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Dhar, T K, Hossain, M S M and Rahaman, K R (2013) How does flexible design promote resource efficiency for housing? A study of Khulna, Bangladesh. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2(02), 140-57.

Fouchal, F, Ellis, K, Hassan, T and Firth, S (2013) ICT-enabled energy efficiency – a lens onto practices of other sectors. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2(02), 158-78.

Hardie, M, Allen, J and Newell, G (2013) Environmentally driven technical innovation by Australian construction SMEs. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2(02), 179-91.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: Analytic hierarchy process; Australia; Environmentally focused innovation; Innovation; SME construction firms; Technical innovation
  • ISBN/ISSN: 2046-6099
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-01-2013-0003
  • Abstract:
    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether technical innovations by construction industry small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with an environmental focus, require any specific circumstances for successful marketplace delivery. Design/methodology/approach – A value tree of significant factors was developed from a literature review. This was tested by a survey of established technical innovators within SMEs in the area of Sydney and environs, using analytic hierarchy process methodology. Findings – The regulatory environment was demonstrated to be much more important to environmental innovators than to others. Conversely the influence of clients and end users was less significant for the environmentally focused innovators. Research limitations/implications – The sample size was necessarily small because the subjects were all peer recognised technical innovators. Analysis of variance was used to identify significant differences between environmentally focused and other innovations among the survey respondents. Social implications – Performance-based standards were seen to be significant enablers for environmentally focused innovation delivery. A degree of flexibility in building regulations may be crucial to innovation delivery by SMEs. Originality/value – The paper stresses the importance for regulators of reaching an understanding of the restrictions that prescriptive standards may put of those seeking to improve the environmental performance of the construction industry.

Hayles, C S, Dean, M, Lappin, S A and McCullough, J E (2013) Climate change adaptation: A decision support framework to encourage environmentally responsible behaviour. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2(02), 192-214.

Siew, R Y J, Balatbat, M C A and Carmichael, D G (2013) A review of building/infrastructure sustainability reporting tools (SRTs). Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2(02), 106-39.