Sustainability

Research

21 pages, 850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiple Paths to Green Building Popularization Under the TOE Framework—A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Fuzzy Sets Based on 26 Chinese Cities

by Xiaokang Wang, Li Zhu, Yue Tang, Haoyu Deng and Haolong Wang

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9360; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219360 - 28 Oct 2024

Viewed by 784

Abstract

Green buildings are a crucial element in achieving sustainable development. The use of green buildings can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting the widespread adoption of green buildings has become a significant concern in many countries or regions. Although previous studies [...] Read more.

Green buildings are a crucial element in achieving sustainable development. The use of green buildings can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting the widespread adoption of green buildings has become a significant concern in many countries or regions. Although previous studies have identified a range of key factors influencing the promotion of green buildings, further analysis of the combination of these critical factors needs to be conducted. Therefore, based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, this study utilizes the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to analyze survey data from 26 cities in China, resulting in four high-level configuration paths for the widespread adoption of green buildings. The results indicate that (1) achieving high levels of widespread adoption of green buildings does not depend on any single factor; instead, it relies on the collaborative interaction of multiple elements across technological, organizational, and environmental dimensions; (2) the potential substitution relationships between conditional variables among different configurations within the TOE framework indicate that science and technology expenditure and gross domestic product play more significant roles in the path combinations for the promotion of green buildings; (3) through the study of the substitutive relationships of four configuration paths, it was found that when a city faces challenges in the widespread adoption of green buildings, such as an insufficient number of green building technology patents or underdeveloped green finance incentive systems, it can still achieve efficient green building adoption by formulating corresponding policies and enhancing cultural value guidance for groups like developers, contractors, and consumers. Conversely, the same is true. This paper explores the combination of critical factors in green building adoption, providing insights into addressing the differing foundational conditions of cities in the process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development)

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23 pages, 4801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Confinement Stress in Axially Loaded Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Stub Columns: Study on Enhancing Urban Building Efficiency

by Mahdi Shariati, Mahsa Pourteymuri, Morteza Naghipour, Ali Toghroli, Mohammad Afrazi, Morteza Shariati, Arman Aminian and Mahdi Nematzadeh

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177544 - 30 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 881

Abstract

In the context of green building and sustainable urban development, understanding the mechanical behavior of structural components like concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns is crucial due to their improved load-bearing capacity, energy efficiency, and optimized material usage, which enhance structural resilience and sustainability. [...] Read more.

In the context of green building and sustainable urban development, understanding the mechanical behavior of structural components like concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns is crucial due to their improved load-bearing capacity, energy efficiency, and optimized material usage, which enhance structural resilience and sustainability. This research addresses the complex development of confining stress and its impact on the concrete core (CC) behavior within these columns, which are essential for urban infrastructure. Through extensive numerical studies, this study proposes a model to estimate the confining stress in axially loaded CFST short columns. Study findings reveal that the confinement effectiveness is influenced by variables such as compressive strength (CS) of the concrete, cross-sectional shape, and depth-to-wall thickness percentage. Additionally, the confinement is also significantly affected by the yield strain of steel ε_y/ε_c to the peak strain of unconfined concrete ε_c. A three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) was built for the simulation of the columns’ nonlinear behavior and was rigorously validated against experimental data. This model aids in the design and implementation of more efficient and resilient urban structures, supporting the principles of sustainable construction. The study underscores the importance of structural integrity in sustainable urban development and provides valuable insights for improving the design of green building materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development)

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24 pages, 2369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Review of Green Building Trends in South Korea from 2001 to 2023 Using Research Topic Words

by Weicheng Ren and Kyunghwan Kim

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051772 - 21 Feb 2024

Viewed by 4123

Abstract

In 2020, South Korea implemented the Green New Deal, and in 2022, it officially proposed the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To effectively promote the development of green buildings in South Korea, it is crucial to analyze their evolutionary trends and [...] Read more.

In 2020, South Korea implemented the Green New Deal, and in 2022, it officially proposed the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To effectively promote the development of green buildings in South Korea, it is crucial to analyze their evolutionary trends and processes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to summarize and predict the development trajectory of green buildings in South Korea by studying the research and development trends in this field. Accordingly, this study used content analysis as a research method to analyze 89 research papers and their subject words published from 2001 to 2023. Further in-depth analysis was conducted on five sub-dimensions: technical, economic, legal, systemic, and the popularization and development of green buildings. Since 2000, research has mainly focused on the improvement and development of evaluation index systems and the exploration of energy-saving technologies. In terms of the research and development of green building materials, there is a problem of slow development. In terms of green building management, there is a lack of specific management methods or systematic research. Economic aspects should be studied from the consumers’ perspective. Hence, opportunities and challenges coexist and require joint efforts from the government, academia, enterprises, and other parties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development)

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15 pages, 2392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Redevelopment of Industrial Brownfields: Driving Mechanism and Model

by Yang Zhang, Xiaomeng Luo, Shuqing Wang and Chang Liu

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16268; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316268 - 24 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1145

Abstract

Rapid urban restructuring has exposed a large number of industrial brownfields, and common redevelopment has many disadvantages. To optimize the redevelopment effect, green redevelopment has become an important strategy for urban renewal. Combining the theory of planned behavior and the normative activation model, [...] Read more.

Rapid urban restructuring has exposed a large number of industrial brownfields, and common redevelopment has many disadvantages. To optimize the redevelopment effect, green redevelopment has become an important strategy for urban renewal. Combining the theory of planned behavior and the normative activation model, this study explains developers’ intention of green redevelopment action of industrial brownfields (GRIB) from rational and perceptual dimensions. The empirical analysis using partial least squares structural equation (PLS-SEM) obtained the following results: (1) The intention of green redevelopment is positively affected by three factors, personal norms, subjective norms, and attitude, in decreasing order of influence. (2) Perceptual behavior control is not statistically significant to developers’ green transformation intentions. (3) Using the corporate social responsibility for adjustment, the results show that corporate social responsibility has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between green redevelopment intention and green redevelopment behavior. It is suggested that the government should further formulate oriented incentive policies at the national and local levels to encourage green redevelopment to transform industrial brownfields. Concomitantly, the local governments should encourage developers with industry influence to carry out green regeneration practices, strengthen the publicity of green redevelopment knowledge, and strengthen the promotion and application of GRIB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development)

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13 pages, 1591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Influence of Hydrophobic Nano-Silica on Cement Mixtures for Corrosion-Resistant Concrete in Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development

by Mohammadfarid Alvansazyazdi, Fabricio Alvarez-Rea, Jhon Pinto-Montoya, Majid Khorami, Pablo M. Bonilla-Valladares, Alexis Debut and Mahdi Feizbahr

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15311; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115311 - 26 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1925

Abstract

The use of hydrophobic nano-silica particles in concrete for improved corrosion resistance and durability has been explored in recent years, and its potential impact on sustainable urban development and green building practices has been studied. The impact of substituting hydrophobic nano-silica particles for [...] Read more.

The use of hydrophobic nano-silica particles in concrete for improved corrosion resistance and durability has been explored in recent years, and its potential impact on sustainable urban development and green building practices has been studied. The impact of substituting hydrophobic nano-silica particles for 2% of the cement weight in high-strength concrete mixes was investigated in this research. The study focuses on evaluating the physical-mechanical properties, including compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and Poisson’s ratio. Additionally, the influence of these mixes on corrosion resistance is examined. The concrete designs feature a high strength of 42 MPa, and the hydrophilic nano-silica particles undergo functionalization processes to obtain hydrophobic properties. Contact angle measurements and water absorption tests confirm the hydrophobicity of the material. Physical, electrochemical, and electrical tests were conducted to determine the corrosion resistance contribution of the nano-silica particles when substituted at 2% of the cement weight. The research findings reveal that concrete containing nano-silica particles demonstrates improved physical-mechanical properties compared to other mixes. Incorporating nano-silica enhances concrete by accelerating hydration, increasing early-age strength, and providing hydrophobicity, resulting in improved physical-mechanical properties over other mixes. However, it was observed that the addition of hydrophobic and non-hydrophobic nano-silica tends to reduce corrosion resistance compared to concrete without these particles, despite exhibiting greater compactness. This suggests a direct influence of nano-silica on the corrosion phenomenon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development)

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19 pages, 2168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Green Building Trend in China—From 2001 to 2022, Focusing on Research Topic Words

by Weicheng Ren and Kyunghwan Kim

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13505; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813505 - 9 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3094

Abstract

The Chinese government has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Consequently, a shift towards green building development in the construction industry is inevitable. The purpose of this study is to summarize and predict the development direction of China’s green buildings by understanding [...] Read more.

The Chinese government has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Consequently, a shift towards green building development in the construction industry is inevitable. The purpose of this study is to summarize and predict the development direction of China’s green buildings by understanding their changing trends over time. Accordingly, this study employed content analysis as the research method to analyze 69 research papers and their topic words published from 2001 to 2022, with further in-depth analysis from four sub-dimensions: technical, economic, policy, and systemic. Overall, since 2000, China’s green building research has mainly focused on energy-saving technology and economic aspects, with particular attention being paid to the role of incentive policies. Research on the energy-saving renovation of existing buildings is insufficient, and research on building energy-saving management systems has been scarce. This may be related to China’s emphasis on technology and its neglect of management functions such as operations and maintenance. Considering the important role of management in the construction industry, it is crucial for the academic community to strengthen research on a comprehensive and systematic green building management system and for the Chinese government to increase its support for green building management and practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development)

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20 pages, 10841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of DASH: Design Assessment Framework for Sustainable Housing

by Kratika Piparsania and Pratul Ch. Kalita

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15990; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315990 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3060

Abstract

The idea of sustainability is based on three pillars—environmental, economic, and social—per the Brundtland report. Housing is a type of architecture with which any occupant can connect. It is a place that supports an occupant’s physical, emotional, cultural, and social needs, which support [...] Read more.

The idea of sustainability is based on three pillars—environmental, economic, and social—per the Brundtland report. Housing is a type of architecture with which any occupant can connect. It is a place that supports an occupant’s physical, emotional, cultural, and social needs, which support their consciousness. The methodology used here includes an extensive literature review, followed by data collection and analysis in order to understand, achieve, and balance sustainability and its metrics. We could see an evident gap in current green building rating systems regarding the inclusion of social and cultural indicators. There is an inclination for quantitative approaches, such as energy, the environment, and resources. We found that it is viable to identify, recognize, and determine social and cultural indicators that are both tangible and intangible. In most research regarding the sustainable built environment, the participation and feedback are limited to industry experts and professionals, and residents are excluded. This study attempted to fill this gap by collecting data from Indian residents, thus validating social and cultural indicators according to occupants’ needs. With the help of indicators discovered in the literature review and by strengthening them further with data collection, a holistic framework was developed to achieve sustainability for housing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development)

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19 pages, 1118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Protection Is Not Relevant in the Perceived Quality of Life of Low-Income Housing Residents: A PLS-SEM Approach in the Brazilian Amazon

by Wylliam Bessa Santana and Luiz Maurício Furtado Maués

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13171; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013171 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2125

Abstract

Meeting the needs of users is imperative in construction, especially those of low-income people. This research looks into the perceptions of low-income users concerning green building (GB) and discusses how building sustainability can contribute to improving their lives. To this end, a model [...] Read more.

Meeting the needs of users is imperative in construction, especially those of low-income people. This research looks into the perceptions of low-income users concerning green building (GB) and discusses how building sustainability can contribute to improving their lives. To this end, a model was developed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) relating the perceptions on residents’ quality of life with the GB criteria of Blue House Label (Selo Casa Azul—SCA), a Brazilian Sustainable Label. This model was based on data from a survey with 658 residents of the ‘Minha Casa, Minha Vida—MCMV’ (My Home, My Life) program, which is part of the Brazilian social housing system. The results of the model suggest that intangible issues such as the environmental protection criteria related to the construction of the building are not capable of influencing their perception of quality of life in the project. On the other hand, GB criteria capable of providing more practical benefits to low-income residents were broadly accepted, such as urban quality, GBT related to cost reduction, water management, and social practices. Furthermore, this article contributes to the discussion about sustainable social housing, the importance of adopting social criteria in GB, and the potential of environmental education to contribute to meeting sustainable development goals (SDG). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building and Sustainable Urban Development)

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