Emerald | Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management | Table of Contents

Investigating the Green Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Servicescape Scale in Brazil

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Roscoe Hightower) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - To introduce a reliable and valid Green LEED servicescape measure that examines the direct effects of the physical environment on consumers' evaluation of a service encounter. In addition, the mediating effects of service quality perception, customer satisfaction, and consumers' attitude toward a service provider are considered. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on a sample of 522 Brazilian respondents’ evaluation of their experience with the green LEED servicescape. A comprehensive research model and its moderating effects are investigated using LISREL. Findings - Overall, the study provided significant support (p = .05) for seven of eight hypotheses with the eighth marginally supported by the data. Specifically, the results suggest that consumers’ perceptions of the green servicescape have a direct effect on their service quality perceptions and on their overall satisfaction with the environment. Findings also suggest that a consumer’s perception of service quality has a direct effect on their level of satisfaction with the service environment, and satisfaction along with service quality have a direct effect on a consumer’s attitude-towards- a green service provider. The consumers’ attitude-towards-a green service provider influences their purchase intentions.Practical implications - 1)Identifies and measures the appropriate components of the green LEED servicescape. 2)Improves facility managers' understanding of the physical environment's influence on consumers. 3)Evaluates the indirect effect of the green LEED servicescape on service encounter outcomes through three mediating variables.Originality/value - Introduces a parsimonious, reliable, and valid green LEED servicescape measurement scale.

An exploratory study of rework causality in Uganda

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Rework is known to contribute to waste and value losses in building design and construction. Studies estimate its magnitude at between 2% and 25% of construction contract sums. Rework-related waste could, however, be higher if the whole life cycle of building facilities is considered. Rework occurrences are increasing in Uganda and yet the National Development Plan 2010/11 – 14/15 intends to construct additional public buildings. With insufficient information regarding rework causality and magnitude, wastage arising from rework during the implementation of National Development Plan could be substantial. The problem of rework occurrence in Uganda will require determining rework causality and magnitude. Design/methodology/approach - An exploratory study on rework in public building construction was undertaken through a case study to understand its causality and the timeframe over which it occurs. This preliminary research is characteristically qualitative with the aim of investigating rework causality in public building construction in Uganda. The case study was based on a project that rehabilitated and constructed new buildings in fifteen nursing schools across Uganda. Semi-structured interviews, contract documentation and archival records were used as sources of information on rework causality. Selective coding and subsequent categorisation of rework data was undertaken to support analysis of rework causality. Findings - The findings supplement limited previous research that shows rework as a phenomenon existing into the operation and maintenance stage of building facilities. Rework related costs during this stage for the case study, referred to as operation-related rework costs, were on average 0.25% of construction contract sums. Significant causes of rework were ineffective stakeholder management, insufficient works supervision and use of non-compliant building materials.Originality/value - The paper highlights the need for improved design management, effective stakeholder management and a whole life value philosophy in order to reduce rework in public building construction.

Sustainable Methods for Waste Minimization in Construction

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (J. K. Yates) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to provide scenarios for the incorporation of sustainable waste minimization strategies that were determined during a research project that investigated sustainable engineering and construction practices. Design/methodology/approach - The research included a thorough review of sustainable engineering and construction practices throughout the world and the collection of additional data from high-level executives from some of the top ranked global engineering and construction firms. The research was limited to collecting data from high-level engineering and construction executives since they were the most knowledgeable about the use of sustainable strategies within their firms. Findings - The research investigation determined the main types of construction wastes and sustainable strategies that could be used to minimize the amount of waste generated by the construction industry. The research could impact members of the engineering and construction industry because it provides methods for implementing sustainable strategies that help to reduce the amount of waste generated by the construction industry. The research influences society and corporate social responsibility because if the techniques it introduces were implemented it would lead to a substantial reduction in the amount of waste that would end up in landfills. The research is unique because it addressed waste minimization strategies for the building construction industry and for the industrial and heavy/highway industries. The research results are of value to members of the engineering and construction industry and to society.Research limitations/implications - The research was limited to collecting data from high-level engineering and construction executives since they were the most knowledgeable about the use of sustainable strategies within their firms. The research could impact members of the engineering and construction industry because it provides methods for implementing sustainable strategies that help to reduce the amount of waste generated by the construction industry.Practical implications - The research results are of value to members of the engineering and construction industry and to society because it provides sustainable alternative strategies for either reducing the amount of waste generated during construction projects or for recycling or reusing waste at the end of construction projects. .Originality/value - The research is unique because it addressed waste minimization strategies for the building construction industry and for the industrial and heavy/highway industries.

Design Innovation Leads to Sustainable Water Distribution Systems

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Kalyan Piratla, Samuel Ariaratnam) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate design alternatives for pump-included water distribution networks considering sustainability and reliability aspects. The aim is to demonstrate that CO2 emissions could be reduced at a reasonable cost. The paper also investigates the trade-offs between cost and reliability of water distribution networks. Design/methodology/approach - An existing genetic algorithm optimization tool is customized in this research to perform multi-objective optimization with various objectives and constraints. The developed model is demonstrated using a benchmark water distribution network. Findings - The results from this research suggest that CO2 emissions from water distribution networks could be reduced at a reasonable cost by choosing better objectives during the design stage. High system reliability could also be ensured for the life time by paying reasonable additional cost. This research presents various design alternatives for an engineer to choose from. Research limitations/implications - The design of water distribution networks is a computationally complex process and often requires significant CPU time to arrive at an optimal solution. This problem is significant in the case of larger networks especially when all the failed states need to be simulated. Simpler measures of reliability could be adopted in the future. Originality/value - Although significant amount of research had been undertaken in the area of optimal water distribution network design, only limited research includes environmental impacts as a design objective. This paper not only includes environmental aspects but also considers reliability. The model proposed in this research is a useful tool for engineers for considering various alternatives before choosing the best design.

Innovation Credits and Constructors in Green Building Projects

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - As green buildings have become more widely accepted, constructors (general contractors, construction managers and subcontractors) have become more involved and are playing an increasing role in the success of these projects. As a result, constructors need and want a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities in LEED projects while exploring ways to provide a "value-added" service to the project. Past research has identified "Innovation in Design (ID)" credits as a potential "value-added opportunity" for constructors to become preferred members of LEED project teams. Similar opportunities may also exist on BREEAM project teams.Design/methodology/approach - The methodology encompassed an overview of "Innovation Credits (IC)" in LEED-NC, BREEAM green building guidelines and an analysis of the ID category in LEED-NC from a constructor’s viewpoint in general, and electrical contractors in particular.Findings - The findings of this research have identified ID credits as a potential "value-added opportunity" for constructors to become preferred members of the LEED project teams. In contrast to LEED, however, this research has identified that similar opportunities for constructors do not exist for ICs under BREEAM as past or current ICs are not available in the public domain unless accessed by a BREEAM Assessor or Approved Person. This lack of access to information could have a negative impact and stifle future innovations and is an area worthy of further research.Originality/value - This research will provide an understanding of the constructor’s role in the ID category and will contribute to the broader literature related to the role of the construction industry in the green building movement. It is envisioned that the research output will serve as easy to use reference resources for the electrical contracting industry for proposing and achieving ID credits on LEED projects. It is also envisaged that this research will highlight the need for BREEAM ICs to be accessed within the public domain.