Showing papers in "International journal of sustainable built environment in 2015"

Monitoring urban growth and land use change detection with GIS and remote sensing techniques in Daqahlia governorate Egypt

Abstract: Urban growth is a worldwide phenomenon but the rate of urbanization is very fast in developing country like Egypt. It is mainly driven by unorganized expansion, increased immigration, rapidly increasing population. In this context, land use and land cover change are considered one of the central components in current strategies for managing natural resources and monitoring environmental changes. In Egypt, urban growth has brought serious losses of agricultural land and water bodies. Urban growth is responsible for a variety of urban environmental issues like decreased air quality, increased runoff and subsequent flooding, increased local temperature, deterioration of water quality, etc. Egypt possessed a number of fast growing cities. Mansoura and Talkha cities in Daqahlia governorate are expanding rapidly with varying growth rates and patterns. In this context, geospatial technologies and remote sensing methodology provide essential tools which can be applied in the analysis of land use change detection. This paper is an attempt to assess the land use change detection by using GIS in Mansoura and Talkha from 1985 to 2010. Change detection analysis shows that built-up area has been increased from 28 to 255 km 2 by more than 30% and agricultural land reduced by 33%. Future prediction is done by using the Markov chain analysis. Information on urban growth, land use and land cover change study is very useful to local government and urban planners for the betterment of future plans of sustainable development of the city.

A brief on high-volume Class F fly ash as cement replacement – A guide for Civil Engineer

Abstract: Disposal of fly ash (FA) resulting from the combustion of coal-fired electric power stations is one of the major environmental challenges. This challenge continues to increase with increasing the amount of FA and decreasing the capacity of landfill space. Therefore, studies have been carried out to re-use high-volumes of fly ash (HVFA) as cement replacement in building materials. This paper presents an overview of the previous studies carried out on the use of high volume Class F FA as a partial replacement of cement in traditional paste/mortar/concrete mixtures based on Portland cement (PC). Fresh properties, mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, thermal properties, drying shrinkage, porosity, water absorption, sorptivity, chemical resistance, carbonation resistance and electrical resistivity of paste/mortar/concrete mixtures containing HVFA (⩾45%) as cement replacement have been reviewed. Furthermore, additives used to improve some properties of HVFA system have been reviewed.

A review of municipal solid waste environmental standards with a focus on incinerator residues

Abstract: Environmental issues are often neglected until a lapse in the care for environment, which leads to serious human health problem, would then put regulation gaps in the spotlight. Environmental regulations and standards are important as they maintain balance among competing resources and help protect human health and the environment. One important environmental standard is related to municipal solid waste (MSW). Proper MSW management is crucial for urban public health. Meanwhile, the sustainability of landfills is also of concern as increasing volumes of MSW consume finite landfill space. The incineration of MSW and the reuse of incinerated residues help alleviate the burden on landfill space. However, the reuse of MSW incinerator residues must be regulated because they may expose the environment to toxic heavy metal elements. The study of environmental standards from different countries applicable to MSW is not widely published, much less those for incinerated MSW residue reuse. This paper compares extant waste classification and reuse standards pertinent to MSW, and explores the unique recent history and policy evolution in some countries exhibiting high environmental regard and rapid changes, so that policy makers can propose new or revise current MSW standards in other countries.

Household energy consumption and carbon emissions for sustainable cities – A critical review of modelling approaches

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to conduct a review of how household energy consumption and carbon emissions (HECCE) modelling paradigms have evolved over the years. This is achieved by adopting the literature review methodology for the study. The paper first reviewed the previous studies that are serving as the theoretical framework underpinning the HECCE models. Further to this, the paper identified an array of energy models that have evolved over the years together with their capability of analysing energy consumption and their associated carbon emission trends in housing sector of the economy. The results of the study showed that econometric (mainly top-down), building physics, and statistical (mainly bottom-up) methods are the existing approaches that have found application in modelling HECCE issues. However, a number of limitations were noticed in these existing modelling techniques. These are (1) lack of transparency in the model algorithms, (2) inability to account for the complex, interdependencies, and dynamic nature of the issue of energy consumption and carbon emissions, (3) limited evidence to show for the occupants–dwelling interactions, and (4) lack of enough capacity to accommodate qualitative data input. And as such, the study concluded that there is the need to scout for more robust and sophisticated modelling approaches that take into consideration the kind of complexity involved in issues relating to HECCE.

Confining concrete with sisal and jute FRP as alternatives for CFRP and GFRP

Abstract: This research paper presents an experimental investigation on the confinement strength and confinement modulus of concrete cylinders confined using different types of natural fibre composites and a comparative performance analysis with different artificial fibre based composite materials. The paper also highlights the need to switch over from the utilization of artificial fibres, which are non-renewable and fossil fuel products, to environmental beneficial materials like green fibres. The utilization of plant products like sisal and jute fibres and their composites in various structural engineering applications addresses the issues of sustainability and renewability with constructional materials. The paper describes a suitable mechanical treatment method like high temperature conditioning, which aids us in further improving the properties of these woven natural materials like sisal and jute for composite fabrication and utilization. Heat treated natural fibres of woven sisal and jute were utilized for confining concrete cylinders similar to CFRP and GFRP confinement and their confinement characteristics were obtained and compared. All the cylinders were subjected to monotonic axial compressive loads, so as to evaluate the effect of confinement on the axial load carrying capacity and all their failure modes were discussed thoroughly. The results indicated superior performance by sisal FRP as well as jute FRP confined cylinders as compared to controlled or unconfined cylinders, also sisal FRP wrapped cylinders displayed ultimate axial load of comparable magnitude to CFRP confinement. Natural FRP confinement displayed superior confinement modulus and confinement strength, also the ultimate axial load of concrete cylinders confined with natural FRPs underwent 66% enhancement by sisal FRP and 48% enhancement by jute FRP, in comparison with controlled or unconfined cylinders. Enhancement in axial load carrying capacity was 83% with CFRP confinement and 180% with GFRP confinement. Although natural FRP displayed lower enhancement in axial load carrying capacity in comparison with artificial FRP confinement, but enhanced load carrying capabilities alongside superior sustainability and environmental friendly indices could be obtained using the same, because of various advantages associated with the use of natural fibres.

Case study investigation of indoor air quality in mechanically ventilated and naturally ventilated UK social housing

Abstract: There is a significant lack of indoor air quality research in low energy homes. This study compared the indoor air quality of eight newly built case study homes constructed to similar levels of air-tightness and insulation; with two different ventilation strategies (four homes with Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems/Code level 4 and four homes naturally ventilated/Code level 3). Indoor air quality measurements were conducted over a 24 h period in the living room and main bedroom of each home during the summer and winter seasons. Simultaneous outside measurements and an occupant diary were also employed during the measurement period. Occupant interviews were conducted to gain information on perceived indoor air quality, occupant behaviour and building related illnesses. Knowledge of the MVHR system including ventilation related behaviour was also studied. Results suggest indoor air quality problems in both the mechanically ventilated and naturally ventilated homes, with significant issues identified regarding occupant use in the social homes.

Studies on eco-friendly concrete incorporating industrial waste as aggregates

Abstract: The present day research is focussed on development of alternative binder materials to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) due to huge emissions of green house gases associated with production of OPC. GGBFS-FA based geopolymer binders are an innovative alternative to OPC which can obtain high strengths apart from being eco-friendly; since its production does not involve high energy and also contributes to sustainability by using the industrial waste materials. Steel slag, an industrial by-product obtained from manufacture of steel can be identified as an alternative to natural aggregates for concrete production, since there is a possibility of acute shortage of natural aggregates in future. The present study is conducted to evaluate the performance of weathered steel slag coarse aggregates in GGBFS-FA based geopolymer concrete. GGBFS-FA geopolymer concrete with steel slag coarse aggregates are prepared by replacing natural granite aggregates at different replacement levels i.e. 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (by volume) and various fresh and mechanical properties are studied. The flexural fatigue behaviour of GGBFS-FA geopolymer concrete with steel slag is also studied in detail. Efforts are also made to model the probabilistic distribution of fatigue data of GGBFS-FA geopolymer concrete at different stress levels using two parameters Weibull distribution. The results indicated that incorporation of steel slag in GGBFS-FA geopolymer concrete resulted in slight reduction in mechanical strength. The water absorption and volume of permeable voids displayed higher values with inclusion of steel slag. Reduction in number of cycles for fatigue failure was observed in geopolymer concrete mixes containing steel slag as compared to granite aggregates. Overall, the performance of steel slag was found to be satisfactory for structural and pavement application and steel slag can be recognised as new construction material.

Environmentally sustainable interior design: A snapshot of current supply of and demand for green, sustainable or Fair Trade products for interior design practice

Abstract: Although environmentally sustainable interior design (ESID) has become a major issue in interior design practice, according to the literature the frequency with which interior designers make sustainable choices in real practice is still limited, particularly where materials selection is concerned. This research aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a sustainable material choice and subsequently undertake a study of the current supply of and demand for green, sustainable and Fair Trade (GSFT) products for interior design practice. In the first instance a desk study of currently available GSFT materials was undertaken. Following this non-participant structured observation of accessibility of GSFT products and a survey on the supply of GSFT materials was undertaken. Finally semi structured interviews with retailers were conducted. The results demonstrate the wide range of GSFT products that are currently in the marketplace (including fabrics, window treatments, surface materials, flooring, walls and ceilings) and indeed many of these materials and products could be sourced from the retail outlets surveyed during the research. However it was not easy to readily identify GSFT products and frequently the researcher had to look through volumes of materials, relying on personal knowledge and manufacturers’ literature to determine the provenance of the materials marketed. Sourcing products in this way is inefficient and time consuming and has been highlighted as a barrier to engaging in ESID in the literature. Only a small number of the retailers interviewed have actively encouraged their customers to purchase GSFT. This reluctance to promote GSFT may reflect a lack of information on the provenance of materials to hand but also their belief that people are not aware of the benefits of either sustainable or green materials and therefore not engaged in ESID. If they perceived that there was a greater demand for GSFT products, the retailers may choose to promote these materials more effectively. The research has confirmed how difficult it is to find information on the provenance of materials to encourage the practice of ESID. Better access to a basic knowledge of sustainability as well as more up-to-date information about sustainable materials will play a critical role in promoting sustainable practice.

Flow behavior and strength for fly ash blended cement paste and mortar

Abstract: In this study, compressive strength and flow behavior of fly ash incorporated cement paste and mortar were investigated. For this purpose, four water to binder ratios ( w /( c + f )) such as 0.25, 0.35, 0.45 and 0.55 with three curing ages and five wide range of fly ash replacement levels ( f / c ratio) namely 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 were introduced in the experimental scheme. The workability of the mixture was ensured through Marsh cone and flow table tests for fly ash blended cement paste and mortar, respectively. The test result showed that compressive strength increases with age as expected in all cases and an empirical relationship for compressive strength of blended cement paste and mortar with mix factors such as w /( c + f ) ratio, f / c ratio and age is also proposed. The estimated compressive strength versus w /( c + f ) ratio curves for different curing ages and f / c ratios resembles the nature of Abrams’ strength versus w / c ratio curves.

Enhancing sustainability of rural adobe houses of hills by addition of vernacular fiber reinforcement

Abstract: Adobe is a commonly used building material in rural houses of district Hamirpur of the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Adobe is a sustainable material but has limitations of building smaller room sizes and requires frequent maintenance which is not suitable for modern lifestyle. These become main reasons for rejection of adobe as a building material. Initial investigation comprising of water content analysis, specific gravity analysis, grain size analysis, plastic limit and liquid limit analysis, maximum dry density check reveals that soil is sand clay and its low compressive strength shall be increased for enhancing its sustainability. For this purpose, stabilization with natural fibers of Pinus roxburghii and Grewia optiva in 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% proportions is proposed. Total 360 cubical and cylindrical shaped samples of both stabilized and unstabilized compositions were prepared and tested in a laboratory according to Indian standards. Unconfined compressive strength tests and maximum Stress Carrying Capacity tests were conducted after 07 days, 14 days, 28 days, 56 days and 90 days of casting. Results reveal that compressive strength of soil increases by 131–145% with addition of fiber P. roxburghii and 225–235% with addition of fiber G. optiva for cubical and cylindrical samples respectively. Increased compressive strength also results in a reduced thickness of traditional mud walls thereby increasing internal room size which would suit to changed modern lifestyle requirements. Enhanced properties of adobe will result in wider acceptance of adobe as a building material that will make development of rural housing more sustainable on a wider scale.

Potential benefits of developing and implementing environmental and sustainability rating systems: Making the case for the need of diversification

Abstract: In this paper, we explore the potential benefits of implementing environmental and sustainability rating systems (ESRS) in industrial sectors other than the building industry. The increasing demand for natural resource exploration and exploitation has generated greater attention to the impact of such activity on both the organization and its stakeholders. One solution to mitigate the negative impacts is to regulate it through government agencies and legal requirements. While providing general guidelines, these processes often provide little practical help for firms to address triple bottom line goals in sustainability (i.e. social, economic, environment). More recently, a variety of environmental and sustainability rating tools have been developed to assist firms in making decisions that best fit these goals. While readily used and championed by the building industry, these rating tools have yet to be adopted by adjacent industries like mining, energy, oil & gas, and heavy industrial. This paper outlines potential benefits that these industries could realize in choosing to use such tools for the assessment of sustainability performance.

Analysis of thermal comfort and indoor air flow characteristics for a residential building room under generalized window opening position at the adjacent walls

Abstract: Thermal comfort is an imperative factor that determines the health and productivity of the occupants living in residential buildings. The growing health related symptoms and demand for the electrical energy encourage the occupants to switch over to natural ventilation. Thermal comfort for naturally ventilated buildings mainly depends on the size and orientation of window openings. Even though most research works include the study on indoor thermal comfort for various positions of window opening it was limited to single sided and cross ventilated buildings. In real situation most of the rooms attached to the residential buildings are having window openings at their adjacent wall and hence this paper was focused to study the occupants’ thermal comfort and indoor air flow characteristics for a room with adjacent window openings under generalized approach. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique is employed to study the indoor air flow for a three-dimensional room model. The CFD simulation is checked for grid independence and having good validation with experimental measurements on the reduced scale model at wind tunnel and with the network model with the k–e turbulence model. Air temperatures along various midlines, planes, areas occupied by low temperature zone and predicted mean vote (PMV) contours are presented in this paper. From this study a new set of strategies are identified to locate the window openings and the best location improves percentage of low temperature by 50%, reduces the PMV and PPD by 0.12% and 3.51%, respectively with reference to the worst window opening position.

Assessing the significance of climate and community factors on urban water demand

Abstract: Ensuring adequate water supply to urban areas is a challenging task due to factors such as rapid urban growth, increasing water demand and climate change. In developing a sustainable water supply system, it is important to identify the dominant water demand factors for any given water supply scheme. This paper applies principal components analysis to identify the factors that dominate residential water demand using the Blue Mountains Water Supply System in Australia as a case study. The results show that the influence of community intervention factors (e.g. use of water efficient appliances and rainwater tanks) on water demand are among the most significant. The result also confirmed that the community intervention programmes and water pricing policy together can play a noticeable role in reducing the overall water demand. On the other hand, the influence of rainfall on water demand is found to be very limited, while temperature shows some degree of correlation with water demand. The results of this study would help water authorities to plan for effective water demand management strategies and to develop a water demand forecasting model with appropriate climatic factors to achieve sustainable water resources management. The methodology developed in this paper can be adapted to other water supply systems to identify the influential factors in water demand modelling and to devise an effective demand management strategy.

A post-occupancy evaluation of a green rated and conventional on-campus residence hall

Abstract: Green buildings increasingly attract attention in the real estate sector, and the United States is no exception. Studies indicate that green rated buildings may bring higher rents and sales prices. One reason for this inequity is that the indoor environment of these buildings may outperform conventional buildings. The main objective of this paper is to conduct a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to compare the indoor environment in a LEED certified, on-campus residence hall with a similar, non-green rated residence hall. Results are evaluated to determine if green buildings really outperform. The results suggest that the green rated building outperformed the conventional building in the majority of the indoor environmental aspects, but not all. These results can inform a cost-benefit analysis of green features for new construction and refurbishments.

Ecosystem services analysis: Mimicking ecosystem services for regenerative urban design

Abstract: This paper proposes using an understanding of ecosystem services to determine measurable goals for urban regenerative design that are based on site specific ecological reality. This is termed ecosystem services analysis. The usability of the ecosystem services analysis concept is tested through a case study of an existing city. The case study demonstrates how the concept could be used as a tool to evaluate the performance of an existing built environment, and how it could reveal places to intervene in the built environment to create a more robust, adaptable and cohesive system. This is important because more than half of all people live in urban environments, cities have a large negative impact on ecosystems, humans are dependent on ecosystems for survival, and issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss are already impacting on the built environment and people, and continue to become more urgent.

How will Dhaka grow spatially in future?-Modelling its urban growth with a near-future planning scenario perspective

Abstract: Being the primate city of Bangladesh, higher population growth and inward migration from rural areas is making Dhaka to experience an unprecedented level of urbanisation. This has brought two-fold implications-pushing it high up the mega-city size ladder while also posing the planners and city managers with more complex spatial and socio-economic challenges to deal with the rapidly expanding urban footprint. Updating the knowledge and evidence-base of Dhaka’s urban growth dynamics becomes increasingly crucial for better functioning of its strategic urban planning and management. Therefore, this research seeks to broaden our knowledge of understanding spatial urban growth patterns and processes of Dhaka over the period of 1988–2005. Hybrid spatial modelling frameworks, incorporating statistical models (in the form of weight-of-evidence approach) along with cellular automata functions, therefore, have been used to comprehend the dynamism of rapid urban growth from 1988 to 2005. As expected, the local version of the transition probabilities (where Dhaka was divided into 18 Spatial Planning Zones), produced improved results compared to the global version (i.e. the whole of the Dhaka metropolitan area). The modelling framework has further been tested as a planner’s ‘what-if’ simulation box to generate near-future scenario using future policy dataset. It appears to have sufficient experimental potential to implement more extensive spatio–temporal land-use modelling process even in sparse data environment such as Dhaka.

Emerging dimensions of sustainability in institutes of higher education in India

Abstract: The institutions of higher education provide role models for excellence in education. But also have the added responsibility of providing guidance to the community for social upliftment and environmental sustainability. It becomes imperative, therefore to assess the extent to which sustainable practices have been adopted in these institutions and their adequacy. It is anticipated that a holistic assessment will indicate strengths and weaknesses in sustainability practices so that effective measures can be taken to initiate the creation of a more sustainable environment. To achieve the foregoing objective parameters like Land use and Energy have been identified. An analysis of the basic sustainability parameters with regard to the various institutional surveys indicates the changing trends over the years. The trend reflects institutional growth, improvement in the economy and growing of awareness of sustaining the ecological environment. However, the extent to which each parameter is addressed varies from institution to institution, as well as the geographical location and climatic variations due to the diverse nature of these two factors in the Indian context. Increasing awareness issues pertaining to sustainability in institutions of higher education is reflected by relevant practices adopted, however it is expected that initial momentum generated in this direction will lead to further adoption of sustainable practices consistent with the cultural geographical and socio economic scenario prevailing.

Urban agglomeration impact analysis using remote sensing and GIS techniques in Malegaon city, India

Abstract: Malegaon district has witnessed rapid urban growth over the past three decades, which has resulted in vast ecological and environmental issues, both in urban and peri-urban areas. This study proposes a quantitative method of land use change studies in Malegaon district, focusing on the changes in urban agglomeration, population, land use and land cover; and its correlation with the population increase, migration and urbanization led problems related with water and environmental degradation. Digital image processing of satellite images has been used as a main tool and the morphological growth was based on the analysis of satellite image series (3 different dates, with time intervals between them). Images were preprocessed (atmospheric and geometric corrections) and classified according to the major land use like urban, agriculture, forest and water. The present study revealed an increase in settlement by 78% from 1989 to 2006 and an increase by 26% from 2006 to 2008, along with the increase in population, migration from rural areas owing to the economical growth and technological advantages associated with urbanization.

Climatic, parametric and non-parametric analysis of energy performance of double-glazed windows in different climates

Abstract: In line with the growing global trend toward energy efficiency in buildings, this paper aims to first; investigate the energy performance of double-glazed windows in different climates and second; analyze the most dominant used parametric and non-parametric tests in dimension reduction for simulating this component. A four-story building representing the conventional type of residential apartments for four climates of cold, temperate, hot-arid and hot-humid was selected for simulation. 10 variables of U-factor, SHGC, emissivity, visible transmittance, monthly average dry bulb temperature, monthly average percent humidity, monthly average wind speed, monthly average direct solar radiation, monthly average diffuse solar radiation and orientation constituted the parameters considered in the calculation of cooling and heating loads of the case. Design of Experiment and Principal Component Analysis methods were applied to find the most significant factors and reduction dimension of initial variables. It was observed that in two climates of temperate and hot-arid, using double glazed windows was beneficial in both cold and hot months whereas in cold and hot-humid climates where heating and cooling loads are dominant respectively, they were advantageous in only those dominant months. Furthermore, an inconsistency was revealed between parametric and non-parametric tests in terms of identifying the most significant variables.

Dwelling renovation and spatial quality: The impact of the dwelling renovation on spatial quality determinants

Abstract: Renovation of dwellings for energy efficiency has further implications other than only technical and economic dimensions, such as performance and cost reduction. This paper demonstrates how the renovation of dwellings for energy efficiency impacts spatial quality by crossing technical measures of dwelling renovation with the definition of spatial quality proposed in Acre and Wyckmans (2014). The results of this crossing are developed further into a spatial quality assessment. Spatial quality consists of the interaction between four determinants: (1) views, (2) internal spatiality and spatial arrangements, (3) transition between public and private spaces, and (4) perceived, built and human densities (Acre and Wyckmans, 2014). There are two main challenges in this work: first to demonstrate that energy renovation of dwellings affects spatial quality and second, to create a clear and generic way to indicate and assess this effect that also allows comparability between before and after renovation. The current state of the art in building renovation emphasizes technical performance and efficiency, costs and user responses to technology. However, there is a facet that is hardly explored in the current literature, which is how building renovation affects spatial quality. This paper contributes both to the theory and practice in building renovation. First it emphasizes the relevance of non-technical dimensions such as spatial quality and of the need for a cross-disciplinary approach in energy renovation of dwellings. Second, the paper indicates that energy renovation indeed affects spatial quality in dwellings. The main contribution to practice that this article aims to bring forward consists of the spatial quality assessment for dwelling renovation. The technical measures of energy renovation for the building components of floors, internal and external walls, roofs, windows, mechanical services and controls, built area and the use of renewable energy options are considered in this study in relation to their impact on spatial quality. The aim is to identify and strengthen the connection between energy renovation and people’s well-being through spatial quality. The inattention to the potential of non-technical dimensions such as spatial quality, by stakeholders involved in the energy renovation of dwellings, constitutes a lost opportunity to increase occupants’ receptiveness to energy renovation. This receptiveness can be extended by strengthening the connection between renovation of dwellings for energy efficiency and benefits to occupants’ well-being. This work follows the current European tendency of fostering energy deep renovation to reach Europe’s 2050 aspirations (BPIE, 2011). Deep renovation is an ambitious building renovation strategy that encourages high energy savings measures and the whole building approach (BPIE, 2013). The paper is intended to benefit design professionals, and building owners such as individuals, corporate entities, public sector or real estate portfolio holders, because it points out underlying relations between energy renovation and spatial quality that are often not clearly considered in the renovation of dwellings.

Achieving energy efficiency through industrialized building system for residential buildings in Iraq

Abstract: Achieving energy efficiency particularly in Iraq is very critical due to continuous energy crisis since the 1990s. One of the major cities, Basra City faced this crisis since 2003 with energy generation declining by 26.4%. The building industry in Iraq represents the largest demand of energy, mainly in residential sector. In fact, most residential buildings depend on conventional construction system. In the past, the traditional system used to provide comfortable conditions during summer and winter. However, because of the increasing effect of global warming and technological advancement, this constructional system is no longer viable. Currently, the Industrial Building System (IBS) represents one of industrialization approaches which aims to enhance building quality and performance. However, the prefabrication construction system is rare and scarce in this country. Based on previous scenarios and researches, this study aims to investigate and compare the level of energy efficiency in the conventional system and IBS. Since it is difficult to collect data because of instability and insufficient provision of energy generation, the study was based on a simulation approach by using the EnergyPlus software to evaluate the actual condition. The study targeted an existing house in Basra (two-stories) with built-up area of 135 m2. The performance was measured on the two systems throughout the year. The findings showed that the annual energy demand for cooling and heating for the conventional system was 19,311.99 kWh while the IBS performed efficiently with 7374.57 kWh. As a result, IBS reduced the annual energy consumption of 37.32% for heating and 65.36% for cooling.

Phu My Hung New Urban Development in Ho Chi Minh City: Only a partial success of a broader landscape

Abstract: The Phu My Hung New Urban Development (PMH) in Ho Chi Minh City is a rare successful case in many ways. The developers were able to assemble large tracks of land and secure financial means to finish big components of a megaproject. They have also had motivation to provide ample and affordable public goods and urban services to earn huge profits. However, these incentives can decrease altogether as the developments become sold out. Moreover, PMH is only a part of the Saigon South Master Plan, whose implementation has essentially failed. There are also serious social and environmental concerns.

Approach to formulate setback regulations for Indian hill towns

Abstract: Urban settlements in India are growing tremendously and have critical issues related to uncontrolled and inappropriate development, environmental degradation, pollution, high energy consumption, and inefficient infrastructure which results in deteriorating living conditions. Therefore, achieving systematic and contextual development is the most challenging concern in all urban developments. This scenario is most critical in environmentally sensitive hill towns which have witnessed huge inappropriate development in last few decades. However, to achieve systematic and contextual development different building regulations like, floor area ratio (F.A.R.), setbacks, ground coverage, and height of building are enforced, but the problem of inappropriate development persists. Setback is a regulation which controls the spacing between buildings to have adequate solar exposure and ventilation. Presently, setback regulations are enforced uniformly throughout a hill town for a particular use which results in inadequate solar exposure to buildings, high energy consumption and unhealthy living conditions. This paper attempts to highlight a new approach to formulate setback regulations based on topography, slope direction, building height and access road for specific context to Shimla (the largest hilltop town of India) after the in depth study of problems of existing setback regulations in Indian hill towns.

Coordination of urban planning organizations as a process of achieving effective and socially just planning: A case of Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Abstract: Urban planning and development management in developing countries were restructured following the basic notion of decentralization. Dhaka has a number of other municipalities and rural bodies, which are within its functional jurisdiction under different forms of decentralization. Theoretically it has been assumed in different literature that decentralization promotes good governance for achieving effective and socially just planning. However, this paper argues that coordination of urban planning is essential for such attainment, which is not essentially an output of decentralization. Rather reviewing the case of Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan, it is evident that there is an ongoing conflict among different actors for promoting planned urban development in Dhaka city. But in the era of participatory planning for promoting social justice, the commencement of coordinated development is essential. In this regard, this study is an attempt to understand the importance of coordination for effective and socially just planning in Dhaka city of Bangladesh.

Life-cycle cost and financial analysis of energy components in mass housing projects – A case project in sub-urban India

Abstract: Environmental concern based designs are becoming essential in urban India. Shift of population from rural to urban cities is leading to the associated burden of mass housing facilities. The paper discusses the economic feasibility of using energy conservation green components by performing their life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) in large mass housing projects. A total of six components including solar applications have been evaluated for a case project placed in Mumbai suburban location in India. LCCA is performed from the projections of Wholesale price indices and wholesale market price fluctuations of the commodities. Labour cost projections are performed from minimum wages provided by the ministry. For calculation of savings, exponential increase in electricity tariff is considered. The capital cost of energy components contributes in the range of 5–7% to the conventional built up area cost. LCCA suggests that the significant share of cost is related to maintenance, repair and replacement activities of all components. Financial analysis results suggest that the components provide a payback of 11 years at 8% discounting rate and 7 years at non discounted values. The results of this study are expected to benefit investors in mass housing projects for their financial and budgetary decision making in implementing energy efficient based design.

Ecological integrity and environmental protection for Vijayawada region – Scattered Eastern Ghats

Abstract: The ecological integrity is widely discussed as a new concept by several ecologists and environmentalists. A consensus in this regard is yet to be derived for its definition. Human intervention for its developmental activities results in several environmental changes that enhance some species, ecosystem and ecological processes while at the same time brings irrecoverable damage to the Planet Earth. It is essential and crucial to focus research and scientific analysis and establish awareness and education to provide a means of distinguishing responses between improvements in quality of ecosystem and those of damages. The focus of this paper is to emphasize the organized urban planning at a macro level and the architectural design interventions at the micro level in Vijayawada where eco – sensitivity exists with due consideration to ecological integrity and environmental protection. The ecological dynamics of continuity indicated that hillocks of Vijayawada region are a part of Eastern Ghats. The study is to elaborate that the landscape, eco-patches and its connectivity establishes a unique corridor to strengthen ecological system and as a green corridor to Vijayawada city to fulfill the demands of the city and also to create the ecological patch connectivity to scattered Eastern Ghats especially in the Krishna-Guntur region which connects the Nallamala hills through Kondapalli hill toward Sothern side and to the Papikondalu at the northern side of Eastern Ghats. These corridors may even support environmental conservation and provides rural edge in urban context and functions as lung spaces to ease the heat island effect of urban settlement. So the explicit development controls have been derived to guide and organize at micro level so as to achieve the macro level considerations of ecological integrity.

The first indications of the effects of the new legislation concerning the energy performance of buildings on renewable energy applications in buildings in Greece

Abstract: Greece is a country rich in renewable energy sources yet also a country in which the building sector is relatively energy-intensive. In October 2010 the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings was incorporated into Greek law. At the same time other legislative and administrative measures, as well as financial incentives, were implemented to improve the energy performance of buildings in Greece. Some of these measures were intended to increase the number of renewable energy applications in buildings and to improve the ways in which the country’s favourable climatic conditions are exploited. This package of measures and regulations has had a catalytic effect on the whole of the country’s building production and management system. Based on the first indications of the effects of the implementation of the new legislation, this study attempts to evaluate the impact that the latter has had on the progress of renewable energy applications in buildings in Greece.

Physical Environment Aspects as Subsidy to Occupation in Southwest Amazon Conservation Units – A Case Study Relating the Jamari National Forest and its Surrounding Areas

Abstract: This research had as its objective the understanding of physical environment dynamics and its association with land occupation in the Jamari National Forest and its surrounding areas. Geoprocessing and the adaptation of thematic maps were used during the research. Field activities were carried out in order to verify the adapted maps, interpret the actual land occupation dynamics and to collect and analyze soil/sediment samples. Most of the soils were shown to be physically fragile with low nutrients bioavailabile. They cannot support agricultural activities, even with the use of fertilizers. Research showed the presence of soils with a high content of sand fraction grains, presenting high levels of quartz mineral, which vary from 76 to 93% in the west, where the greatest anthrop interference in the area can be found. Cattle rearing is the prevailing activity in the region. This occupies around 95% of deforested areas. The pastures have lost approximately half of their productive biomass capacity in 10 years forcing either the clearing of previously forested areas or the acquisition of lands by cattle ranchers. The settlers that sell their lands purchase others that are cheaper, forested, so continuing the cycle of settlement and clearance. However, research shows that the fine balance between vegetation, soil and dissected relief is fragile. Thus, the breaking of this balance by altering any of these elements can accelerate the erosion process and nutrient loss to the depth of the water table. The structural and mineralogical characteristics of the soils show marked limitations for agricultural use due to the reduced volume of weathered material available to physically support crop cultivation and humidity retention.

Development of an Intelligent Decision Support System for Flood Mitigation in the Pahang River

Abstract: This is an established truth that with the growing world, the flood hazards cannot be avoided but the technology is a solution to minimize this process. A sustainable development depends on plans, which are designed on the strong basis of comprehensive datasets. Managing river is an acute and more attentive area where it faces heavy water feeds due to rains. Malaysia is going on fast development including infrastructural developments and change of land uses from forest cover to other non-green land uses. Adopting innovative products for flood mitigation are required as an integral part of local design transformation. Keeping this fact in view, the vulnerability which may cause due to floods in Pahang River seems to be a threat for the sustainable development of the area. The general objective of this study was to propose a visual aided decision support platform providing an ease but acceptable level of strategy. Presented prototype includes modelling and GIS based visual aids. A study of Pahang River in Malaysia conducted, to explain the applications of the prototype. To achieve this goal a geodatabase, consisting of different hydro-informatics data layers, has been developed. Further work on modified models for better forecasting under real time data input and design of innovative self-protecting flood mitigation at industrial and house hold level is identified as future research area. Under this research studies, the required datasets were generated using remote sensing and GIS system integrated with field GPS surveys. The methodology adopted to achieve the desired goals and to combat the complexity of the hydro-geodatabase of Pahang River drawn from the idea to integrate the engineering tools with the geo-informatics techniques

Monitoring results of CO2 avoidance with an 8.5 kWh solar electric generator integrated in a high rise commercial building in UK

Abstract: Sustainable energy technologies have become very attractive and effective at the moment for use in the UK and other parts of the world as techniques for reducing carbon footprints in the building sectors. These include micro-wind turbines, photovoltaics, small hydro power generators and bio-tech systems. Besides building integrated solar electric generators otherwise referred to as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), which is aesthetically appealing and forms part of the applied building fabrics, most other options could deform the building aesthetics and require large spaces for both installation and operation especially, the wind turbine. These advantages and more make BIPV one of the most attractive sustainable energy technologies in contemporary building sectors at the moment. The technology involves the integration of photovoltaics (PV) modules into the fabric and shell of buildings like the roofs, asphalt shingles, facade materials and shading elements. Used in this way the integrated PV modules could replace conventional building materials thereby benefiting from improved capital cost and reduction of carbon footprint in the applied environment. However, one major lapse identified with previous studies had been the unavailability of numerical methods and quantification of the CO2 mitigated by applied low carbon technologies. Using a parametric method with the aid of Kyoto platform software integrated into a state of the art SMA data technology, this paper assesses and quantifies the CO2 avoidance by a building integrated solar electric system applied in a business/commercial building in the UK. The CO2 protection capacity of the solar electric system has been confirmed to be influenced by the different seasons of the year providing maximum environmental protection in the summer months.