Green Building Practices Research Articles

SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ADOPTING GREEN BUILDING TECHNIQUES IN FEDERAL CAPITAL CITY, ABUJA NIGERIA

This study employed a Descriptive-Survey Research Design with a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of adopting green building techniques in Abuja, Nigeria. Data were collected from primary sources through structured surveys, semi-structured interviews, field observations, and secondary sources, including literature reviews. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select key stakeholders, such as developers, architects, government officials, and property owners. The Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table was applied to ensure statistical validity. The quantitative data focused on financial metrics, cost analysis, and perceptions of stakeholders regarding green buildings. The qualitative data provided insights into construction practices through interviews and observations. Statistical techniques, including AMOS (Structural Equation Modeling), were applied to analyze key sustainability indicators, economic viability, and policy frameworks. Results indicated that the adoption of green building techniques offers substantial socio-economic benefits. The economic viability of green buildings was highlighted by reduced operational costs, energy savings, and water conservation strategies. The environmental benefits included significant reductions in carbon emissions, improved air quality, and waste reduction. However, challenges such as high initial costs, limited technical expertise, weak policy enforcement, and a lack of awareness among stakeholders were identified as barriers to widespread adoption. The findings suggest that green building practices can contribute to Abuja’s urban sustainability goals, but further improvements in policy, training, and public awareness are necessary to maximize these benefits. Statistical results, such as a Chi-squared/degree of freedom ratio (ChiSq/df) of 2.331, a Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) of 0.916, and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.066, supported the model’s adequacy. Furthermore, the overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the reliability test was 0.956, indicating high internal consistency.

CLASSIFICATION OF GREEN BUILDING TECHNIQUES APPLICABLE TO THE FEDERAL CAPITAL CITY, ABUJA NIGERIA

This study applied a Descriptive-Survey Research Design with a mixed-method approach to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of green building techniques in Abuja, Nigeria. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources, including structured surveys, semi-structured interviews, field observations, and literature reviews. A multi-stage sampling method identified key stakeholders such as developers, architects, government officials, and property owners, using the Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table for statistical accuracy. Quantitative data centered on financial metrics, cost analysis, and stakeholders' perceptions, while qualitative data provided insights through interviews and direct observations. Data analysis incorporated statistical methods, AMOS (Structural Equation Modeling), comparative analysis, and content analysis to evaluate sustainability indicators, economic viability, and policy frameworks. The study classified green building techniques in Abuja, focusing on five categories: Energy-Saving and Energy Utilization (ESEU), Water-Saving and Water Utilization (WSWU), Material-Saving and Material Utilization (MSMU), Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and Site Planning and Land Surveying (SPLS). The findings highlighted the varying performance of 19 techniques in the ESEU category, with Off-Grid Systems (OSG) achieving an average performance of 37.8% and Traditional Grid Systems (TTSG) achieving higher performance levels in most techniques. In the WSWU category, several techniques like WSWU-2, WSWU-3, and WSWU-4 exhibited high performance, with a 100% adoption in TTSG. In the MSMU category, techniques like MSMU-9 and MSMU-10 achieved near-perfect performance in both OSG and TTSG, while others, such as MSMU-13, showed limited adoption. The IEQ category displayed a continuous variation in performance, with significant improvements in TTSG for techniques like IEQ-7 and IEQ-14, which recorded increases of 23.0% and 19.3%, respectively. Finally, in the SPLS category, the performance of techniques such as SPLS-17 and SPLS-26 was exemplary, with full implementation observed. The statistical analysis, including comparisons between OSG and TTSG systems, demonstrated that green building practices could significantly enhance energy efficiency, water conservation, and material utilization. However, challenges such as the limited adoption of renewable materials, inconsistent implementation of water-saving technologies, and inadequate policy frameworks were identified. The findings underline the need for policy improvements, capacity building, and greater public awareness to accelerate the widespread adoption of green building techniques in Abuja. The study’s statistical findings were supported by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.943, indicating high reliability in the research instruments.

Empowering Sustainability: Unveiling Green Building Awareness and Solutions in Kathmandu Valley

The study aims to assess the awareness among local engineers and design consultants regarding green building concepts in the planning and designing of residential buildings in Kathmandu Valley. It seeks to identify their level of knowledge on green concepts and the challenges they face, particularly in relation to policy and regulatory support. Green building technologies are recognized as effective ways to reduce energy and water usage and are often considered the quickest and most cost-effective methods to achieve these goals. Despite their benefits, the high upfront construction costs of green buildings remain a concern. This study targeted local building permit engineers and nominated design consultants in Kathmandu Valley, utilizing convenient and purposive sampling methods. A total of 84 participants (42 local engineers/architects and 42 design consultants) were included. The reliability of the study was established with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.987, as calculated using SPSS. Findings indicate that local engineers and design consultants have moderate awareness of green concepts, with all 28 basic awareness elements achieving a mean value greater than 2.5. Knowledge regarding the importance of green concepts in residential building design scored the highest with a mean value of 3.69. Awareness was lowest for factors related to government support and incentives, with an average mean score of 2.7. Challenges highlighted include the lack of policy and regulatory documents, with Relative Importance Index (RII) scores of 0.938 for engineers and 0.948 for consultants. The moderate level of awareness and significant challenges related to policy and regulation suggests the need for enhanced informational outreach, technical training, and the development of green building codes and standards. Promoting local, eco-friendly building materials and expertise is also crucial. Addressing these challenges will support the broader adoption of green building practices in residential development.

Sustainable Transport and Development Partnership: Enhancing Urban Growth in Hobart, Australia Through TOD, PPP and Green Building Practices

This paper introduces the concept of sustainable transport and development partnership (STDP), a holistic approach integrating transit-oriented development (TOD), public–private partnership (PPP) and green building practices to address high carbon emissions from the building sector. Focusing on Hobart, Australia, the study explores the city’s urban context and potential for STDP implementation, proposing a comprehensive framework that incorporates green building practices across six key dimensions. Through in-depth interviews with PPP experts and on-site observations, the research identifies key transport challenges in Hobart, analyzes their interrelationship with potential STDP initiatives and proposes a set of STDP metrics to evaluate their efficacy. The findings contribute to the discourse on sustainable urban development, offering practical insights for policymakers, developers and researchers and providing a valuable reference for regional cities globally seeking to implement effective and sustainable STDP strategies, ultimately enhancing urban growth and reducing carbon emissions.

Sustainable Synergies: Integrating Energy Efficiency and Eco-Economic Principles in Modern Construction

The efficiency in building design and construction with energy economics, eco-economics, carbon-negative technologies, climate policy, sustainable construction and green building practice is explored. The aim is to analyse the interrelationships among different components of the secret sauce that makes the built environment more sustainable in terms of energy. The focus is on energy-efficient design and construction that reduces the carbon footprint of built environment. The relationship of the economic elements of building energy use with efficiency is discussed (e.g., cost-benefit analysis of eco-technologies and the economic incentives that are needed for adoption). The paper also considers eco-economics (i.e., how the environment is factored into economic planning in the built environment). The role of carbon-negative technologies in achieving net-zero emissions is covered, as well as the interplay of climate policies and regulations in building-related sustainability practices. The challenges and opportunities in getting these technologies and practices adopted are covered (e.g., technological, market and socio-economic). The overarching theme is how the three interconnected concepts of energy efficiency, eco-economics and sustainable construction can be harnessed to produce a built environment that is environmentally and economically sustainable, and that contributes to the broader global sustainable development agenda.

Sustainable Management of Photovoltaic Waste Through Recycling and Material Use in the Construction Industry.

The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) technology as a source of renewable energy has resulted in a significant increase in PV panel waste, creating environmental and economic challenges. A promising strategy to address these challenges is the reuse of glass waste from decommissioned PV panels as a component of cementitious materials. This review explores the potential of integrating glass waste from PV panels into cementitious materials, focusing on its impact on their mechanical, thermal, and durability properties. This analysis includes various methods of processing PV glass waste, such as crushing and grinding, to obtain the desired particle size for cementitious applications. It goes on to analyze how advances in cementitious materials can facilitate the incorporation of PV glass waste, helping to improve properties such as compressive strength, workability, and setting time. In addition, this review makes a detailed analysis of the long-term sustainability and environmental benefits of PV glass waste, highlighting its potential to reduce the carbon footprint of cementitious materials. Incorporating PV glass waste can improve certain properties of cementitious materials, resulting in increased durability and improved thermal insulation, while contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation. This review highlights the importance of developing standardized recycling methods and integration processes and identifies areas for further research to optimize the use of PV glass waste in cement formulations. Ultimately, the sustainable integration of PV glass panel waste into cementitious materials is a viable approach to promote green building practices and support a circular economy in the construction industry.

Application of High-Performance Building Technologies in Green Building Practices

This paper comprehensively discusses the application of high-performance building technologies in green buildings and their economic implications. The study reveals that by adopting high-performance building technologies such as energy efficiency technologies, water resource management, sustainable material selection, waste management, and indoor environmental quality control, the environmental and economic benefits of buildings can be significantly enhanced. Although the initial investment cost is high, the long-term energy savings and environmental benefits prove the cost-effectiveness of these technologies. Policy incentives, market education, and professional training are crucial for promoting the application of high-performance building technologies. The paper also identifies challenges in implementation and proposes targeted policy recommendations and practical guidance. Finally, the study points out research limitations and suggests future research directions, aiming to promote the widespread adoption and implementation of green buildings to achieve sustainable development in the construction industry.

Evaluation of Green Building Technologies (GBTS) By Construction Professionals in Southwest Nigeria

The adoption of Green Building Technologies (GBTs) is increasingly recognized as a promising approach to enhancing the sustainability performance of buildings, generating significant interest in the global construction community. However, barriers such as the lack of local expertise in green building practices and insufficient awareness highlight the need for effective strategies to promote broader adoption of GBTs in building development. This study aims to identify the benefits of adopting GBTs and assess their level of implementation by professionals in Southwest Nigeria. Following a comprehensive literature review on factors hindering GBT adoption in the region, empirical data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 300 green building experts across Nigeria. The analysis confirmed the significance of 12 challenges affecting GBT implementation in Southwest Nigeria. Key benefits identified include reduced energy costs, improved occupant comfort and productivity, enhanced indoor air quality, and lower maintenance costs. These were ranked as the top four benefits driving the adoption of GBTs. The findings provide valuable insights to help practitioners and policymakers develop effective strategies for promoting GBT adoption, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of buildings. Future research will explore the economic benefits associated with the adoption of green building technologies in Southwest Nigeria

Future cities and sustainable development: Integrating renewable energy, advanced materials, and civil engineering for urban resilience

This review focuses on the integration of renewable energy, advanced materials, and civil engineering to foster urban resilience in future cities. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for sustainable solutions to mitigate environmental impact and enhance quality of life becomes increasingly urgent. This review explores how the convergence of renewable energy sources, innovative materials, and civil engineering practices can contribute to the development of resilient cities capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, offers opportunities to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Advancements in renewable energy technologies allow for the generation of clean, reliable energy within urban environments, promoting energy independence and reducing carbon footprints. Additionally, the utilization of advanced materials in urban infrastructure can enhance durability, efficiency, and sustainability. Nanotechnology, for example, enables the development of high-performance materials with superior strength, flexibility, and resilience. These materials can be used in construction, transportation, and water management systems to improve infrastructure resilience and longevity. Furthermore, civil engineering plays a crucial role in designing and implementing sustainable urban infrastructure. From green building practices to resilient urban planning, civil engineers are instrumental in creating cities that can withstand environmental hazards and adapt to changing conditions. By integrating renewable energy, advanced materials, and innovative engineering solutions, cities can enhance their resilience to climate change, natural disasters, and other challenges. This review examines case studies and examples of successful integration of renewable energy, advanced materials, and civil engineering in urban development projects worldwide. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing these solutions, including technological barriers, financial considerations, and policy frameworks. The integration of renewable energy, advanced materials, and civil engineering is essential for building resilient and sustainable cities of the future. By embracing innovation and collaboration across disciplines, cities can enhance their capacity to thrive in the face of environmental, social, and economic challenges, ultimately improving the quality of life for urban residents while preserving the planet for future generations.

Critical factors for implementing sustainable construction practices in project delivery and management

Introduction/Background: The construction Industry is central to world economic growth and the ongoing process of urbanization. However, it is also an environmental problematic area as it causes pollution, resource depletion and emission of the greenhouse gases. Modern construction is experiencing significant concerns with sustainability hence the need to shift from the conventional construction practices and embrace sustainable construction. This paper looks at key issues based on construction project delivery and management for sustainability. It also focuses on how the industry can maintain the triple bottom line of sustainability in the different phases of project life cycle. Materials and Methods: This research uses literature review as the method for integrating and analyzing the existing knowledge in the construction sustainable practices. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used in the present study and the most relevant sources of information consisted of peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports and literature as well as sustainability assessment tools were also used to analyse the findings and identify the major themes and effective measures in the field. The study focuses on three main areas: A)Functions of construction business in sustainable development, B)Measures towards improving sustainability in social, economical and environmental aspects in construction projects and C)Sustainable construction project management. Further, the research assesses sustainable assessment tools with more emphasis put on sustainable neighborhood development through LEED-ND. Results: The result finds several key factors for supporting a sustainable construction approach. They are; procurement and management of materials, use of green building practices, use of LCA in decision making and engagement of stakeholders. A viewpoint for the research is an integrated approach to the use of sustainable practices within the processes of implementing particular projects, taking into consideration the environmental, social and economic factors at the various stages of the project. Simultaneously, the LEED-ND has presented itself as an all-encompassing instrument for measuring and directing the sustainable development of neighbourhoods, focusing on both the level of buildings and of whole communities. Discussion: These are some of the key findings which indicate the interaction between different sustainability issues in construction projects. However, unlike other approaches that focus on the use of technology or even green building, the study brings out the issue of integrated design process, stakeholder engagement, and long term thinking as critical in sustainable development. They also confirm the effectiveness of targeted and case-based approaches because the issues of sustainability and their priorities differ from country to country and from one type of construction project to another. Conclusion: The need to understand critical implementation factors for sustainable construction is what has informed this research work and so, this study will add to the existing body of knowledge the world over. It stresses the imperative for constructing higher order change in the construction industry towards the type of sustainability solutions that are based on the idea of utilising a life cycle approach to problem solving. Therefore, understanding the nature and the degree of the elements impacts will help the practitioners, policymakers and the researchers to design measures towards making construction projects sustainable. Future studies should build on stronger linkages of impacts, longer time horizons of assessment, and the identification of new sources of financing sustainable practices

Assessment of Bond Strength in Bamboo-Reinforced Concrete

Bamboo, a sustainable and eco-friendly material, has been utilized in construction for centuries. With the increasing focus on green building practices, bamboo is gaining recognition as a feasible option for reinforcing concrete. Its affordability and high strength-to-weight ratio have sparked significant interest. However, natural bamboo faces challenges such as poor compatibility with concrete, and insufficient stiffness, which hinder its widespread use. Additionally, the dimensional instability of bamboo due to moisture and temperature fluctuations can result in de-bonding, significantly weakening bond strength. To overcome these limitations, improving the inherent properties of bamboo through various treatments is crucial for its effective application as concrete reinforcement. This paper comprehensively reviews multiple techniques used to incorporate bamboo into concrete, comparing bond strength results and analyzing the factors that influence bond performance. The review identifies optimal solutions for the effective use of bamboo as a sustainable reinforcement in construction.

Perspectives on Sustainable Construction in the Middle East: A Comparative Analysis of Industry and Academia

Existing research has primarily focused on investigating barriers in developed countries, emphasising economic, technical, and governmental factors which impede the diffusion of green building practices. However, developing regions, including the Middle East, often must be represented in green building research. Understanding these region-specific barriers is important for developing tailored solutions. In addition, existing identified green building barriers have primarily been obtained from the industry sector, while perspectives from other stakeholders, such as academia, have less attention. Hence, this study compares the perspectives of academic and industry professionals regarding the possible barriers which may impede the adoption of green buildings, with a particular focus on cultural, educational, and social factors. A mixed-method approach was employed, including a large-scale survey (n = 1112) with 54% of the participants being from the industrial sector and 46% being from the academic sector, as well as 17 semi-structured interviews to triangulate the data obtained from the survey. The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia as a representative case of the Middle East. Participants reported 23 barriers, which were themed into six groups: economic, technical, governmental, market demand, educational, and cultural barriers. Notably, seven of these barriers were reported for the first time in this study, including a lack of integrating green building concepts into university curricula, cultural preferences for traditional construction practices, resistance to change, prioritisation of economic factors over environmental and social considerations, a limited number of completed green building projects, delays in the permit and approval processes, and a lack of leadership and coordination. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the industry and academic perspectives (p < 0.05, d = 0.61) regarding the barriers to adopting green buildings, with academics over-reporting the educational, cultural, and technical barriers compared with the industry sector. Based on the identified barriers, five strategies were suggested which could help promote the widespread adoption and long-term sustainability of green buildings in the Middle East.

Strategic Pathways to Sustainable Development: A Comprehensive Review of the Benefits and Barriers of Green Buildings

As environmental concerns grow globally, green building practices have become essential in promoting sustainable development. This paper provides a comprehensive review aimed at evaluating the multifaceted benefits, barriers, and strategic pathways related to the implementation of green buildings. The study employs a systematic literature review, analysing 90 significant studies from databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, to assess the economic, environmental, and social impacts of green building practices. The results highlight that green buildings offer substantial benefits, including reduced energy consumption, improved indoor air quality, enhanced occupant health and productivity, and long-term cost savings. Despite these advantages, the widespread adoption of green building practices faces considerable challenges, notably high initial construction costs, regulatory obstacles, and limited awareness among stakeholders. Furthermore, the study identifies significant gaps in the existing literature concerning the regional and contextual variations in the effectiveness of green building strategies. The implications of this research are crucial for policymakers, developers, and industry professionals who are working towards sustainable urban development. The findings suggest that overcoming the identified barriers requires coordinated efforts, including the implementation of supportive policies, financial incentives, and extensive public education campaigns. By addressing these challenges, green buildings can play a pivotal role in achieving global sustainability goals and fostering resilient, eco-friendly urban environments.

Urbanization and Urban Sprawl in the Post-Colonial Era Douala City, Cameroon

The history of the port city of Douala spans pre-colonial period, colonial period of the Germans and French occupation, the post- colonial era and the contemporary situation with continuous occupancy of the coastal environment. This article looks at the relationship between the history of the city of Douala to the resulting urban situation focusing on governance structure as well as rapid urbanization. The findings show that governance structure allowing for a duality of modern political system and traditional cultural system of kingships and chiefdoms has an effect to the resulting urban sprawl. Moreover, rapid urbanization under this condition has an overall impact to the challenges resulting from urban sprawl including development of settlements that do not have basic services. Developing comprehensive urban planning policies that prioritize sustainable and green building practices and transport systems, promoting the use of locally sourced building materials, use of technology to encourage generation of renewable energy, encouraging a broader participation of local communities in the planning and development of the city are some possible interventions recommended to ensure a more sustainable and resilient city of Douala.

Assessment of the viability of photovoltaic system implementation on the New Media Tower of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara using PVSyst software: A feasibility study.

The urgency of addressing climate change, exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions, necessitates sustainable solutions, including green building practices and renewable energy adoption. This study focuses on the feasibility of implementing solar photovoltaic systems at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), particularly in Building C, known as the New Media Tower, which is designed with green building principles. Solar energy, an increasingly prominent renewable source, presents a viable solution to reduce carbon footprints. Before installation, thorough simulations using software like PVSyst are essential to predict energy output and evaluate system efficiency. Several studies have explored PV system feasibility using simulations, highlighting the importance of software selection for accurate assessments. Building C offers potential locations for PV installation, with the rooftop being a primary consideration due to its expansive area and minimal shading. The rooftop PV system simulation shows an annual energy production of 202 MWh, close to the target of 209.64 MWh, while the parking area system only generates 64.5 MWh/year. Technical evaluations reveal that only the rooftop PV system meets electricity generation targets, highlighting its superiority over the parking area system. Financial analysis demonstrates the rooftop system's viability, with a payback period of 8.2 years and a return on investment (ROI) of 115.8%. Although the upfront investment is substantial, the long-term benefits justify implementation. Overall, this study underscores the technical and financial feasibility of rooftop photovoltaic systems on Building C at UMN, offering valuable insights for sustainable energy initiatives in academic institutions.

Analysis of the indoor wind environment in buildings on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau of China: A case study of the Dege Scripture Printing House

The Dege Scripture Printing House (DSPH), built in 1729, is located on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and serves as a significant center for Tibetan Buddhism culture. Compared to typical Tibetan architecture, DSPH features unique characteristics, such as its substantial size, diverse structures, and adaptability to the local climate. The surrounding topography of DSPH primarily comprises plateaus and hilly plains, and the region experiences a continental plateau monsoon climate. This climate is characterized by cold temperatures due to high altitude, low precipitation, long sunshine hours, dry air, long winters, short summers, and intense solar radiation. To thoroughly assess the ventilation status of DSPH, a 3D scan of the building, physical environment tests, and indoor wind environment simulations were carried out. The field test results show that the unique architectural design of DSPH helps mitigate the impact of the harsh climate on indoor activities. By analyzing and evaluating the wind environment of DSPH, locally adapted climate resilience practices are summarized, and the physical properties of buildings characteristic of the Tibetan plateau are clarified. These findings provide a reference for promoting the development of local climate-adapted buildings, preserving traditional architectural culture, and promoting the integration of modern architecture with traditional culture. Furthermore, this study represents an important step toward enhancing energy efficiency and green building practices in ethnic minority settlements, contributing to sustainable development in the region.

Optimizing green building practices: a case study in psychology building of universitas diponegoro in semarang, indonesia

Abstract Buildings have a significant impact on environmental deterioration and climate change. It is crucial to design ecologically friendly and energy-efficient buildings to reduce these effects. Green construction concepts place high importance on using resources efficiently, minimizing waste emissions, and using sustainable materials over the whole lifespan of a structure. The building envelope, which includes walls, doors, windows, floors, and roofs, plays a crucial role in energy-efficient design. This study aims to achieve green building certification for the Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) Psychology campus by examining heat transmission, adherence to local green building rules, and energy consumption in current building designs. The study assessed the campus using SketchUp software for design, an overall thermal transfer value (OTTV) calculator, and EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) software for analysis. The analysis showed that the OTTV value was 27.58 watts/m2 and the ultimate energy consumption was 41,028.43 kWh/month. The findings suggest that the campus is following Semarang Mayor’s regulation No. 24 of 2019 and is regarded to be ecologically friendly. Optimization of EDGE design solutions for energy analysis resulted in energy efficiency of 60.6%. The study presents alternative architectural plans that fulfill the requirements of green building standards, providing valuable information on techniques for renovating existing structures.

A Framework for Implementing Green Building Practices in Abuja, Nigeria

A Framework for Implementing Green Building Practices in Abuja, Nigeria

The impact of board gender diversity on green building practices: Moving beyond traditional linear and logistic specifications

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between sustainability and gender equality by analyzing how the percentage of women on the board of directors (still less than 50% in most cases) influences a company's commitment to green building practices. For this analysis, we estimate 30 competing multivariate pooled and panel data logistic specifications, including the gender diversity factor in both its traditional and polynomial forms. This methodological innovation (the polynomial form) allows for the examination of gender diversity's relationship with other variables beyond conventional models that assume constant effects, thus enabling a more realistic depiction of impacts that vary with the degree of diversity. Our dataset includes companies listed on the Euro Stoxx 300 and Standard & Poor's 500 for the period 2010–2021. The findings indicate that, in both indices, an increased percentage of women on the board (and a higher Blau diversity index) correlates with a greater propensity for sustainable building practices, up to a threshold nearing parity. The impacts are more significant in Europe than in the U.S., where board gender diversity appears to have a lesser influence on green building initiatives. The specification that best models the relationship between sustainable building practices and gender diversity, along with other relevant factors, is a multivariate panel data logistic model with the gender diversity factor included as a cubic polynomial for companies listed on the Euro Stoxx 300. A similar model, but with the gender factor in a quadratic polynomial form, was selected for companies listed on the Standard & Poor's 500. Therefore, the impact function of gender diversity on sustainable building practices is not constant but depends on the existing degree of board gender diversity, with the shape of the impact function differing between Europe and the U.S. Additionally, the study finds that other board characteristics—larger boards, longer tenures of directors, and higher compensation for senior executives—are associated with an increased propensity towards green practices in both the European and U.S. contexts. Conversely, linking CEO compensation to shareholder returns reduces this propensity. Moreover, the number of non‐executive directors and the overlap between the Chairperson and CEO positions do not significantly impact this propensity.

Mechanical carbon emission assessment during prefabricated building deconstruction based on BIM and multi-objective optimization

Machinery operation is a major source of carbon emissions in building deconstruction. Early intervention through Design for Deconstruction (DfD) is crucial for emission reduction, yet the factors influencing these emissions are underexplored. This study integrates parametric BIM with multi-objective optimization (MOO) to assess mechanical carbon emissions in deconstruction. Using the Octopus solver in Grasshopper for Rhino, the study analyzes independent variables—possible working hours (PWH), vertical speed (VS), and horizontal speed (HS)—and dependent variables—minimum mechanical carbon emissions (MCE (min)), minimum deconstruction period (DP (min)), and maximum working efficiency (WE (max)). A lightweight steel roof truss structure is analyzed, comparing real-world deconstruction with optimized DfD schemes. Sensitivity analysis for BIM-MOO optimized results reveal that: (1) Adjusting PWH, VS, and HS significantly affects WE and DP, though with limited impact on carbon emissions; (2) VS influences WE and DP more than HS; (3) Limiting DP is essential for balancing WE, DP, and MCE, with WE adjusted to 20–60% and modifications to PWH and VS achieving balanced management. This study underscores the importance of early design and real-time adjustments for efficient, low-emission deconstruction, supporting the advancement of green building practices.