by William Nwaki, Onyinye Sofolahan, Emmanuel Eze

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2023, 3(2), pp 123-137; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v3i2.329

108 views
Abstract Earth-based materials are eco-friendly and harmless to the environment but have been neglected and relegated, and preference is given to non-sustainable and expensive conventional materials owing to certain factors. Existing studies in the Nigerian context did not consider the factors hindering the use of earthen materials in urban low-cost housing production. This study presents the outcome of examining the inhibitors to the adoption of earth-based materials in urban housing construction from the perspective of design experts in a developing country like Nigeria. Thus, it fills the critical literature gap in the Nigerian context. A well-structured quantitative questionnaire was utilised to collect data from construction design experts using the snowball sampling technique via electronic means. With a reliability index of 0.899, The gathered data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, Mean score, normalisation value technique, Mann-Whitney U test, overlap analysis, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). It was found that the major barriers to the use of earth materials in urban housing production are (i) image and aesthetic barriers, (ii) Knowledge and resistance barriers, (iii) technology and data barriers, (iv) strength and maintenance barriers, and (v) demand and demographic barriers. More training and workshops were advocated to increase knowledge of the environmental and economic benefits of these materials among stakeholders to influence their interest and the market for earthen materials' acceptability and usage in housing production in urban areas.[...] Read more. Full text

by Innocent Chigozie Osuizugbo, Babajide Oludayo Olusanya

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2023, 3(2), pp 112-122; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v3i2.258

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Abstract Building maintenance management is an efficient and viable technique used for addressing issues with construction's upkeep. Nigerian tertiary institutions have been accused of lacking maintenance culture. Meanwhile, quality and sustainable education is delivered when educational buildings are adequately maintained. The present study seeks to investigate the factors affecting maintenance management of private university buildings in Ogun state Nigeria. Questionnaire survey was utilized as a research instrument to gather information from the maintenance personnel within private universities in Ogun state, Nigeria. The data analysis techniques used were descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that use of poor quality components and materials,no adoption of appropriate maintenance cycle for building maintenance, lack of discernable maintenance culture in the country, and inadequate training and development of maintenance personnel are the top most four factors affecting maintenance management of private university buildings in Ogun state, Nigeria. The study provides insights into the factors affecting maintenance management of university buildings. An understanding of these factors would help tertiary institutions and maintenance personnel facilitate the development of strategies required in minimizing the factors affecting maintenance management practices in tertiary institutions.[...] Read more. Full text

by Edenver Chin, Rabin Maharjan, Nikita Emalya

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2023, 3(2), pp 138‒147; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v3i2.339

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Abstract The escalating global demand for forest products, driven by economic growth and a growing population, has led to increased forest conversion activities. Forest conversion involves transforming forested areas to meet industrial demands, resulting in severe ecological consequences. This review focuses on the state of soil erosion practices in Malaysia, which is a pressing issue with wide-ranging impacts on soil health, agricultural sustainability, and the environment. Malaysia's geographical location exposes it to the El Nino phenomenon, characterized by disrupted climate patterns and altered rainfall intensities, indirectly contributing to soil erosion. During El Nino events, diminished vegetation cover, primarily due to rainfall deficits, increases soil susceptibility to erosion, emphasizing the need for adaptive erosion control measures. Soil erosion poses a significant challenge to the sustainability of agriculture and terrestrial ecosystems. Malaysia has made efforts to address this issue by implementing soil and water conservation practices like terraces, grassed waterways, strip cropping, and conservation tillage, which effectively reduce erosion rates. However, these methods face challenges due to the variations in natural erosion rates driven by extreme events. Additionally, the conversion of natural forests to economic forests remains an underexplored concern in Malaysia, hindering the development of tailored soil erosion control strategies. Addressing soil erosion demands a comprehensive approach that includes research, policy support, and empowering farmers to adopt soil conservation practices. Soil erosion affects ecosystems, water resources, and urban development, necessitating multifaceted solutions to preserve both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity in the face of evolving environmental challenges.[...] Read more. Full text

by Yien Yu Tang, Youcef Slimani, Mukhtar Ali Al-Ghazal, Gaurav Talukdar, Amit Kumar Maharjan

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2023, 3(2), pp 148‒162; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v3i2.335

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Abstract Urbanization and population density surges globally have triggered environmental challenges, with the construction sector notably contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and high energy consumption. Urban expansion has exacerbated issues, converting green spaces into impermeable structures and heightening flood risks. Green roofs have emerged as an eco-friendly solution, excelling in stormwater management, mitigating the urban heat island effect, enhancing air quality, reducing noise transmission, preserving biodiversity, extending roof lifespan, and augmenting aesthetics. They absorb rainwater, decreasing stormwater runoff, yet entail higher installation and maintenance costs and potential fire hazards compared to conventional roofs. In Malaysia, government policies and incentives drive green roof adoption, particularly in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, predominantly of the intensive green roof type. Buildings undergo green rating tool evaluations for green certification. Despite progress, challenges persist, including expertise shortages, lack of design guidelines, limited research, low public awareness, and green roof component disposal issues. Addressing these demands significant government efforts, including robust policy development, increased support for local companies, expanded research initiatives, heightened public awareness, and optimized synergy with other technologies. Integrating green roofs with solar panels and utilizing greywater for irrigation can reduce energy and water consumption concurrently, showcasing potential for comprehensive and sustainable urban development.[...] Read more. Full text

by Sing Yi Tie, Mehmet Emre, Chafiq Bennani, Sebastian Garcia, Gaurav Talukdar, Rabin Maharjan

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2023, 3(2), pp 163-180; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v3i2.336

167 views
Abstract The construction industry in Southeast Asian countries especially Association of Southeast Asian Nations receive substantial attention and investment for the high return value of the industry. This review aims to assess the environmental impact of the construction industry in ASEAN countries, analyzing current status, government policies, and innovative green materials and technologies to mitigate environmental effects and promote sustainability. It is important to note that construction industry is currently identified as one of the greatest waste production businesses which can cause adverse impacts and pollution to the environment that degrade the environmental quality. Construction and demolition wastes are emphasized and studied in the following context. The status and government policy on environmental management practices in ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore are reviewed and summarised in this article. Furthermore, green construction materials and green material technologies that are practised in ASEAN countries are examined throughout the study. The green materials include bamboo, recycled concrete aggregate, coconut husk and bagasse while the green material technologies include hydrogen energy, carbon capture and storage, and solar energy are discussed and evaluated with respective advantage and disadvantages.[...] Read more. Full text