Green Building & Construction Economics

Assessing the Impacts of Energetic Retrofitting on Economic, Ecological and Social Parameters–A Case Study in Germany

Lukas Liesenklas — 2024-06-24

To pave the way towards climate neutrality in 2045, it is required for Germany to upgrade and retrofit its existing energetically low-performing building stock. This task is challenging because a major share of the existing building stock in Germany is being rented, leading to more complex landlord-tenant dynamics. Landlords mainly shoulder the initial costs of the energetic retrofitting measures but only indirectly benefit, through possible rent increases. Tenants, on the other hand, directly benefit from the improved thermal comfort and lower heating bills. To ensure the sustainability of the energetic retrofitting, a goal of harmony among the economic, ecological, and social factors must be attained, ideally benefiting tenants and landlords. This paper examined this balance in detail, focusing on the costs and subsidies for landlords to improve energy efficiency and how this affects rent and heating costs for tenants. A life cycle assessment of materials used in retrofits was conducted. The findings revealed that the retrofitting measures were environmentally and economically favorable from the landlord's perspective. However, the reduction in heating costs achieved by retrofitting the building was below the potential rent increase, making the measures economically unfavorable for the tenant.

Investigation of the Use of Drones by Construction Professionals in Addressing Built Environment Tasks

Wahab Akeem Bolaji — 2024-02-15

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also called a drone, has been gaining attention globally to solve different tasks. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness and level of adoption of these types of drones by building professionals and the factors limiting their use in the built environment. The study was carried out in Lagos State, in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Data for this research were collected from primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was obtained by administering a questionnaire to the selected building industry professionals, and the collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results showed that structure inspection and photography are the most rated features of drones in addressing built environment tasks, with a mean score (MS) of 4.50, and security surveillance (MS = 3.86) is the least important feature. The level of adoption of drones in addressing built environment tasks was assessed among the professionals, and the results showed that the practice of an emergency response plan and a health and safety plan to reduce the risk of harm and ensure safety on site is considered to be the most important task. The study found that the fixed-wing hybrid drone with an MS of 1.97 is the most commonly used drone type. Lastly, the study showed that lack of public awareness (MS = 4.81) is rated as the most significant factor that limits its use. Few professionals have practically used drones to solve tasks faced in the building industry. Thus, there is a need to further sensitize built environment professionals to the benefits associated with its wider adoption and applications. Also, the importance of drones and their associated managerial and practical implications in solving relevant built environment tasks can be initiated by deepening their relevance in the curriculum of building industry programs at the professional and academic levels.

Utilization of Open Space for Beauty and Healthier Cities in Third-World Countries: The Case of Kigali City

David Mihigo — 2024-06-20

Open spaces play critical roles for people in cities. In developing countries, open spaces are used for social gatherings, which are vital for a healthy city. The lack of public spaces in cities obstructs the beauty of cities, spaces for community interaction, and inclusive urban planning. This study explored the utilization of open space for beauty and healthier cities in third-world countries using Kigali city. Tested research questions include: (1) How is the utilization of open spaces in Kigali city for beautiful and healthier cities in developing countries?; (2) What are the challenges that delay the effective utilization of open spaces in Kigali city?; and (3) What are suitable recommendations for future open spaces for healthier cities in developing countries? Qualitative and quantitative methods were used, which involved interviews with 60 Kigali city residents, one vision-impaired person, and one city of Kigali expert. Observations were carried out to expose the presence and utilization of open spaces. The findings show that the city's three key open spaces, one located in front of the Bank of Kigali head office, known as Imbuga City Walk, a second located at Nyandugu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park, and a third situated at Rebero, Kicukiro District. These are used for social interactions and individual relaxation. Hence, the effective utilization of the open spaces is hindered by challenges, including the absence of basic infrastructure such as power point sockets to charge computers and phones. Other open spaces cannot shade people during sunny and rainy seasons. The study recommends (1) the construction of several artificial lakes in open spaces, as in Gikondo Public Garden; (2) a smart city concept that involves open spaces with sufficient facilities to advance utilization and achieve healthy cities.