Sustainable design of built infrastructure and engineering services for South African universities

Abstract

Universities have made great strides in research and the development of new knowledge. They are known as centres of enlightenment. However, there is a need for universities to lead by example in other respects, in particular in limiting the environmental impact on cities. This is in respect of the sustainability of built infrastructure and the services provided on campuses, in the wake of challenges of climate change. Practical applications of research in the areas of high-performance buildings, can impact a city positively. Evidences from literature indicate that most of the South African cities were poorly designed from an ecological perspective and have large environmental impacts. New building standards have been recommended but are not comprehensive enough to address problems related to the performance of university buildings and infrastructure. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop an appropriate model for building performance evaluation in higher education institutions based on assessment of parameters for achieving Energy Efficiency (EE), Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Water Use Efficiency (WUE). The study was executed by multiple case study approach because it permitted case studies of three university campuses in South Africa. The target universities constituted the units of analysis and therefore provided opportunity for in-depth assessment of building parameters of size, orientation, fenestrations, building materials, type of ventilation, building function, type of lighting, and behaviour of occupants to determine their effects on the categories of EE, IEQ and WUE. Data collection included both qualitative and quantitative approaches, which were used to establish relationships between the various parameters and how they affect EE, which in turn is influenced by WUE which affects IEQ. A system dynamic model was used to determine causal relations of the building parameters EE, IEQ and WUE. This approach constitutes an innovative and pioneering contribution to building performance evaluation. The study has established a basic level of awareness and understanding among design- and construction practitioners of the importance of the use of System Dynamics in building performance evaluation, which can be used as a tool for delivering strategic objectives in the preliminary designs of educational buildings and infrastructure. The results of the study contribute to building guidelines for sustainable design of educational neighbourhoods for the transformation of campuses, which in turn can motivate beneficial changes for more sustainable performance of the built facilities.