Underlying indicators for measuring smartness of buildings in the construction industry

Ghansah, F A; Owusu-Manu, D G; Ayarkwa, J; Darko, A and Edwards, D J (2022) Underlying indicators for measuring smartness of buildings in the construction industry. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 11(1), pp. 126-142. ISSN 2046-6099

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the underlying indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings in the construction industry; where the Smart Building Technology (SBT) concept (which incorporates elements of the Zero Energy Building (NZEB) concept) could ensure efficient energy consumption and high performance of buildings. Design/methodology/approach: An overarching post-positivist and empirical epistemological design was adopted to analyze primary quantitative data collected via a structured questionnaire survey with 227 respondents. The mean ranking analysis and one-sample t-test were employed to analyse data. Findings: Research findings revealed that the level of knowledge of smart building indicators is averagely high in the Ghanaian construction industry. Future research is required to evaluate the awareness level of Smart Building Technologies (SBTs) by construction professionals and identify barriers to its adoption. Originality/value: A blueprint guidance model (consisting of significant indicators for measuring building smartness) was developed to help improve building performance and inform policymakers.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: building performance; developing countries; energy efficiency; smart building technology
Index terms: energy efficiency, smart building technology, energy consumption, construction professional, construction industry, developing country, survey, building performance, questionnaire, zero-energy building, methodology, smart building
Subjects: research methods, professional development, development economics, industry analysis, quality assurance, data collection methods, construction type, building innovation, sustainability and energy, energy systems
Topics: Sustainability, Construction Technology, Information Management, Research Practice, International Construction, Quality Management, Design Practice
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