Leveraging building permit data for large-scale embodied carbon assessment of residential building construction

Almost all human professional activity is realized via some type of system. A high-quality work system must be created taking into account the requirements of professionals with the corresponding specialties. Otherwise, the system and the professional activity of its associated employees will be ineffective as a minimum. A good example is Russia’s construction system. The present article’s analysis of the main provisions of Russian federal construction laws and regulations shows that the main aim in construction is the protection of people’s lives and health in residential and public buildings under the impact of hazardous natural phenomena, which in the Russian construction system is done in gross violation of articles 2 and 72 of the Russian Federation Constitution. For example, populated areas—the largest construction projects in Russia—are not even acknowledged as capital construction projects by federal laws and regulations, which makes it possible to cheapen the construction of mass residential and public buildings. Based on a number of theoretical technical requirements on construction of residential and public buildings, the article substantiates the thesis that the Russian construction system should contain a particular major element that could solve the problem of protecting human life and health under the impact of natural hazards: a group of regional specialists with in-depth knowledge of local conditions.

This paper presents an overview of the most current topics of interest related to the field of housing and residential building construction. It addresses issues related to industry-wide residential construction trends, policies, innovative technology adoption, construction management, sustainability, energy efficiency, building science, and the need for education, especially regarding architectural concerns. The authors discuss several key technical aspects of residential building, such as structural concerns, building enclosures, and indoor environmental quality issues. Emphasis is placed on the need for renewed research and development efforts, outside-the-box thinking related to financial and investment structures for housing, improved models for adopting innovative technologies in residential construction, new construction management approaches, incorporation of more advanced building science in conjunction with advanced engineered features and architectural design, embracing green and sustai...

Construction companies are important economic actors in every country. Their activity translates into employment levels, tax revenues, and the provision of new spaces that require further expenditure on equipment, thus stimulating consumer spending. The activity of construction companies depends on the demand for space, the state of the economy and the financial market. Undoubtedly economic disturbances in the form of a recession have a significant impact on construction activity. The authors were interested in whether the boom and recession in the selected countries were similarly reflected in the activity of construction companies. In particular, they were interested in residential construction activity, although it was not possible to select companies that would only deal with residential construction. The authors selected four post-socialist countries and two countries which are called winners of the integration process due to their enormous economic growth. The authors outline the residential construction and construction sector results and activity in the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Spain and Ireland, and draw a wider picture for analyses of construction companies’ financial results for the years 2003-2012. This period was chosen because it covered periods of both boom and bust. All enterprises were part of the sector denoted in the Amadeus database as primary code: Eurostat NACE Rev. 2 with codes: 41 - Construction of buildings: 4110 - Development of building projects, 4120 - Construction of residential and non-residential buildings. Due to the specificity of the construction sector the authors divided the surveyed enterprises into two groups – all companies; and only large and very large companies. It was not possible to separate data specifically with respect to residential construction companies.

An EMG-based model to estimate lumbar muscle forces and spinal loads during complex, high-effort tasks: Development and application to residential construction using prefabricated walls

Embodied carbon is a buzzword in the construction industry. Australia is committed to achieving Net Zero 2050 targets, and minimizing embodied carbon (EC) is inevitable. Owing to the population growth, there will be a significant demand for residential construction. Therefore, the material consumption in residential construction should be evaluated and proper strategies should be in place to minimize EC. The aim of this research is to undertake a preliminary study of EC in the Australian residential sector, with an emphasis on new residential home construction. This research presents a preliminary study on EC in residential buildings in Australia. Three case study residential buildings were used in this study. All three case studies are single -story residential units, with a gross floor area between 200 and 240 m2. One Click LCA software was used to calculate the EC. The EC of three case study residential homes is between 193 and 233 kgCO2e/m2. Based on the findings of this study, ‘other structures and materials’ contribute to a large amount of EC in residential construction. Concrete and aluminum are considered significant contributors to EC. Therefore, it is vital to either introduce low-EC material to replace aluminum windows or introduce various design options to minimize the use of aluminum in windows. There are various sustainable concretes available with low EC. It is essential to explore these low-EC concretes in residential homes as well. This research identifies the importance of adopting strategies to reduce the carbon impact from other sources, including concrete. It is also essential to consider the EC through transportation related to construction and promote locally sourced building materials in residential construction. Therefore, the results of this research indicate the necessity of reducing raw material consumption in Australian residential construction by implementing approaches such as a circular economy in order to circulate building materials throughout the construction supply chain and reduce raw material extraction.

The construction industry, a cornerstone of global development, is also a notable contributor to environmental degradation. A staggering 39% of the total carbon footprint stems from the production and construction processes, emphasizing the urgency to address this issue. This review narrows its focus on residential building construction, a critical segment of the construction sector. Examining the carbon emissions within residential construction unveils the pivotal role played by various construction materials. Concrete, steel, and traditional bricks, while indispensable, contribute significantly to the sector’s carbon footprint. This necessitates a thorough investigation into alternative materials that can mitigate this impact. In this context, the study delves into innovative solutions and alternative materials that hold the potential to substantially reduce carbon emissions. This review emphasizes the importance of recognizing the carbon emissions stemming from construction materials used in residential buildings. It underscores the pressing need to shift towards more sustainable approaches. Identifying and embracing alternative materials is a pivotal measure in addressing the environmental risks linked to building construction. Ultimately, this research adds to the ongoing conversation about sustainable construction methods, to lead the path towards an eco-friendlier and environmentally aware future in residential building construction.

Construction investments and economic growth in Western Europe

Recently, an increasing number of green residential buildings have been developed worldwide owing to active promotion from the authorities and increasing interest from customers. However, in the same way as traditional residential buildings, the construction of green residential buildings faces various risks. The aims of this study are to identify and assess the diverse risks in green residential building construction projects, compare their risk criticalities with those in traditional counterparts, and propose helpful risk mitigation measures. To achieve these goals, a comprehensive literature review was first conducted, and a questionnaire was then administered to 30 construction companies in Singapore. Survey results showed that “complex procedures to obtain approvals”, “overlooked high initial cost”, “unclear requirements of owners”, “employment constraint”, and “lack of availability of green materials and equipment” were the top five critical risks in green residential building construction projects. Survey results also showed that green residential building projects were facing risks at a more critical level than those traditional residential building projects. Additionally, this study proposed fourteen risk mitigation measures to tackle the risks in green residential building construction projects. This study has contributed to the body of knowledge by identifying and evaluating the critical risks and mitigation measures in green residential building construction projects. Meanwhile, the findings from this study can also provide an in-depth understanding of risk management in green residential building construction projects to practitioners and thus benefit the practice.

This research aims to investigate the technical capability and performance of local builders on residential building construction sites in Gaindakot Municipality, Nepal. The construction industry plays a vital role in the growth of economies worldwide. The quality of construction heavily depends on the technical capacity and performance of builders involved in residential projects. This study aims to assess local builders’ technical competence and performance operating on residential building construction sites. By examining the capabilities of local builders, this research contributes to enhancing the overall quality and efficiency of residential construction projects. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A comprehensive survey is administered to local builders to evaluate their technical knowledge, skill sets, and utilisation of modern construction techniques. Concurrently, on-site observations and interviews are conducted to gain insights into the actual performance of builders during different construction phases. The findings of this study shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of local builders in residential construction. The on-site observations and interviews offer qualitative insights into the practical application of skills, compliance with safety protocols, and adherence to project timelines. The outcomes of this research are intended to guide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and training institutions in formulating strategies to enhance the technical capacity of local builders. Bridging the identified gaps can improve construction quality, reduce project delays, and increase customer satisfaction. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing professional development programs to keep builders updated with the latest construction techniques and standards.

This study intends to clarify the key elements of designing low energy residential building construction by planning out residential construction in nature oriented designing method utilizing nearby environment and nature oriented energy from designing stage instead of construction of low energy residential building. Development of building technology is proportional to the development of technology that lasts already. However, what is no less important than the advancement of technology, it is the study of fundamental phenomena energy use in response to climate, reduction, such as recycling. It is possible in such a purpose, it is assumed that there is a need to study elements implementation plan in accordance with the climatic characteristics of the study. Method for controlling the condition solar radiation, sunshine, depending on the characteristics of the weather, by utilizing the convection phenomenon of nature, to maintain the air comfort in the interior space is the essence of eco-friendly construction and passive Property This is an important architectural elements to be aim. For through the analysis of this case, corresponding to the phenomenon of the features of the macro climate and micro climate due to climate change, a combination building blocks of classification placement of each, shape, structure, elevation, space, of the material appeared in various it was possible to know the construction characteristics were. As shown in each case, construction method to address climate change has been found to apply to a comprehensive analysis climatic characteristics of each region, in response to this, the construction of element each corresponding.

The global production of oil is predicted to peak in the first decade(s) of this century and decline, while demand outstrips the discovery and exploitation of new oil sources. Land use (spatial) planning has largely failed to address the full consequences of the accelerating impacts of post-peak oil demand and subsequent oil depletion, as they may affect planning future urban growth in the Australian and wider global context. This paper lays the groundwork for a PhD methodology that investigates oil dependency issues in the sustainable planning context, based on a literature review, to establish relationships linking direct and indirect oil related inputs to urban land development and residential construction. The literature review failed to reveal conclusive information – beyond embodied energy in building materials and energy efficiency in ‘green building’– or theories about how future oil supply constraints may affect the feasibility of urban land development and residential building construction. The conclusion to the literature review is that urban planning is based on the underlying assumption of a business-as-usual approach to urban residential development, albeit with higher prices for petrol consumption in transport. The research points to a hypothesis that relationships linking oil related inputs to urban residential development suggest some current forms of development in the Australian and wider context may become unsustainable in a future with globally constrained oil supply (this will later extend to gas supply). The urban metabolism model indicates the broad relationships, but not relative oil vulnerabilities of urban development, or the mitigating factors. Further case study analysis of material flows of oil related inputs for a representative residential typology will assess how future oil constraints may

Modern Residential Construction Practices provides easy-to-read, comprehensive and highly illustrated coverage of residential building construction practices that conform to industry standards in the United States and Canada. Each chapter provides complete descriptions, real-world practices, realistic examples, three-dimensional (3D) illustrations, and related tests and problems. Chapters cover practices related to every construction phase including: planning, funding, permitting, codes, inspections, site planning, excavation, foundations and flatwork, floors, walls, roofs, finish work and cabinetry; heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC); electrical, and plumbing. The book is organized in a format that is consistent with the process used to take residential construction projects from preliminary concept through all phases of residential building construction. An ideal textbook for secondary and college level construction programs, the book is packed with useful features such as problems that challenge students to identify materials and practices, along with research and document information about construction materials and practices, useful summaries, key notes, a detailed glossary, and online materials for both students and educators.

This research has investigated and evaluated the demographic profile and competency levels of local builders involved in residential building construction sites at Nawalparasi East, Gandaki province, Nepal. The construction industry is a cornerstone of Nepal’s economic development. The reliability and quality of construction heavily depend on the local builder’s capability to execute the work on the basis of technical and skills proficiency. This study aims to ascertain the status of local builders regarding their competency levels and their construction work profiles on the basis of work experience. The research employs a questionnaire approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A field survey is administered to local builders to evaluate their demographic profiles, technical skills and knowledge as well as their construction site experiences. The findings of this study reveal what local builders are good at and where they need to improve in residential construction. The results of this research are meant to help construction entrepreneurs, industry players, and local-level authorities come up with plans to boost the local builders and categories them as per their ability and strength. The outcome of the alternate hypothesis indicates that, concerning local builders, there is substantial evidence suggesting that at least one characteristic significantly varies from the others.

The paper deals with construction of dwellings and new residential buildings in Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship and planned Bydgoszcz-Toruń Metropolitan Area. The time range of the research included years 1996–2011 and was divided into two periods: 1996–2003 and 2004–2011. The spatial range of the research included gminas of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship divided into five zones (the first zone included the gminas surrounding Bydgoszcz and Toruń, the fourth zone included the gminas situated the farthest). The following indicators were analyzed: number of new dwellings completed, useful floor area of new residential buildings and dwellings, building standard and the participation of private, cooperative and commercial constructors in new residential construction. The results of the research showed consequent growth of new residential construction in period 2004–2011 in all of the gminas of Kuyavian- -Pomeranian voivodeship. However, the largest growth is characteristic for the gminas situated nearest the cities of Bydgoszcz and Toruń.

The paper deals with construction of dwellings and new residential buildings in Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship and planned Bydgoszcz-Toruń Metropolitan Area. The time range of the research included years 1996–2011 and was divided into two periods: 1996–2003 and 2004–2011. The spatial range of the research included gminas of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship divided into five zones (the first zone included the gminas surrounding Bydgoszcz and Toruń, the fourth zone included the gminas situated the farthest). The following indicators were analyzed: number of new dwellings completed, useful floor area of new residential buildings and dwellings, building standard and the participation of private, cooperative and commercial constructors in new residential construction. The results of the research showed consequent growth of new residential construction in period 2004–2011 in all of the gminas of Kuyavian- -Pomeranian voivodeship. However, the largest growth is characteristic for the gminas situated nearest the cities of Bydgoszcz and Toruń.