The use of conventional building materials in the construction sector significantly contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in considerable environmental damage across Pakistan. Embracing sustainable building materials is crucial for mitigating pollution, conserving energy, and enhancing indoor air quality through the utilization of recycled and renewable resources, reducing environmental pollution. The focus of this study is to explore the adoption of green building materials within Pakistan's construction sector, particularly aiming to mitigate environmental impacts, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The objectives include identification of sustainable materials, evaluation of their benefits and drawbacks, and the provision of recommendations for effective implementation. The research methodology includes the administration of closed-ended questionnaires, the conduct of interviews, and the observation process, utilizing both planned and random sampling techniques to ensure the collection of reliable data. The findings indicate a limited interest in eco-friendly materials, constrained by factors such as high costs, low market demand, and logistical challenges. Cronbach's alpha value is 0.926, which shows high internal consistency and reliability. The study highlights that 73% of construction firms in Pakistan do not use green building materials. This research distinguishes itself through a thorough evaluation of sustainable materials specifically suited to Pakistan’s industry, providing strategic insights to address current challenges and foster green building practices. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-03-015 Full Text: PDF
In the attainment of digitization and sustainable solutions under Industry 4.0, effective and economical technology like photogrammetry is gaining popularity in every field among professionals and researchers alike. In the market, various photogrammetry tools are available. These tools employ different techniques and it is hard to identify the best among them. This study is an attempt to develop a methodology for the assessment of photogrammetry tools. Overall, 37 photogrammetry tools were found via literature review and open sources, out of which 12 tools were shortlisted. The evaluation process consisted of three steps, i.e., metadata and visual inspection, comparison with the ground truth model, and comparison with the averaged-merged point cloud model. In addition, a validation test was also performed on the final sorted photogrammetry tools. This study followed a sustainable construction progress monitoring theme for rebar and covered the maximum number of photogrammetry tools for comparison by considering the most authentic evaluation and validation techniques, which make it exclusive.
20 August 2022 in Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering
This comprehensive critical review shows how green buildings and energy optimization solutions improve indoor air quality (IAQ) as well as indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and human health. The growing emphasis on sustainable living has led to the establishment of green and sustainable building approaches, which are widely acknowledged for their energy efficiency and potential to reduce costs. A systematic analysis of 128 peer‐reviewed publications was conducted, including studies on design and materials, IAQ monitoring technologies, and health impacts. Technologies such as low‐cost sensors including Dylos, Foobot, and AirVisual Pro, as well as communication systems like Wi‐Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth, and VLC, are assessed based on their performance, limitations, and practical use in real‐time IAQ monitoring. Key challenges include sensor drift, maintenance demands, environmental sensitivity, and regulatory barriers in specific regions. Intelligent calibration models and integration strategies are explored to enhance data accuracy and system longevity. While green buildings generally offer better IAQ, effectiveness varies due to outdoor pollution, building age, and material selection. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic, health‐driven approach in sustainable building design that combines architecture, technology, and human well‐being to foster resilient and healthier indoor environments.