Green Maintainability and Green Features

Green Maintainability Assessment of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Applications: Lessons Learnt

Authors: Sheila Conejos, Michael Y.L. Chew, Karlyn Tay, Stephen Tay, Sufiana Safiena 

Source: International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 14 April 2023

Abstract:

Purpose

The maintenance of green building technologies such as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is a challenge due to the non-existence of maintainability considerations during the design stage. This led to building defects which accounts to high expenditures throughout the building’s lifecycle. The use of BIPV in buildings is an emergent trend, and further research is requisite for their maintainability. This paper assesses the performance and maintainability of BIPV façade applications based on the green maintainability design considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative method is undertaken in this study, which includes field surveys, instrumental case studies and stakeholder interviews to probe the issues linked with the BIPV’s maintainability.

Findings

Findings have shown some technical defects discovered in BIPV applications in tropical areas, as well as issues on cost, aesthetics and implementation are the main causes for the low adoption of BIPV in Singapore.

Originality/value

Understanding the research outcomes will embolden designers and allied professionals to team up in ensuring the long-term maintainability and sustainability of green building technologies. This research gives recent and important information in the design, installation and maintainability of BIPV, as well as good practices that would add value to facilities management and to the design of green building technologies.

Keywords: Green building technologies, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV), Green Maintainability, Architectural case studies

Design for maintainability tool for nano-façade coating applications on high-rise facades in the tropics

Authors: Conejos, S., Ubando, A. and Chew, M.Y.L.

Source:  Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 70-95, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-04-2020-0078

Abstract:

Purpose

The self-cleaning properties of nanostructured titanium dioxide facade coatings are useful in Singapore’s tropical climate. However, its potential maintenance issues need to be determined right at the design stage. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the development of the design for maintainability tool which is a multicriteria design decision score sheet that evaluates the maintainability potential of nano-facade coating applications on high-rise façades with concrete and stonemasonry finishes and curtain walls.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methods (expert and practitioner surveys) are conducted in this research study. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and sensitivity analysis were used to develop a robust Design for Maintainability tool.

Findings

Safety measures indicator received the highest weighted score by experts, while the maximizing performance, minimizing risk, minimizing negative environmental impact and minimizing consumption of matter and energy were the top ranking main criteria by both experts and practitioners. The top ranked design for maintainability sub-criteria identified by practitioners and experts were risk management, maintenance considerations, climatic conditions, safety measures, lifecycle cost and maintenance access, sun’s path, rainfall intensity, biological growth measures and building age profile.

Originality/value

Most researches on the maintainability of nano-façade coatings uses experimentation to test the durability of nano-façade coatings, while this study focuses on design based empirical data such as establishing and ranking the list of design for maintainability criteria or indicators to minimize future defects and maintenance issues. The design for maintainability tool contributes to the maintainability of nano-façade coatings leading to maximizing its performance while minimizing cost, risks, resource consumption and negative environmental impact.

Keywords: Design for maintainability, Sustainability, Nanostructured titanium dioxide coatings, analytic hierarchy process

Design for maintainability of high-rise vertical green facades

Authors: M.Y.L. Chew, S. Conejos and F. H. B. Azril

Source: Building Research & Information (2018); Doi.

Abstract:

Since the introduction of vertical greenery systems (VGSs) in Singapore, building designers have experimented with different VGS designs and types to apply to high-rise building facades. Although innovative designs have brought variety to the utilitarian high-rise facades clad in glass, steel and concrete, little consideration has been given to the issues of maintainability during the design/planning stage. This lack of foresight and planning has hindered the efforts of maintenance personnel and compromised the performance of such green facades. To address these concerns, an instrumental case study approach was undertaken using a series of site investigations and interviews with experts and stakeholders. The aim of this research was to strengthen the knowledge base on high-rise vertical greenery facades in the tropics, leading to the formulation of case study-based ‘design for maintainability’ (DfM) guidelines. These guidelines will assist clients, designers and contractors by providing a supplemental reference during the design, installation and maintenance of high-rise VGSs located in tropical regions.

Keywords: Design quality; Green facade; High-rise; Living wall; Maintainability; Quality control; Vertical Greenery Systems; Singapore

Green maintainability design criteria for nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO₂) façade coatings

Authors: M.Y.L. Chew, S. Conejos, J.S.L. Law

Source: International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation (2017), Volume 5, Issue 2, pp. 139-158.

Abstract:

Purpose – Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO₂) coatings can potentially address the current surge in façade cleaning cost, maintenance and labour problems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate potential maintainability issues and design challenges concerning the effective performance of TiO₂ façade coatings’ hydrophilic properties, especially in tropical environments such as Singapore. This paper aims to establish a list of green maintainability design criteria to help minimise future TiO₂ façade coating issues when this coating is applied on commercial buildings with concrete and stone masonry façade materials.

Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach that includes a literature review, site investigation, instrumental case studies and expert interviews is used in this study.

Findings – TiO₂ coatings help improve façade performance whilst offering environmental benefits to society. This study reports that green maintainability design criteria are vital requirements in designing sustainable buildings at the outset. The identified defects and issues will aid in ensuring the effectiveness of
TiO₂ application in building façades.

Originality/value – This study acts as a foundation for future researchers to strengthen this little researched area, serves as a useful guide in preventing possible TiO₂ coating issues and promotes industry awareness of the use of TiO₂ façade coatings.

Keywords: Sustainability, Defect library, Green maintainability indicators, Singapore case studies, Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) coatings

Developing a Research Framework for the Green Maintainability of Buildings

Authors: M.Y.L. Chew, S. Conejos, A. Asmone

Source: Facilities (2017), Volume 35, Issue 3/4, pp.39-63.

Abstract:

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to present a research framework for the maintainability of green buildings. This research makes the case for the development of a new concept called “green maintainability”. The paper also discusses the identified knowledge gap in ensuring green facilities management (green FM). As an integral part of green FM, the economic, environmental and social impacts and opportunities of green maintainability throughout the total life cycle of the facility are also highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach – The little attention paid to the maintainability of green buildings has resulted in losses of lives due to occupational health and safety hazards as well as high operation and maintenance costs. To address this issue, this research conducts a literature review to determine the relevant background knowledge and provide the conceptual framework that will aid in conceptualizing the green maintainability of buildings and the development of a research framework for the furtherance of this concept.

Findings – This paper finds that there is little research on the maintainability of green buildings and that studies of the maintainability of green features is nonexistent in current research. This study confirms the knowledge gap of this little-researched area and draws from it the formulation of a research framework for the green maintainability of buildings to ensure green FM. Emerging literature on green practices and methods is currently receiving attention from academia as well as building and construction practitioners and can valuably contribute to the existing theories, practices and methods concerning building maintainability and facilities management.

Originality/value – This research founds the novel concept of green maintainability, which integrates maintainability and green FM at the planning/design stage. The proposed research framework is the first attempt to investigate the maintainability of green building technologies.

Keywords: Building Maintainability, Green Buildings, Green Facilities Management, Green Maintainability, Green Maintenance

Developing a Green Maintainability Framework for Green Walls in Singapore

Authors: M.Y.L. Chew and S. Conejos

Source: Structural Survey (2016), Volume 34, Issue: 4/5, pp.379-406.

Abstract:

Purpose – The use of green wall technology in green buildings is a growing trend; however, more research is required about their maintainability, taking into account that maintainability at the design stage is a valuable strategy in achieving building efficiency and sustainability. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to determine the issues in operating and maintaining green walls, particularly in tropical areas like Singapore, leading to the development of a green maintainability framework.

Design/ methodology/ approach – This research uses a qualitative method that combines a thorough and systematic literature review, multiple case studies, field observation surveys and selected instrumental  case studies with building plan appraisal and interviews to investigate the potential issues associated with the maintainability of green walls in tropical areas like Singapore.

Findings  – The findings show that technical and environmental issues/defects are prevalent in the operation and maintainability of green wall technologies applied in green buildings located in tropical regions. Proper considerations of these findings will encourage green building designers and facilities managers to collaborate in the effective implementation of operations and maintenance of green building technologies.

Originality/value – This research gives new and significant information while identifying a clear knowledge gap. The paper recommends the formulation of a green maintainability framework with a set of design criteria that will serve as a benchmark in the future design of green walls. The green maintainability framework would be a valuable addition to green facilities management (green FM) in ensuring the long-term maintainability and sustainability of existing and new green walls in tropical areas specifically in Singapore.

Keywords: Green Maintainability, Green Walls, Urban Tropics, Facilities Management, Singapore