The Challenges and Opportunities in adaptation of Green Building Rating System in Nepal
Ar. Itiza Sharma 1, Dr. Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya 2 , Er. Aashika Pokharel 3
1 Senior
Architect/ Managing Director, Architecture Department, Nepal Engineering
College, Kathmandu, Nepal
2 Assistant
Dean, Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur, India
3 Department of Road/ Senior
Divisional Engineer, Kathmandu, Nepal
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ABSTRACT |
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Nepal
especially Kathmandu Valley is highly rich in huge number of residences and
users from all over the country which is major source of increasing
Greenhouse Gas emission and CO2 footprints. Haphazardly mushrooming concrete
jungle without proper planning, environmental consciousness and future vision
is the big, alarming sign of degradation of its beauty and environment. Nepal
is leading towards "grey rather than green". Electricity
consumption growing rate of approximately 10% per
year and the total energy consumption at a rate of 2.4% per year is in
increasing order. At present context, the depletion of energy resources and
the risk of climate change is demanding for a sustainable development path
based on renewable energies and energy efficiency. Therefore, incorporating
green features in buildings can substantially save energy, water consumption,
and reduce GHG emissions. Green Building Rating System provides framework for
healthy, efficient, carbon and cost saving green buildings. It helps the
building industry to move toward sustainable development and enhances
performance, durability, aesthetic, and sustainability of built environment.
In many developed and developing countries, there is a minimum mandatory rule
for rating system. Rating of building helps user to know and aware about how
much his/ her houses consume energy and reduce; not only energy consumption
but also reduces the energy expenses. The knowledge about energy efficiency,
green building, green features, design parameters and Green Building Rating
System is very low among the general public and most
of the technical persons and is the reason why still Green Building Rating
System is still not implemented in Nepal. There is a very low demand of Green
Building Rating system in Nepal due to the lack of awareness both social and
cultural. Lack of education, lack of proper and mandatory green building
related guidelines and lack of skilled manpower and technology are the major
challenges. Group of renowned Architects and experts of Nepal were involved
and tried their best with green building projects to register under LEED
certification but was failure to get the certificate. Additionally, draft of
ERA guidelines (preliminary) prepared by the group of pioneer Architects of
Nepal was the initiation towards establishment of own building rating system
in Nepal. Green Building Rating System will be the solution for energy
optimization and will mark a turning point for the green design and green
movement in building industry in Nepal. |
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Received 14 May 2023 Accepted 15 June 2023 Published 30 June 2023 Corresponding Author Itiza Sharma, itizasharma@gmail.com DOI 10.29121/granthaalayah.v11.i6.2023.5210 Funding: This research
received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial,
or not-for-profit sectors. Copyright: © 2023 The
Author(s). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 International License. With the
license CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download,
reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work
must be properly attributed to its author. |
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Keywords: Footprints, Green Building, Rating System, Green, Climate Change, Sustainable, Efficiency |
1. INTRODUCTION
Nepal facing budget gap Mishra & Aithal (2021), Mishra & Aithal (2021) can adopt green
environment policy to manage it as frequently suggested that green environmental
perspective can help to avoid unnatural maintenance expenses Mishra & Aithal (2022). “A green building is
one which uses less water, optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural
resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as
compared to a conventional building.” Green buildings refer to a structure
and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource efficient
throughout the building lifecycle, from sitting to design, construction,
operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition holding various
environmental effects Mishra and Rai (2017). Green building, in the
true sense of concern for environmental impact, is an increasingly important
aspect to new construction and renovation. Effects range in scale from local,
such as displacement of ecological habitats, to global, such as greenhouse gas
emission ultimately leading to global warming and climate change. Similarly,
operation period will have pollutants emission both directly and indirectly.
Green building practices and technologies seek to address these foreseeable
adverse environmental effects. The increasing demand of housing and
insufficient supply of the same raises the questions and strong demand for
searching new ways to fulfil it Mishra et al. (2020), Mishra
& Shah (2018) , Mishra
(2019)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) state that the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) LEED "encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation. LEED certification process is globally recognized as a symbol of sustainability achievement. Development of the program marks a turning point for the design and construction industries. Over 91 countries have LEED projects. "LEED" green building rating programs, represent a critical development within the green movement as it encourages designers and builders to reevaluate current construction practices and focus sustainability of building. "LEED" certified buildings save at least 50% of the energy used by a comparable non- certified building. Different green building rating systems have been developed around the world following LEED categories at first with gradual modification according to requirement and naming it differently.
Green building design is a growing field within architectural
design. It has emerged in the construction industry as the practice of
designing, constructing, and operating facilities in such a manner that their
environmental impact, which has become a great concern of construction
professionals, can be minimized. "The construction material in use today
should be sustainable and "Green solutions has to be developed to meet the
emerging needs. As buildings are one of the major contributors to greenhouse
gas emissions, there is a need to promote green building concept by both the
private sector and the government in Nepal. With the increasing energy demand,
consumption and release, the traditional
practices of construction process and management are found unable to control
unprecedented challenges including the carbon emission issue. It is found that
passive design building is highly green but do not cover requirements in case
of multistoried green buildings.
Figure 1
Figure 1 Energy Consumption by Sector (WECS, 2010) |
Green
building rating system is very essential key to move the construction industry
toward sustainability but adoption of it of other developed country in
different context cannot cover all the issues of sustainability of Kathmandu
Valley and Nepal. LEED give maximum
priority to its energy and atmosphere category and emphasis on using mechanical
system but in Nepal's context, more emphasis should be given to the production
of renewable energy, water management, waste management, quality of local
materials and integrated process for better validity of work culture.
Figure 2
Figure 2 Residential Primary Energy Consumption, 2010 Buildings Energy Data Book |
Numerous practices and efforts have been evolved previously in building industry in Nepal for the development of green buildings over the last two decades. Architect Bibhuti Man Singh, Architect Sushil Bajracharya with their involvement in Green Home Project was a very effective approach towards green movement. In spite of these efforts, building practices do not seem to have undergone any tremendous, marked changes. The reasons for and/or against participation in green building rating programs on behalf of businesses involved in construction speak volumes as to where the industry is headed. Rating/Labeling systems of building is gaining popularity in present due to ease in measure of energy efficiency and emission worldwide. Other Architect Ujjwal Man Singh, LEED AP Sujata Tuladhar, Architect Sona Prajapati were highly involved in green projects. Similarly in 2015 thesis research was also done by Architect Saurabha Shakya of IOE on Sustainable Building Rating System (SBR) for Nepal- With a case in Kathmandu Valley.
2. LIMITATIONS
·
Using
the term of construction works, it only concern with buildings.
·
The
research was focused inside Kathmandu Valley Only.
·
Case
study was done based on the green projects that followed LEED credits.
·
The
LEED analysis was focused on Building Design and Construction for
·
Commercial
and residential building, apartments.
·
The
recommendations are based on the case study, Qualitative Analysis (Interviews).
3. OBJECTIVE
The overall objective of this
research was to analyze the challenges and
opportunities in adaptation of green building rating system in Building
industry in Nepal. The specific objectives of this research were:
·
To analyze the challenges in adaptation of green building
rating system in Building industry in Nepal.
·
To
identify the opportunities in adaptation of green building rating system in
Building industry in Nepal.
4. METHODOLOGY
Research Methodology provides the systematic process of
describing research questions, research objectives, methods of data collection,
data analysis, and defining results and discussions. The research was based on the quantitative as well as qualitative
approach for the entire research. For this, quantitative survey was done with
35 respondents and qualitative with 20 professionals, clients, consultants,
contractor, and LEED professionals regarding green building projects. The
study population for the research was based on the selected number of completed
green building projects.
The sample number selection varied in different projects
that are taken on the basis of features and its
expertise involvement in the relative project. The study population consisted
of the client, consultant, and contractor; corporate heads involved in the green
projects. Primary data were the basis of this research. For the collection of
primary data, field observation,
questionnaire survey and key informant interviews (KII) were done. Field observation
was done by visiting four numbers of rated building and two numbers of
non-rated building for this research. For questionnaire survey, set of separate
questions was designed for the client, consultant and contractor
representatives worked in the green building projects regarding construction of
green building and its environmental impact, the challenges, opportunities, and
applicability of green building rating system in Kathmandu Valley. Similarly,
for KII set of open-ended questions were prepared focusing on key informant.
All total twenty-two number of professionals were selected for KII. Thus,
primary information regarding green building construction and its environmental
impact, the challenges, barriers, opportunities, and applicability of green building
rating system in opportunities, ley were collected.
Figure 3
Figure 3 Methodological Framework of Research |
Secondary data were gathered from national and international
articles, published journals, reports, previous thesis and dissertation,
conference papers, websites, published documents, literature, government acts
and regulations, technical support documents, documents from websites and other
related documents. Nepal Green Building Guidelines and other reference
guide of LEED were referred for knowledge gain. The whole population from all
six projects i.e., 35 respondents were considered as the sample size for this
study. The sample number selection varied in different projects that are taken on the basis of features and its expertise involvement in
the relative project.
Table 1
Table 1 List of Respondents from the Client, Consultant and Contractor |
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S. No. |
Project’ Name |
Client Representative |
Consultant Representative |
Contractor Representative |
Total |
1 |
Crystal Palace Tahachal,
Kathmandu |
1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
Central Park Apartment Bishalnagar,
Kathmandu |
2 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
Hama Iron and Steel Building-Kamladi,
Kathmandu |
2 |
3 |
3 |
8 |
4 |
Siddhi Poly Path Lab-Dillibazar,
Kathmandu |
2 |
3 |
3 |
8 |
5 |
Mato Ghar-Budhanilkantha,
Kathmandu |
2 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
6 |
Pyramid House-Thaiba,
Lalitpur |
1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
|
Total |
10 |
14 |
11 |
35 |
Data analysis was done based on the data collected from the
questionnaire was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel
application and for ranking the factors overall using the Simple weightage
method. Before analysis began, several preliminary processes were adapted:
editing data, addressing blank responses, categorizing data, producing data
files, and doing few relative calculations. These procedures were designed to
assure data consistency and allow for meaningful interpretation of results.
Figure 4
Figure 4 Respondents Participation in Questionnaire Survey |
Validity measures the degree of agreement of the results or
conclusions withdrawn from the research questionnaire with the real world. High
validity is the absence of systematic errors in the measuring instrument. The
result of the previous research was also in agreement with the result drawn
from the questionnaire survey in this thesis. The questionnaire was prepared
with the help of LEED professional, Architects, Engineers involved in green
building projects. And finally guided and approved by the supervisor. The
questionnaire set was prepared and used for this research was tested for
Reliability Test. The questionnaire set consisted of 69 items in questionnaire.
To measure internal consistency of the questionnaire, it was subjected to Cronbach's alpha test by importing excel sheet in SPSS
and the obtained Cronbach's Alpha Value was 0.963 which shows the excellent
range of result.
Table 2
Table 2 Cronbach’s Alpha Level of Reliability |
|
Cronbach’s Alpha Value |
Internal Consistency |
α ≥ 0.9 |
Excellent |
0.9 > α ≥ 0.8 |
Good |
0.8 > α ≥ 0.7 |
Acceptable |
0.7 > α ≥ 0.6 |
Questionable |
0.6 > α ≥ 0.5 |
Poor |
0.5 > α |
Unacceptable |
Source
Bujang, et al., 2018 |
5. CASE STUDIES
Kathmandu Valley was selected as study area for this research. For the selection of the projects inside Kathmandu and Lalitpur district, 4 numbers of green building projects applied for LEED certification as rated and 2 numbers of buildings with application of green technology only but not applied for LEED certification as non-rated buildings were taken as study projects. As there are limited projects on count with green technology application and applied for LEED certification, the study was conducted in different apartments and corporate buildings with LEED credits.
Table 3
Table 3 List of Projects Registered for LEED Certification |
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S. No. |
Building |
Location |
Building Type |
Owner/ Investor |
GBRS |
Built-up Area |
Registered Date |
1 |
Central Park Apartment |
Bishalnagar, Kathmandu |
Apartment |
Clean Developers Pvt. Ltd. |
LEED CS 2.0 |
73,286 Sq.ft. |
23/06/2009 |
2 |
Butwal Power Company |
Buddhanaga, Kathmandu |
Corporate |
Butwal Power Company Ltd. |
LEED NC 2009 |
56,760 Sq.ft. |
16/06/2010 |
3 |
Crystal Palace |
Tahachal, Kathmandu |
Apartment |
Technical Interface |
LEED NC 2010 |
325,392 Sq.ft. |
18/06/2010 |
4 |
Hama Iron and Steel Building |
Kamaladi, Kathmandu |
Corporate |
Hama Iron and Steel |
LEED NC 2009 |
68,942 Sq.ft. |
23/08/2010 |
5 |
Siddhi Poly Path Lab |
Dillibazar, Kathmandu |
Healthcare |
Siddhi Poly Clinic |
LEED NC 2009 |
10,196 Sq.ft. |
05/09/2010 |
6 |
Corporate Office of Sipradi |
Thapathali, Kathmandu |
Corporate |
Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd. |
LEED NC 2009 |
36,196 Sq.ft. |
23/02/2013 |
7 |
Annex Block, Kathmandu Mall |
Sundhara, Kathmandu |
Religious Worship |
Happy Science International |
LEED NC 2009 |
5940 Sq.ft. |
19/05/2013 |
8 |
Buddha Lifestyle Scheme |
Baluwatar, Kathmandu |
Corporate |
Buddha lifestyle Pvt. Ltd. |
LEED NC 2012 |
13,364 Sq.ft. |
02/06/2013 |
9 |
Buddha Lifestyle Scheme |
Baluwatar, Kathmandu |
Corporate |
Buddha lifestyle Pvt. Ltd. |
LEED NC 2009 |
33,304 Sq.ft. |
16/05/2014 |
10 |
Marriot Hotel, Thamel |
Thamel, Kathmandu |
Hotel |
Everest Hospitality and Hotel Pvt. Ltd. |
LEED NC 2009 |
265,103 Sq.ft. |
16/12/2015 |
11 |
Soaltee Westened Premiere |
Main Chowk, Nepalgunj |
Hotel |
Soaltee Sibkrim Hotels and Resort |
LEED NC 2009 |
84,034 Sq.ft. |
21/10/2016 |
Case study of four numbers of green rated building and two numbers of non – rated building of Kathmandu and Lalitpur district were done. Its comparison helped to know the present green building scenarios inside Kathmandu Valley. For the rated building, Crystal City at Tahachal, Hama Iron and Steel building at Kamaladi, Siddhi Poly Path Lab at Dillibazar and Central Park Apartment, Bishalnagar were selected. But due to numerous reasons including high cost, time to time design change and building use requirements from client, lack of confident Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) team these buildings were unable to get LEED certificate.
Figure 5
Figure 5 (a) Crystal City
Apartment, Tahachal (b) Siddhi Poly Path Lab, Charkhal Source crystalcitytahachal.com.np Source Siddhilab.com.np |
Figure 6
Figure 6 (a) Central Park
Apartment External View (b)Hama Iron and
Steel Building, Kamaladi Source centralparkapartment.com.np Source Siddhilab.com.np |
5.1. Green Building Features
In case studies it was found to get the LEED rated
certificate for a building, different green building features had been used to
make it sustainable like:
·
Photovoltaic System
·
Insulated Walls and openings
·
VRV HVAC System
·
Winter Heat Recovery and Circulation
·
Energy Efficient Lighting Techniques
·
Thermal Displacement Ventilation
·
Eco- Friendly Refrigerant
·
Green Roof
·
Maximum use of glass for Daylighting
·
Building Integrated Energy Management
System
As the
environmental impacts of buildings has become more apparent these days, the
planners in the country have started discussing the concept of green homes to
create healthier and more resource- efficient building construction. Especially
Architecture firm has really taken initiation toward green building
construction and trying to verify green buildings designed by them to motivate
the construction industries toward sustainable development. There is no
specific rules and regulations to follow for design and construction of such
kind of building in Nepal and also there is still no any
green building rating system of Nepal till date that measures the features of
such buildings. As a result, the consultant who are really concerned about the
environment and who really wants to work toward green projects in Nepal are
forced to implement Green Building Rating System of other countries.
Figure 7
Figure 7 (a) Matoghar
Exterior View (b) Pyramid House Source Prabal
Thapa Architects Source Innovative Createers Pvt. Ltd. |
6. OBSERVATION, STUDY
AND ANALYSIS
6.1. Questionnaire Survey Response
6.1.1.
Familiarity with Green Building Rating System
Figure 4 shows, all the expertise is aware and familiar with green building rating system as the selected respondents for questionnaire are already involved in the green projects. After questionnaire survey, it was found 57.14% of the professionals are familiar with LEED rating system, 17.14% LEED and GRIHA, 14.28% LEED, GRIHA and BREEAM, 8.58% LEED, GRIHA, BREEAM and CASBEE and 2.86% LEED and LBC. From the analysis, it shows LEED is very popular and comes first among all the green building rating systems.
Figure 8
Figure 8 Familiarity with Green Building Rating System |
6.1.2. Challenges for adapting Green Building Rating System
Figure 7 shows the result of analysis of the challenges for adapting Green Building Rating System. Analysis of data was done and result shows the highest value for lack of awareness with 45.71%, secondly 25.71% for project high investment cost, 14.29% for proper guidelines, 8.58% for lack of skilled manpower and technology, and least value of 5.71% for lack of education.
Figure 9
Figure 9 Familiarity with Green Building Rating System |
6.1.3. Opportunities for Green Building Rating System
Figure 7 shows the result of opportunities of adapting GBRS. From the result it was found 45.71% majority for Ecological. Secondly, 34.28% for economical and 14.28% for social and cultural and 5.73% for advancement in professionalism. In context of Nepal, traditional Nepalese vernacular architecture is passive design techniques-based architecture which is already green. The main concept of establishment of GBRS was to save the environment by coming up with environment friendly smart design with that directly supports ecology.
Figure 10
Figure
10 Opportunities of Green Building Rating System |
6.2. KII Responses
For this research,
KII was done with 22 number of professionals including Architects, Civil
Engineer, Environmentalist, Climate Change Expert, Contractor, Corporate Heads.
During KII, very effective and helpful data were collected. Most of the
respondents had similar point of view regarding establishment of Green Building
Rating System in Nepal. Few effective selected discussions from KII are
mentioned below:
6.2.1. Discussions for the Challenges in adaptation of Green Building Rating System in Building Industry in Kathmandu Valley
1)
Discussion
1: Lack of LEED license
holder professionals known as LEED AP is major reason for the zero development
in context of green buildings. As previous failure examples for registration are
mostly due to lack of green projects experience. Also
scarcity of other skilled technical persons with fine experience in green
technology and projects may be the reason that green projects are lacking
behind in Nepal.so, we should implement it through building code and bylaws
similar to other recommendations made earlier Mishra
(2019).
2)
Discussion
2: Topography of Kathmandu
is vulnerable with steep slopes and irregular infrastructures as well.
Government agencies, stakeholders should focus on plot sizes which is main
barrier as well to cover Green Building Rating System criteria. Before
implementation of GBRS, green norms and guidelines should be developed and
strictly apply in building designs.
3)
Discussion
3: Awareness Programmes are mendatory. No any awareness
programme are there relating environment and Green Building Rating System.
Strategies should be made for general public in Nepal
because the GBRS is known to very few and limited among few technical persons
in case of Nepal.
4)
Discussion
4: Variation in status and
the living standard of people is the main for the demand of Green Building
Rating System. Everyone could not afford. Obviously, the project cost initially
goes high then general building which may not be affordable for everyone with
low income.
5)
Discussion
5: Awareness and Education
is major thing for the establishment of GBRS in Nepal. Interested clients, Investors and designers are there but lack of our own GBRS we are
unable to rate the building as a green and there are confusions rate up to what
extent. So, lack of measuring guidelines.
6)
Discussion
6: Government agencies,
stakeholders should focus and make display of prototype of green buildings with
its estimation so that it can be easier for the visitors and public to compare
with general buildings and clearly visualize the differences.
7)
Discussion
7: Before applicability of
final version of GBRS for Nepal, RND regarding GBRS should be established at
least for 4 to 5 years until we get the fine outlines of GBRS to establish.
6.2.2. Discussions for the Opportunities of Green Building Rating System in Building Industry in Kathmandu Valley
8)
Discussion
8: Nepal should have its own
contextual GBRS, selecting few credits and prerequisites criteria from
"LEED" to cover green guidelines. GBRS in Nepal can be implemented
and it will be very effective for green movement in future.
9)
Discussion
9: GBRS for Nepal especially
for Kathmandu Valley will be very effective regarding environmental issues.
Kathmandu valley is contributing towards climate change and proving its
contribution for global warming worldwide though the percentage is few but its in increasing order.
10) Discussion 10: LEED certificate for a building is like
stars rating to hotels. For Nepal, at first starting should be done from
capital as it covers booming construction and huge population to motivate.
Incentives from municipalities should be provided to users and tax credit
availability should be made for the user who made their building green to
encourage them and motivate others.
11) Discussion 11: GBRS will be very effective for upcoming
future environment friendly green buildings, Net Carbon building designs for
the designers. Mostly the designers at first should follow the environmental
guidelines which is lacking behind in a general design of building.
12) Discussion 12: Implementation of Green Building Rating
System in Nepal should be done according to climate and topography of three
regions, as availability of local materials construction technologies and
landscape vary in these three regions. Different locally available materials
can be introduce.
13) Discussion 13: As GBRS focuses on reduction of GHG and CO2
footprints, therefore for the increment in environmentally sound buildings GBRS
is highly applicable and mostly in demand in between designers, experts, and
planners.
14) Discussion 14: Green Building Rating System in Kathmandu is
highly applicable and will be effective as GBRS focuses on waste management,
grey water treatment, wastewater reuse, reuse of materials under different criterias which is the panic problem of today's context
inside Kathmandu Valley.
7. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
From the study, it
is found that almost all of the consultant in Nepal are using LEED for their
building because there is no any building rating
system of Nepal implemented till date and LEED is the only green building
rating system tool which claims for its universal application as of Kumar et al. (2012).
Lack of awareness is found as major challenge for any
green building project to implement. Lack
of awareness results lack of demand. Therefore, till date GBRS is not in
implemented in Nepal because there are very few demands for it. Those who are
familiar with GBRS and interested in doing green projects are
able to get the client who wants to invest extra high cost on their
green building projects, but lack of technical persons and manpower is the
major challenge to work on green projects. Lack of proper and mandatory
guidelines for green buildings from government agencies, stakeholders is
another big challenge for establishment of GBRS which is directly connected to
the lack of skilled LEED AP, visionary planners, and technical persons. It
needs to be focused as it is one indicator for sustainable development as well Mishra and Pokharel (2023), Parkin
et al. (2003).
Ecology based design for Nepal is the main opportunity by
the implementation of Green Building Rating System. Including different
categories focusing on the use of available natural energy and resources, local
materials, low transportation, re-use of materials, waste and water management,
grey water reuse GBRS will promote for ecological design in Nepal. In long run
it saves economy with reduction in electricity and energy consumption cost
though the initial cost may high be due to the design, research, costly technology,
and material used Santori
(2007), Shahi
(2013), Shakya (2015), Utama and Gheewala (2009).
Building Bye- Laws of Nepal will get modified more in precise way including different categories. Building rating system will enhance the value of the property. Green Buildings will get recognition, also the building owners get incentives from government if facility of provided by the government. The value of building also increases after they get certified, it will be value for the customer who are going to buy as well as for the seller as the building selling price, therefore housing sector will develop increasing the value of property logically.
8. CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION
8.1. CONCLUSION
From the case
studies, analysis, qualitative and quantitative data’s, the identified challenges,
and opportunities in adaptation of Green Building Rating System and its implementation
in Nepal are found as follows:
·
Cost of Implementation: From the analysis, it came that Cost of
Implementation is the main barrier of its adaption. Investor and consultant
still think that add –on value is too high for the scale of the project and
investor are still not assures regarding the payback values of the investment.
·
Availability of Technologies and Green
Materials: Availability of
technologies and green materials is
another main barrier of its implementation. Since the market of green building
is still new in Nepal, experts and consultant find it very difficult to find
the required technologies and green material. Indian material such as paint,
coatings, adhesive, water efficient fixtures are already available in Nepali
market, so this trend will change slowly toward better sustainability in
future.
·
Not Relevance to Nepal Context: Third main barrier is, still many stakeholders
of construction industries think that some points of LEED are not relevant to
Nepal's Context. They think that LEED or any other green building rating system
are made for the country's context where they are developed. They cannot be
relevant to the different countries with different cultural values, climate,
and context. They put a strong suggestion that, either LEED should be modified
in Nepal's context like India did in LEED- India or we must develop our own BRS
which match our context, culture, and climate.
· Lack of Awareness: Fourth main barrier is lack of Awareness and Knowledge regarding Green building rating system and the advantages it could bring to the project through implementation among Investor, government agencies, consultant, project manager and other discipline of construction towards sustainable development. Investor should be made aware by consultant regarding its benefit in energy, water, indoor air quality and financial benefits in operation and maintenance, the add-on value of the project with its green features in future market. They should be motivated by government agencies through incentives and taxes, and insurance, etc.
· No Bylaws and Standards: There is still no bylaws and standard regarding green building or sustainable building in Nepal. Most of the Municipals had initiated their concern toward environment though incorporating small basis items in Design drawing, such as plantation of minimum 2 trees in small residential buildings, use of septic tank and now STP. Provision of open space by minimizing building footprints. Maximum of these points remains only in drawing, during construction clients modified these changes only concerning about monetary their values. And the worst part is there is no system of monitoring of the implementation.
8.2. RECOMMENDATION
8.2.1. Knowledge and Awareness
From the study it has
become clear that, architect consultants are well aware
about the green construction, and they are urging about the immediate action
for the awareness, Both Cultural and Social Awareness. Awareness is required
for every sector of the construction field, mainly to the key players of this
industry – Client (Owner), Architects/ Consultants, Contractors, Manufacturers.
Recommendation
·
Academically: In academic context, architecture courses already
cover passive design architecture, building services, etc. But the courses are
based on very traditional technology. Exposure to the much-achieved technology
and improvised courses still lacks in our academic. Green Construction should
be included in the courses which will match the current advance practice in the
developed world. So that the future professionals becomes aware of this
initiation toward environmental sustainability.
·
Professionally: Building practitioners, especially in
construction, need to be informed and educated about green building practices.
Training and workshops should be available to all practitioners and all
employees. Green building initiatives cannot succeed if all employees involved
in green building do not have same understanding. Promoting the green building
benefits to owners, investors are an important step to start upgrading the
construction market. They should be educated about the initial high expenses of
green systems, and the long-term financial benefits that are gained.
·
Government Level: Government should promote the green buildings
through awareness training, upgrading local mandatory codes and enforcing green
practices at least in public buildings.
8.2.2. Teamwork Culture
From the research it is
clearly seen that there should be contribution from each and
every team member for the successful green project. However, in Nepal
the teamwork culture is missing, as most of the projects are executed through
the traditional design approach, in which each team member work separately and
integration between consultants and contractors doesn't exist.
Recommendation
·
Main issue here in
Nepal is absence of communication and coordination among project teams: Client,
Architect and Designers, Civil Engineers, MEP, HVAC, Contractor due to which
project suffers a lot. This gap should be covered by assigning a dedicated team
or person to be responsible for communication and coordination.
·
As we work on very
outdated technology in compare to other countries,
since there is still no culture for proper documentation and because of lack of
proper documentation tools and relevant software’s there is always a chance of
losing and omitting valuable data, information. It's a high time to use
coordination and documentation tools and software.
· Still, we have a culture for not caring for the project scheduling and project deadlines, our projects are always time overrun, cost overrun and there is always a confusion and miscommunication among the team members.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
None.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
None.
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