Accelerating the Delivery of Low-Carbon Buildings by Addressing Common Constraints: Perspectives from High-Rise, High-Density Cities

Abstract

The delivery of low-carbon buildings (LCBs) in high-rise, high-density cities is still hindered by various common and interdependent constraints. However, a study that developed innovative strategies to address the common constraints to delivering LCBs focusing on traditional high-rise, high-density cities could not be identified in the previous literature. Therefore, this study aimed to identify potential strategies for accelerating the delivery of LCBs in high-rise, high-density cities by addressing relevant common constraints that were identified in recent studies. Accordingly, potentially relevant strategies were identified through eight semi-structured interviews with well-experienced experts in industry and academia. Consequently, 71 strategies were identified under six categories, i.e., policy implementation, building energy/carbon data utilisation, awareness raising/training, technology advancement, incentives, and organisational level commitments. This also required closer collaboration with different stakeholders/stakeholder classes in implementing these strategies, who were, therefore, also identified. An SNA-based analysis was also conducted to explore the connections between constraints and strategies. The strategies related to energy/carbon policy development, standardisation, codes and certifications, mandatory regulations, financial incentives, and technology adoption showed the ability to address a majority of the driving constraints related to policies and technologies. These study findings will assist policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in the arena of the project and asset management in accelerating the delivery of LCBs by adopting an innovative approach to prioritise potential strategies in order to suitably address and synergise the complex interdependencies among the constraints.