Browsing by Author "Le A"

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Decision making support tool for renewable energy prioritization to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs): Conceptual framework
(Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Tongji University, 2025-12) Seran K; Rotimi J; Le A
Renewable energy adoption is pivotal for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet selecting suitable renewable energy systems involves complex decision-making processes. This study reviews the existing body of knowledge on decision-making methodologies for renewable energy systems in relation to SDGs and proposes a conceptual framework grounded in the findings of a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis of 43 peer-reviewed articles. The analysis reveals the dominance of MCDM techniques particularly the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the prevalence of technical, economic, and environmental criteria, while regulatory, policy, and geographical dimensions remain underrepresented. Furthermore, the literature's reliance on static, one-time evaluation models highlights a critical gap-namely, the lack of decision-making support tools that accommodate evolving priorities and stakeholder input. To address these limitations, a conceptual framework for renewable energy prioritization decision-making support tool is proposed to enable a more context-sensitive, inclusive, and iterative decision-making approach. The proposed framework consists of five interlinked stages: (1) identifying key decision factors, (2) weighting and balancing priorities using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods, (3) comparing renewable energy alternatives, (4) generating tailored recommendations, and (5) incorporating stakeholder feedback for continuous refinement. A feedback loop ensures an iterative refinement process, adaptability to evolving conditions and continuous improvement of the decision-making tool. Altogether, the framework promotes a transparent, inclusive, and responsive approach to renewable energy prioritization and supports long-term sustainability transitions.
Factors Affecting the Selection of Sustainable Construction Materials: A Study in New Zealand
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2025-03-06) Bui T; Domingo N; Le A
The construction industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability, with the selection of sustainable construction materials (SCMs) playing a crucial role in achieving environmental and regulatory objectives. However, New Zealand’s construction codes and sustainability standards lack cohesive, region-specific guidance, posing challenges for industry professionals in selecting appropriate materials. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing SCM selection within the New Zealand construction sector. An online questionnaire was distributed to 115 industry professionals, and data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling (SEM) with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the relationships among social, economic, environmental, and technical factors. The finding was that technical factors are vital in achieving sustainable construction. Additionally, the social, economic, environmental, and technical factors were strongly correlated, affecting the selection of SCMs. Based on this research, construction consultants should advise customers on materials and the long-term economic benefits of investing in sustainable materials, which will cut operating expenses and environmental effects.
Policy Mapping for Net-Zero-Carbon Buildings: Insights from Leading Countries
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-11-01) Le A; Rodrigo N; Domingo N; Senaratne S
The construction industry is a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with buildings alone accounting for 39% of the global energy-related carbon emissions. Global carbon emissions from building operations increased by 5% in 2021 compared to 2020. However, the United Nations signed the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 with global leaders, setting a limit to temperature increases below 2.0 °C or 1.5 °C. To achieve this goal, countries have established net-zero targets to reach carbon neutrality by mid-century. However, while some countries are making significant progress, others lag behind. Therefore, this study focuses on evaluating the actions taken by countries toward carbon neutrality, and on developing a policy roadmap for the construction industry to meet the net-zero-carbon commitments. This research adopted a systematic document review, including document analysis. The evaluation of countries’ practices towards achieving net-zero targets reveals both similarities and differences. The policy maps developed can be customised for decarbonising a country’s overall construction industry and building sector. This study provides insights for research, practice, and society, emphasising the importance of achieving net-zero targets through the implementation of policies, roadmaps, plans, and strategies.