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1 – 10 of over 2000Omprakash Ramalingam Rethnam and Albert Thomas
The building sector contributes one-third of the energy-related carbon dioxide globally. Therefore, framing appropriate energy-related policies for the next decades becomes…
Abstract
Purpose
The building sector contributes one-third of the energy-related carbon dioxide globally. Therefore, framing appropriate energy-related policies for the next decades becomes essential in this scenario to realize the global net-zero goals. The purpose of the proposed study is to evaluate the impact of the widespread adoption of such guidelines in a building community in the context of mixed-mode buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
This study decentralizes the theme of improving the energy efficiency of the national building stock in parcels by proposing a community-based hybrid bottom-up modelling approach using urban building energy modelling (UBEM) techniques to analyze the effectiveness of the community-wide implementation of energy conservation guidelines.
Findings
In this study, the UBEM is developed and validated for the 14-building residential community in Mumbai, India, adopting the framework. Employing Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) compliance on the UBEM shows an energy use reduction potential of up to 15%. The results also reveal that ECBC compliance is more advantageous considering the effects of climate change.
Originality/value
In developing countries where the availability of existing building stock information is minimal, the proposed study formulates a holistic framework for developing a detailed UBEM for the residential building stock from scratch. A unique method of assessing the actual cooling load of the developed UBEM is presented. A thorough sensitivity analysis approach to investigate the effect of cooling space fraction on the energy consumption of the building stock is presented, which would assist in choosing the appropriate retrofit strategies. The proposed study's outcomes can significantly transform the formulation and validation of appropriate energy policies.
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Alireza Moghayedi, Dylan Hübner and Kathy Michell
This study aims to examine the concept of innovative technologies and identify their impacts on the environmental sustainability of commercial properties in South Africa. This…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the concept of innovative technologies and identify their impacts on the environmental sustainability of commercial properties in South Africa. This slow adoption is attributed to South Africa’s energy building regulation, SANS 204, which does not promote energy-conscious commercial property development. Furthermore, it was observed that buildings waste significant amounts of energy as electrical appliances are left on when they are not in use, which can be prevented using innovative technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers attempted to evaluate the impact of innovative technologies through an overarching constructivist mixed-method paradigm. The research was conducted using a multi-case study approach on green buildings which had innovative technologies installed. The data collection took the form of online, semi-structured interviews, where thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes from the qualitative data, and descriptive statistics was used to evaluate the quantitative data.
Findings
It was found that implementing innovative technologies to reduce the energy consumption of commercial buildings could achieve energy savings of up to 23%. Moreover, a commercial building’s carbon footprint can be reduced to 152CO2/m2 and further decreased to 142CO2/m2 through the adoption of a Photovoltaics plant. The study further found that innovative technologies improved employee productivity and promoted green learning and practices.
Originality/value
This research demonstrated the positive impact innovative technologies have on energy reduction and the sustainability of commercial properties. Hence, facility managers should engage innovative technologies when planning a commercial development or refurbishment.
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Jianjin Yue, Wenrui Li, Jian Cheng, Hongxing Xiong, Yu Xue, Xiang Deng and Tinghui Zheng
The calculation of buildings’ carbon footprint (CFP) is an important basis for formulating energy-saving and emission-reduction plans for building. As an important building type…
Abstract
Purpose
The calculation of buildings’ carbon footprint (CFP) is an important basis for formulating energy-saving and emission-reduction plans for building. As an important building type, there is currently no model that considers the time factor to accurately calculate the CFP of hospital building throughout their life cycle. This paper aims to establish a CFP calculation model that covers the life cycle of hospital building and considers time factor.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of field and literature research, the basic framework is built using dynamic life cycle assessment (DLCA), and the gray prediction model is used to predict the future value. Finally, a CFP model covering the whole life cycle has been constructed and applied to a hospital building in China.
Findings
The results applied to the case show that the CO2 emission in the operation stage of the hospital building is much higher than that in other stages, and the total CO2 emission in the dynamic and static analysis operation stage accounts for 83.66% and 79.03%, respectively; the difference of annual average emission of CO2 reached 28.33%. The research results show that DLCA is more accurate than traditional static life cycle assessment (LCA) when measuring long-term objects such as carbon emissions in the whole life cycle of hospital building.
Originality/value
This research established a carbon emission calculation model that covers the life cycle of hospital building and considered time factor, which enriches the research on carbon emission of hospital building, a special and extensive public building, and dynamically quantifies the resource consumption of hospital building in the life cycle. This paper provided a certain reference for the green design, energy saving, emission reduction and efficient use of hospital building, obviously, the limitation is that this model is only applicable to hospital building.
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In the context of a developing country, Indian buildings need further research to channelize energy needs optimally to reduce energy wastage, thereby reducing carbon emissions…
Abstract
Purpose
In the context of a developing country, Indian buildings need further research to channelize energy needs optimally to reduce energy wastage, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Also, reduction in smart devices’ costs with sequential advancements in Information and Communication Technology have resulted in an environment where model predictive control (MPC) strategies can be easily implemented. This study aims to propose certain preemptive measures to minimize the energy costs, while ensuring the thermal comfort for occupants, resulting in better greener solutions for building structures.
Design/methodology/approach
A simulation-based multi-input multi-output MPC strategy has been proposed. A dual objective function involving optimized energy consumption with acceptable thermal comfort has been achieved through simultaneous control of indoor temperature, humidity and illumination using various control variables. A regression-based lighting model and seasonal auto-regressive moving average with exogenous inputs (SARMAX) based temperature and humidity models have been chosen as predictor models along with four different control levels incorporated.
Findings
The mathematical approach in this study maintains an optimum tradeoff between energy cost savings and satisfactory occupants’ comfort levels. The proposed control mechanism establishes the relationships of output variables with respect to control and disturbance variables. The SARMAX and regression-based predictor models are found to be the best fit models in terms of accuracy, stability and superior performance. By adopting the proposed methodology, significant energy savings can be accomplished during certain hours of the day.
Research limitations/implications
This study has been done on a specific corporate entity and future analysis can be done on other corporate or residential buildings and in other geographical settings within India. Inclusion of sensitivity analysis and non-linear predictor models is another area of future scope.
Originality/value
This study presents a dynamic MPC strategy, using five disturbance variables which further improves the overall performance and accuracy. In contrast to previous studies on MPC, SARMAX model has been used in this study, which is a novel contribution to the theoretical literature. Four levels of control zones: pre-cooling, strict, mild and loose zones have been used in the calculations to keep the Predictive Mean Vote index within acceptable threshold limits.
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Chukwuka Christian Ohueri, Md. Asrul Nasid Masrom, Hadina Habil and Mohamud Saeed Ambashe
The Internet of Things-based digital twin (IoT-DT) technologies offer a transformative approach to building retrofitting for reducing operational carbon (ROC) emissions. However…
Abstract
Purpose
The Internet of Things-based digital twin (IoT-DT) technologies offer a transformative approach to building retrofitting for reducing operational carbon (ROC) emissions. However, a notable gap exists between the potential and adoption of the two emerging technologies, further exacerbated by the nascent state of research in this domain. This research aims to establish the best practices that innovatively strengthen the identified enablers to decisively tackle challenges, ensuring the efficient implementation of IoT-DT for ROC emissions in buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a mixed-method approach. Questionnaire data from 220 multidiscipline professionals were analysed via structural equation modelling analysis, while interview data obtained from 18 stakeholders were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings were triangulated for cohesive interpretation.
Findings
After the analysis of questionnaire data, a structural model was established, depicting the critical challenges (inadequate data security, limited technical expertise and scalability issues) and key enablers (robust data security measures, skill development and government incentives) of implementing IoT-DT for ROC. Sequentially, analysis of in-depth interview data revealed the IoT-based DT best practices (safeguarding data, upskilling and incentivization). Upon triangulating the questionnaire and interview findings, this study explicitly highlights the potential of the established best practices to strategically strengthen enablers, thereby mitigating challenges and ensuring the successful implementation of IoT-based DT for ROC emissions in buildings.
Originality/value
This study provides practical guidance for stakeholders to effectively implement IoT-DT in ROC in buildings and contributes significantly to climate change mitigation.
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Nurul Asra Abd Rahman, Syahrul Nizam Kamaruzzaman, Farid Wajdi Akashah and Alyaa Anati Amran
The purpose of this study is to assess the level of energy efficiency (EE) practices and worshippers’ comfort experience towards energy consumption of a selected energy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the level of energy efficiency (EE) practices and worshippers’ comfort experience towards energy consumption of a selected energy retrofitted mosque. This study identifies whether the work was done on ad hoc or planned basis and to gauge the success level of the retrofit work.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed method was used in this study. A selected mosques with a capacity of more than 1,000 worshippers under the Class A of classification places of assembly with operating hour ranging from 45 to 65 h and the penarafan hijau jabatan kerja raya (pHJKR) rating tool as a benchmarking for EE assessment is used. A total of 45 respondents were involved in this study to obtain their perception on comfort experience in mosque. Meanwhile, energy audit and walk-through surveys were conducted to obtain data on energy consumption. To identify whether the work was done on ad hoc or planned basis and to gauge the success level of the retrofit work, pHJKR rating tool and efficiency standard MS1525:2019 are used for benchmarking in keeping with sustainability guidelines.
Findings
The results of this study indicated that the EE score achieved by the mosque is good while there are still rooms for improvement to increase the higher score to the pHJKR’s EE benchmarking tool.
Research limitations/implications
EE is one of the most important agenda under sustainable development initiatives. Part of the initial government strategy is to encourage the use public buildings in demonstrating initiatives for sustainable development to justify high capital resources investment. Mosque buildings have huge potential for this purpose because as religious public buildings for the majority Muslim community, their operations are fully funded from public funds. Selection of mosques is also driven by its unique intermittent energy consumption pattern, while early mosques adopted natural ventilation, modern mosques are often designed with mechanical ventilation (air conditioning).
Practical implications
An encouragement on government initiative towards sustainable development can be escalating by producing exemplary building for intermittent use pattern categories by mosque as a model.
Social implications
Sustainable development especially in EE becomes normal practices and energy and impact towards environment possibly be saved.
Originality/value
Sustainable development especially in EE becomes normal practices and energy and impact towards environment possibly be saved. This research is based on supportive national agenda by assessing EE measure for development of energy management in intermittent use buildings (mosque).
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Philip R. Walsh, Holly Dunne and Omid Nikoubakht-Tak
The purpose of this study is to examine the application of sustainable building design and operation within a university setting to determine its economic efficacy and potential…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the application of sustainable building design and operation within a university setting to determine its economic efficacy and potential for further university investment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study incorporated a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), simple payback period and discounted payback period calculations to determine the return on investment, including a sensitivity analysis when comparing the energy use and financial benefits of the sustainable design of a multi-use facility at Toronto Metropolitan University with buildings of similar size and use-type.
Findings
It was found that there is a positive business argument for Canadian Universities to consider the use of sustainable design to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A reasonable payback period and net present value within an institutional context were determined using a life-cycle cost assessment approach.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to the measure of only a single location. Certain assumptions regarding energy pricing and interest rates and the related sensitivities were anchored on a single year of time, and the results of this study may be subject to change should those prices or rates become significantly different over time. Considerations for future research include a longitudinal approach combined with a more detailed analysis of the effect of use-type on the variables discussed.
Practical implications
For university administrators, the results of this study may encourage institutions such as universities to approach new building projects through the lens of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Social implications
GHG emissions are a well-proven contributor to global climate change, and buildings remain a significant source of GHG emissions in Canada due to their winter heating and summer cooling loads. As a result, sustainable building design on university campuses can mitigate this impact by optimizing and reducing energy consumption.
Originality/value
Research related to the economic evaluation of sustainable building design on university campuses is generally limited, and this study represents the first of its kind in regard to an LCCA of a sustainably designed building on a Canadian University campus.
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This study reveals the green building development path and analyzes the optimal government subsidy equilibrium through evolutionary game theory and numerical simulation. This was…
Abstract
Purpose
This study reveals the green building development path and analyzes the optimal government subsidy equilibrium through evolutionary game theory and numerical simulation. This was done to explore the feasible measures and optimal incentives to achieve higher levels of green building in China.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the practice of green building in China was analyzed, and the specific influencing factors and incentive measures for green building development were extracted. Second, China-specific evolutionary game models were constructed between developers and homebuyers under the market regulation and government incentive mechanism scenarios, and the evolutionary paths were analyzed. Finally, real-case numerical simulations were conducted, subsidy impacts were mainly analyzed and optimal subsidy equilibriums were solved.
Findings
(1) Simultaneously subsidizing developers and homebuyers proved to be the most effective measure to promote the sustainability of green buildings. (2) The sensitivity of developers and homebuyers to subsidies varied across scenarios, and the optimal subsidy level diminished marginally as building greenness and public awareness increased. (3) The optimal subsidy level for developers was intricately tied to the building greenness benchmark. A higher benchmark intensified the developer’s responsiveness to losses, at which point increasing subsidies were justified. Conversely, a reduction in subsidy might have been appropriate when the benchmark was set at a lower level.
Practical implications
The expeditious advancement of green buildings holds paramount importance for the high-quality development of the construction industry. Nevertheless, the pace of green building expansion in China has experienced a recent deceleration. Drawing insights from the practices of green building in China, the exploration of viable strategies and the determination of optimal government subsidies stand as imperative initiatives. These endeavors aim to propel the acceleration of green building proliferation and materialize high-quality development at the earliest juncture possible.
Originality/value
The model is grounded in China’s green building practices, which makes the conclusions drawn more specific. Furthermore, research results provide practical references for governments to formulate green building incentive policies.
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Parvez Mia, James Hazelton and James Guthrie Am
This study aims to evaluate the quality of the energy efficiency disclosures made by Australian cities. As cities are significant energy users, and energy use is a crucial source…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the quality of the energy efficiency disclosures made by Australian cities. As cities are significant energy users, and energy use is a crucial source of greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency initiatives can play an essential role in addressing climate change. Yet, little is understood about the energy efficiency disclosures being made.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed an original energy efficiency disclosure index to assess the reporting quality of the eight largest Australian cities. The websites of these cities were analysed for information on energy efficiency measures from December 2018 to June 2019. Annual reports, environmental reports, climate action plans and any other material related to energy plans were downloaded and then coded using the index.
Findings
While all cities provided energy efficiency information, little financial information was provided, limited forward-looking information was disclosed, key challenges were not disclosed, and each city provided energy efficiency disclosures differently. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that public accountability is limited.
Research limitations/implications
An important implication is the need to standardise and improve cities’ energy efficiency reporting, especially concerning financial information. Cities, governments and the Carbon Disclosure Project (formerly the CDP) could achieve this, perhaps as part of the broader update of the CDP city-focused guidelines for greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting.
Originality/value
Although some studies on GHG reporting by cities have already been undertaken, including energy efficiency as part of their disclosure index, no study has focused on energy efficiency disclosures. The authors provide original insights concerning these practices. The study also provides an energy efficiency disclosure index that can be used in further research.
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This paper aims to provide an overview of key definitions related to ChatGPT, a public tool developed by OpenAI, and its underlying technology, Generative Pretrained Transformer…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide an overview of key definitions related to ChatGPT, a public tool developed by OpenAI, and its underlying technology, Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper includes an interview with ChatGPT on its potential impact on academia and libraries. The interview discusses the benefits of ChatGPT such as improving search and discovery, reference and information services; cataloging and metadata generation; and content creation, as well as the ethical considerations that need to be taken into account, such as privacy and bias.
Findings
ChatGPT has considerable power to advance academia and librarianship in both anxiety-provoking and exciting new ways. However, it is important to consider how to use this technology responsibly and ethically, and to uncover how we, as professionals, can work alongside this technology to improve our work, rather than to abuse it or allow it to abuse us in the race to create new scholarly knowledge and educate future professionals.
Originality/value
This paper discusses the history and technology of GPT, including its generative pretrained transformer model, its ability to perform a wide range of language-based tasks and how ChatGPT uses this technology to function as a sophisticated chatbot.