An Environmental Study on Development of Refurbishment Assessment Themes for Heritage Non-domestic Buildings in Malaysia

Hamzah, Noraini, Lou, Eric, Kamaruzzaman, Syahrul Nizam, Wong, Phui Fung, Che-Ain, Adi Irfan and Khoiry, Muhamad Azry (2019) An Environmental Study on Development of Refurbishment Assessment Themes for Heritage Non-domestic Buildings in Malaysia. Ekoloji, 28 (107). pp. 3-15. ISSN 1300-1361

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Abstract

In this study a conceptual framework will allow design teams to have an appropriate balance between economic, social and environmental issues, changing the way construction practitioners think about the information they use when assessing building projects, thereby facilitating the sustainability of building industry. In view of the increasing significance of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction required by various countries, heritage buildings serve an important target in mitigating energy consumption through refurbishment. Information on the performance assessment of heritage buildings during refurbishment is rare in current literature. Hence, the aim of this study is to explore possible applicable assessment themes for heritage building refurbishment. A literature review was conducted from various assessment tools to develop a generic assessment framework. Four focus group discussions with 32 research and industry experts were carried out, and the applicable assessment themes and sub-themes were determined. Five main assessment dimensions relevant to heritage buildings refurbishment was identified - heritage, environmental, economic, social, and process. However, the process dimension was found to be unaddressed by currently assessment tools. This research can facilitate the identification of appropriate assessment themes and sub-themes for the refurbishment and improvement of heritage buildings. The findings can also be used by policy makers, conservators, designers, and building owners when refurbishing heritage buildings.