Browsing by Author "Soorige, SDA"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

item: Conference-Full-text
Accessibility of emergency evacuation for differentlyabled people in public hospital buildings in Sri Lanka: the national policy enhancements
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2018-06) Manoj, S; Mallawaarachchi, H; Soorige, SDA; Jayasena, N; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
It is very difficult task in nature and a prevailing issue in the world today to provide a reasonable access for differently abled people within any building. Specially, giving fair and impartial accessibility has become very complex and an ongoing global issue. However, various policies and guidelines have been developed in countries enabling buildings to be used by the differently abled people by building them in terms of ease of access for emergency evacuation. Among the other buildings, healthcare facility has obtained the first concern when considering its’ heavy use by differently abled people. Thus, this research was conducted with the purpose of studying on the accessibility procedures of emergency evacuation for the differently abled people in public buildings with special emphasis to public hospitals since the current evacuation means in healthcare sector are not adequately developed based on the needs of differently abled people. The research was conducted using case study method under qualitative phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among building professionals who had more than five years of experience in the field of accessibility to collect the data. Hence, three public hospital buildings in Sri Lanka were selected. Accessibility procedures of emergency evacuation and issues in existing practice were investigated related to safety and security, access to built environment and access to communication in line with the National Policy on Disability for Sri Lanka. Case study data revealed that not having predetermined procedure for evacuating differently abled people and less awareness on existing safety and security procedures thus need special attention. Accordingly, a framework was developed to propose the probable enhancements for the national policy. The enhanced policy can be used as a national strategy to assure the ease of accessibility of emergency evacuation for differently abled people in public hospital buildings in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
Comparative study on establishing life cycle assessment (LCA) in buildings: drivers
(2020-11-06) Amarasinghe, SDIA; Soorige, SDA; De Silva, L
LCA is a method that systematically evaluates environmental impacts attributed to the building by quantifying environmental inputs and outputs over the lifecycle of buildings. LCA facilitates a sophisticated assessment procedure to promote eco-efficient designs to reduce environmental impacts. Although building-related LCAs are well-rooted in developed counties, it is challenging to disclose evidence of LCA application in Sri Lanka as a developing country. Therefore, this study aims to compare drivers that promote the application of LCA in developed countries and Sri Lanka to determine the deviation between two contexts. The qualitative research approach was adopted, and expert interviews were conducted with ten experts from Sri Lanka and nine LCA experts representing developed countries. The results indicated that 'identifying opportunities to improve environmental sustainability,' discovering energy-saving opportunities' etc. are the mostly identified drivers related to developed countries. In contrast, the mostly identified drivers in Sri Lanka were limited to two as 'growing industrial interest to build more green buildings' and 'as a new tool for R&D'. Initiation of strong government policies and effective incentive mechanisms, rising awareness on LCA, etc. identified as strategies to bridge the deviation between Sri Lanka from developed countries context in the implementation of LCA.
item: Conference-Full-text
Expanding vertical greenery in building facades in Sri Lanka
(2017) Peiris, MDW; Jayawickrama, T; Soorige, SDA
This study is focused on exploring enablers and barriers of implementing vertical greenery in Sri Lanka and suggesting strategies to overcome barriers. First, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken to identify a set of enablers and barriers. As the research approach, a mix approach was adopted in this study using questionnaires and semi structured interviews in two phases. Questionnaires were utilized to gather data on enablers and barriers. Data gathered using questionnaires were analyzed using one sample t-test in SPSS statistical software package and Relative Importance Index (RII) to identify the most critical enablers and barriers of vertical greenery. Accordingly, ten enablers and eleven barriers were identified in total where restoring the biodiversity into urban building and reducing carbon dioxide while increasing oxygen to the environment are the most significant enablers and the lack of awareness of the benefits and performance of vertical greenery systems has been identified as the most critical barriers. In order to identify the strategies to overcome identified barriers an expert survey was carried out using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Several strategies were identified mainly in three areas as, research strategies, government intervention and regulatory framework related strategies and awareness strategies.
item: Conference-Full-text
Facilities management value addition in enhancing business profitability in hotel industry in Sri Lanka
Nishanthy, T; Soorige, SDA; Rathnasiri, HWTP
Facilities management (FM) is a globally established profession which is constantly growing. It involves in the organization’s growth by providing the best support services to the organization’s core business activities. FM is not only considered as a profession which delivers support services but a profession which is necessary for the organization to run a smooth operation while improving the productivity, market share, profitability with added value to the organization. However, though FM has been perceived as an important profession, the use of FM is still not well established in the Sri Lankan context to gain integrated value addition for business. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the Value Addition from Facilities Management in Enhancing the Business Profitability focusing in the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature review was carried out first discussing on hotel business, business profitability, and criteria of business profitability, FM functions, and contribution of FM for the business profitability. A quantitative mixed research approach was followed by a detailed questionnaire survey and case study interviews. Data analysis technique of the questionnaire survey involved RII method. Findings of the questionnaire survey consisted of Ten (10) most significant factors affecting business profitability and eleven (11) most significant FM functions which enhance the profitability of hotel sector. Findings of the case study revealed the way that identified FM functions which are involved in creating a value addition to enhance the business profitability in hotel sector.
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Framework to reduce embodied energy in buildings: a literature review
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023) Ilangakoon, IWMAD; Soorige, SDA; Gunathilake, PKSVS
As the building sector is a major contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing focus on achieving significant reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. Energy consumption in buildings can be classified into embodied energy and operational energy. Studies have indicated that operational energy contributes to 80%–90% of the total life cycle energy in buildings while embodied energy only contributes to 10%–20%. Though several strategies have been implemented to reduce OE, there has not been enough attention on reducing embodied energy in buildings. Therefore, it is vital to conduct a study on reducing embodied energy in buildings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted by referring to books, reports, theses, journals, magazines, and conference proceedings to identify several practices for reducing embodied energy in buildings as well as barriers to moving towards low embodied energy in buildings. In conclusion, the study showed that reducing embodied energy in buildings is an essential step towards achieving significant reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, and a concerted effort is needed to overcome the identified barriers and implement the identified practices.
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Impact of energy cultures for adoption of electric vehicles
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2024) Pathirana, IU; Soorige, SDA
The preeminent reliance on fossil fuel-powered transportation systems poses critical risks to human prosperity and environmental sustainability. As a result, transitioning to sustainable mobility has gained prominence, with electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as a transformative solution EVs not only challenge carbon-dependent travel patterns but also exemplify the principles of sustainable transportation. Energy culture is identified as a research domain that provides an understanding of energy behaviors and energy-related changes in transportation systems. This study aims to develop an Energy Cultures framework to promote EV adoption by understanding the intricate dynamics of energy behaviours and transitions within transportation systems. Grounded in the Energy Cultures framework, this research explores the interrelationships between societal norms, practices, and material culture, and how external influences shape these dimensions. The need to conduct a study on energy culture arises from the lack of comprehensive research in the field, and it is essential to delve into the subject to understand its profound implications on social behaviour, environmental sustainability and economic development. Hence, this study helps to fills a critical gap in understanding the socio-cultural and behavioral dimensions of EV adoption. By providing actionable insights, contributes to advancing environmental sustainability, fostering behavioral shifts, and supporting the transition toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation systems.
item: Conference-Full-text
Managing challenges of high-rise residential buildings in Sri Lanka: a fm framework
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2018-06) Rifas, MMM; Manjula, NHC; Dissanayake, DMPP; Soorige, SDA; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
High Rise Residential Building (HRRB) is a fast-growing trend in Sri Lanka. These are regulated and managed by the Management Corporation (MC). However, In Sri Lankan context MC is poor performance has led to various issues and challenges in HRRB. Hence, to better manage as well as overcome such issues and challenges by suitable professional concept in HRRB. Thus, the study was aimed to develop Facilities Management (FM) solutions to manage issues and challenges of the HRRB in Sri Lanka. To achieve the aim four objectives were formulated. As, to investigate the issues and challenges of managing the HRRB, current management practices, possible FM solutions to mitigate the identified issues and challenges and develop a framework to manage the HRRB in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach was followed to achieve the aim of the research wherein case study method was selected as the most appropriate research method. The required data were collected via semi structured interviews and analysed using cross case analysis. The findings of the study revealed issues and challenges in HRRB falls into three main categories, namely building management, finance and resident related issues. Subsequently, the issues and challenges faced by the MC of HRRB in Sri Lankan context, and FM solutions adapted to overcome such as issues and challenges were identified. Hence, a framework has been proposed in this study to successfully manage issues and challenges in HRRB in Sri Lanka. This research increases the present level of awareness and importance associated with effective management practices for HRRB management within the scope of FM. Further, it introduces a framework for well managed the HRRB.
item: Conference-Full-text
Solar net zero energy buildings: a review
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2018-06) Udayanga, IP; Soorige, SDA; Manjula, NHC; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
Commercial and residential buildings account for almost 40% of the world total energy demand. In order to fulfil that energy requirement, large amount of fossil fuels are used and it has made a greater impact on the environmental sustainability and the economic stability of the society. Therefore, the industry gives more concern to create an environmentally friendly and economically viable renewable energy (RE) solution since last few decades. A number of environmentally friendly building design concepts have been established to promote the renewable energy (RE) usage in the building sector. Solar Net Zero Energy Building (Solar NZEB) can be identified as one such environmental friendly building design concept which has gained a significant global attention in the last decade. This study is focussed on reviewing the Solar NZEB concept and its applicability based on the literature. First the approaches to achieve zero energy balance in a building is explained in terms of energy efficiency measures and onsite renewable energy sources. Further, the design considerations of Solar Net Zero Energy Buildings are identified and following identification of the enablers and barriers for the Solar NZEB, the research concludes with a conceptual framework for Solar NZEB.
item: Conference-Full-text
Strategic approach to ensure process safety in apparel manufacturing industry using total productive maintenance (TPM)
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Denipitiya, HWSN; De Silva, N; Soorige, SDA; Madhusanka, HWN; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
Accidents in the apparel manufacturing process lead to huge monetary and productivity loses. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) can be identified as a rapidly spreading process improvement tool which is targeting zero defects, zero breakdowns and zero accidents. The aim of this research was to explore the suitability of TPM to ensure Process Safety (PS) in the apparel industry. An extensive literature review was carried out to identify process safety, process accidents and relationship between process safety TPM in the apparel industry. Accordingly set of accidents and existing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practices were identified in the apparel manufacturing process. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for the effective fulfilment of research aim. During first phase of data collection questionnaire survey and document survey were carried out with support of OSH experts to gather knowledge regarding process related accidents. Second phase of data collection was conducted using semi structured interviews and observations to identify TPM approaches used to enhance the PS in apparel manufacturing process. Findings of the study revealed that implementing TPM led to improve the process safety in the apparel manufacturing process up to some extent. But 90% of the identified TPM approaches focused to ensure the production and quality systems. Therefore, process safety was not adequately addressed by identified TPM approaches in both cases. Hence after implementing TPM, still there were accidents in the apparel manufacturing process. Since the research highlighted the importance of paying adequate attention to process safety when implementing TPM otherwise achieving zero accidents remains as a challenge.
item: Conference-Full-text
STRATEGIC APPROACH TO ENSURE PROCESS SAFETY IN APPAREL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY USING TOTAL PRODUCTIVE MAINTENANCE (TPM)
(2016-09-06) Denipitiya, HWSN; De Silva, N; Soorige, SDA; Madhusanka, HWN
Accidents in the apparel manufacturing process lead to huge monetary and productivity loses. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) can be identified as a rapidly spreading process improvement tool which is targeting zero defects, zero breakdowns and zero accidents. The aim of this research was to explore the suitability of TPM to ensure Process Safety (PS) in the apparel industry. An extensive literature review was carried out to identify process safety, process accidents and relationship between process safety TPM in the apparel industry. Accordingly set of accidents and existing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practices were identified in the apparel manufacturing process. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for the effective fulfilment of research aim. During first phase of data collection questionnaire survey and document survey were carried out with support of OSH experts to gather knowledge regarding process related accidents. Second phase of data collection was conducted using semi structured interviews and observations to identify TPM approaches used to enhance the PS in apparel manufacturing process. Findings of the study revealed that implementing TPM led to improve the process safety in the apparel manufacturing process up to some extent. But 90% of the identified TPM approaches focused to ensure the production and quality systems. Therefore, process safety was not adequately addressed by identified TPM approaches in both cases. Hence after implementing TPM, still there were accidents in the apparel manufacturing process. Since the research highlighted the importance of paying adequate attention to process safety when implementing TPM otherwise achieving zero accidents remains as a challenge.
item: Conference-Abstract
Usage of alternative dispute resolution methods for settlement of labour disputes of manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka
Soorige, SDA; Abeynayake, MDTE
Agreements and Industrial Courts are utilized for settlement of labour disputes in manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka instead of litigation where applicable. Thus, this study aims to identify ‘to what extent manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka practices ADR methods’. The aforesaid research problem was approached through a multiple case study including three manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka. Semi structured interviews were utilized for data collection considering both employer and employee perspectives. Findings of the case study survey revealed that usage of ADR methods was lesser comparing to the usage of litigation even though the arduous litigation process provides considerable of drawbacks. As a result of that organizations do not receive benefits of using ADR and the native drawbacks of the litigation process are there. Further findings revealed that ineffectiveness incorporated in to current ADR system was the major reason for the less usage. In this research improvements are recommended for development of ADR to achieve strong position with effective settlements which leads to increase the usage of ADR. When the usage is increasing, simultaneously organization will be benefited in two ways with reduced litigation drawbacks and benefits of ADR. This study will provide information for authorized persons about current ADR practice and areas where further improvements are required. The study emphasizes business managers and employees the significance of using ADR instead of litigation practices where applicable.