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Bichard, E and Thurairajah, N (2013) Behaviour change strategies for energy efficiency in owner-occupied housing. Construction Innovation, 13(02), 165-85.

Florez, L, Castro, D and Irizarry, J (2013) Measuring sustainability perceptions of construction materials. Construction Innovation, 13(02), 217-34.

Fu, E, Newell, D, Becker, A, Schwegler, B and Fischer, M (2013) Is adaptation sustainable? A method to estimate climate-critical construction resource capacity. Construction Innovation, 13(02), 202-16.

Nahmens, I and Reichel, C (2013) Adoption of high performance building systems in hot-humid climates – lessons learned. Construction Innovation, 13(02), 186-201.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: construction technology adoption; energy; green buildings; housing; innovation; sustainability
  • ISBN/ISSN: 1471-4175
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/14714171311322156
  • Abstract:
    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the adoption process of high performance building technologies, including alternative wall systems, in hot-humid climates. Challenges faced by homebuilders adopting high performance building technologies, and resulting energy performance are discussed. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a case study of four homebuilders using high performance building technologies, including advanced framing, panelised and modular. For each homebuilder, a baseline and a demonstration house were evaluated for energy performance and technology adoption. Homebuilders were interviewed to identify implementation challenges and barriers faced during the construction process. Findings – The advanced framing, modular and panelised houses used 50 percent, 42 percent, and 35 percent less energy when compared to the traditional stick-built. Further, the modular appeared to have the greatest opportunity to boost performance for least cost. Participating builders identified cost as the top constraint to a wide adoption of high performance criteria, followed by a slow learning curve and the lack of proper marketing channels to transition from construction to sale. Research limitations/implications – Several limitations of the research restrict generalisation of findings: results are based on a small sample of homebuilders; and results reflect energy performance in a hot and humid climate. It is likely that relative energy usage will change as the size, scope, and design complexity of the common element changes. Originality/value – Findings from this study will contribute to a better understanding of the usability of high performance technologies and ease the transition towards implementing high performance criteria into every builder company's culture.

Sivunen, M, Pulkka, L, Heinonen, J, Kajander, J-K and Junnila, S (2013) Service-dominant innovation in the built environment. Construction Innovation, 13(02), 146-64.