muratov, Aleksey Aleksandrovich Sumkov, Evgeniy Sergeevich Shlykov, Sahil Dhiman and Sarabjeet Singh Sidhu

The quality of lost foam casted engineering components is directly influenced by the characteristics of the respective ceramic shell mold (CSM) and hence casting pattern. In this…

98

Abstract

Purpose

The quality of lost foam casted engineering components is directly influenced by the characteristics of the respective ceramic shell mold (CSM) and hence casting pattern. In this present work, rapid prototyping (RP) was used to fabricate the lattice structured patterns (LSPs) to reduce the defects and cracks in CSM during the heating stage.

Design/methodology/approach

The quality of the LSPs was accessed by measuring the dimensional accuracy. Further, the thermal stress in the CSM during the heating of porosity varied LSPs was analyzed using ANSYS software package 16.0. The Ni-alloy casting was fabricated by using the designed LSP and compared with its respective CAD model to access its quality.

Findings

The obtained results revealed that the Wigner–Seitz LSPs retained high accuracy and minimized the stress for defect-free CSM. Also, the thermal stress generated in the CSM depends upon the porosity coefficient of the LSP. Hence the interplay with porosity coefficient of LSPs leads to the formation of defect free CSM and hence high quality casting.

Originality/value

RP was used to develop LSPs and investigated the dependency of unit cell parameters on the accuracy of the final casting.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2009

C. Kenneth Tanner

The purpose of this study is to compare student achievement with three school design classifications: movement and circulation, day lighting, and views.

7482

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare student achievement with three school design classifications: movement and circulation, day lighting, and views.

Design/methodology/approach

From a sample of 71 schools, measures of these three school designs, taken with a ten‐point Likert scale, are compared to students' outcomes defined by six parts of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS): Reading comprehension, Reading vocabulary, Language arts, Mathematics, Social studies, and Science. Data are tested through reduced regression analysis, where the difference between R2 of the reduced regression is compared to the R2 of the full regression. This result, in each case, is defined as the effect of the school's physical environment on students' outcomes represented by achievement scores on the ITBS.

Findings

Significant effects are found for Reading vocabulary, Reading comprehension, Language arts, Mathematics, and Science.

Practical implications

The study's findings regarding movement and circulation patterns, natural light, and classrooms with views have implications for designing new schools or modifying existing structures. They are especially important to school leaders, educational planners, and architects who engage in programming for educational facilities.

Originality/value

This study is part of original research efforts at the University of Georgia, USA. Since 1997, the focus of research in the University of Georgia's School Design and Planning Laboratory (SDPL) has been the measurement of the impact of the school's physical environment on aspects of affective, behavioral, and cognitive learning. All SDPL research has been quantitative in nature, where measures of the physical environment were compared to measures of student outcomes. There are two immediate values to these studies: educational leaders may use the findings to assess their existing school facilities and determine where improvements will have the greatest impact, or planners may use the findings to guide architects in the design and construction of new educational facilities.

Details

Journal of Educational Administration, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-8234

Keywords

1 – 10 of 248