Tore Haugen

Developing sustainable energy efficient buildings – A transnational knowledge transfer experience between Norway and Kosovo

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the knowledge transfer (KT) processes from Norwegian University of Science and Technology to College ESLG in Kosovo. An inter-organisational knowledge of transfer theoretical framework from the business sector was applied to guide the present study. The data was generated through semi-structured interviews with key university officers, professors, and students in continuous education programmes from College ESLG and documentary evidence analysis from two partner universities. Based on the thematic analysis of the data, the findings demonstrated that the curriculum mapping process, joint lectures between Norwegian and Kosovar professors, joint research, and joint study visits facilitated the KT. While the transfer of knowledge most evidently resulted in institutional capacity development for the Kosovar College unit, the dissemination of knowledge to other units within the college was more challenging due to communication problems between the Real Estate Department and other units within the college.

Sustainability by improving energy efficiency in traditional housing in Kosovo

The objective to this paper is to identify and evaluate aspects of sustainability by improving energy efficiency of traditional housing in Kosovo. The fact that refurbishment of them is to be more rational, as for sustainable and consistent use of the housessustainable occupancy, as for sustainable environmental protection, sustainable tourism, good practice to young urban planners, architects and real estate managers. It is acknowledged that master artisans of traditional architecture in Kosovo were conscious of the sustainability parameters in designing and constructing the traditional houses in villages and rural areas. Efficiency in the use of space, smart building location and orientation, design of the buildings, functionality of inner spaces, lay out of window openings and use of materials have been important for the traditional old buildings. Traditional housing today, does not fulfil the needs and requirements regarding energy efficiency and comfort, as there is not sufficient insulation and heating systems. Rational use of space in neighbourhood creation, density within the city, connectivity with other neighbourhoods and the rest of the city, accessibility, careful approach to surrounding/environment, rational orientation of neighbourhood enabling as well ventilation of the city, should also be identified as part of the sustainable urban development.

Measuring perception about sustainability of building materials in Kosovo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the empirically tested framework about the knowledge and perception about sustainability of building materials in Prishtina, Kosovo from the perspective of users, construction industry and facility managers. Design/methodology/approach A survey of representative sections of the population was designed and carried out in the capital city of Kosovo to determine the knowledge and perception of the population about the sustainability of building materials and to determine the main criteria of selection of sustainable building materials. The study may be used as guidelines for sustainable real estate developers in Prishtina during the materials selection process. Qualitative interviews were conducted with architects, consulting engineering companies, construction companies and facility managers from the region of Prishtina with open-ended questions also being used. Findings Results of quantitative research find that embodied energy, durability and low energy consumption are used as key criteria that influence the materials selection process on the part of users. The results of the cross-case analysis of qualitative measure the perceptions of construction industry and facility managers, according to which durability to a large degree is the main criterion for selection of sustainable building materials followed by embodied energy and low energy consumption. Research limitations/implications The study of measurement of level of knowledge and perception about sustainability of building materials in Kosovo focuses only on one pilot city; hence, further research is needed throughout Kosovo to validate the empirically tested tool within other geographical settings in Kosovo. Originality/value This survey represents the first quantification of knowledge and perception regarding the sustainability of building materials among users, construction sector and facility managers.