Purpose This study aimed to inform office employees about the negative health effects of high carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and the preference for wind catchers as a filtration in building assessments during winter. Design/methodology/approach The study statistically analyzed temperature, relative humidity (RH), CO2, using correlation, regression and employees’ subjective comfort votes. Three standards given in the Center for Built Environment were evaluated for thermal sensation in offices. Findings Compliance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating Engineers (ASHRAE) 55 and adaptive standards was achieved for thermal sensation of “electric heater” (Predicted Mean Vote −0.3, Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied 6.90%), “wind chimney and gas heater” (80% comfortable) and “no heater” (80% to 90% comfortable). However, the CO2 concentration in offices was 2.7-4.7 times higher than the World Health Organization recommendations. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to an exploratory analysis of environmental monitoring and employees’ responses toward the impact of wind catchers in building evaluation across three heating modes. Practical implications Employees can predict indoor comfort for passive, active heating and building controls during winter, reducing office syndrome. Increased awareness of wind catchers, “tower and scoop”, suggested that stakeholders use it as an energy-efficient solution in offices. Social implications The study aims to establish building practices to ensure compliance and promote the use of wind catchers’ natural ventilation. Originality/value The relationship between temperature, RH, CO2 concentration and employee satisfaction in “electric, gas, and no heater” scenarios were investigated to ensure standard compliance during the building evaluation.

Purpose Effective healthcare waste management (HCWM) is critical to protect public health and the environment, but its implementation has numerous barriers. In this study, the authors used a network approach to analyze systemic issues in HCWM by assessing the interdependencies between various barriers. Using correlation-based network construction, centrality measures, modularity analysis and robustness checks, the authors determined critical barriers and thematic clusters that decide the system’s dynamics. This article seeks to Protecting the environment and public health requires effective healthcare waste management (HCWM), yet there are many obstacles to its implementation. Design/methodology/approach Network visualization demonstrates structural complexity of the system, emphasizing the importance of targeting central barriers and addressing independent issues through coordinated systems approach. Centrality analysis identifies key barriers that have a significant impact and are essential for systemic improvement, such as lack of segregation and temporary storage facilities, lack of coordination among stakeholders and lack of infection control measures. Modularity analysis further determines distinct communities of interconnected barriers, highlighting thematic issues related to knowledge gaps, operational inefficiencies and governance challenges. Findings The study findings provide practical ways for applying evidence-based interventions and policy frameworks to improve HCWM. This study highlights the need for a holistic and strategic effort to build sustainable and resilient waste management systems, opening the way to improved public health and environmental outcomes. Originality/value The present study is the author’s original work and makes a distinct contribution to the field.

Purpose Roofing is highly susceptible to environmental damage from elements like wind, snow and rain. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to extend a roof’s lifespan. This study aims to develop an automated system that detects and classifies roofing damage types and their severity using image-based analysis, helping asset managers prioritize repairs and allocate maintenance resources more effectively. Design/methodology/approach This study uses Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for image-based damage detection and classification. Over 3,000 images of roofing segments (1.5 × 1.12 m) from institutional buildings were used for training and testing. The model first identifies damage type – no damage, vegetation or ponding – then classifies vegetation damage severity into low, moderate or severe. Findings The developed CNN model achieved over 94% accuracy in both damage type and severity classification. The results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in analyzing roofing defects. Research limitations/implications Future enhancements include expanding the system to detect additional defect types like cracks and flashing defects, offering a scalable solution for systematic roof condition assessment and maintenance planning. Originality/value Unlike traditional manual inspections, this approach uses computer vision techniques to offer a scalable, data-driven framework that identifies damage types and quantifies severity levels. This makes roofing inspections more efficient, consistent and safer.

Purpose Due to cost advantages, the garment manufacturing industry usually migrates to developing countries, where occupational safety and health of workers are given less emphasis. The purpose of this study was to assess workplace environmental conditions and related health problems and draw implications for the improvement of the sewing workplace environment. Design/methodology/approach This study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 407 seated industrial sewing operators. Environmental factors (light, temperature, sound, relative humidity and dust) were assessed at seven companies using a standard questionnaire, observation checklist and equipment. Sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms observed in the last 12 months were assessed through an indoor air questionnaire. Associations were tested by univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression models. Findings Light, temperature and dust levels were not within the acceptable limits set by different standards. Sneezing attacks (73.3%), headaches (71.3%), stuffy nose (64.4%), feeling heavy-headed (64.1%) and runny nose (60.7%) were the top five SBS symptoms. Age, history of systemic illness, payment method, working hours, air quality and dust levels were dominantly associated with most SBS symptoms. As most of the SBS symptoms were associated with environmental and job-related factors, an ergonomic intervention is needed to improve the working environment. Originality/value This study considered a comprehensive investigation of environmental conditions in the sewing section of the garment industry in Ethiopia, which is rarely researched. Moreover, the associations of several factors, including demographic, job-related and environmental factors, with the frequency of SBS symptoms were examined, which adds to the causal analysis of SBS risks in manufacturing buildings.

Purpose There is a lack of awareness and inadequate implementation of maintenance practices in green buildings (GBs), which often result in suboptimal performance or even failures. As a result, this study aims to determine the effects of user behavior and maintenance practices on the performance of GBs with a view to developing holistic, interdisciplinary models that integrate user and maintenance behaviors. Design/methodology/approach This study examines how user behaviors and maintenance practices affect green building (GB) performance. A pilot survey identified 250 GBs, whose users formed the study population. Data analysis involved reliability tests and structural equation modeling to validate the research hypotheses. Findings GBs support sustainable living through smart and eco-efficient systems, yet reactive maintenance dominates over predictive practices. Predictive maintenance significantly drives operational performance, while user behavior has minimal impact–highlighting the critical role of maintenance regimes in sustaining long-term GB outcomes. Research limitations/implications Findings prompt reevaluation of GB certification metrics, emphasizing maintenance behavior. Future research should explore the interaction between smart technologies, maintenance regimes and user engagement in sustaining GB performance. Practical implications Facility managers should prioritize predictive maintenance using smart technologies and integrate system-sensitive schedules. Emphasis on proactive practices ensures operational efficiency, reduces reactive failures and maximizes smart GB performance. Social implications Improved maintenance enhances indoor environmental quality, user comfort and safety. Training users and managers fosters shared responsibility, supporting healthier, smarter and more sustainable living and working environments in GBs. Originality/value This study is original in revealing that maintenance practices, not user behaviors, chiefly influence GB performance. It challenges assumptions about user impact, empirically validates GBs’ functional adaptability and exposes a design-operation gap–highlighting that sustainable operation depends more on maintenance behavior than certification or design intent alone.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Amman’s Metropolitan Growth Plan (MGP) in reducing urban sprawl. It explores the effects of densification strategies on urban form, focusing on accessibility, connectivity and land-use diversity in both built-up neighborhoods and new expansion areas, aiming to offer insights for future urban planning. Design/methodology/approach This study evaluates urban sprawl mitigation in Amman, focusing on three neighborhoods: Tabarbour, AL-Basalah and AL-Karamah. A comparative analysis using GIS data, census data and interviews examined density, accessibility, connectivity and land-use diversity. The study assesses the impact of MGP densification strategies on urban form and sprawl reduction. Findings This study found a negative correlation between density and sprawl dimensions such as connectivity, accessibility and diversity. Despite densification, urban sprawl persisted in Tabarbour. In AL-Karamah, challenges in landownership hindered the full implementation of high-density mixed-use development. The findings highlight limitations in the MGP’s impact on sprawl mitigation. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to three neighborhoods in Amman, and the findings may not fully represent other areas. GIS and census data were used, but additional factors influencing sprawl, such as socioeconomic aspects, were not explored. Future research could expand to include more neighborhoods and longitudinal data for deeper insights. Practical implications This study suggests urban planners and policymakers focus on overcoming landownership barriers, improving infrastructure and enhancing connectivity and land-use diversity. These findings offer guidance for refining MGP strategies to ensure urban growth is sustainable and equitable, addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and promoting resilience in urban areas. Social implications This study highlights the need for inclusive urban planning that ensures equitable access to urban infrastructure and services. Addressing social inequalities in urban development is crucial to enhancing the quality of life for residents. The findings emphasize the importance of social inclusion in urban sprawl mitigation efforts. Originality/value This study provides a novel evaluation of the MGP’s impact on urban sprawl in Amman, combining densification strategies with urban form analysis. It contributes valuable insights into sustainable urban development practices, particularly in rapidly growing cities and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to urban sprawl mitigation and planning.

Purpose This study investigated the cost benefits of BIM-integrated energy optimization for a residential complex. The purpose of this research is to optimally design residential buildings for energy efficiency by observing climatic conditions and the proportion between energy-consuming facilities using a building information modeling (BIM) system in a temperate and humid environment. Design/methodology/approach Revit software was used for modeling and simulation and Green Building Studio for scenario comparisons. Both are Web-based and resource-efficient. The project aimed to assess energy cost variations due to BIM optimization, considering the building’s size and seaside location. BIM was also used to examine building form and orientation. The building is a four-block residential complex exceeding 18,000 sq m with a central corridor. Located near the Caspian Sea, it experiences hot summers and mild winters with high humidity and frequent fog. The research steps include initial building modeling using parameters common in the Iranian construction industry; initial energy analysis to determine building energy consumption costs; selection of a plan sample for optimization in design, layout and building materials/components; integration of a photovoltaic system, considering operating costs; and energy analysis of the optimized building, comparing energy consumption in normal and optimized modes. Findings Solar panels with a 20.4% efficiency rating were used, covering 90% of the available roof area, with a 30-year operational lifespan. The analysis revealed that using BIM technology to optimize energy consumption parameters could reduce energy costs by up to 58% compared to the existing building and by up to 69% compared to a baseline scenario. Adjusting for the current building conditions, the annual energy consumption cost was reduced to $13 per square meter, with a corresponding energy intensity of 112 kWh/m². Following the optimization of structural and utility design, internal layout and energy-related parameters, the annual energy consumption cost was further reduced to $5.43 per square meter, and the energy intensity decreased to 83.1 kWh/m². Originality/value The framework of research would enable designers to explore a wider range of design options, considering not only the static geometry of the building but also its dynamic interaction with the surrounding environment. By incorporating real-time weather data, the framework could predict the building’s energy performance across different seasons and weather conditions, allowing for more informed design decisions and a significant reduction in energy consumption. Furthermore, the methodology moves beyond generic climate zone categorization, performing a granular, localized performance analysis where the high humidity and fog directly influence key design outputs, such as thermal bridge mitigation strategies and the precise sizing and balancing of dehumidification-aware heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, thereby ensuring the resulting energy efficiency framework is not only technically sound but also intrinsically tied to the demanding conditions of the building’s specific seaside locale.

Purpose Onsite property management professionals face a demanding occupation as they handle the day-to-day operations of a property. This results in interfacing with diverse people and tasks which can cause stress and negatively affect employee well-being. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a mindfulness intervention on perceived stress and employee well-being of property management professionals. Design/methodology/approach In this uncontrolled pilot study, a convenience sample of 23 property management professionals participated in the four-week Koru Basic Mindfulness curriculum. A quasi-experimental pretest-intervention–posttest design was used with participants answering questions from the Perceived Stress Scale and Employee Well-Being scale. In all, 13 participants completed both the pretest and posttest (n = 13). Changes in mean scores were estimated with two-tailed paired t-tests, and when data were not normally distributed, the Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to assess changes. Findings The results of this study indicate that participation in the Koru Basic mindfulness curriculum was associated with statistically significant reductions in perceived stress, but surprisingly not associated with any statistically significant changes across the three domains within the Employee Well-Being scale. Originality/value This study contributes to the ongoing discussions of mindfulness and well-being in the workplace by implementing a novel mindfulness-based intervention, specifically the Koru Basic Mindfulness curriculum, to measure perceived stress and employee well-being within the property management industry. Based on these findings, mindfulness interventions may have a beneficial impact on perceived stress and decision-makers in the property management industry are recommended to explore mindfulness interventions as part of their human resources strategy.

Purpose The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explicate the complexities of building systems, their operational structure and functionality through the lens of systems theory. Design/methodology/approach The paper used literature review as a methodology to review existing studies on building systems and systems theory. The aim was to provide a nuanced understanding of building systems and their complexities to aid in the comprehensive exegesis of building systems using systems theory. Findings Using the lens of systems theory, building systems serve as throughputs or channels that receive electricity as a resource input and processes and transform the electricity into output – often in the form of cooled or heated air, light and other energy services – utilized by occupants. As such, occupants provide feedback on the ability of building systems to provide the expected services. This, therefore, informs facilities/building managers on the maintenance needs of the system. Research limitations/implications The illustrations made in the explications of building systems are limited to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting systems and electrical systems. Practical implications The application of systems theory to building systems can inform the design, use, operations and maintenance of building systems. This will enhance the effectiveness, efficient utilization and maintenance of building systems. Originality/value The paper reveals the connectivity and applicability of systems theory to building systems. It therefore serves as a base study that provides a solid theoretical backing to building systems. This will direct future research related to buildings and occupants’ interactions with building systems in their use of energy in buildings.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the critical factors to be considered in converting traditional parking facilities into smart parking facilities in shopping mall complexes. Design/methodology/approach Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, this study assessed five principal criteria and 15 sub-criteria from 45 respondents who are experts in the construction and facilities management field. Findings This study found that operational efficiency (29.22%) and technological feasibility (27.06%) are the most critical factors for implementing smart parking systems, with system compatibility emerging as the top sub-criterion (18.32%). The findings of this study suggest that a comprehensive evaluation of the technical integration capabilities and current infrastructure conditions is essential before considering operational components to ensure the successful deployment of smart parking systems. Research limitations/implications This study used convenience sampling to gather insights; however, this approach may introduce selection bias and restrict generalizability. Cultural and regulatory differences in parking management across regions and the absence of a user-side survey may limit applicability. However, Analytical Hierarchy Process’ (AHP) structured decision-making model establishes comparisons, calculates the consistency ratio and uses aggregated expert judgment to reduce bias. Practical implications The AHP-based framework ranks critical factors for converting traditional mall parking to smart systems, providing actionable outcomes that guide resource allocation, prioritize high-impact upgrades, support stakeholder alignment and facilitate practical, context-specific implementation in mall facilities. Originality/value This study enhances the understanding of user-centric and effective car parking facilities by applying the AHP within the Sri Lankan retail sector, an area currently underexplored in the literature related to smart parking. This research captures the priorities and constraints in a developing economy, providing valuable insights for facility managers and developers on optimal resource allocation during the transition from traditional to smart parking facilities. This extends the applicability of AHP-based evaluations beyond general contexts to a regionally relevant retail setting.