Mohd Zaini, F; Kwong, Q J and Jack, L B (2021) Water efficiency in Malaysian commercial buildings: A green initiative and cost–benefit approach. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(5), pp. 702-719. ISSN 23984708
Abstract
Purpose: The demand for potable water increases with population growth, given its role in sustaining life. As part of a wider approach to ensuring sustainable provision, this has prompted a number of carefully formulated water efficiency improvement plans for buildings, one of the highest water-consuming sectors. This paper presents a detailed analysis of water efficiency potential for a multi-storey commercial complex and an office building in central Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, a detailed analysis of the water use and efficiency of the water fittings was carried out. Important data such as historical water use and details of water fittings were acquired during a field survey. A series of water flow rate tests were conducted at the selected buildings and each of the water systems was analysed separately, using the criteria of water efficiency stipulated by a locally applied green building tool. A comparison of water consumption before and after the improvement plan was then made. Findings: Findings from the field surveys indicate that only some of the water fittings were certified with recognised efficiency ratings, which suggests a good opportunity for improvement. The proposed replacement of more-efficient fittings could potentially improve the obtainable green credit points by at least 10 from a maximum of 15. A cost–benefit analysis for a water fitting replacement scheme shows that the estimated payback period is less lengthy for the larger commercial building due to the higher potential savings. Practical implications: Strategies for improvements in water efficiency for existing non-residential buildings are provided in this paper. The same water consumption analysis procedure can be used by maintenance engineers and other practitioners in building assessments where water efficiency and sustainability in building operation are of concern. Originality/value: This case study responds to the need for efficient use of freshwater and provides insight into the water efficiency opportunities for commercial buildings. The potential cost savings for replacements of inefficient water fittings have been analysed using a green building tool as a guide. This has not been extensively analysed in previous studies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | buildings; cost–benefit analysis; green building; water efficiency; water fittings |
| Index terms: | case study, Malaysia, efficiency, office building, savings, engineer, cost saving, building assessment, survey, strategy, green building, payback, practitioner, population, commercial building, methodology, replacement, non-residential building, water consumption, building operation |
| Subjects: | asset management, demography, research methods, economics, performance management, design practice, management, Geography, environmental resource management, economic analysis, data collection methods, profession, construction type, practitioner, materials science |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Construction Technology, Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Quality Management, Design Practice, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here