Browsing by Author "Tennakoon, GA"

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item: Conference-Full-text
5S principles for sustainable resource and waste management in Sri Lankan construction projects
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Wijesinghe, EDAT; Jayawickrama, TS; Tennakoon, GA; Wijewickrama, MKCS; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
The significant resource consumption and waste generation in the construction sector highlights the imperative for sustainable management of resources and waste, particularly in Sri Lanka. Over time, various techniques have emerged as potential solutions to address this challenge, with the 5S technique standing out as a widely discussed approach. This technique is focused on producing high-quality outputs with minimal wastage and high productivity, making it well-suited for sustainable resource and waste management. However, despite its potential, there is limited research exploring its application in this context within the construction domain, specifically in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the applicability of 5S principles for sustainable resource and waste management in Sri Lankan construction projects. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was conducted on the 5S principles and the concept of sustainable resource and waste management, which led to the development of a conceptual framework for the application of 5S principles for sustainable resource and waste management. Following this, a pilot study using interviews was conducted to investigate the specific activities that could be implemented under the individual 5S principles for sustainable resource and waste management. Integrating these activities within construction projects could help mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with resource consumption and waste generation in the industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the construction industry: the case of Sri Lanka
(IEEE, 2021-07) Safshath, MIM; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Tennakoon, GA; Adhikariwatte, W; Rathnayake, M; Hemachandra, K
Nanotechnology is one of the evolving modern technologies, increasingly being adopted in the construction industry. Nanomaterials provide numerous advantages over conventional materials such as improvements in quality and sustainability performance and reduction in cost and time for use. Sri Lanka is geographically rich with mineral resources that contain suitable raw materials for producing nanomaterials. Despite this, adoption of nanotechnology in the Sri Lankan construction industry is low. This paper therefore aims to investigate the availability and application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Considering the novelty of the area, a qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the field of nanotechnology to gather the required data and content analysis techniques were used to analyze the qualitative data collected. The study findings reveal that nanomaterials can be produced using locally available mineral resources. However, Sri Lanka is yet to realize the optimum value from its mineral resources that can be used in the production of nanomaterials. Further empirical opinions regarding the feasibility of producing nanomaterials in Sri Lanka are also offered through this research.
item: Article-Full-text
Implementation of circular economy principles during pre-construction stage: the case of Sri Lanka
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2021) Wijewansha, AS; Tennakoon, GA; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ekanayake, BJ
Purpose – Despite the positive impacts of the construction sector on enhancing economic growth and ensuring societal well-being, its negative impacts on the environment from unsustainable resource consumption levels, emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and waste generation is monumental. Circular economy (CE) concept is identified globally as an avenue to address problems regarding adverse impacts of construction on the environment. This paper presents the principles of CE as an avenue for enhancing environmental sustainability during the pre-construction stage within Sri Lankan construction projects. Design/methodology/approach – This research was approached through a qualitative research method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts. The number of experts were limited due to lack of experts with knowledge on the subject area in Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using content analysis. Findings – Findings revealed a range of activities under each R principle of CE, that is, reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, reclassification and renewability that could be implemented during the pre-construction stage, thereby providing a guide for construction professionals in implementing CE at the pre-construction stage. The need to expand knowledge on CE concepts within the Sri Lankan construction sector was recognized. Originality/value – This study provides a qualitative in-depth perspective on how 6R principles of CE could be integrated to a construction project during the pre-construction stage. By adopting the proposed activities under CE principles, construction professionals can enhance the environmental sustainability of construction projects.
item: Article-Full-text
Revisiting the role of professionals in designing buildings with low embodied and operational energy
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020) Tennakoon, GA; Waidyasekara, A; Ekanayake, BJ
Purpose Many studies have focused on embodied energy (EE) and operational energy (OE), but a shortage of studies on decision making, which involves several decision makers whose decisions can affect the energy performance of buildings, is evident. From the stages of the project life cycle, the design stage is identified as the ideal stage for integrating energy efficiency into buildings. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to revisit the role of professionals in designing energy-conscious buildings with low EE and OE. Design/methodology/approach This study administered a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews only with 12 experts, due to the lack of expertise in the subject matter. The data were analyzed using manual content analysis. Findings The outcomes revealed the necessity to revisit the role of construction professionals in terms of adopting energy-efficient building design concepts from the project outset. The roles of the key professional groups (i.e. architects, structural engineers, services engineers and quantity surveyors) were identified through this research. Common issues in designing energy-efficient buildings and the means of addressing such problems were outlined. Originality/value This study contributes to the knowledge by revisiting the roles of construction professionals and proposing how they could leverage their strengths to play the important role and contribute collectively to design buildings with both low OE and EE.