Priyan, P.; Le, A.; Domingo, N. and To, T. H. Q. (2026) Zero-carbon refurbishment: Current practices and attitudes from a New Zealand interview study. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 44(3), pp. 583-598. ISSN 2398-4708
Abstract
Purpose – New Zealand (NZ) has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with the refurbishment of existing buildings and infrastructure playing a crucial role in this endeavour. This research aims to evaluate current zero-carbon refurbishment (ZCR) practices and collect expert perspectives to improve these practices across the country. Design/methodology/approach – Employing a qualitative approach, this study involves semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including construction managers, engineers, cost managers, quantity surveyors and sustainability experts. It also includes an analysis of industry documents to enrich the findings. Findings – The research highlights effective strategies and tools currently used for achieving ZCR, with a focus on carbon assessment and life cycle costing techniques. Key challenges identified include the need for accurate building data, access to consistent and reliable carbon data sources, standardised methodologies for carbon assessment, specialist involvement and enhanced collaboration and integration. Based on these insights, the study offers practical recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making and help stakeholders select cost-effective ZCR options, thereby fostering sustainable practices in NZ and potentially influencing global standards. Originality/value – This study provides valuable insights into the practical aspects and critical considerations necessary for successful ZCR projects. By fostering a deeper understanding of these elements, it assists in making informed decisions that advance sustainable practices in the refurbishment sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building refurbishment; carbon reduction; New Zealand; zero-carbon building; zero-carbon refurbishment |
| Index terms: | building refurbishment, engineer, qualitative approach, life cycle, cost manager, quantity surveying, carbon reduction, carbon emission, New Zealand, sustainable practice, costing, option, strategy, interview, collaboration, integration, methodology, decision-making, construction manager, documents |
| Subjects: | climate science, asset management, research methods, accounting and finance, Geography, data collection methods, profession, value management, organizational analysis, sustainable practices, decision analysis, management, professional development |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Project Management, Risk Management, Sustainability, Organizational Design, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions |
| 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