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"sustainable building development"
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An Optimistic Analysis of the Means of Implementation for Sustainable Development Goals: Thinking about Goals as Means
A key but contentious aspect of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the means of implementation (MOI). Many developing countries emphasize the importance of international assistance while developed countries focus more on domestic financing and the private sector. The text of the SDGs includes a broad range of MOI. However, a discussion has arisen about whether countries should prioritize some goals over others due partly to concerns that MOI may be insufficient. In contrast, this article argues for a more optimistic outlook concerning MOI and the feasibility of achieving the SDGs. First, most SDGs and targets are themselves means—or intermediate goals—contributing to the achievement of other goals. The structure of the SDGs blurs the fact that different goals have different functions, such as providing resources or enabling environments. Greater focus on the interlinkages and synergies among goals could enhance the effectiveness of implementation and reduce costs. Second, integrated planning and implementation, needed for leveraging synergies among goals, will require enhanced capacity, particularly for governance and coordination. We argue that the strengthening of such capacity is a central MOI that requires more attention since it is a precondition for the effective mobilization and deployment of other MOI. Third, although upfront investments may seem high in absolute terms, financial feasibility is realistic when considering existing global financial stocks and flows and the expected benefits.
Journal Article
Implementing Agenda 2030 in the Arab world: Contextualization, action areas and policy planning
This article is a critical assessment of the implementation frameworks of Agenda 2030 in the Arab region through a study of the deficiencies pertaining to the contextualization of the Agenda in the region. Seeking to identify the scope of implementation that would allow for the eventual streamlining of action towards the achievement of all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the authors argue that the region 's political and institutional context is one of peacebuilding and resilience-building, imposing several overarching considerations pertaining to the priority intervention areas. Drawing on the findings of Ianovichina (2018), the article identifies the key levers ofpeacebuilding as being the reduction of real inequalities, the resumption of public and social services, and the promotion of equity and the rule of law. It then explores the policy deficiencies underlying the mobilization of these key levers. While domestic resources mobilization remains crippled by political exclusiveness and institutional inefficiency, the implementation offoreign financing frameworks intrinsically depends on that said mobilization. The authors conclude with a \"roadmap\" for improvements in the contextualization of Agenda 2030 by focusing on fiscal and financial reform and on the curbing of illicit financial flows on one hand, and de-escalation and institutional peacebuilding on the other.
Journal Article
Assessment models and dynamic variables for dynamic life cycle assessment of buildings: a review
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is widely used to quantify the environmental performance of buildings. Recently, the potential temporal variations in the lifetime of buildings and their influences on assessment results have attracted considerable attention. Dynamic LCA (DLCA) is an emerging research topic. This study provides an overview of the current scenario of DLCA studies in the building field. A literature survey was conducted by searching through scientific literature databases; 48 articles met the inclusion criteria. Eleven dynamic variables as well as their addressing approaches were summarized and analyzed. A few typical dynamic assessment models were synthesized and compared to present the methodology progress. Finally, considering the existing limitations, a few research directions were recommended: setting cutoff criteria for dynamic variables, developing a dynamic database, and considering the interactions between dynamic variables. The analyses in this study indicate that research on the DLCA of buildings needs interdisciplinary cooperation. This review promotes in-depth understanding about DLCA research of buildings and offers valuable implications for environmental practice. The highlighted future research directions facilitate further explorations in this research area.
Journal Article
Geometric optimization of the space around the buildings based on the improvement of thermal comfort efficiency of the building
Abstract
This stud introduces a pioneering investigation into the geometric optimization of building surroundings to elevate thermal comfort efficiency and foster sustainable development within the construction industry. Employing the ENVI-met simulation tool and a novel crow search optimization algorithm, the research rigorously quantifies occupants' dissatisfaction utilizing the predicted percentage dissatisfied model, meticulously considering various environmental parameters. The simulations are based on the weather data of Nanjing, China, and the numerical results were validated against the observed data. The results reveal a remarkable 7% reduction in energy consumption and a corresponding 7.2% decrease in CO2 emissions compared to baseline configurations, underscoring the substantial impact of the proposed crow search algorithm. Notably, the study identifies an optimal configuration, characterized by a 30% vegetation cover, west–east orientation, and a three-story building, highlighting the algorithm's effectiveness in identifying configurations that concurrently enhance thermal comfort and mitigate energy consumption. These findings highlight the critical influence of geometric factors on thermal performance and underscore the significance of integrating innovative methodologies to address contemporary challenges in sustainable building design. By offering novel insights and practical solutions, this research contributes to advancing sustainable practices in architecture and urban planning, ultimately promoting occupant well-being and fostering energy-efficient construction practices.
Journal Article
Unlocking the Residential Retrofitting Potential in a Three-Degree World: A Holistic Approach to Passive Design in Hot Climates
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), as one of the largest polluters worldwide, has released its Vision 2030 that seeks sustainable development via economic diversification to transition towards lower CO2 energy systems. Due to fast population and economic growth, the Kingdom is undergoing an increasing volume of construction, which is projected to exacerbate the energy-related emissions. Strategies are needed to decarbonise the housing stock and help bridge the existing performance gap with the updated Saudi Building Code (SBC). This study proposes a holistic retrofitting approach for the Saudi building industry to facilitate the identification of energy consumption reduction optimisation solutions, covering the assessment of insulation, reflective coating surfaces, sun shading devices, efficient glazing solutions, building-integrated renewables, and green roofs. The proposed flexible approach proved how blended retrofit packages provide improved performance, with rooftop photovoltaic microgeneration and improved glazing technologies singlehandedly outperforming the remaining proposals for KSA’s Riyadh climate conditions. Only the photovoltaic system could meet the simulated SBC performance benchmark independently, positioning it as an instrumental tool in improving the overall effectiveness of the retrofit packages.
Journal Article
Assessment of the level of awareness of intelligent buildings in Lagos State, Nigeria
The feasibility of achieving sustainable building development, an eco-friendly environment, and building investment conservation by integrating technological intelligence in buildings is highly viable. Intelligence features are, therefore, increasingly being incorporated in new designs and existing buildings to enhance the useful life, productivity and satisfaction of occupants, and a greener environment. This article evaluates the use of intelligent building systems in Nigeria. Primary data were obtained with the use of structured questionnaires that were self-administered to construction professionals in the private and public sectors in Lagos State. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings established that 90.24% of the respondents were aware of intelligent building systems, while practitioners who have worked or were working on buildings with intelligent features were limited to 51.2%. Approximately 64.60% of the respondents have used intelligent buildings previously, but only thirteen (13) notable buildings were identified to have employed intelligent building systems to a reasonable extent in the study area. The features of intelligent buildings with top level of awareness were CCTV system; access control and locks (mean = 3.96); alarms and alerts (mean = 3.92); HVAC system (mean = 3.90), and fire alarm system (mean = 3.89). Features with high level of utilisation include lighting system, which was the most utilised feature (mean = 3.57); fire alarm system (mean = 3.48); access control and lock; CCTV system (mean = 3.45), and HVAC system (mean = 3.43). The results showed that most of the features with a high level of awareness were also those with a high level of utilisation. The study established that the level of awareness and utilisation of intelligent building systems in the study area is high, but full adoption of the system is still low.
Journal Article
Optimization of Activator Modulus to Improve Mechanical and Interfacial Properties of Polyethylene Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Composites
With the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance construction materials, alkali-activated materials (AAM) have attracted significant interest as eco-friendly al-ternatives to cement-based systems. Nevertheless, the tensile ductility and AAM–concrete interfacial bonding of polyethylene fiber-reinforced AAM remain insufficiently understood, and systematic knowledge on how activator modulus governs these multi-scale properties is still limited. This study aims to clarify how activator modulus (Ms = 0, 0.5, 0.8, 1.1, 1.4) influences the mechanical, interfacial, and microstructural behavior of an engineered AAM reinforced with polyethylene fibers. The effects are investigated through uniaxial tensile tests, single-fiber pull-out experiments, bond tests with concrete, and microstructural analyses (SEM, XRD, CT). Results show that an activator modulus of 1.1 yields the best overall performance, achieving a 28-day tensile strength of 3.77 MPa and ultimate tensile strain of 3.68%, representing increases of 231% and 64.6% compared with a modulus of 0. Microstructural observations confirmed that the optimized modulus promotes extensive gel formation, improves fiber–matrix interfacial bonding, and enhances strain-hardening with multiple microcracks. Interfacial tests further demonstrated that Ms strongly affects bond performance between AAM and concrete, with 1.0–1.1 providing balanced adhesion and matrix ductility, while excessive activation (Ms = 1.4) caused interfacial defects and bond deterioration. These findings deepen the understanding of the micromechanical role of activator modulus and provide guidance for the mix design of durable, high-ductility AAM suitable for sustainable infrastructure.
Journal Article
Sustainable Utilization of Red Mud and Glass Waste in Alkali-Activated Cements: Design and Performance of Products
Red mud (RM) is a hazardous waste that is generated in large quantities, and its sustainable, rational treatment and recovery is still a challenge. The aim of this research is to develop higher added value alkali-activated cements (AACs), which, by using red mud, can help to protect limited resources, reduce pollution, and produce alternative, \"greener\" building materials. During this work, industrial waste materials – blast furnace slag, red mud, and glass waste – were used to produce AACs suitable for traditional construction applications (e.g., load-bearing structures, foundation blocks, and walkways). Key parameters including the maximum RM content (recommended 21.7 wt% to maintain sufficient strength), composition of the activating solution, liquid/solid ratio, particle size, and reactivity of the glass waste were optimized. Glass waste reactivity was enhanced by high-energy grinding at 200 rpm for 90 minutes, resulting in a maximum compressive strength of 66.8 MPa, exceeding the highest strength class defined by relevant standards (EN 197-1). Mechanical properties were supported by microstructural analyses (SEM, FT-IR), and heavy metal behavior was assessed through leachate and adsorption tests. The AACs effectively immobilized heavy metals such as Cd, Ni, Pb, and Hg, with long-term leaching resistance and improved retention capacity compared to Portland cement-based mortars. Additionally, powder-based Pb2+ adsorption tests confirmed that RM-containing AACs offer enhanced performance in removing lead from aqueous solutions. Overall, these binders – containing up to 71.4 wt% combined industrial waste – demonstrate competitive mechanical and environmental properties, contributing to sustainable construction practices and potential wastewater treatment applications.
Journal Article
Community involvement for sustainable heritage tourism: a conceptual model
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore why and how to involve community stakeholders to achieve sustainability in heritage tourism operations. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual model and three propositions are created based on stakeholder theory and the social capital perspective. Findings – The study highlights the challenges facing heritage tourism operators and recommends that these organizations focus on inter-stakeholder group collaboration, participative decision making, responsibility and benefits sharing, and building an institutional power structure to involve hosting communities for sustainable operations. Practical implications – Instead of approaching from the traditional philosophic perspective at the overall societal level, community involvement is studied at individual organizational level to provide more specific recommendations on how tourism companies can empower and involve community stakeholders. Originality/value – This is one of the first studies to synthesize the constructs of organizational motivation, community empowerment, community involvement, and sustainable tourism operations in an integrated model to explore their relationships.
Journal Article