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Purpose: Heritage building revitalisation (HBR) is gaining its popularity to intervene historic buildings/sites for their conservation and reuse. Given that multiple stake-holding situations are often involved in HBR process, coordination or managerial problem may hinder versatile facilities design for operational efficiency while preserving the heritage values. To address the coordination challenge, this paper aims to examine the relevance and relative advantages of a FM-led revitalisation strategy for HBR, which the existing literature has not yet addressed. Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopts a case study approach to a major HBR project in Hong Kong. This study conducted field observations and interviews, which were combined with publicly accessible policy and project information to identify stakeholders' opinions and specifications for the role of facilities management (FM) in HBR project process. Findings: The paper reveals the role of FM in coordinating the HBR process for the benefits of stakeholders and general community. FM allows a balanced approach to heritage building adaptation, sound user experience and broader community effects. This enables efficient decision-making, creative facilities design and effective public engagement. FM's strength of fitting in the urban renewal context illustrates its comparative advantage for heritage conservation and revitalisation management. Research limitations/implications: This study develops a conceptual map to identify FM's role in heritage building conservation and revitalisation. This will enhance process evaluation and project decision-making that are central to heritage conservation policy and HBR intervention practices. Originality/value: This study examines relevance and advantage of FM-led business strategy for HBR, which the existing literature has not yet addressed. It discovers FM's strategic roles and initiates a conceptual framework for evaluation of heritage conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Coordinating interdependencies between concurrent activities is a special challenge in managing increasingly complex building services projects. Effective coordination at the pre-installation stage is key to minimising field conflicts between building services systems. This study aims to investigate the significant causes of production shortcomings traceable to the pre-installation stage, and to what extent these in turn probably contribute to higher volumes of construction debris. Design/methodology/approach – Following relevant previous research and preliminary studies of production shortcomings in the building services subsector in Hong Kong, a series of structured interviews with practitioners were formulated and analysed. The findings lead to deductive reasoning in developing suitable approaches for this subsector. Findings – The study reveals that "poor coordination among different trades and processes", and "frequent design changes and/or errors" are seen as two of the major causes of production shortcomings in the pre-installation stage. This paper proposes and discusses improvement strategies based on conceptual models of an "intra-inter dependent teamwork concept", a "dynamic coordination buffer" and a "BS coordination facilitator" in order to reduce the identified critical causes. Research limitations/implications – Although further research is needed, the findings in this paper can be a useful reference for other regions as the study methodology may be replicated. Originality/value – In the search for solutions and improvements, a number of proven industrial management principles are incorporated in new conceptual models. These are expected to help alleviate the identified causes as critical design or related uncertainties are resolved through earlier coordination. This should in turn also reduce the volume of construction debris that can arise from current shortcomings in the pre-installation stage of building services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mandating the use of building information modelling (BIM) in building projects has sprawled, but the uptake of BIM in building services engineering (BSE) remains sluggish. The purpose of this paper is to explore how to achieve wider adoption of BIM in BSE. Design/methodology/approach: Through an extensive literature review, the benefits of, barriers to and measures conducive to, using BIM for BSE were identified and classified. Built upon the review and a focus group meeting, a questionnaire was devised for an industry-wide survey in Hong Kong and the survey data were processed by statistical analyses. Findings: On the ranking of the benefits, strong agreements existed between the BSE and non-BSE respondent groups; yet no significant agreement was found between the two groups on the rankings of the barriers or the conducive measures. The top conducive measure, according to the BSE group, is "Allow enough time in project programme for BIM model development". Research limitations/implications: The data collection and analysis methods of this study may be used for similar BIM studies in other places. Practical implications: The priority of the conducive measures, which aid policy or decision makers in formulating how to get BIM effectively implemented in BSE, are useful information in the pursuit of a more productive and sustainable built environment. Originality/value: This BIM study is specifically on BSE rather than the other disciplines (e.g. architecture, structural engineering) that have been widely studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to review the current state of building decay in Hong Kong, and attempts to identify and analyze the perceived benefits of implementing the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS) via an industry-wide empirical questionnaire survey. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 340 professional respondents who have gained hands-on experience in either new building works or building management or building repair/maintenance were requested to complete a survey questionnaire to indicate the relative importance of those benefits identified in relation to MBIS. The perceived benefits were measured, ranked and compared according to the different roles of industrial practitioners, and between the residents in private premises and those in public estates. Findings - The survey findings suggested the most significant benefits derived from implementing MBIS to be: raise the overall building safety toward residents and the general public; create more job openings and business opportunities in building repair and maintenance services; and MBIS is an effective solution to address the problems with building decay (e.g. dilapidation and control over the existing unauthorized building works). The results of factor analysis indicated that the 13 perceived benefits of implementing MBIS were consolidated under three underlying factors: addressing building dilapidation and assuring building safety; improving the living environment and upgrading property values; and creating more job openings and business opportunities. Social implications - As MBIS was officially launched on June 30, 2012, it is expected to be one of the proposed effective measures in resolving the long-standing problems of building neglect and deterioration in Hong Kong and overseas, especially to those existing old private premises. Originality/value - In the long run, the number of prematurely ageing buildings would be reduced, and the service life span of existing private premises would be prolonged. This is in line with the sustainability principle of providing a better living and the working environment within the community as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, green building (GB) has become the flagship of sustainable development, leading to a number of published works on the topic. This paper examines GB research trend in construction management (CM) through analyzing selected GB research papers published in 10 selected CM journals from 1990 to 2015 (as of end of August). The analysis is conducted in terms of the number of annual GB research publications, contributions made by various countries, institutions and authors, and research topics covered. The analysis reveals an increasing GB research interest in recent times, implying that the importance attached to GB by the construction industry is accelerating. The findings also indicate that during the studied period, researchers from developed economies such as the US, Hong Kong, the UK, Singapore, Italy, and Australia contributed most to promoting GB research. Developing countries such as China, Egypt, and Colombia also made good efforts to promote GB research. Research topics covered tend to focus on GB project delivery and developments, GB certifications, energy performance, and advanced technologies. Research gaps are discussed with directions for future research proposed. This study may serve as a valuable platform for both industry practitioners and researchers to appreciate GB research trends and developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – As part of a study that aimed at enhancing the future roles and functions of building services (BS) engineers in Hong Kong, a survey was carried out to obtain demographic information about BS practitioners as well as their views and opinions on a range of issues which affect professional practices of BS engineers and recognition of their contributions by others. The purpose of this paper is to give a portrait of BS engineers in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach – A series of statistical analyses were conducted based on the responses given by the BS practitioners, which included their qualifications, experience, job field, annual income and the number of trades of BS systems that they are competent in and responsible for. Findings – The statistics show that: competence gap exists in that BS engineers are required to handle more trades of BS systems than those they are competent in; and the academic and professional qualifications, years of experience and job position are the key influential factors to the annual income of BS engineers but little differences exist in the average annual income of engineers in different job fields. Originality/value – The competence gap is a concern that needs to be addressed to ensure BS engineers are competent in handling the common trades of BS systems, which is increasingly important for them to perform effectively in integrated professional teams for turning out holistic solutions for sustainable building developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose ? To examine how the allocation of property rights in multiple-ownership buildings in Hong Kong creates an environment in which the optimization of asset value may be difficult to achieve and in this situation how owners chose to overcome the associated problems of collective action decision making to resolve issues of building management. Design/methodology/approach ? An institutional approach, drawn from the literature on common property and collective action, is used to examine the management of multiple-ownership property. The paper uses a hedonic pricing model to empirically test whether, in such circumstances, management is reflected in property price and which mode of governance owners prefer as a mechanism for resolving problems of collective action. Findings ? The institutional arrangements for co-ownership and use of multiple-ownership property assets in Hong Kong have resulted in an ?anticommons? environment, in which individual owners are in a position to veto action in relation to the property. In the absence of mandatory management the study indicates property prices are increased in those cases where owners have chosen to resolve the difficulties of collective decision making by forming incorporate owners'' groups and employing professional management services. Research limitations/implications ? The outcome of the empirical work is the result of an initial study carried out in one district in Hong Kong and may not be generalised. In the future, the approach will be extended to other areas. Practical implications ? In the absence of a regulatory environment which ensures the management of multiple-ownership property assets, owners may be better advised to formalise arrangements through the formation of incorporate owners'' groups and appointment of professional property management agents. Originality/value ? The paper assesses the implications of an anticommons environment for the management of multiple-ownership property in Hong Kong. Examines arrangements for collective decision making and demonstrates influence of management on property price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collective actions of owners in a multi-owned residential building are not only important, but also necessary towards the effective management of the property. However, according to Olson's theory of collective action (1965), those actions may not be initiated or sustained to ensure quality management. Despite the considerable research efforts on successes and failures of owners' collective actions in the literature, little ink has been split on classifying those actions and measuring them. This paper intends to bridge the research gap. First, it outlines the boundaries of owners' collective actions in building management. Second, it classifies owners' actions into three categories, namely collective decision-making, collective rules enforcement, and collective performance monitoring. Third, it devises a method to evaluate the cooperative abilities of an owner group. Using survey data from 72 apartment buildings in Hong Kong, it finds that the cooperative abilities of an owner group vary with building age, management style, group size, owners' average income level and age level. The results of this study could contribute to better collective action theories and shed light on the formulation of a building-care culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Proper design, reliable control and health of variable–air–volume (VAV) terminals are essential for reliable operation and energy efficiency of VAV air-conditioning systems. This paper presents an online fault diagnosis tool for pressure-independent VAV terminals and its implementation. The fault diagnosis tool is developed using a robust fault detection and diagnosis strategy for VAV terminals. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart with estimated process parameters is utilized to detect faults in VAV terminals. A rule-based fault classifier is designed and utilized to find the sources of faults in VAV terminals. The fault diagnosis tool relies only upon the sensor data and control signals that are commonly available in building management control systems (BMCS). The fault diagnosis tool can be installed in BMCS to online read the operating data of all VAV terminals in a building through local area network and diagnose faults of VAV terminals in the building. The fault diagnosis tool has been validated in a large-scale office building located in Hong Kong and can effectively find all faults occurring in VAV terminals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose - To determine the domestic flushing water consumption for a building development. Design/methodology/approach - A statistic mathematical model is proposed and the model parameters are sampled with the Monte Carlo sampling technique. The frequency distribution of the parameters for Hong Kong is identified from the survey results of the water closet usage patterns in five typical residential building estates. In particular, the density function of the diurnal variations of occupant load and flushes per occupant, and the cistern volume of the water closets in 597 apartments are used to establish the model. Findings - The flushing water consumption of the residential developments in Hong Kong is determined and compared with the measurement result of typical residential buildings. Research limitations/implications - The model parameters are not exhaustive and are determined from surveys in Hong Kong, which perhaps limits the model's usefulness elsewhere. Practical implications - A useful source of reference in determining the domestic flushing water consumption of building developments for those involved in building design and management related to the flushing water systems of residential buildings. Originality/value - This paper proposes a statistical mathematical model of domestic flushing water consumption and presents a template to determine the required model parameters. The model offers practical help to professionals involved in planning, designing and managing the flushing water facilities for domestic buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To explain the recent emergence of the trend of outsourcing for building services operation and maintenance (O&M) work for commercial buildings in Hong Kong and to predict its future development. Design/methodology/approach - Based on economic theories, the authors' understanding of buildings and building services O&M in Hong Kong and information regarding property, companies and manpower statistics, the increasing use of outsourcing is explained with a prediction of its implications for industry stakeholders and future trends. Findings - Reports the common operation and maintenance organization for small, medium and large commercial buildings and explains the relation between outsourcing and the recent economic downturn and sharp cuts in O&M expenditure. Analyses the factors influencing O&M costs and predicts that the trend of outsourcing will continue if contractors keep on upgrading their knowledge and skills to provide quality services more economically than the in-house workforce. Research limitations/implications - The explanation and prediction rely greatly on economic theories and the authors' knowledge and observations from industry, yet the reason for outsourcing and the factors influencing O&M costs are unveiled. Practical implications - The findings have exposed implications for building owners and O&M practitioners as a result of the outsourcing trend, on top of establishing a rigid framework for future practical research in the area. Originality/value - This paper explains the prime motive for outsourcing building services O&M work for commercial buildings, predicts future trends and reveals the implications for stakeholders in the O&M industry in Hong Kong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of energy consumption in buildings has become an alarming threat to the climate. Various building-level energy saving measures have been studied and adopted to achieve energy efficiency. However, high-rise public residential buildings in subtropical climate as an important contributor to building-level energy consumption have received insufficient attention of research. The aim of this paper is to analyse the energy use of high-rise residential buildings in subtropical climate and examine the impacts of different energy saving measures for developing strategies for achieving very low-energy high-rise buildings. A typical high-rise (40-storey) public residential building in Hong Kong was selected as the case building, which has the energy use intensity of 106.6 kWh/m2 for the total building area and of 153.8 kWh/m2 for the area inside the residential units. The energy model of the case building developed using EnergyPlus software was carefully calibrated using metered energy use data and expert consultations adopting a systematic approach. Sensitivity analyses were then conducted using the parametric analysis tool jEPlus to quantify the impacts of different energy saving measures on energy use intensity reduction. It was found the measures in relation to human behaviours have the largest impact, followed by building service system efficiency and renewable energy. Building form and building envelope have the modest impact. The findings enhance the knowledge of subtropical high-rise public residential buildings' energy performance, and the developed and calibrated energy model could be used to explore more strategic energy saving measures in the long term. The quantified impacts of the measures should inform design decisions of low-energy housing production in high-rise sectors. • A 40-storey building is examined with energy use 153.8 kWh/m2 for residential area. • Energy model uses EnergyPlus software with sensitivity analyses tool jEPlus. • Behaviours have largest impact on energy use, then building services and renewables. • Building form and envelope have the modest impact on energy use reduction. • Systemic strategies are suggested for very low-energy high-rise residential buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high population and development density in Hong Kong, building failures can result in catastrophic consequences. It is thus worthwhile identifying those dilapidated buildings, and this explains why the Hong Kong government has considered launching a mandatory building inspection scheme in the city. Apart from the measurement of building safeness, however, it is equally important to explore the major determinants of the safety performance of buildings. Such information can help the government and other related organizations to rationalize their subsidies offered for building improvement and to make more informed strategies of urban regeneration in Hong Kong. To this end, the safety performance of 429 private multi-storey residential buildings was measured in this study using the Building Safety and Conditions Index developed by The University of Hong Kong. It was then followed by an explanatory analysis which found that older buildings were less safe than large, modern buildings. More importantly, the co-existence of a property management agent and a statutory owners’ association delivered the best building safety performance, and in this respect was the optimum building management regime for private multi-storey buildings in Hong Kong. These findings pose significant policy implications for building safety and urban regeneration in Hong Kong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]