Editorial

Editorial

Sustainable development is rapidly becoming a global phenomenon – the remit of which encompasses a wide range of professions and societal interest groups. Within the context of construction and the built environment, the CIB are striving to concatenate these professions and groups into a common theme in order to leverage better understanding through CIB Task Group 55 (Smart and Sustainable Built Environments). This Task Group presents key findings to date on a wide range of current research and practice in this emerging field in order to further promote awareness, understanding and synergy. The first five papers of this special issue focus directly on sustainability, and the final three papers identify cross-cutting themes associated with tools, processes, and culture.

The first two papers of this special issue focus on the problems associated with waste from a sustainability context. Hao et al. introduce a computer simulation model developed to improve the strategic planning and management of construction and demolition waste in Hong Kong. This is based on system dynamics methodology, and incorporates the interrelationship of several major activities inherently involved in the holistic process. This model uses simulation to aid decision makers and practitioners better understand the complexity of information and processes (regarding the management of construction and demolition waste throughout a project's life-cycle). The second paper by van Timmeren and Sidler focuses on a combined waste/energy system based on permaculture and organic design principles, as applied in the deep green district named “EVA Lanxmeer” in Culemborg (The Netherlands). This is referred to as the “sustainable implant” through which the concept of integrated decentralised technologies for wastewater and organic waste treatment with energy and nutrients recovery is introduced. It is based on a biogas installation (for treatment of blackwater, green waste/garden and park waste), with combined heat/power and an accompanying closed glasshouse. The system was designed as a double skin fac¸ade, or “hanging gardens” in a non-ventilated space with heat and water recovery, heat/cold storage (using an underlying aquifer) with injection of the surplus CO₂ of the biogas plant.

The next two papers promote smart and sustainable building technology development through two different perspectives and approaches. The paper by Tenpierik et al. investigates the potential of using vacuum insulation panels as thermal insulators due to their combined high thermal performance and reduced thickness. The performance requirements of these panels are examined, along with their behaviour, and integration with the building envelope is discussed. The relationship between requirements and properties were found to be of principal importance for the design of the fac¸ade components in which vacuum insulation panels are integrated. In addition, further phenomena governing thermal conductivity and aging was articulated. The next paper by van den Dobbelsteen et al. identified several optimisation issues for structural frame solutions. This research used a typical office layout to determine the environmental performance for combinations of structural components vis-à-vis the environmental load with LCA-based models. Findings indicate a factor of five difference between the worst and best performing solution – thereby reinforcing the notion that smart sustainable design must focus on solutions that will effectively reduce the environmental load and enhance environmental performance.

The fifth paper by van der Linden et al, introduces the adaptive temperature limits guidelines (ATG) for the assessment of indoor climate. Assessment results were identified as being more communicable between the various stakeholders, i.e. the architects, developers, facilities managers, occupants, etc. compared to the weighted temperature hours (GTO) technique. The ATG approach allows for a wider range of temperature simulations for Alpha type buildings, thereby providing more opportunity for developing sustainable, naturally ventilated buildings. Notwithstanding these benefits, the authors were also cognisant of other impinging factors, specifically, productivity, the perception of thermal comfort, and of indoor air quality.

The final three papers cover several important cross-cutting themes which impinge on sustainability and environmental performance. The sixth paper by Fu et al, incorporate the nuances and impact of lifecycle costing using an nD modelling tool. This tool can help users conduct lifecycle costing activities in an integrated and interactive environment using a series of calculations based on complex algorithms using an interoperable data standard. Further developments are expected to encompass lifecycle costing linked to energy consumption and energy efficiency. The paper by Al-Sudairi evaluates the effect of lean principles on two construction processes (block-laying and plastering) using simulation. This study teases out such issues as: non value-adding activities, flows, process evaluation, and performance. The central cross cutting theme here relates to expected savings in waste and energy consumption vis-à-vis the optimisation of processes through simulation. The final paper by Eaton et al. examines the suitability of UK PFI models to the Czech Republic using the SLEEPT approach. This research identified a “cultural compass” through which regional engagement can be leveraged through a “modified national” approach using such factors as: technological positioning; environmental controls; social, political, economic and sustainability drivers, etc.

Jay YangCoordinator, CIB TG55 Smart and Sustainable Built Environments