Journal Articles
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/7915
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Item A novel decision support framework for building refurbishment towards zero carbon emissions(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-11-15) Bui TTP; Wilkinson S; Domingo N; MacGregor CThe refurbishment of existing buildings is vital to maximise carbon emissions reduction and alleviate the impacts of climate change. While various decision support frameworks for building refurbishment exist. There is a notable gap in the availability of comprehensive frameworks that combine diverse methods, tools, and systems to support decision-making aimed at reducing whole-of-life carbon emissions. This paper brings together the development and validation processes of a novel early-stage decision support framework for building refurbishment towards zero carbon emissions in New Zealand (RefurbZC). The development of the framework was based on the critical analysis and interpretation of the literature review, preliminary study, and case study of university buildings in New Zealand, which integrate international best practices adopted to the local context and lessons learnt from real-life case studies. The framework was validated and refined using a focus group workshop with New Zealand building experts involved in the refurbishment process. The new RefurbZC provides a better detailed guideline to use in the early stages of the refurbishment process, focusing on maximising whole-of-life carbon reduction. It helps to understand the refurbishment decision-making process, identify areas for integrating carbon-reduction initiatives, determine key factors and actors in driving carbon-reduction solutions, and promote stakeholder collaboration and integration in carbon-reduction building refurbishment. The presented framework contributes extensively to theoretical and practical knowledge of building refurbishment towards zero carbon emissions and offers a basis and foundation for future work in this research area.Item Pre-Contract Measures to Avoid Potential Disputes in the New Zealand Construction Industry(UTS ePRESS, 2025-07-10) Silva PM; Domingo N; Ali NANAThe New Zealand (NZ) construction industry suffers from negative implications of disputes in construction projects, similar to other countries. Hence, the importance of avoiding disputes has become a vital topic to discuss and research. Avoiding disputes in construction projects has always been challenging, with limited research on this topic. Notably, no studies have explored potential pre-contract measures to prevent disputes in the New Zealand construction industry. To address this research gap, this study was designed, and it is limited only to construction projects in NZ that followed the traditional procurement path. Fourteen professionals in the NZ construction industry with significant experience and knowledge in construction disputes were interviewed, and the gathered data were analyzed qualitatively. A total of 84 pre-contract measures to avoid potential construction-related disputes were identified under five themes (themes of causes of disputes). The most responsible party/parties and most applicable pre-contract stage/s for each dispute avoidance step are also presented. The clarity of communication, risk management, proper documentation and standardization, review and continuous improvements, and collaboration are the main underlying characteristics of the identified avoidance measures. Among the identified dispute avoidance measures, respondents emphasized clear scope documentation and expectation management meetings as the most significant. The proposed measures could help principals, tenderers, and consultants in New Zealand to minimize potential disputes. Additionally, this study opens avenues for further research into dispute avoidance strategies for other procurement methods (other than the traditional procurement path) and practical approaches to clearly document the construction scope.Item Evaluating the impacts of earthquake disasters on the building construction sector: a SARIMA-based counterfactual analysis(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-09-01) Aquino DHM; Domingo N; Atapattu CDisasters have a dual effect on the construction industry. While their initial impact disrupts construction activities, the resulting damage also stimulates construction demand. Existing scholarly literature predominantly adopts qualitative approaches in examining the impacts of disasters on the sector. This study introduces a quantitative methodology to assess the impacts of disasters on building construction activity. Utilizing counterfactual time series analysis, trajectories of the construction sector in the absence of disasters are simulated and subsequently compared with actual observed trajectories. Building consent datasets were obtained from Statistics New Zealand and time series analysis was employed to investigate the effect of the Canterbury and Kaikoura earthquakes on the building construction sector, examining impacts at both national and regional levels. The findings reveal that the Canterbury earthquake had a significant national impact, initially decreasing construction activity but subsequently leading to more rapid growth in the medium to long term than anticipated. In contrast, the Kaikoura earthquake's impact was largely confined to the Canterbury region, slowing the local building construction sector. This study highlighted the usefulness of counterfactual time series analysis in assessing the impacts of disasters on the construction sector, and its findings are useful for simulating the impacts of disasters and other shocks in forecasting future trajectories of the sector.Item C-DREEM: A framework for estimating the cost of earthquake-damaged buildings – A New Zealand study(2025-09-01) Kahandawa Appuhamillage R; Domingo N; Chawynski G; Uma SRNatural hazards created by earthquakes require an accurate post-earthquake cost estimation mechanism on the road to recovery. However, there are no identifiable accurate post-earthquake cost estimation mechanisms. This has led to major deviations between the initial and final construction costs. For example, the estimated cost of repair of the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence changed from 41 billion NZD to $53 billion NZD (adjusted for inflation). Previous research identified eleven factors that specifically impact post-earthquake cost estimation. The recognisable literature was unable to identify a post-earthquake cost estimation model that considers these factors. Therefore, this research aims to fill this gap by developing and validating the cost of damage repair (including refurbishment) and the Earthquake Estimation Model (C-DREEM) framework. The C-DREEM framework was developed based on previous literature and inputs from a development team that included eleven industry professionals. The developed framework was then verified through a focus group interview consisting of nine professionals. The research developed and verified a framework for cost estimation for earthquake damage repair work, C-DREEM, that impacts earthquake damage repair work. C-DREEM incorporates the factors affecting post-earthquake cost estimation and improves the speed and accuracy of post-earthquake cost estimations for damage repair work.Item Factors Affecting the Selection of Sustainable Construction Materials: A Study in New Zealand(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2025-03-06) Bui T; Domingo N; Le AThe 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.Item Enhancing building material circularity: A systematic review on prerequisites, obstacles and the critical role of data traceability(Elsevier B.V., 2024-10-29) Ranasinghe N; Domingo N; Kahandawa RThe construction industry significantly consumes natural resources and generates substantial waste due to linear supply chain practices. Circular economy strategies are essential for extending material lifespans and promoting regeneration. Material reclamation is a central strategy for implementing circularity, yet its practical application remains limited. The purpose of this research is to identify the factors hindering building material circularity and propose measures to overcome them. This paper aims to explore the prerequisites and obstacles to material reclamation in the construction industry to foster its transition into a circular economy. A systematic literature review of 74 papers was conducted using data from Scopus, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The review identified eight key themes related to achieving material circularity, with design, informational, and technological factors receiving top priority in researchers’ focus. Data availability emerged as a critical prerequisite, while the primary obstacle is the lack of data traceability throughout the building materials' lifecycle. This study concludes that digitalizing the material supply chain can address data unavailability and most of the identified obstacles. Ultimately, comprehensive material data will support the stakeholders in making solid circular decisions. This research provides guidance to construction industry stakeholders to overcome recognised obstacles and promote essential prerequisites of material circularity where no such information currently exists, to facilitate the transition to a circular construction industry.Item Generalised Linear Modelling for Construction Waste Estimation in Residential Projects: Case Study in New Zealand(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-02-27) Domingo N; Edirisinghe HM; Kahandawa R; Wedawatta G; Zhang TConstruction waste is a global problem, including in New Zealand where it makes up 40–50% of landfill waste. Accurately measuring construction waste is crucial to reduce its impact on New Zealand’s landfills and meet carbon targets. Waste can be effectively managed if predicted correctly from the start of a project. Waste generation depends on factors such as geography, society, technology, and construction methods. This study focuses on developing a model specific to New Zealand to predict waste generation in residential buildings. By analysing data from 213 residential projects, the study identifies the design features that have the greatest influence on construction waste generation. A generalized linear model is constructed to correlate these design features with waste generation. The findings are valuable for construction stakeholders seeking to implement waste reduction strategies based on predicted waste quantities. This research serves as a starting point, and further investigation in this area is necessary.Item Embodied Energy Consumption in the Residential Sector: A Case Study of Affordable Housing(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-04-22) Anderson N; Wedawatta G; Rathnayake I; Domingo N; Azizi Z; Muldoon-Smith K; Kumar B; Singh SPEmbodied energy has a significant effect on the total environmental impact of a project. However, emphasis is often placed primarily on operational energy, resulting in a knowledge gap about the current state of embodied energy use in affordable housing. To address this, the study investigates the level of embodied energy consumption in affordable housing, as well as the drivers, barriers, and techniques to reduce embodied energy. Based on a single embedded case study covering the period from cradle to end of construction, data were collected using embodied energy calculations of three affordable housing units in the project, semi-structured interviews with five design team members, and a cross-examination of findings with contract documents. The results were analysed using sensitivity analysis and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that all three house units fulfilled the baseline embodied carbon target of 800 kg CO2 /m2 and both detached properties fell within the LETI (2020) target of 500 kg CO2 /m2 . However, all three properties would fail to meet the RIBA or 2030 LETI target of 300 kg CO2 /m2 . This suggests that improvements are necessary to achieve future targets. The results show that financial capabilities and operational energy prioritisation act as the main enabler and barrier for reducing embodied energy. Local contractors/suppliers, minimising material use or intensity, and modular construction were highlighted as the key reduction techniques that can be used to help achieve future targets concerning embodied carbon in residential developments. The study contributes significantly to understanding the current state of embodied energy use in affordable housing and provides new insights on how to deal with embodied energy if we are to meet future energy targets.Item Closing the Loop: A Comprehensive Review of Circular Repurposing Options for Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blade Materials(Ubiquity Press, 2024-08-14) Vishnupriya V; Meldrum J; Kahandawa R; Domingo N; Shahzad W; Shen XGrowing global concern about how to dispose of wind turbine blades has sparked an investigation into more sustainable alternatives. This research delves into finding eco-friendly solutions for managing the waste generated by wind turbine blades, specifically by exploring options for repurposing them. To put this into action, this study has focused on a New Zealand wind farm with 196 wind turbine blades at the end of its life cycle. Through a thorough review of documents, 60 potential ways were identified to repurposing these blades. Options falling under the downcycling category were excluded, thus narrowing down to 45 promising solutions to repurpose. Futher 7 practically applied global solutions are identified. Implementing these repurposing solutions would divert 331 tonnes of waste material from landfills from the New Zealand Wind Farm. This study is significant because it highlights the potential for a circular and sustainable approach and provides an example of how wind turbine blade waste can be diverted from landfill. The findings of this study contribute to practical insights and support initiatives across New Zealand to encourage the adoption of wind turbine blade repurposing. This, in turn, will foster environmentally conscious waste management practices within the renewable energy sector and promote a more sustainable future.Item Policy Mapping for Net-Zero-Carbon Buildings: Insights from Leading Countries(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-11-01) Le A; Rodrigo N; Domingo N; Senaratne SThe 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.