Originally published as Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Volume 7, Issue 1
ISBN: 1 84663 332 4
Guest Edited by: Jay Yang
Sustainable development is rapidly becoming a global phenomenon – the remit of which encompasses a wide range of professions and societal interest groups.
This collection of papers from the CIB Task Group 55 (smart and sustainable built environments) presents key findings to date on a wide range of current research and practice in this emerging field in order to promote awareness, understanding and synergy. The first five papers in this Special Issue focus directly on sustainability, while the final three papers identify cross-cutting themes associated with tools, processes and culture.
Contents:
A simulation model using system dynamic method for construction and demolition waste management in Hong Kong
This article introduces a computer simulation model developed to improve the strategic planning and management of construction and demolition waste in Hong Kong. Simulation is used to aid decision makers and practioners’ understanding of the complexity of information and processes throughout a project’s life cycle.
The sustainable implant: decentralised sanitation and energy reuse (Desaer) in the built environment
This is a case study of a combined waste/energy system based on organic and design principles applied in “EVA Lanxmeer” in Culemborg, The Netherlands. The system introduces the concept of integrated decentralised technologies for wastewater and organic water treatment with energy and nutrients recovery, and is based on a biogas installation (for treatment of blackwater, green waste/garden and park waste), with combined heat/power and an accompanying closed glasshouse.
Integrating vacuum insulation panels in building constructions: an integral perspective
This paper investigates the use of vacuum insulation panels as thermal insulators due to their combined high thermal performance and reduced thickness. The performance and behaviour of the panels are examined, along with integration with the building envelope, aging, and thermal conductivity.
Sustainable design of supporting structures: optimal structural spans and component combinations for effective improvement of environmental performance
In this paper, several optimisation issues for structural frame solutions are identified. This research used a typical office layout to determine the environmental performance for combinations of structural components with regards to the environmental load with LCA-based models.
Indoor climate guidelines in The Netherlands: developments towards adaptive thermal comfort
This research introduces the adaptive temperature limits guidelines for (ATG) for the assessment of indoor climate. The ATG approach allows for a wider range of temperature simulations for Alpha type buildings, thereby providing more opportunity for developing sustainable, naturally ventilated buildings.
The development of an IFC-based lifecycle costing prototype tool for building construction and maintenance: integrating lifecycle costing to nD modelling
This article incorporates the nuances and impact of lifecycle costing using an nD modelling tool, which can help users conduct lifecycle costing activities in an integrated and interactive environment, using a series of calculations based on complex algorithms using an interoperable data standard.
Evaluating the effect of construction process characteristics to the applicability of lean principles
This paper evaluates the effect of lean principles on two construction processes (block-laying and plastering) using simulation. This study teases out issues such as: non value-adding activities, flows, process evaluation, and performance. The central cross-cutting theme relates to expected savings in weaste and energy consumption vis-à-vis the optimisation of processes through simulation.
An examination of the suitability of a UK PFI model within the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland, Palestine (Gaza-West Bank), Portugal and Turkey
This article examines the suitability of UK PFI models to the Czech Republic using the SLEEPT approach. This research identifies a “cultural compass” through which regional engagement can be leveraged through a “modified national” approach using such factors as: technological positioning; environmental controls; social, political, economic and sustainability drivers and so on.
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