Mapfumo, E T; Emuze, F; Smallwood, J and Ebekozien, A (2024) Appraising challenges facing Zimbabwe’s building retrofitting for energy efficiency using structural equation model approach. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 42(7), pp. 76-92. ISSN 23984708
Abstract
Purpose: In the era of climate change, the need to ensure that buildings are energy efficient cannot be overemphasised. Studies have shown that building retrofitting can improve energy efficiency (EE) and sustainability. There may be hindrances to retrofitting for energy efficiency. Extant literature and policy documents on Zimbabwe suggest a better framework to help stakeholders manage their existing buildings by addressing challenges and policy inconsistencies. This study appraises and critically discusses the challenges facing retrofitting Zimbabwe’s buildings for energy efficiency. Design/methodology/approach: The research adopted a quantitative research design using a questionnaire survey distributed to the respondents knowledgeable in building retrofitting and energy efficiency in Zimbabwe. The data were analysed through various statistical approaches (descriptive and inferential). The inferential tests include the Shapiro–Wilk test, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, exploratory factor analysis and heterotrait-monotrait ratio analysis to develop the structural equation model that validated the challenges for retrofitting buildings. Findings: The results revealed the challenges of retrofitting buildings for EE in Zimbabwe, and a structural equation model was developed that clustered the key challenges into three main groups. This includes inadequate finance to invest in energy, outdated building by-laws and the unavailability of raw materials to achieve energy efficiency. Originality/value: By appraising the challenges facing retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency in Zimbabwe, this study provides insights into the contextual factors that can enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in other developing countries. The study’s practical implications will positively impact the Green Building Council and other stakeholders interested in improving energy efficiency in the built environment.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building; challenges; energy efficiency; retrofitting; Zimbabwe; questionaire survey |
| Index terms: | retrofitting, climate change, Zimbabwe, methodology, questionnaire, green building, documents, survey, exploratory factor analysis, developing country, structural equation model, built environment, ratio analysis, energy efficiency, quantitative research |
| Subjects: | design practice, renovation and retrofit, research methods, Geography, professional development, development economics, infrastructure and transport systems, statistical analysis, data collection methods, climate science, sustainability and energy, data analysis and analytics, economic analysis |
| Topics: | International Construction, Urban Studies, Design Practice, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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