Browsing by Author "Fasna, MFF"

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item: Conference-Full-text
Energy retrofits to enhance energy performance of existing buildings: a review
Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake, S
Inefficient buildings use three to five times the energy as efficient buildings. Herein, improving the Energy Efficiency (EE) of buildings, specifically existing buildings that account for a large part of the building sector, has become a major priority. Energy Retrofits (ER) are identified as the main approach to enhance energy performance of buildings to achieve energy reduction targets. Yet, a general lack of awareness exists with respect to ER, types of ER and the possible ER measures through which building EE could be enhanced. Thus, the aim of this paper is to fill this research gap by critically reviewing the relevant literature on ER. With the intention of avoiding the misperceptions on the concept of ER, the paper first analysed various definitions of ER provided by different authors. This had made it clear that in addition to enhancing EE, ER also result in upgraded functionality, improved architectural quality, increased aesthetic value, reduced resource consumption, decreased CO2 emissions and improved indoor air quality. Besides, based on the critical review of literature, the paper also discusses different types of ER that could be adopted to retrofit a particular building and different ER measures that could be used to retrofit different building elements/systems. The findings of this study could be used by practitioners as a basis in understanding the available ER types and measures for the buildings that would be of use in making effective decisions during their endeavours to enhance the EE of existing buildings.
item: Conference-Full-text
Factors affecting the successful adoption and implementation of energy retrofits in existing hotel buildings
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2018-06) Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake, S; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
Energy Efficiency (EE) of the existing buildings is identified as an important focal point for the reduction of total energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Though there is a huge room for EE improvement in existing buildings, still the level of the adoption and implementation of Energy Retrofits (ER) in existing buildings is comparatively low. In fact, it has been ascertained that retrofitting existing buildings is more strenuous than constructing a new green building from scratch due to numerous factors at work that can either facilitate or hinder ER projects. Hence, this research explores the enablers and barriers for the adoption and implementation of ER projects. Three case studies were conducted among hotel buildings that have implemented ER projects. Selected cases included two ER projects led by in-house teams and one project outsourced to an external Energy Service Company (ESCO). Altogether, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with different stakeholders to collect data. Findings of the research revealed 24 enablers and 42 barriers for the adoption and implementation of ER projects in existing hotel buildings. The enablers and barriers were identified for each of the three main phases of ER project implementation; i.e. pre-retrofit, retrofit implementation and post retrofit phases. ‘Commitment, engagement and support from the involved parties’ in all three phases of the project is ascertained as a crucial enabler that could support the successful adoption and implementation of any ER project. Conversely, ‘lack of transparency about energy cost and use’, ‘lack of skills and experience’, ‘difficulties in establishing communication between parties’ and ‘occupancy type of the facility’ were identified as the barriers that impede the ER project success in all three phases. Further, this paper argues that the party who execute the ER projects have significant impact on the enablers and barriers for the adoption and implementation of ER project. By providing a thorough understanding of the enablers and barriers, it is hoped that the findings of this study will provide a basis for more successful adoption and implementation of ER projects in the hotel sector.
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Framework for effective stakeholder management within the decision-making process of building energy efficiency retrofits
(2024) Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake S; Ross A
Though currently many organisations are under pressure to adopt Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER) and minimise energy consumption, still there is comparatively low level of implementation of BEER. This has been attributed to, inter alia, lack of proactive guidance for project teams to ensure that they make the right decisions to achieve the desired Energy Efficiency (EE) outcomes, involvement of numerous stakeholders from different disciplines in BEER projects, existence of complex interrelations among such stakeholders and reluctance to involve all such stakeholders within the internal decision-making process. Thus, it appears that informed decision-making and effective Stakeholder Management (SM) are essential to ensure successful implementation of BEER. Hence, this study was aimed at developing a SM framework to ensure effective SM throughout the decision-making process of BEER. A mixed method design following the “sequential exploratory” research design was adopted to achieve the research aim. Four Sri Lanka National Energy Efficiency Award (SLNEEA) winning hotel retrofit projects were selected from the Western province of the country, representing shallow and medium retrofit projects led by in-house teams and ESCO. Structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the stakeholders involved in the selected BEER projects. The collected qualitative data were analysed using the computer-based thematic and content analysis while the quantitative data were analysed using Social Network Analysis (SNA) and mathematical equations. This research identified the decision-making processes followed in in-house led and Energy Service Company (ESCO) led BEER projects. Findings further revealed, 24 stakeholders involved in the decision-making process along with their functions. 7 roles reflective of the nature of their involvement in the BEER project (i.e. decision-maker, performer, monitor/ observer, supporter, advisor, consultant, and informer) were also discovered. Moreover, SNA results also revealed 6 roles of stakeholders in different relationship networks of BEER (i.e. recipient, disseminator, peripheral actor, isolate, gatekeeper/broker, and focal actor). The “Facilities Manager” (FM) was identified as the “key player” with the highest level of influence and interest in in-house led projects. On the other hand, in ESCO led BEER projects, both the “ESCO” and “FM” were revealed to be the “key players”. Findings also revealed 20 CSFs and 62 strategies to ensure effective SM during different stages of BEER projects. These strategies include 8 strategies to effectively manage different stakeholder interests, 42 strategies to effectively deal with the identified CSFs for the effective SM, 9 suitable engagement approaches for managing stakeholders with different characteristics, and 3 strategies to improve stakeholder relationships. This study is novel in offering a framework that could help in ensuring effective SM within the decision-making process of BEER. The proposed SM framework consists of four main sections, addressing the decision-making process of BEER, stakeholder involvement, SM process, and CSFs for effective SM. It is believed that the outcomes of this study will serve as a roadmap for industry practitioners in implementing BEER projects whilst effectively managing the stakeholders, which could in turn enhance the level of adoption of BEER in the long run. Key words: Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER), Decision-making process, Hotel Sector, Social Network Analysis (SNA), Stakeholder Management (SM)
item: Conference-Full-text
Implementing building energy efficiency retrofits (beer) in hotel buildings: a case study of shallow retrofit
(2018) Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake, S; Samarawickrama, S
Currently, there is a decisive need around the world to retrofit existing buildings to have higher energy performance. Compared to the significant potential for energy conservation in existing buildings, still the level of implementation of Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER) is comparatively low. The absence of a clearly defined process for ensuring the delivery of BEER; lack of proactive guidance for project teams to ensure that they make the right decisions to achieve the desired Energy Efficiency (EE) outcomes; and execution of BEER projects in ad hoc basis have been identified as some of the key reasons limiting EE improvements over the long term. Hence, this paper is aimed at developing an initial level decision-making process by incorporating the key decisions to be made and key activities to be performed, during each stage of the BEER decision-making process. The study is limited in its focus to existing hotel buildings, due to their level of energy consumption and potential for conservation. Using a case study, the study derived a total of twelve key decisions to be made and twenty-eight key activities to be performed throughout the decision-making process, based upon which an initial level decision-making process is developed. It is hoped that the findings of this study could facilitate the practitioners in the hotel sector to properly undertake and execute BEER projects.
item: Conference-Full-text
Key reengineering roles for the successful implementation of business process reengineering projects in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake, S; Ranasinghe, U; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
To be highly competitive in present globalised economy, there is a decisive need for organisations to rethink and transform the prevailing business processes for improved quality and efficiency, reduced costs, and increased profitability. This leads to the introduction and evolvement of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) projects in various organisations over the past decades. Since BPR facilitates the organisations to enhance the performance of their business processes, despite the complexity and riskiness of BPR projects, it has spanned numerous industries. Regardless of the extensive adoption, in many instances efforts of BPR implementation has proved unsuccessful. BPR projects often tend to be large with long durations and tend to involve numerous stakeholders. It has been asserted that the selection and organisation of the people, who really do the reengineering, is key to the success of the endeavour. Accordingly, there is a necessity to identify the key stakeholders who should get involved in BPR projects to assure their success. Since the key stakeholders involved in each reengineering project may differ based upon the process being selected for reengineering, this study is aimed investigating the key reengineering roles for the successful implementation of BPR projects. Altogether, four (4) BPR projects implemented within the last two years in four different organisations in the Western Province of Sri Lanka were selected as case studies to investigate the BPR roles. Findings revealed eight (8) reengineering roles that is needed to facilitate successful implementation of BPR projects in the Sri Lankan context. The functions to be performed by each role during the pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation phases of BPR projects were also identified. The study revealed two reengineering roles: i.e. ‘initiator’ and ‘reengineering facilitators’; not identified in literature, but were recognised as important in BPR implementation in the Sri Lankan context. In doing so, the paper brings forwards the findings with respect to the key reengineering roles to be involved throughout the BPR projects in the Sri Lankan context.
item: Conference-Abstract
Optimising value during construction schedule acceleration
(2021-07) Silva, WPM; Gunatilake, S; Fasna, MFF
Construction Schedule Acceleration (CSA) can affect not just the time but many other project aspects. During a CSA, there can be many impacts having significant effects on the project value. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of considering quality, productivity and functionality at a CSA along with cost and time. The aim of this research is, therefore, to investigate how value can be optimised during a CSA process. A qualitative research approach was adopted. Altogether, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interview data were transcribed and analysed using a manually performed content analysis. This study has revealed types of CSA based on the purpose (delay minimising purpose or non-delay minimising purpose) and the party who initiates it. Cost, quality, functionality, productivity and profitability were identified as main value considerations during a CSA other than time. Applicability of value management (VM) job plan stages and Earned Value Management (EVM) indicators during different CSA stages to optimise value were also found. Finally, these findings were mapped in a framework to show how VM and EVM concepts could be used in enhancing value during a CSA. The framework conceptualises the relationship between “value” and CSA and how it varies upon distinct parties of a construction project during different stages and types of CSA. The proposed framework can be used as a guidance for optimising the value during the stages of a CSA.
item: Article-Full-text
Overcoming barriers for building energy efficiency retrofits: insights from hotel retrofits in Sri Lanka
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020) Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake, S
Purpose – Despite the pressures around the world to retrofit existing buildings to have higher energy performance, still the level of adoption and implementation of Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER) appear comparatively low. The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers that affect the successful implementation of BEER in actual project level executions and identify strategies to overcome such barriers. Design/methodology/approach – In total, two case studies were conducted in selected hotel buildings to explore the barriers that hamper the adoption and implementation of BEER in the local context and in turn identify the strategies to overcome them. Altogether 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents involved in different phases of these BEER projects. The data were analysed using code-based content analysis. Findings – Altogether 38 barriers were identified under the three main project phases. Furthermore, the study revealed 77 strategies to overcome the identified barriers, classified as individual, organisational and national level strategies. Originality/value – This paper has made a unique contribution to the field by identifying the barriers in each phase of BEER projects and proposing strategies to be taken at different levels to overcome them. The findings of this study will provide a basis for setting up country-wide and organisation-wide strategies for successfully improving the energy efficiency of existing hotel buildings.
item: Conference-Abstract
Performance comparison of prefabricated building construction projects vs. traditional on-site construction projects
Wasana, KHL; Gunatilake, S; Fasna, MFF
The development of the construction industry has rapidly increased with the introduction of new construction technologies. Among these novel construction methods, Prefabricated Construction (PFC) plays a significant role as it has the potential to cater the increased demand as well as to resolve the current problems in the construction industry. Despite the benefits that PFC offers, still PFC contributes to only a very small percentage of construction activity in the country compared to Traditional On-site Construction (TOC) methods. Lack of records on successful experiences in PFC methods is identified as a major reason for the poor perception of practitioners on PFC. Within this context, evaluating the project performance of PFC projects compared to TOC is crucial to make the practitioners aware whether the actual benefits of PFC have been gained by such projects in practice. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the project performances of PFC with TOC building projects. To attain the research aim, this study employed four case studies wherein both semi-structured interviews and documentary reviews were used to collect the required data. The research findings revealed that the performance of selected PFC projects was lower compared to TOC in terms of time, cost, and quality performance aspects due to different challenges. However, the performance in terms of health and safety criteria was found to be good in PFC cases. Besides, the findings disclosed that by adopting the panelised PFC method rather than the sub-assemblies and component PFC method, successful time, quality performances can be achieved. However, realisation of the stated benefits in the real life scenario might differ.
item: Conference-Abstract
Strategic alliances for the Sri Lankan construction industry - a study of best fit partners
Mohamed, S; Devapriya, KAK; Fasna, MFF
To be sustainable with the fast-moving business environment, currently most of the organisations use strategic alliance as a key strategy. This is indeed essential for the firms in the construction sector that operates in a high-risk and competitive business environment. Simply, strategic alliance is an agreement between the business entities with the purpose of achieving the unreachable benefits/advantages which cannot be attained when they are separate. Selecting the suitable partner for strategic alliance is the extremely important task in the formation of strategic alliances and have significant influence on the success of strategic alliance. However, by far selection of most suitable alliancing parties for the formation of strategic alliance in the construction sector is largely overlooked. Hence, this study is focused on identifying the top most suitable alliancing partners for the Sri Lankan construction projects. To collect required data, structured questionnaires were distributed amongst the key parties of the construction sector on the basis of their level knowledge on the concept of strategic alliance (i.e. engineering consultant, main-contractor, and subcontractor). Findings revealed that the alliancing between the main-contractor and sub-contractor would improve the performance of Sri Lankan construction industry and thus derived as the most suitable strategic alliancing partners.
item: Conference-Abstract
Strategic alliances for the Sri Lankan construction industry - a study of best fit partners
Mohamed, S; Devapriya, KAK; Fasna, MFF
To be sustainable with the fast-moving business environment, currently most of the organisations use strategic alliance as a key strategy. This is indeed essential for the firms in the construction sector that operates in a high-risk and competitive business environment. Simply, strategic alliance is an agreement between the business entities with the purpose of achieving the unreachable benefits/advantages which cannot be attained when they are separate. Selecting the suitable partner for strategic alliance is the extremely important task in the formation of strategic alliances and have significant influence on the success of strategic alliance. However, by far selection of most suitable alliancing parties for the formation of strategic alliance in the construction sector is largely overlooked. Hence, this study is focused on identifying the top most suitable alliancing partners for the Sri Lankan construction projects. To collect required data, structured questionnaires were distributed amongst the key parties of the construction sector on the basis of their level knowledge on the concept of strategic alliance (i.e. engineering consultant, main-contractor, and subcontractor). Findings revealed that the alliancing between the main-contractor and sub-contractor would improve the performance of Sri Lankan construction industry and thus derived as the most suitable strategic alliancing partners.
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Towards successful strategies to overcome BPR implementation issues: case of Sri Lanka
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020) Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake, S
Purpose – Currently, most of the organisations that undertake business process reengineering (BPR) projects with the intention of enhancing their business performance are encountering several issues throughout their endeavours. As these BPR implementation issues are perceived as one of the key contributory factors leading to BPR project failures, it is crucial to adopt timely strategies to overcome these issues. Hence, this study is focused on identifying the strategies to be adopted to overcome BPR implementation issues. Design/methodology/approach – Four case studies were conducted in organisations that have successfully implemented BPR projects within last five years. In total, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted among the different stakeholders who got involved in the selected BPR projects for identifying the issues faced and the strategies that they have adopted during their project implementation. Findings – Study derived twenty-seven issues faced by the Sri Lankan organisations during different phases of BPR projects, and forty-five unique strategies to deal with these derived BPR implementation issues. Originality/value – This study contributes to the field by exploring the issues in implementing BPR projects that should be given enough consideration to ensure the success of BPR projects in the Sri Lankan context along with the strategies to overcome the issues encountered throughout them. It is expected that the findings of this study would be useful in ensuring the success of future BPR projects.