The Experts below are selected from a list of 33843 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
J De Brito - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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economic and environmental savings of structural buildings Refurbishment with demolition and reconstruction a portuguese benchmarking
Journal of building engineering, 2015Co-Authors: J Ferreira, Duarte M Pinheiro, J De BritoAbstract:Abstract Europe is a consolidated continent, characterized by a wide range of ancient buildings that urgently need Refurbishments, especially in seismic zones such as Portugal, where structural reinforcement is imperative. However, demolishing and reconstructing also contributes to real estate renovation. In these cases it is simpler to build earthquake safe buildings that comply with current standards of comfort and quality. The question now is whether Refurbishment (and what type) is environmentally and/or economically profitable or needed compared with new construction. To answer this question, this work used the life cycle approach in two complementary approaches: a literature review that theoretically compares different LCA works for refurbished and new buildings; and a real LCA and LCC case study for a classified ancient Portuguese building located in Lisbon, where real Refurbishment is compared with hypothetical demolition, followed by complete reconstruction on the same site, respecting the same architecture, constraints and demands, and using reinforced concrete and clay brick walls. This issue is very urgent in Portugal, because of its extensive stock of ancient buildings needing Refurbishment works. Moreover, there are few studies reporting whether the Refurbishment can be economically and environmentally more efficient, according to the Portuguese economic environment. Thus, this study mostly contributes to this debate, first at a national level, and then as a new case study reporting this kind of benchmarking, and its significance is related to the actual results measured at the construction site for the traditional Refurbishment works made in Portugal. This comparison showed that structural Refurbishment seems to be environmentally more positive. Nevertheless, in the case-study gains were not as high as commonly suggested, mainly because of the massive use of structural steel and shotcrete required for the seismic and structural strengthening of the ancient building. Finally, as far as the economic approach is concerned, this paper concludes that in those conditions rebuilding would make more economic sense than refurbishing. These conclusions indicate that an integrated decision-making process is needed and also stress the development of new financial facilities for Refurbishment and, especially, the development of less costly solutions that could save scarce resources and incentives.
Klaus Menrad - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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which factors determine the extent of house owners energy related Refurbishment projects a motivation opportunity ability approach
Sustainable Cities and Society, 2018Co-Authors: Robert Baumhof, Thomas Decker, Hubert Roder, Klaus MenradAbstract:Abstract Increasing the energy efficiency of the buildings in the European Union to reduce their high share of the final energy consumption could have various societal benefits. A special focus in this regard lies on residential buildings. However, in Germany, the energy efficiency increase associated with residential Refurbishment projects is commonly low. For a better understanding of this problem, we investigate factors influencing the extent of energy-related Refurbishment projects of owner-occupiers of single and two-family houses. For this purpose, we use online survey data, the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability framework and general factors influencing the adoption of energy-related Refurbishment projects. These factors’ effects on the Refurbishment extent of owner-occupiers in the process of such projects are analyzed with structural equation analysis. Our results show that the intention to embellish the house, need for building maintenance or having related know-how foster the realization of more comprehensive energy-related Refurbishment projects. A supporting social environment and willingness to take out a loan were also identified to have this effect. Based on our results, we inter alia suggest that having subsidized regional consultation initiatives, which allow for a potential multiplier-effect amongst house owners, could increase the extent of energy-related Refurbishment projects. Finally, ideas for ongoing research are provided.
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an expectancy theory approach what motivates and differentiates german house owners in the context of energy efficient Refurbishment measures
Energy and Buildings, 2017Co-Authors: Robert Baumhof, Thomas Decker, Hubert Roder, Klaus MenradAbstract:Abstract Due to the multiple benefits associated with energy efficient Refurbishment measures in the building sector, it is important to identify the factors which influence house owners’ behavior in this context in order to raise the Refurbishment rate. Based on a Germany-wide online survey, we investigated the factors which influence owner-occupiers of single and two family houses that are 50 years or older. This was done utilizing Vroom’s Expectancy Theory. We compared house owners who stated an intention to undertake energy efficient Refurbishment measures, house owners who stated a need for such measures but no intention, and house owners who had already completed Refurbishment measures. Using multinomial logistic regression analysis, we identified the role of indoor comfort as being a motivational trigger. We also identified hindering aspects such as finances, time constraints and the house owners’ own capabilities to undertake the Refurbishment measures. Moreover, this study provides information on both planned and already conducted Refurbishment measures as well as those parts of houses where survey participants perceive a need for energy-related Refurbishment measures. Based on our findings we suggest that practically orientated measures should be implemented to increase the energy efficiency of older houses, e.g. presenting best practice Refurbishment projects.
Yikai Juan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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ga based decision support system for housing condition assessment and Refurbishment strategies
Automation in Construction, 2009Co-Authors: Yikai Juan, Kathy O Roper, Daniel CastrolacoutureAbstract:Refurbishment work involves improvement, upgrading, renovation, retrofit, and repair of existing housing. With limited land usage and being aware of sustainability, the Refurbishment market has faced increasing needs worldwide. During the long life cycle period of housing, most residents are undoubtedly faced with Refurbishment requirements. However, it is not easy to make assessment and Refurbishment related decisions due to the lack of knowledge and experience. This study presents Genetic algorithm-based on-line decision support system (DSS) to help residents easily conduct the housing condition assessment and offers optimal Refurbishment actions considering the trade-off between cost and quality. Two Refurbishment models are developed to explore the relationship among the life cycle cost, restoration cost and improved quality. The result reveals the proposed DSS solves the problems arising from asymmetric information and conflicting interests between residents and contractors, as well as improves traditional housing condition assessment to be more effective and efficient.
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a hybrid approach using data envelopment analysis and case based reasoning for housing Refurbishment contractors selection and performance improvement
Expert Systems With Applications, 2009Co-Authors: Yikai JuanAbstract:The Refurbishment market has grown greatly in the last decade. Relevant projects are becoming increasingly more demanding in the construction industry due to the emphasis on sustainability. Most Refurbishment works, however, involve a higher level of risk and uncertainty, as well as more complex coordination than new buildings. These characteristics are likely to cause asymmetric information between contractors and tenants in a Refurbishment process and thus affect customers' satisfaction and project performance. This study proposes a systematic decision support approach to solve Refurbishment asymmetric information problems by using case-based reasoning (CBR) and data envelopment analysis (DEA). The PZB model of the service quality and fuzzy sets are applied to support the DEA operation. With this intelligent approach, tenants can select an optimal Refurbishment contractor according to their customization needs and contractors can find out their inefficient factors to improve their business competitiveness. The proposed hybrid decision support approach is expected to be useful for both tenants and contractors in those developed countries or regions with high Refurbishment needs when they face similar problems.
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housing Refurbishment contractors selection based on a hybrid fuzzy qfd approach
Automation in Construction, 2009Co-Authors: Yikai Juan, Daniel Castrolacouture, Yenghorng Perng, Kuosheng LuAbstract:With low demand for new construction, limited land usage, and being aware of sustainability, the Refurbishment market has grown greatly and has become more in demand in the construction industry. Most Refurbishment work, however, involves a high level of risk, uncertainty, and coordination, which are likely to cause asymmetric information between contractors and residents in a Refurbishment process. Most private Refurbishment contractor selections are usually based on word-of-mouth referrals that lack a systematic and objective assessment method. This study proposes a hybrid approach combining fuzzy set theory and quality function deployment (QFD) to establish a housing Refurbishment contractor selection model. With this model, residents can select an optimal Refurbishment contractor according to requirements. To test the effectiveness of the proposed model, a known multiple criteria decision-making method, PROMETHEE, is applied to compare the results of contractor selections. The result reveals that the proposed hybrid fuzzy-QFD approach can be expected to be successful and has potential for handling multiple criteria decision-making problems.
Tarja Hakkinen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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drivers and benefits for district scale energy Refurbishment
Cities, 2019Co-Authors: Tarja Hakkinen, Mia Alajuusela, Tarja Makelainen, Nusrat JungAbstract:Abstract Existing building stock is responsible for a significant share of energy consumption in cities, consequent emissions, and effects on climate change. Energy Refurbishment of buildings can have an essential contribution to sustainable strategies of cities in Europe. District-Scale Refurbishment (D-SR) has many benefits compared to single building Refurbishment, but some barriers have delayed the realisation of district-scale projects. This article aims to explain the importance of district-scale approaches for energy-efficient Refurbishment and presents the findings related to the need for a new-type of role needed to accelerate district-level energy-efficient Refurbishment projects, defined as an “activator”. Threefold methodology was applied to conduct this study including (1) a literature review to analyse issues that enable or hinder district-scale energy Refurbishment of existing buildings, (2) twenty-five semi-structured interviews were carried out of pioneering representatives of architectural engineering and construction (AEC) in Finland and the questionnaire was designed to encompass Osterwalder's business canvas approach. Thematic findings were identified based on the qualitative results of the interviews. The results of this study demonstrate that while district-scale Refurbishment is seen beneficial in many aspects, it requires new roles, and an activator is needed to initiate and possibly lead the process. At the same time, the role of the municipality emerged as extremely important as an enabler by supporting flexible town-planning, open information, strong support for citizens' participation processes and by providing incentives for starting the process. The optimum profile of an activator is very demanding, requiring skills in process understanding, networking, and collaboration, in addition to expertise in energy solutions and technologies. This role could be taken by, e.g. contractors, project managers or engineering companies. The major challenge remains concerning who would pay for the role of an ‘activator’ during the initial stages of D-SR. This could be solved e.g. through a national incentive or the activator could be hired by the municipality. The value proposition should be for the end-users and could be based on (a) saving or increasing the value of a residential flat, (b) improving the living environment and increasing the attractiveness of the district, (c) improving well-being, or (d) easiness of Refurbishment process.
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systematic method for the sustainability analysis of Refurbishment concepts of exterior walls
Construction and Building Materials, 2012Co-Authors: Tarja HakkinenAbstract:Abstract Because of the age of the European building stock and because of the new energy performance regulations, safe and efficient concepts have to be developed for the Refurbishment of exterior walls. The objective of this paper is to explain the method that was developed in the European SUSREF project for the analysis of Refurbishment concepts, and describe how the method was effectively implemented during the project. Both generic Refurbishment concepts and company specific solutions were developed for the Refurbishment of building external walls. All concepts were systematically assessed with help of the method. The method includes a list of performance criteria and detailed guidelines for the assessment. Important aspects include not only the aspects of technical and functional performance but also process related aspects and life cycle aspects. The process related aspects should not be limited to technical feasibility but also consider the impacts caused to neighbouring buildings and their users. Life cycle aspects should cover both environmental as well as financial aspects. The approach was tested during the project and it was found suitable both for the development of new innovative solutions as well as for the improvement of more conventional solutions. The approach is also recommended to be made use of in the development of design codes for Refurbishment concepts of exterior walls. A systematic method should also be used in the dissemination of information about recommended Refurbishment concepts for designers.
Brian Norton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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thermal energy Refurbishment status of the irish housing stock
Energy and Buildings, 2019Co-Authors: Ciara Ahern, Brian NortonAbstract:Abstract Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are issued for buildings constructed, sold or leased across the EU. Using a generalizable methodology this work exploits Ireland's EPC national dwelling stock database to determine the thermal Refurbishment status of Ireland's housing stock. It is estimated in 2014 that; i) 58% of walls were insulated at a mean overall heat loss coefficient or U-value of 0.66 W/m2K, ii) 67% of roofs were insulated at a mean U-value 0.37 W/m2K, iii) 97% of windows were double-glazed, and iv) 53% of floors were insulated to a mean U-value of 0.59 W/m2K. The (i) extent of thermal Refurbishments and (ii) high degree of energy-efficiency improvements in Ireland contribute significantly to household energy usage per square metre being 9% below the EU 27 average in 2010, and the average energy efficiency of Irish housing having improved by over 34% between 1995 and 2011 (2.5% per annum). The distinction between the thermal efficiency of pre-thermal building regulation and post-thermal building regulation dwellings, whilst still valid, is lessening. A strong association between dwelling age and energy efficiency often-made is diminishing as retrofits continue to be carried out. The long-held view that the majority of Irish dwellings are thermally sub-standard is no longer valid.
