Analysis of Economic and Socio-Environmental Indicators for Energy, Materials and Water Management and Proposal of Technologies and Alternatives for Sustainable Construction in Housing

The work presents technologies of materials,energy and water management that can be used for sustainable buildings,reducing costs and environmental impacts.The aim was to encourage the reduction of energy consumption,adequate water management and more sustainable material choices in new or existing buildings.For this,a diagnosis of existing technologies and alternatives was carried out in the first stage of the work.The second stage consisted of analyzing among the technologies and alternatives diagnosed from the methodology which can be applied in a fictitious case study of housing,its implementation and maintenance and viability analyzing,finally,environmental indicators,social and economic.The results showed that the best evaluated technologies/alternatives were in Energy:ventilation and natural light;in Water Management:double-action sanitary basin,flow restrictors,aerators with constant flow,and minicistern systems;and in Materials:bamboo,wood,soil-cement brick,earth,steel frame and wood frame,aggregate with ash from rice husks,aggregate with ash from sugarcane bagasse,glass,phase change materials,aggregate with residues of construction and demolition,Portland cement and cement with blast furnace slag;which can be used in the civil construction sector,and provide socio-environmental and economic benefits,encouraging new studies and its use for public/private buildings,aid in the elaboration of public policies to reduce costs and improve the quality of buildings.

The Contributions of Building Information Modelling to Sustainable Construction

Global concerns toward environmental issues have induced growing demand for new approaches in the construction because of its considerable impact on the environment and use of natural resources. Through using construction sustainability tools, methods and techniques, a greener design can be applied during various building phases. In this connection, it is argued that the analytical and integrated models applied by Building Information Modelling (BIM) may also facilitate this process to be performed more efficiently. BIM and construction sustainability are quite different initiatives, but both have received much attention in recent years in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. A rigorous analysis of the interactions between them implies that a synergy exists which, if properly it is understood that can be helpful to reduce the environmental impacts of the AEC industry. A BIM-based design model can contribute to sustainability through its three main dimensions which are environmental, economic and social. In this paper, by reviewing the existing literature on BIM and construction sustainability and using a matrix to analyze construction sustainability dimensions and BIM functionalities a number of interactions have been discussed. It can be concluded that despite there are many improvements in implementation of BIM in environmental and economic aspects of sustainability, its potential impact on social dimension has not been explicitly explored hence further studies need to be undertaken in this area.

Strategies for Sustainable Environmental Management of Construction Activities in Ghana

The Ghanaian construction industry continues to improve by the recent intensification of infrastructure development by government and the private sector. Nonetheless, this is happening with a strong focus on economic development to the detriment of the environment these activities affect. This paper focuses on identifying the strategies by which sustainable environmental management could be structured to mitigate the impact of construction activities in Ghana. A mixed-method research approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 83 practitioners in the construction industry, while qualitative data were elicited from 18 Construction and Environmental Management practitioners. The mean scores indicated that all the 20 strategies for integrating environmental concerns into construction activities in Ghana were considered significant by the respondents. The empirical findings of the study indicate that for environmental concerns to be effectively integrated into construction activities in Ghana, a concerted effort will be required from the various actors within the construction industry. These include the role of clients in selecting environmentally conscious service providers, designers focusing on environmentally friendly construction materials and methods, reduce, recycling and reuse of waste materials, the commitment of government towards sustainable development, and well-structured educational campaigns to promote environmentally sustainable construction activities.

Construction of Environment for Sustainable Human Rights Development

Today, we are gathered to welcome the opening of the Sixth Beijing Forum on Human Rights, which is co-sponsored by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development. Undoubtedly it is of positive significance that human rights experts and scholars in the international human rights field from many countries in the world have assembled together in this golden season to plan human rights develop- ment. On behalf of the State Council Information Office of China, I wouldlike to express warm congratulations to the opening of this forum, and sincere welcome to friends in atten- dance.

Performance Evaluation of Novel Eco-Materials Composed of Millet Husks, Rice Husks, and Polystyrene

Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.

Advanced Sheet Pile Curtain Design: Case Study of Cotonou East Corniche

This paper delves into the critical aspects of sheet pile walls in civil engineering, highlighting their versatility in soil protection, retention, and waterproofing, all while emphasizing sustainability and efficient construction practices. The paper explores two fundamental approaches to sheet pile design: limit equilibrium methods and numerical techniques, with a particular focus on finite element analysis. Utilizing the robust PLAXIS 2016 calculation code based on the finite element method and employing a simplified elastoplastic model (Mohr-Coulomb), this study meticulously models the interaction between sheet pile walls and surrounding soil. The research offers valuable insights into settlement and deformation patterns that adjacent buildings may experience during various construction phases. The central objective of this paper is to present the study’s findings and recommend potential mitigation measures for settlement effects on nearby structures. By unraveling the intricate interplay between sheet pile wall construction and neighboring buildings, the paper equips engineers and practitioners to make informed decisions that ensure the safety and integrity of the built environment. In the context of the Cotonou East Corniche development, the study addresses the limitations of existing software, such as RIDO, in predicting settlements and deformations affecting nearby buildings due to the substantial load supported by sheet pile walls. This information gap necessitates a comprehensive study to assess potential impacts on adjacent structures and propose suitable mitigation measures. The research underscores the intricate dynamics between sheet pile wall construction and its influence on the local environment. It emphasizes the critical importance of proactive engineering and vigilant monitoring in managing and mitigating potential hazards to nearby buildings. To mitigate these risks, the paper recommends measures such as deep foundations, ground improvement techniques, and retrofitting. The findings presented in this study contribute significantly to the field of civil engineering and offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of construction-induced settlement. The study underscores the importance of continuous evaluation and coordination between construction teams and building owners to effectively manage the impacts of sheet pile wall construction on adjacent structures.

A Case Study of VäxjöMunicipality’s Actions to Increase the Construction of Wooden Multi-family Buildings

Sweden has a housing shortage,which the Swedish authorities expect to continue until 2025.Producers of wooden multi-family houses have a relatively small market share in comparison to traditional building materials.The limited capability to fulfil the increased building demand also restricts the possibilities for development towards innovation,bio-economy and sustainability.The municipalities in Sweden have responsible for planning of the building development in their region based on their projected requirements and strategies.Combining this with a desire to develop sustainable building solutions based on wood increases the complexity.Currently,public building developments are achieved through the public procurement act or the land allocation activity,dependent on their development strategy.This normally involves the development of local strategies regarding,e.g.design,material choice and geographical development.By identifying market drivers enables improved market entry activities related to public building initiatives using wood-based solutions.Hence,by improving transparency in the land allocation activity generate enhanced possibilities for the companies to respond successfully to the requests submitted by the municipalities.This knowledge is used to better understand the required strategic development for the companies,the government and the municipalities to increase the use of sustainable building materials in Swedish multi-family housing projects.

Fire risk of green building technical components

The concept of the green building as sustainable construction has continuously been studied,developed and distributed.Technologies to realize the green building to use less energy,while protecting the environment and improving the quality of residences have increasingly been used in not only new buildings in the design phase,but also in existing ones to reduce the energy and environment loads.Therefore,the number of green buildings is increasing.However,there are some cases that green building technologies for low energy use,low carbon emissions and pleasant indoor environment violate fire safety standards;so it is imminent to address the issue.Furthermore,unlike continuous studies on development and distribution of green buildings,there are few studies on the issue because of the lack of fire safety awareness of green buildings.Therefore,this study intends to raise the awareness of fire safety awareness of green buildings through theoretical consideration and analysis of cases about green building technologies.

Green building research in South Africa:A scoping review and future roadmaps

The construction industry is recognised to pose serious environmental threats due to its anthropogenic activities.To confront this challenge,green building has been famed as an auspicious strategy to alleviate energy-related carbon emissions alongside climate change mitigation.Consequently,it has birthed diverse empirical studies and holistic reviews by the research community.However,these previous studies have been carried out from a global and continental viewpoint regardless of the green building development specifically in emerging economies.This present study seeks to fill the sparse research upshots on the synthesis of green building research at the country level with core focus on South Africa.In this light,the current study provides a scoping overview of the intellectual exploration on green building research in the South African context.The study’s findings highlight the varying growth regarding the subject matter,the drivers,drawbacks,and socio-economic issues confronting in developing green building projects in the country.To optimize the advancement of green building in the region,this study recommends the implementation of financing schemes,utilization of advanced digital technologies,and promotion of green and sustainable building curricula across the institutions as well as post-occupancy-related studies within the green building spectrum towards a safe and salutogenic built-environment in the country.

Analyzing sustainability of construction equipment in the state of California

Construction equipment encompasses highly polluting machines adversely affecting the environment.Management tools are necessary for sustainability assessment of construction equipment fleets to allow contractors to reduce their emissions and comply with local or federal regulations. In addition to management tools, there is a need for a metrics that will allow companies to accurately assess the sustainability of their construction equipment fleets. The State of California USA is adopting innovative approaches to reduce adverse impact of humans on the environment. Once successfully implemented, the chances are that such practices attract other states to adopt similar approaches. This paper presents an evaluation of construction equipment fleets and data analysis. When measured and recorded, such results can be used along with decisionsupport tools for selection and utilization of construction equipment. The metrics for construction equipment evaluation as well as the tool for sustainable decisionmaking are developed based on readily available data from manufacturers or maintenance shops without a need for additional effort by contractors or government agencies for their adoption. The metrics developed and the decision support tool incorporate logical strategies of supply chain management for optimal selection of construction equipment for construction site while taking into account the availability, cost, and mobilization related constraints. The metrics and the model can benefit both the government agencies responsible for inspection of fleets and owners of construction companies in their decision-making processes related to environmental sustainability.

Biochar as construction materials for achieving carbon neutrality

Biochar is a waste-derived material that can sequester carbon at a large scale.The development of low-carbon and sustainable biochar-enhanced construction materials has attracted extensive interest.Biochar,having a porous nature and highly functionalised surface,can provide nucleation sites for chemical reactions and exhibit compatibility with cement,asphalt,and polymer materials.This study critically reviewed the state-of-the-art biochar-enhanced construction materials,including biochar-cement composites,biochar-asphalt composites,biochar-plastic composites,etc.The efficacies and mechanisms of biochar as construction materials were articulated to improve their functional properties.This critical review highlighted the roles of biochar in cement hydration,surface functional groups of engineered biochar for promoting chemical reactions,and value-added merits of biochar-enhanced construction materials(such as humidity regulation,thermal insulation,noise reduction,air/water purification,electromagnetic shielding,and self-sensing).The major properties of biochar are correlated to the features and functionalities of biochar-enhanced construction materials.Further advances in our understanding of biochar’s roles in various composites can foster the next-generation design of carbon-neutral construction materials.

Identification and prioritization of key health hazards to workers in roadway construction

Although various rating systems have been developed to promote sustainable development in roadway construction,sustainability evaluation from the perspective of safeguarding workers’health is currently lacking.Three approaches were used in the study to identify and prioritize key health hazards to workers in roadway construction,including bibliometric analysis,questionnaire survey and analytic hierarchy process(AHP).Bibliometric analysis indicates that submicron particles and polycyclic aromatic compounds are the primary concerns of researchers,and ergonomics also attracts some attention.A questionnaire survey was conducted among construction workers in China.The results suggest that the most frequently encountered occupational disorders by roadway construction workers are musculoskeletal disorders,heat stroke,respiratory health issues and hearing loss,and the most commonly encountered hazards are noise,dust,asphalt fumes,heat stress and some adverse working conditions.Perceptions on associations between the health hazards and disorders were obtained.Although there are some discrepancies between the AHP scores provided by two groups of professionals in China,the commonly agreed top occupational hazards include dust,asphalt fumes,noise,high-/low-temperature stresses and chronic injuries.The findings may be incorporated into rating systems for roadway construction to encourage the industry to adopt better practices for the well-being of workers.

The challenges on operating a zero net energy building facing global warming conditions

This study proposes a methodology to evaluate the energy performance of existing Zero Energy Buildings and to prospect retrofit strategies in a Savannah climate,concerning the A2 scenario of emissions from the Fourth Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.The selected building to study is recognized for its high energy performance,named Centro SEBRAE de Sustentabilidade(CSS).Two efficient measures were considered:(i)improvement in the air conditioning system coefficient of performance(COP)and(ii)in the energy efficiency of the photovoltaic plates of generation on-site.The methodology is grounded in the potential bioclimatic concept and the employed steps applied were:preparation of climate archives in the 2020,2050 and 2080 time-slices;calibration of the computational model;evaluation of the retrofit strategies on its energy consumption efficiency through computer simulation.Considering the CSS has already attended mostly the bioclimatic strategies for the local climate and has high efficiency measures in its systems,the retrofit focused the air conditioning and PV system.The isolated retrofit of the air conditioning system was unable to guarantees the NZEB condition despite providing an adequate level of energy efficiency until 2080.The retrofit of the PV system was the only one that provides the NZEB condition for climate change scenarios.The contribution of this paper is to provide a guide to be used in NZEBs,with measures of optimization that provide high potential bioclimatic face to the local where it is built,making it possible to maintain this condition in scenarios of global warming.