Decarbonization or Demise – Sustainable Solutions for Resilient Communities

Table of Contents

1. Sustainable Construction

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Barriers to the Adoption of Sustainable Construction in Small- and Medium-Sized Irish Contractors: A Qualitative Insight

      Pete Somers, Marco Vimercati, John P. Spillane, James G. Bradley

      Abstract

      With the results of climate change becoming more apparent, sustainability is becoming increasingly popular in all sectors and construction is no different. Whilst larger contractors are leading the way, the same cannot be said for small to medium-sized contractors. The aim of this paper is to uncover the barriers facing small and medium-sized Irish contractors to adopting sustainability within their practices. The lack of research in this area is the motivation behind this study, as there is currently no information available on this topic regarding the Irish sector. This paper commences by identifying themes and underlying barriers identified within the literature. Subsequently, these themes and associated factors are explored in a series of 20 semi-structured individual interviews with small to medium-sized contractors. Five themes and associated factors are identified. First, cost, including cost of materials, cost of training, and cost of practice. Second, lack of understanding along with lack of education, lack of training, and lack of information are also noted. Third, the lack of government legislation is also highlighted, specifically grants, training, and regulation. Fourth, environmental, including materials, training, and practices. Fifth and finally, lack of demand, with a lack of client demand and lack of industry demand being factors. The benefit of this research is that both industry and legislative bodies need to first identify and acknowledge the barriers that result in small and medium-sized contractors not adopting a more sustainable approach, prior to then enacting targeted assistance to address these barriers, as identified within this study.

   3. Innovation Lessons: Combining Digital Fabrication and Circularity with Bio-Based Materials

      Mike Lawrence, David Nicholson, Chloe Donovan

      Abstract

      Suitable for buildings up to 18 m in height the ADEPT system is a fully integrated prefabricated construction solution comprising a breathable thermal envelope, cladding, internal walls, internal finishes and provision for integrated Mecanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) services. The system can be delivered in panelised or volumetric elements, or both, according to client requirements. Standardised, repeated elements combine with optimal material efficiency to make a system that is affordable, scalable, quick to build and suitable for awkward access or infill sites. Demountable panels and components allow partial or complete disassembly, re-use and a circular economy of parts, as well as non-destructive alterations during the lifetime of the building.

      The ADEPT system targets both operational net carbon neutral and negative embodied carbon, making efficient use of biogenic materials and circular design principles. Integral to the system is a novel patented hemp bio-composite which delivers improved indoor air quality through hygrothermal buffering. Whole-life carbon assessment is integral to all stages of the design, fabrication and assembly of the system as well as future maintenance and alterations.

      This paper describes the hemp bio-composite and presents a case-study of the ADEPT system, together with a life cycle assessment.

2. Water and Air Quality

   1. Frontmatter

   2. ‘The Great River Thames Washout’: The Impact of Seasonality on Microplastic Abundance

      Ria Devereux, Bamdad Ayati, Elizabeth Westhead, Darryl Newport

      Abstract

      In the UK, microplastics are considered an emergent contaminant but not pollutants and, at this moment, are not monitored as part of water quality tests. As a result, microplastic abundance within many UK rivers is unknown. This also means that the many factors influencing microplastic abundances within individual rivers, such as seasonality and rainfall, are currently understudied. This study focused on the seasonal impacts, including the effect of rainfall, on microplastic abundance within the surface water of the River Thames. Ten sites in eight areas were sampled along the tidal section of the river, starting at Teddington and ending in Southend-on-Sea. Three litres of surface water were collected monthly at high tide from land-based infrastructure from May 2019 to May 2021. A total of 6657 pieces were identified and recorded throughout this study. However, there was no significant variation between seasons and microplastic abundance, with the mean microplastic abundance along the River Thames ranging from 10.29 ± 4.34 L⁻¹ (spring) to 14.83 ± 7.49 L⁻¹ (autumn). However, there was a substantial difference between MP abundance observed between consecutive seasons in 2019–2021. Fibres were the most abundant throughout, making up 77.1–85.96% of samples in all four seasons. A total of 1041 pieces of suspected microplastic were analysed via Fourier-transform infrared radiation (IR) spectroscopy, of which 176 pieces were not identified. Out of the 41 different polymers identified, the most common were polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (24.5%), polystyrene (PS) (9.8%) and polychloroprene (PCP) (7.69%). Polychloroprene was less observed in the spring months compared to other seasons. This study demonstrates a yearly variation in seasonal microplastic abundance with less MP observed in 2020, suggesting other factors, such as COVID-19, have a more substantial impact on microplastic abundance than environmental factors.

3. Building Resilience

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Synthesis of Small-Scale Mining Community Flood Vulnerability and Resilience Strategy in Ghana

      Francis Kwesi Bondinuba, Phillip Kofi Ayine, Cecilia Modupe Mewomo

      Abstract

      The impacts of floods on communities can be devastating, leading to loss of property, displacement, and even the loss of lives. Despite efforts to address flood risks, the academic community’s understanding is still low. This paper synthesises the factors influencing flood vulnerability and the resilience strategies of three small-scale mining (SSM) communities in Ghana. The study employed interviews, document reviews and content analysis. The flood vulnerability factors include physical, social, economic, and environmental aspects. The effective coping strategies identified include participatory, community engagement, community-based disaster risk management, policy-level, and individual-level strategies. It can be concluded that illegal small-scale mining communities in Ghana are vulnerable to floods without any proactive measures to minimise the detrimental impact on the lives of the residents. Effective flood management programmes should be implemented in small-scale mining communities to increase their preparedness for the impact of floods. The study’s limitations include limited sample size, biased responses from respondents, and challenges in controlling the quality of the qualitative data. The paper provides insights into possible interventions to mitigate the impact of floods in small-scale mining communities.

   3. Assessing the Role of Water-Sensitive Urban Design in Urban Form for Climate Change Adaptation: CityLessons Learned from Best Planning Practices

      Abdulrahman Hassanin, Didem Güneş Yilmaz

      Abstract

      With the increasing threat of climate change to urban areas, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) in building resilience. This paper evaluates the potential of WSUD strategies in urban form for climate change adaptation. Using a case study approach, this study analyzes current practices and policies in WSUD implementation and highlights the best practices for WSUD integration into the urban form for climate change adaptation. The four projects examined are the WaterEcoNet project in Qihe County in China, BedZED in London, Singapore NEWater, and the Melbourne Water Recycling Project. The analysis identifies the importance of using alternative sources of water to meet the increasing demands of growing urban populations. It also emphasizes the need for innovative water treatment technologies to ensure the safety and quality of recycled water, and it illustrates successful partnerships between government, private sector, and community stakeholders to implement sustainable water management solutions. These shared themes related to water management and water reuse show the barriers to WSUD implementation and emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach that involves coordination between stakeholders, innovative design solutions, and supportive policy frameworks. This study also indicates some water problems in Turkey, such as floods and droughts, which have a direct impact on the drinking water. A SWOT analysis is done for Bursa City, which is one of the most water-stressed cities in the Marmara Region of Turkey, with limited water resources and high demand due to a growing population and expanding industrial sector. The city has struggled to provide adequate water supplies to its residents, particularly during periods of drought. The analysis results indicate that WSUD is an essential way to ensure urban resilience to water-related risks in Bursa.

   4. Detailed Modeling of Fluid–Particle Interaction in Sediment Transport with Applications in Rivers

      Oldouz Payan, Nigel Wright, Andrew Sleigh

      Abstract

      This work demonstrates a four-way coupling between computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) through an open-source CFD–DEM code, focusing on bed-load sediment transport at a particulate scale. The study combines numerical and experimental investigations to provide a comprehensive analysis. Large eddy simulation (LES) turbulent modeling is employed to capture turbulent scales, while interparticle sediment collision is highlighted through four-way coupling.

      The research showcases the mutual interaction between the fluid and sediment particles, emphasizing the impact of turbulence and near-bed flow velocity on particle motion. The presence of sediment particles in turbulent flows affects the fluid motion and associated turbulent activities. Furthermore, the study reveals the influence of sediment on the turbulent structures in the flow, attributed to momentum exchange between the particle and fluid phases. Fluctuation variations at the location of interacting particles demonstrate this effect.

4. Community Building and Co-production

   1. Frontmatter

   2. The Role of Social Media in Community Engagement During the Climate Crisis: A UK Case Study That Uses a New Analytical Perspective

      Dennis J. O’Keeffe, Derek S. Thomson, Scott Fernie, Wasim Ahmed

      Abstract

      This UK-based empirical study explores the role of social media in community engagement (CE) for a significant NHS hospital project, using a novel analytical perspective that is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The project’s land-use decisions taken unilaterally by the project sponsor sparked differing opinions and opposing views within the community about what constitutes sustainable development, as defined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid the Climate Crisis.

      The study delves into the ‘moral imperative’ of the Climate Crisis (as an existential crisis that is particularly pronounced as a cause of ‘eco-anxiety’ within Generation Z) and critiques the underlying stakeholder theory that currently dominates CE activities as typically employed by public sector sponsors in the UK. It highlights the strategic and sophisticated tactical use of social media in escalating disputes by climate change activists, prominent amongst others, that caused significant and unanticipated delays and costly disruption to the progress of the project.

      By analysing publicly available social media practices, it aims to promote a deeper understanding of the actuality of the social interactions that take place during CE activities at the front end of such projects that we argue could be used to pre-empt similar future CE challenges by avoiding or at least mitigating the risk of prolonged and corrosive stakeholder and wider intercommunity conflicts and costly delays being incurred.

      The study suggests that this fresh analytical perspective can enhance the delivery of crucial UK (and beyond) infrastructure projects (e.g. schools, flood defences, land-based wind farms, hospitals, water reservoirs, and transport systems, amongst others) that involve contentious land-use decisions about what sustainable development constitutes.

5. Waste Management

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Smart Waste Management System Development and Evaluation Decision Support Framework

      Inna Sosunova, Annika Wolff, Jari Porras

      Abstract

      Effective waste management (WM) is one of the most significant environmental problems and a major challenge for any large city. While there are numerous studies describing individual aspects of WM systems in specific contexts, there is no general approach that would unite all the accumulated results into a single framework. The aim of this chapter is (1) to explore how to develop an IoT-based smart waste management (SWM) system that improves the waste management processes of a city and (2) to develop an SWM system improvement and evaluation decision support framework (DSF) that could provide recommendations about WM implementation in cities, based on the city’s objectives, the characteristics of the city, and the current WM status in the city. To develop the SWM DSF, we used data obtained from 173 primary studies of a literature review, surveys performed in three different cities, and ideas from waste management hackathons. The developed DSF includes five parts: (1) Framework guidelines, (2) Context setting, (3) Goal setting, (4) Challenges to be tackled, and (5) Recommendations (provides the recommendations for achieving the set goals and solving problems, taking into account the specific context of the city). The SWM DSF has been tested and evaluated in two stages of testing: (1) by researchers at a university and (2) by a panel of experts in the field of SWM and decision support systems, including professors from leading universities of Finland and representatives of companies specializing in SWM. The test results showed the plausibility and usability of the framework. The developed SWM DSF can be used by representatives of the city administration of any city, as well as representatives of companies specializing in WM.

6. Planning and Sculpturing Positive Change

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Cyber Community-Based Facilities Management: A Conceptual Framework for Improving Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions

      Mandisi Gwabavu, Kathy Michell, Alireza Moghayedi

      Abstract

      The chapter proposes a conceptual framework for improving sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs) through cyber community-based facility management. The conceptual framework of the chapter is based on facilities management (FM), the diffusion of innovation, and human development theory. The principles adopted for the conceptual framework are community-based FM, technological innovations, and capabilities approach. The framework is based on the idea that FM can be improved by utilising technology and the community’s capabilities through HEIs characteristics to promote sustainability. The framework’s four essential elements are technology, community capabilities, HEIs characteristics, and sustainability. Technology is used to collect data, monitor and control energy consumption, and improve overall facilities performance. Community capabilities refer to the skills, knowledge, and resources available within a community to engage in sustainable practices and initiatives. Characteristics of HEIs include facility type, public or private designation, location, institution district boundaries, size, student enrolment, age, and infrastructure condition. Sustainability development is achieved through the implementation of green practices, reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, resource efficient and socially inclusive. The framework proposed is appropriate for use by HEIs because they consume a significant amount of energy, emit a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and develop and strengthen students, faculty, and staff capabilities. As a result, they play a critical role in promoting sustainability. The chapter concludes by emphasising the importance of further research on the conceptual framework’s implementation and effectiveness in promoting sustainability.

7. Education and Training

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Knowledge Sharing in the Construction Industry: Implications for the Future of Projects

      Oluwadamilola D. Aboderin, Kelechi T. Anyigor, Allan Osborne, Talib E. Butt, Michelle Littlemore, Atiqur Rehman

      Abstract

      Effective knowledge-sharing is vital for project management and success. This research investigates knowledge-sharing occurrences on construction sites in retrospect of the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing lessons learned and creating a systematic account of such implications. Supervisors within the construction industries are noted to have substantial tacit knowledge due to their experience level, which those being supervised (supervisees) generally lack. However, due to the sudden arrival of COVID-19, limitations were imposed on physical interactions, which had adversely impacted tacit knowledge sharing between supervisors and supervisees on construction sites. Although safety measures were instituted to curb the disease’s spread, some experienced supervisors were uncomfortable appearing on-site physically because of the increased infection risk. Challenges such as social distancing and masking were observed to hinder knowledge sharing and communication with supervisees even when supervisors physically appeared. This research, therefore, adopts a qualitative research design to investigate knowledge-sharing occurrences on construction sites in retrospect of the COVID-19 pandemic, using semi-structured interviews. The narratives were analysed with NVivo. Based on various knowledge-sharing scenarios, this study offers holistic and categorical insights into construction site issues during project execution. These insights are presented in a conceptual model to aid supervisors and supervisees in effective knowledge-sharing. The research outcome can be applied where virtual working is increasingly being implemented, and it helps inform future projects during similar crisis scenarios.

8. Energy Efficient Modelling

   1. Frontmatter

   2. How Digital Twins Can Be Used to Maximise Social Value Creation

      Greg Watts, Mo Maleki Sadabad, Narendra Vasudeva, Waleed Khan

      Abstract

      The use of digital twins in the UK construction industry is growing. They offer a wealth of well-explored benefits that essentially aim to make the construction industry more efficient and effective. Social value is a concept that is equally growing in prominence in both research and industry importance. Social value is predominantly concerned with ensuring the construction industry has maximum positive benefits for the communities in which it operates. However, a problem exists in that contractors have finite resources, and so to focus on multiple initiatives is not always practical or even possible. This is potentially serving to restrict the development of both concepts and limit the benefits either can achieve. This impacts both the contractors caught in the middle of competing demands and also the wider stakeholders who would potentially be the recipients of enhanced efficiency and increased value. By addressing this problem, this research seeks to reconcile the potentially competing concepts of digital twins and social value. The aim of this research is to identify areas where both concepts overlap so that contractors can have a single focus and achieve both digital twin and social value benefits. By conducting an in-depth and analytical review of the extant literature, this research serves to identify overlapping themes and potential areas of value co-creation. The findings of this research reveal that with further digital twin development, and an enhanced and holistic view of social value, efficiencies in delivery can be created. This would serve to ensure social value data can inform digital twin decisions, allowing contractors to focus on both concepts, requiring fewer resources yet achieving higher value creation for all stakeholders.

   3. Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Adoption Strategies in the Nigerian Construction Industry

      Dubem Isaac Ikediashi, Henry Okpo Asuquo, Nimi Dan-Jumbo

      Abstract

      Despite the inherent benefits that digitalisation brings to businesses across sectors, the construction industry in most developing countries seems unprepared and reluctant to embrace the digital trend. The fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been projected to improve construction performance and overcome challenges faced in the industry. However, the lack of effective strategies for the adoption of 4IR in Nigeria has hampered its full adoption. This study examines strategies for 4IR implementation in the Nigerian construction industry. Anchored on qualitative research, a total of eight cases were interviewed in Lagos, Nigeria. Data generated were analysed using conversational thematic analytical methods. The study established government support, digital collaboration, training, increase in research and development, and standardisation of the industry using BIM as the most effective tactics for the implementation of 4IR in the Nigerian construction industry. However, different construction companies have different approaches to adopting 4IR. The study has provided strategies to help construction firms implement appropriate measures to adopt 4IR in the construction industry, an area lacking research attention. The study recommends organising seminars, conferences, and continuous training of skilled workers as it is the right track towards the full adoption of 4IR in Nigeria’s construction industry.

9. Early Career Research Papers

   1. Frontmatter

   2. SHA256: Comparing the Energy Consumption of Different Implementations

      Sinthia Chowa, Ah-Lian Kor, Nawar Jawad

      Abstract

      Adapting energy-efficient approaches is essential in order to save resources, ensuring the highest throughput. In addition, combining security-enabled approaches has also been a concern to protect data, as it has now been at the most risk by the introduction of cloud-based approaches. Thus, it is important to create a bridge between these concerns and ensure more research on security techniques that are also energy efficient. For that purpose, in this chapter, one of the data security techniques, such as a hashing algorithm, has been chosen, specifically the SHA256 algorithm in order to analyze the power consumption of the implementations. SHA256 hashing algorithm has been implemented in the Visual Studio IDE in Python using four libraries named Hashlib, CryptoHash, cryptography, and PyNaCl, and the power consumption has been calculated using the Intel Power Gadget software. After analyzing the collected data and applying descriptive analysis, a t-test and an ANOVA test, a detailed discussion has been formed which states that the PyNaCl library consumes the least amount of power per second and also emits the least amount of CO₂. Therefore, the chapter recommends using the PyNaCl library to implement the SHA256 algorithm in order to ensure least energy consumption, and also indicates that it is possible to find better approaches while implementing an algorithm when the concern is energy efficiency.

   3. Python Unplugged: A Comparative Study of Seven Energy-Efficient Coding Techniques

      Eyvaz Ahmadzada, Ah-Lian Kor, Thalita Vergilio, Nawar Jawad

      Abstract

      This research focuses on the impact of Python code optimisation techniques on energy usage and performance, with the goal of promoting sustainable software development. Given the growing worldwide emphasis on minimising energy consumption, it examines seven alternative programming techniques to identify the most energy-efficient practices. Through extensive experimentation, it was found that built-in functions, lazy evaluation, and caching are some of the leading solutions for optimising energy usage and performance in Python programming. The research revealed substantial variations in energy efficiency and performance by conducting experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques, providing essential insights for software developers. The study not only sets the foundation for future studies in energy-efficient Python programming, but it also paves the way for new methods, such as training an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict the energy footprint of software programs before executing them.

   4. Comparative Analysis of Energy Efficiency in Virtualization Tools and Underlying Operating Systems

      David Folorunsho, Ah-Lian Kor, Nawar Jawad, Thalita Vergilio, Solomon Sunday Oyelere, Samuel Okegbile

      Abstract

      According to current research into trends in information technology and its impact on the global economy, it has been realized that the upward rise and adoption of digital technologies continue to contribute to the use of cloud computing technologies, with more concern placed on the energy consumed by these cloud infrastructures. In this paper, as much as the global concern is the energy consumption of different worldwide systems, the focus is directed to the energy consumption of cloud computing infrastructures. Hence, we look into the energy consumption levels of several chosen virtualization technologies and their underlying operating systems in the context of cloud computing, with a close look into their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This work examines how cloud computing components affect energy usage in the global ICT ecosystem. The methodology used in the work was divided into two categories: The macro methodology that emphasized life-cycle analysis, and the micro methodology which used both experimental setup and inferential statistics to confirm details of the result. The findings of the study showed that the Microsoft Hyper-V consumed the least energy, and it is expected that this finding will improve cloud computing practitioners’ and policymakers’ understanding of virtualization tools’ energy consumption patterns alongside GHG emissions, helping them make sustainable environmental decisions.

   5. Energy Consumption for Training and Inference of Machine Learning Models and Their Processes

      Muhammad Mursalin Larik, Ah-Lian Kor, Nawar Jawad

      Abstract

      While the study of energy consumption in the field of computer architecture remains widely studied, it has received less attention in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning models are widely utilised in various applications including data science, computer vision and natural language processing. Despite being a highly incentivised and sought-after field, most of its research is concentrated on the size of the models, amount of data and accuracies without concern for computational constraints such as power and energy consumption. This partially stems from a limited availability of energy evaluating tools in machine learning and lack of support from frameworks and cloud providers, largely due to security concerns. This research evaluates energy consumption and carbon emissions of several machine learning and deep learning models in various use cases. This study uses existing energy-measuring tools to provide insights into sustainable choices of models for lightweight applications.

10. Backmatter