Mark Gaterell

Elucidating Sustainability Sequencing, Tensions, and Trade-Offs in Development Decision Making

The development process at the site or building scale is a multiobjective process requiring the cooperation of many professions and other stakeholders. The addition of multiple sustainability objectives, often seemingly unrelated (economic versus environmental versus social) in a rapidly changing global urban context, further constrains and complicates the process. The MODESTT mapping approach was developed to elucidate the interdependencies, tensions, and trade-offs between different sustainability objectives for a given development, and to make explicit the points at which a single design decision may ‘lock-in’ or ‘lock-out’ various possible outcomes. In this article, we review and analyse existing models of the development process, illustrate the decisions and activities inherent in delivering a single element of a development (illustrated in this paper with the example of a roof); then apply the MODESTT analysis to three sustainability objectives. The analysis makes explicit the critical importance of sequencing of actions and decisions, and interdependencies between specific objectives that lead to tensions and trade-offs between the multiple sustainability objectives. We conclude by making recommendations for the generic application of the MODESTT approach to improve sustainability throughout the site development process. Regardless of the tools that are available in the UK or elsewhere for the development process and for sustainability proxies, it is the timing and sequencing of decisions (when data are collected or the tools are applied) that are important in delivering effective solutions.

Serious games for energy social science research

This paper proposes a set of criteria for evaluation of serious games (SGs) which are intended as effective methods of engaging energy users and lowering consumption. We discuss opportunities for using SGs in energy research which go beyond existing feedback mechanisms, including use of immersive virtual worlds for learning and testing behaviours, and sparking conversations within households. From a review of existing SG evaluation criteria, we define a tailored set of criteria for energy SG development and evaluation. The criteria emphasise the need for the game to increase energy literacy through applicability to real-life energy use/management; clear, actionable goals and feedback; ways of comparing usage socially and personal relevance. Three existing energy games are evaluated according to this framework. The paper concludes by outlining directions for future development of SGs as an effective tool in social science research, including games which inspire reflection on trade-offs and usage at different scales.

Urban resilience: two diverging interpretations

This paper uses two diverging interpretations of resilience to review and assess current UK policies and guidelines for urban resilience, a term generally associated with the strength of key systems and cities and their capability to maintain functionality in the face of external shocks. Both developed in scientific studies, the first interpretation (engineering resilience) is based on a mechanistic model of systems that can recover their original state aftershocks, and the second (ecological resilience) is based on an evolutionary model enabling adaptation to disturbances. Through a literature review, practical applications to planning are discussed for each model in terms of long-term efficacy. The contribution of this paper to an understanding of urban resilience is therefore twofold. First, an identification of the long-term consequences on the built environment of the policies associated with each model is provided, with the mechanical model ultimately hindering, and the ecological model favouring, adaptation. Second, some approaches to generate effective responses to environmental and societal change are identified, together with enabling tools. Ultimately, this paper emphasizes that the idea of a resilient city is fit for this age characterized by uncertainty, although it requires the recognition within planning practice that urban adaptation cannot be attained with current methodologies, and that much can be learned from theories on the resilience of ecosystems.

Procurement Route and Building Information Modelling (BIM) Implementation Effect on Sustainable Higher Education Refurbishment Projects

Procurement routes currently applied in higher education (HE) predate the use of life cycle Building Information Modelling (BIM) for the delivery of construction projects. To date, little has been done to align the various procurement routes used in refurbishing HE buildings with the novel opportunities offered via BIM. The importance of HE estate that it is nearly as large as the total National Health Service (NHS) estate and that both of these are significantly larger than the Government’s mandated estate. This chapter is a part of an on-going research project to determine whether procurement approaches influence the ability to use BIM techniques to deliver sustainable refurbished buildings in the higher education (HE) sector.

Integrating dependent material planning cycle into building information management: a building information management-based material management automation framework

The collaboration and integration between all building information management (BIM) processes and tasks are necessary to ensure that all project objectives can be delivered. The literature review has been used to explore the state of the art BIM technologies to manage construction materials as well as the challenges which have faced the construction process using traditional methods. Thus, this paper aims to articulate a framework to integrate traditional material planning methods such as ABC analysis theory (Pareto principle) to analyse and categorise the project materials, as well as using independent material planning methods such as Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Fixed Order Point (FOP) into the BIM 4D, and 5D capabilities in order to articulate a dependent material planning cycle into BIM, which relies on the constructability method. Moreover, we build a model to connect between the material planning outputs and the BIM 4D and 5D data to ensure that all project information will be accurately presented throughout integrated and complementary BIM reporting formats. Furthermore, this paper will present a method to integrate between the risk management output and the material management process to ensure that all critical materials are monitored and managed under the all project stages. The paper includes browsers which are proposed to be embedded in any 4D BIM platform in order to predict the EOQ as well as FOP and alarm the user during the construction stage. This enables the planner to check the status of the materials on the site as well as to get alarm when the new order will be requested. Therefore, this will lead to manage all the project information in a single context and avoid missing any information at early design stage. Subsequently, the planner will be capable of building a more reliable 4D schedule by allocating the categorised material with the required EOQ to check the optimum locations for inventory and the temporary construction facilitates. Keywords—Building information management, BIM, economic order quantity, fixed order point, BIM 4D, BIM 5D.

Redefining the impact assessment of buildings: an uncertainty-based approach to rating codes

ABSTRACT Discrepancies between predicted and in-use building performance are well documented in impact assessments for buildings, such as rating codes. This is a consequence of uncertainties that undermine predictions, which include procedural errors, as well as users’ behaviour and technological change. Debate on impact assessment for buildings predominantly focuses on operational issues and does not question the deterministic model on which assessments are based as a potential, underlying cause of ineffectiveness. This article builds on a non-deterministic urban planning theory and the principles it outlines, which can help manage uncertain factors over time. A rating code model is proposed that merges its typical steps of assessment (i.e. classification, characterisation and valuation) with those principles, applied within the impact assessment of buildings. These are experimentation (of other criteria than those typically appraised), exploration (the process of identifying the long-term vulnerability of such criteria) and inquiry (iterating and critically evaluating the assessment over time).

Smart metering and systems for low-energy households: challenges, issues and benefits

ABSTRACT As a critical step in the transition to a low-carbon economy, smart meters are being rolled out in large numbers throughout the world. To date, however, no systematic review of the development and implementation of smart meters have been published, so for maximizing the benefit of the benefit of smart meter, this study has been carried out to identify the main concepts and issues of promoting smart metering and related service system. Including key physical components and communication networks of smart meters compared to conventional meters, various policies to support smart meter roll-out and potential benefits to the participators. Challenges and issues involved in the deployment of smart meter infrastructure, such as technical, commercial and ethical debates, are also outlined. Results suggest that existing studies predominately focus on energy efficiency and demand management, while end-user engagement with smart metering systems, especially consumers’ social, economic and behavioural aspects, are rarely considered. Areas of future research should include consideration of privacy and security concerns of end-users, and the necessary learning/educating processes and behavioural change of end-users to maximize the benefit of smart metering systems.

Green@CU: An environmental game for residential accommodation

The importance of using games for supporting behavioural and attitudinal change has been explored in the literature, most recently the games for change movement has promulgated the use of games for supporting altruistic changes that have a positive impact upon the environment. This paper presents a Serious Game designed for University students and its main aim is to educate them about environmental issues. In particular, the focus lies in the importance of saving energy. A user study with 42 participants assessed the feeling of presence of the whole virtual learning experience.

The art of John Martin's London sewerage system

The development of Londons drainage system is a testament to Victorian ingenuity and engineering skill, and Sir Joseph Bazalgette is rightly credited with overseeing and ensuring its successful implementation. However, the roots of the system were established in the 1830s when an artist of the Romantic Movement blurred the boundaries of art, architecture and engineering and developed the basis of a system that still contributes to the health of London today. In todays world, where disciplines increasingly seek to find a common vocabulary and collaborate more effectively, it is perhaps timely to remember that history can provide some truly visionary precedents.