Factors influencing the retrofitting of existing office buildings using Adelaide, South Australia as a case study. Issue 2 (11th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruce, Toby; Zuo, Jian; Rameezdeen, Raufdeen; Pullen, Stephen
• Is Part Of: Structural survey. Volume 33:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2015-05-11
• Subjects: Real property surveys -- Periodicals; Real property -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 624.1
• DOI: 10.1108/SS-05-2014-0019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-080X

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers preventing investment in the re-use of low-grade multi-storey building stock in order to identify attributes that determine whether an existing building is suitable for retrofitting. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key industry practitioners to investigate existing practices and barriers facing low-grade building retrofits and what "ideal" multi-storey building features represent a successful investment opportunity. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – The findings showed that tenant commitment is necessary before any project goes ahead and that there exist many barriers influencing the investment decision. These include: high levels of asbestos found in existing buildings; changes in the National Construction Code necessitating enhanced fire safety and disability access; heritage listing; lack of awareness; overestimation of costs involved on simple and effective energy efficiency upgrades and change in tenant demands towards modern and efficient open plan offices. Many low-grade structures are privately owned inherited assets where the owners lack the expertise and capital to undertake retrofitting effectively. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Research limitations/implications</title> <p> – The study is focused on the Adelaide CBD in South Australia but the findings are relevant to other Australian cities. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – There is room in the market for more positive and influential schemes such as the Green Building Fund that encourage more energy efficiency upgrading of these buildings. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Social implications</title> <p> – The greater occurrence of retrofitting and re-use of older buildings, rather than demolition and rebuilding, has advantages with regard to reducing the impact of buildings on the environment and promoting sustainability. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – The research has indicated certain features of older buildings which render them as suitable candidates for retrofitting and refurbishment.</p> </sec> </abstract>