AHFE Open AccessSustainable Built Environment
Editors: Benita Zulch, Clinton Aigbavboa, Wellington Thwala
Topics: Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure
ISBN: 979-8-950676-01-7
DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007244
Table of Contents
D-CodeWeaver: Integrating Real-Time Code Compliance Analytics into Modular Timber Housing Design
Regulatory constraints play a conclusive role in shaping housing design outcomes, yet their operational integration into early-stage workflows remains limited. This paper introduces D-CodeWeaver, an interactive computational design system that incorporates prioritized regulatory logic directly into parametric design environments to support early-stage decision-making in modular housing projects. Rather than pursuing comprehensive automated code compliance, D-CodeWeaver formalizes selected high-impact regulatory requirements as parametric design rules that operate alongside geometric modelling. The system enables designers to generate modular building blocks, allocate residential unit mixes, and receive continuous spatial and analytical feedback on regulatory implications as design configurations evolve. Developed in collaboration with industry partners, the system integrates modular massing logic and unit-distribution strategies within a unified design analytics interface. By evaluating both building-level and site-level conditions during design exploration, D-CodeWeaver supports rapid “what-if” reasoning without relying on external compliance-checking tools. This work contributes a human-centred approach to regulatory integration, demonstrating how regulatory knowledge can serve as a design-support mechanism that enhances early-stage, data-informed exploration while preserving the designer’s control.
Halil Erhan, Esmaeil Mottaghi, Elton Gjata, Yann Tregoat
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Digital Transformation in Quantity Surveying: Implications for Employability and Professional Ethics
Digital transformation is reshaping the quantity surveying (QS) discipline, with significant implications for employability and ethical responsibility. This study empirically examines the perceived impact of digital technologies on professional relevance, skill requirements and ethical considerations among quantity surveyors in South Africa. An explanatory mixed-method design was adopted, utilising a semi-structured survey administered to practising professionals. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, while qualitative responses were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings suggest that digital competence is increasingly central to employability, with respondents strongly affirming the importance of ICT skills for sustaining professional relevance. Continuous upskilling has become a necessary condition for participation in the evolving digital construction environment. In addition, ethical considerations are prominent, particularly in relation to data security, confidentiality, intellectual property and accountability within digitally integrated workflows. Notably, no statistically significant differences were observed across demographic groups, suggesting that the effects of digital transformation are uniformly experienced across the profession. By connecting digital transformation to employability and ethical behaviour in a South African setting, the study provides empirical insight on an underexplored issue. It concludes that digital technologies are augmenting rather than displacing the QS role, necessitating a reconfiguration of professional competencies that integrates digital proficiency with ethical judgement and continuous learning.
Barend Aucamp Du Toit, Liam Coetzee
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Enhancing Connection Performance for a Sustainable Built Environment: A Comparative Investigation of Prying Forces
Bolted steel connections play a critical role in structural reliability, material efficiency, and the long-term sustainability of the built environment. This paper investigates prying forces in bolted connections through a comparative evaluation of theoretical models from major international standards and detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The study highlights significant discrepancies between code-based predictions and numerical simulations, with implications for over-design, unnecessary material use, and the overall sustainability of steel construction. Results show that while the Eurocode method provides upper-bound estimates based on full plasticity assumptions, it does not capture prying force evolution across loading stages, potentially leading to conservative—and material-intensive—design outcomes. The AISC method, though simple, underestimates prying due to empirical assumptions, whereas the IS 800 approach exhibited excessive sensitivity to secondary geometric parameters. The SANS 10162 criterion, which considers prying forces acceptable below 30% of the applied tension, demonstrated good alignment with FEA results. Overall, the findings confirm that increasing flange or section thickness effectively mitigates prying action; however, unnecessary thickening can be avoided through improved analytical-numerical alignment. The study therefore supports more accurate prediction methods as a pathway to optimised steel usage, resource efficiency, and sustainable structural design.
Jeffrey Mahachi, Posholi Lebusa
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Revitalising Indigenous Housing Knowledge for a Sustainable Built Environment: A South African Case Study
Indigenous housing traditions in South Africa reflect centuries of environmental adaptation, material efficiency and socio-cultural cohesion—principles increasingly recognised as essential to a sustainable built environment. Yet these traditions have been progressively marginalised through colonial disruption, rapid urbanisation and policy frameworks that prioritise Western construction technologies. This paper investigates how the documentation and revitalisation of indigenous housing design practices can contribute to sustainable, culturally grounded and inclusive development pathways. Using an interpretivist qualitative approach supported by document analysis, the study synthesises insights from academic literature, government policy texts and contemporary project case studies. The findings indicate that indigenous housing demonstrates sophisticated ecological intelligence through responsive siting, passive environmental control, and the use of locally sourced, low-carbon materials. The erosion of these practices is attributed to institutional fragmentation, limited policy recognition and the absence of indigenous knowledge within architectural and engineering curricula. The paper argues that systematic documentation, curriculum transformation and integrated policy support are essential for embedding indigenous design principles into modern practice. Revitalising these traditions presents an opportunity to advance sustainability, strengthen cultural identity and promote more resilient built environments in South Africa.
Jeffrey Mahachi, Glory Mamokiritle Sefako
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Strategic Approaches for Sustainable 4IR Skills Development in South Africa’s Built Environment
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) continues to redefine industries through technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In South Africa's built environment, advancements provide opportunities to improve productivity and sustainability. However, these efforts are impeded by poor policy alignment, inadequate educational reform, and a lack of digital infrastructure. This study explores strategic approaches that can enhance the sustainable development of 4IR skills in South Africa’s built environment. Standardised questionnaires were administered to 73 professionals working in the built environment, including architects, engineers, project managers, contractors, construction managers, and planners, through the purposive sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, such as means, standard deviations, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The topmost strategic approaches were ‘Curriculum reform to include 4IR and sustainability’, ‘Investment in digital infrastructure for training’, ‘Digital literacy programmes for underserved communities’, ‘Training in sustainable practices’, ‘Public-private partnerships for skills development’, and ‘Continuous professional development programmes’. The EFA results identified three key areas for skills development. Component 1: Institutional and Educational Programs, Component 2: Social and Awareness Interventions, and Component 3: Policy and Partnership Strategies. These results highlight the significance of collaborative governance, ongoing professional development, and curriculum modernisation in enhancing national 4IR competencies in the South African built environment.
Joshua Kubelun, Kofi Owusu Adjei, Murendeni Liphadzi
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Climate Adaptation Projects for Resilient Cities and Social Value: A Scientometric Review
The risks associated with climate change are escalating in communities, and the benefits of adaptation projects are often assessed by focusing primarily on the technical gains of increased resilience, with comparatively less attention to the social value they create for those communities. This study reviews academic evidence on how climate change adaptation projects implemented in the urban built environment translate these strategies into two outcomes: the city’s resilience and social value, through the lens of the delivery of urban planning and construction projects. The scientometric analysis was carried out on 58 peer-reviewed documents identified from the Web of Science (n=51) and the Scopus database (n=7), with relevance to English-language publications. The results of the keyword co-occurrence analysis using the VOSviewer tool, with a minimum of five occurrences and 22 keywords, clustered into four distinct themes: Policy Frameworks, Urban Resilience, Risk Management, and Planning Governance. The results of the study suggest a highly interconnected body of knowledge networked around the keywords of climate change, adaptation, cities, and resilience, representing a dynamic shift from a traditional framework of risk and vulnerability to a more contemporary approach that focuses on the roles of policy, planning, governance, and sustainability. It is also interesting to recognise the limited appearance of social value as a high-frequency keyword. The paper contributes a cluster delivery logic that links strategy, project selection, design needs, coordination, and implementation management to outcomes of resilience and social value. The discussion of implications suggests the need to integrate a criterion of social value into appraisal, procurement, and review processes, and to develop African evidence through African-led evaluations and context-related delivery research.
Nana Akua Gyadu-asiedu, Clinton Aigbavboa, Lerato Millicent Aghimien, Simon Ofori Ametepey
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
A Data Security Framework: A Step Towards Reducing Data Risks in the Construction Industry
Nowadays, many construction organisations are experiencing data security risks due to the enormous amount of data generated by the adoption of 4IR and the complex nature of the construction sector. These data risks can affect projects to the extent that the company shuts down or abandons the project. The risks include losing important information, extortion, time wastage, cost overruns, and poor project delivery outcomes. For years, construction companies have sought ways to reduce security risks to enable peace of mind throughout the project lifecycle. The adoption of the 4IR (fourth industrial revolution) has raised security risks such as quantum computing threats, viruses, malware, and cyber fraud. Therefore, this study sets out to use the Fourth Industrial Revolution to provide a safe working environment. The study used a literature review methodology to develop knowledge and a framework for how the 4IR can provide security measures in data management. It is evident from the reviewed literature that the 4IR is important for benefits such as fast project delivery and good communication among project members. Moreover, the 4IR is extremely significant for data management during the project lifecycle, promoting better collaboration operations. The various security measures that can be used in the construction sector include using multiple coding methods, digital empowerment of staff, and virus detection software. The study recommended that professionals continue to adopt the 4IR and the data security measures provided in this paper to prevent work delay and stoppage due to risk outbreaks.
Ornella Tambwe, Clinton Aigbavboa, Toluwanimi Ogunade, Gloria Akanyawie Awnyetemy, Nana Akua Gyadu-asiedu
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Integration of BIM-based model in waste management toward net-zero construction using a lifecycle conceptualized mapping
The construction industry aims to eliminate waste, a goal achievable through the implementation of sustainable practices within an efficient system that supports sustainability across the entire construction process. This study examines the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to reduce or eliminate waste throughout the entire construction lifecycle. To this end, articles addressing the causes of waste generation in the construction industry and the integration of BIM-based systems in waste management were analyzed. A high-capacity, functional BIM-based model with comprehensive lifecycle mapping was developed to achieve net-zero waste across all construction lifecycle phases. Real-time synchronization within this model minimizes errors, reduces waste, and improves efficiency throughout the construction process. Furthermore, by optimizing resource utilization and reducing negative environmental impacts, BIM lifecycle mapping supports sustainable practices. The findings indicate that BIM can effectively facilitate the planning, ordering, production, and delivery of construction components during the design phase. All modifications to the building model are updated immediately during this phase. The 3D geometry enables project sequencing, quantity take-offs, and integrated energy analysis during the procurement phase. Virtual construction modeling, which is cost-effective, can be applied throughout the construction phase. In the operational phase, BIM technology supports disaster planning, asset management, building system analysis, maintenance scheduling, tracking, and space management. The application and adoption of the developed BIM-based model for net-zero waste management in construction projects enabled the elimination and prevention of waste. In conclusion, this study highlights the increasing recognition and integration of BIM-based models in waste management to achieve net-zero construction. Also, as the construction industry continues to adopt these models, future projects could see significant improvements in sustainability and resource efficiency. This shift towards BIM-based approaches could also drive innovation in material reuse and waste-reduction techniques embracing these technologies may pave the way for more environmentally friendly construction practices and industry-wide transformations.
Ademilade Olubambi, Oluwabukunmi Ogunsanya, Clinton Aigbavboa, Bolanle Ikotun
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
'MoldVisor': AI-Based Mold Detection Technology for Proactive Building Maintenance
Mold growth in high-humidity environments presents persistent challenges to building integrity, maintenance costs, and occupant health, particularly in regions such as the United Arab Emirates where condensation and moisture accumulation are frequent. Existing mold detection approaches are largely reactive, relying on visual inspection or post-growth identification, which often leads to delayed intervention and increased structural and health risks. This paper presents MoldVisor, an AI-enabled mold recognition and monitoring system designed to identify early-stage mold risks before visible growth occurs. MoldVisor integrates thermal imaging, environmental sensing (humidity, temperature, volatile organic compounds), and edge AI algorithms to continuously analyze environmental patterns associated with mold development. By combining real-time data acquisition, predictive analytics, and intelligent risk assessment, the system enables proactive, condition-based building maintenance. The device architecture is informed by building maintenance requirements to ensure usability, operational efficiency, and scalability. Experimental evaluation demonstrates the potential of AI-driven sensing technologies to transform mold management from reactive detection to preventive intervention, improving building health, reducing maintenance efforts, and enhancing occupant well-being. The findings provide insights for the development of intelligent, technology-driven preventive maintenance solutions in smart buildings.
Danah Al Ameri, Bashayer Almenhali, Sara Almarar, Ahmed Shuhaiber
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
The Development of Policy Analysis about Carbon Neutrality: A Bibliometric Review
Carbon neutrality has already become global vision, aiming at the low-carbon transition of society to avert catastrophic climate change. Responding to this objective, government, as the authority, needs to utilize policy instruments to steer low-carbon socioeconomic activity. Therefore, various policies are being formulated to build a comprehensive governance mechanism, followed by abundant policy research to explore various problems faced in the process of policymaking and implementation, such as how a policy works, how effective a policy is or what the breadth and depth of a relevant policy mix are. Although new research is emerging all the time, the current policy research about carbon neutrality are fragmented and context-dependent, and there lacks research to systematically review the holistic research situation in this domain. Thus, we presented an in-depth overview of the development of the policy research about carbon neutrality including its current status, research hotspots and frontiers through CiteSpace. Five problems were addressed in the review by analyzing 1,151 unique scientific articles from Web of Science: (1) What’s the spatial and temporal distribution situation of the 1,151 unique articles? (2) What’s the current dominating research theme in this research field? (3) Whether the research themes by Chinese authors in English and Chinese journals are distinct? (4) Which journals have grabbed the attention of many scholars? (5) What’s the research hotspots and frontiers of this field and what’s the current research direction?
Peihan Wen, Yujiao Shu, Yuan Fu, Zhouhai Chen
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Measure of resiliency of Information, communication and other smart-technologies in underdeveloped flood-affected communities
The perceptions of flood affected individuals on the use of Information, communication and other smart technologies (ICSTs) to improve communication flow between themselves and the flood management authorities is a largely under-explored field, especially, for underdeveloped and highly flood prone communities. One of the challenges faced by the community is the Lack of timely transportation systems and floods related information is the biggest challenge for all times. Historically, this lack of information has resulted in many causalities and major loss, establishing the rationale for the research question that “What types of ICSTs are used by the residents of emerging communities to attain transportation systems under floods related information and what are the influencing factors”. In total 1105 randomly selected households from the case-study were recruited to complete a questionnaire. A Multinomial Logistic Regression approach was employed to analyze the data. Seven different categories of ICSTs as dependent variables (DVs), and eighteen different independent variables (IDVs) based on the personal traits of individuals, socio-economic characteristics and awareness of the relevant authorities to contact for transportation systems and floods-specific information during flooding were modelled. Twelve IDVs were found to be significant in the model-fitting process and in total nineteen different statistically significant models were developed. The results illustrated perceived importance of each group of ICSTs according to different user categories. The research outcomes will contribute to the development of advanced ICSTs usage analytics driven policies and management frameworks, enhancing efficient transportation systems, search and rescue operations, evacuation strategies, and emergency logistics planning for flood-affected communities.
Izza Anwer, Irfan Yousuf
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Human-Centred Carbon Decision-Making in Early Design: A Systems Review of Lifecycle Carbon Leverage
The built environment is central to global climate mitigation, with lifecycle carbon emissions increasingly shaped by early-stage design decisions. As operational standards improve, embodied carbon and whole-life performance have emerged as critical concerns. Although substantial research documents carbon reduction strategies across materials, structural systems, passive design, building services, and cost evaluation frameworks, existing studies remain largely intervention-specific. This study therefore examines which early design decisions exert the greatest lifecycle carbon leverage within an integrated project system and aims to address this gap through a qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 44 academic and industry publications examining early-stage lifecycle carbon reduction in commercial buildings mainly between 2015 and 2025. Studies were included if they evaluated feasibility- or conceptual-stage design decisions affecting embodied or operational carbon performance. Thematic synthesis was used to identify recurring intervention domains and reported carbon reduction magnitudes across material, structural, passive, services, and evaluation-based approaches. Findings indicate that structural configuration and material selection are consistently associated with significant embodied carbon variation (20–40% reduction through low-carbon substitution; up to 28–51% variation across structural systems). Passive design strategies demonstrate 25–50% operational energy reductions when embedded during conceptual design. In contrast, building services and renewable integration, while important, are frequently constrained by earlier structural and spatial decisions. Lifecycle cost–carbon frameworks improve trade-off visibility but function primarily as enabling mechanisms rather than direct carbon reducers. The evidence suggests that lifecycle carbon performance is largely determined during feasibility and conceptual design, where early decisions establish trajectories that are difficult to reverse. Decarbonisation therefore depends on embedding carbon alongside cost and performance criteria within human-centred early design decision environments. Future research should empirically examine how interdisciplinary teams integrate carbon metrics during concept-stage evaluation and develop structured methodologies for comparing early-stage intervention leverage in live project contexts.
Liezl Le Roux, Hano Jacobs, Lara du Plessis
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Bamboo FlexGrid: A Participatory Design of Campus Social Furniture from a Behavioral Activation Perspective
Campus micro-renewal plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of public spaces and revitalizing social networks. However, peripheral campus areas often degrade into "lost spaces" that fragment interactions and inhibit social engagement due to functional decline, yet effective revitalization strategies remain scarce. To address this issue, this study proposes the “Bamboo FlexGrid” composite social furniture system to revitalize passive spaces. Grounded in behavioral activation and participatory design, the system utilizes bamboo to construct a modular grid system that supports free assembly at the physical level. At the digital level, it integrates WebAR technology to overlay virtual components, capturing user interactions in real time to generate art posters with emotional feedback. Practical evaluations demonstrate that through gamified interventions, the system successfully transforms neglected peripheries into dynamic spaces that stimulate spontaneous social interaction among faculty and students. This research validates the potential of public art in mitigating negative spatial perceptions, offering an interdisciplinary solution for campus micro-renewal that integrates human-centered scale, emotional warmth, and dynamic growth potential.
Yuting Zhang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Framework for Integrating Smart Waste Management System in the South African Construction Industry.
The construction industry in South Africa is a major contributor to solid waste generation, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and inefficient site management. The growing volume of construction waste and the limitations of existing waste collection and disposal systems pose serious challenges for urban areas. Consequently, prior studies have emphasized the need for smart waste management (SWM) to improve waste monitoring, segregation, collection, transportation, and environmentally responsible disposal in the construction industry. Despite its potential, the adoption and performance of SWM in construction remain limited due to several persistent barriers. To address these challenges, this study proposes a comprehensive framework for enhancing SWM systems in the South African construction industry. The framework is structured around three key aspects: barriers, facilitators, and benefits of implementing SWM. A quantitative research approach was adopted using a structured questionnaire administered to construction professionals across South Africa, yielding 195 valid responses. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings indicate that the primary barriers are poor digital infrastructure, high investment costs, technical complexity, and limited technical expertise. The facilitators to overcome these barriers include technological readiness, organizational capability, and institutional and regulatory support. The results further demonstrate that adopting SWM can significantly reduce landfill disposal, enhance waste reduction and material recovery, and improve operational efficiency. This study contributes to sustainable construction by providing an empirically grounded, context-specific framework to support policymakers, construction firms, and industry stakeholders in advancing innovative WM practices in South Africa and other developing countries.
Comfort Iyiola, Winston Shakantu
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
A Framework for Integrating Digital Ergonomics into Sustainable Construction Site Management
This study is premised on the argument that achieving sustainability in construction site management requires integrating Digital Ergonomics. Accordingly, the objectives of the study are twofold: to examine the benefits of Digital Ergonomics for sustainable construction site management and to develop a framework for its systematic integration into construction site operations. The theoretical foundation of the study is anchored in Socio-Technical Systems theory, which emphasizes the joint optimization of human and technological systems.A qualitative research methodology was adopted through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. A total of 109 research publications were identified and screened, forming the basis of the analysis. The findings reveal five key benefits of Digital Ergonomics for sustainable construction site management: potential for scenario analysis, GIS-enabled spatial analysis, multimodal interaction, waste reduction and management, and digital lean construction. Furthermore, the study proposes a six-stage integrative framework for embedding Digital Ergonomics into sustainable construction site management, comprising modular construction, sustainability indicators and design for construction sites, a Big Data analytic model, design of human action behavior recognition technology, application of Digital Twin technology, and a biophilic construction site model.The study concludes that Digital Ergonomics serves as a strategic bridge between human-centered design and sustainable, data-driven construction operations. It recommends institutionalizing the twin transitions of digitalization and sustainability within construction site policies and regulatory frameworks, as well as practical experimentation with Digital Ergonomics models across diverse construction contexts.
Love David, Clinton Aigbavboa, Ayobami Idowu
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Ascertaining the Optimal Combustion Temperature and Duration of Rice Husk Ash as a Supplementary Cementitious Material: A Literature Survey
The study establishes the combustion temperature and duration that optimize the chemical composition of rice husk ash as a supplementary cementitious material through a literature inquiry. Concentration of SO3, (SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3), and CaO in rice husk ash (RHA), in accordance with ASTM C618-2019 classification for fly ash, aided in achieving the study's aim. The combustion temperature and duration in existing studies that satisfied the requirements of SO3, CaO, and recorded the maximum (SiO2 +Al2O3 + Fe2O3) score, were recommended as the optimal combustion temperature and duration of RHA. Sources of data included conference and journal articles which clearly stated the combustion temperature and/or duration, and were not older than 9 years. The optimal combustion temperature was 600 °C for a duration of 6 hours. The corresponding CaO (3.85) did not exceed 18.00%, SO3 (0.00) did not exceed 5%, and (SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3) was 95.47%, exceeding the minimum required of 50%. This study has established the optimal combustion temperature and duration of RHA as a supplementary cementitious material, which hitherto was largely missing in existing literature. Practically, it serves as a reference guide to academics and construction practitioners as to the combustion temperature and duration that optimize the chemical composition of RHA. It promotes rice husk waste valorisation and addresses Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action.
Matthew Kwaw Somiah, Clinton Aigbavboa, Frederick Owusu Danso, Jeriscot Quayson, Isaac Yaw Manu, Micheal Biney, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Benjamin Kodjo Aidoo
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Opportunities, Adoption of 4IR Technologies by SMEs in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Review
The construction sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), faces increasing pressure to improve productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability amid rising project complexity and digital transformation. The adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies offers opportunities to enhance SME performance through efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and organisational resilience. These technologies align with key Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 11. This study presents a systematic review of 38 peer-reviewed, Scopus-indexed journal articles and conference proceedings published between 2020 and 2025, limited to English-language publications in engineering, business management and accounting, social sciences, and environmental studies. The findings show engagement across developed and developing economies. The United Kingdom leads with 10 publications, followed by South Africa with 7, reflecting increasing research interest in a developing-economy context. Malaysia ranks third with 6 publications, indicating sustained digitalisation Southeast Asia, while East Asian contributions highlight the role of digital maturity and policy environments. Despite this engagement, research from developing regions particularly Africa remains limited, with South Africa and Nigeria the only African countries appearing prominently, highlighting persistent research and implementation gaps. The literature identifies key opportunities associated with 4IR adoption, including improved project coordination through BIM, enhanced productivity and cost efficiency via automation and digital platforms, and improved sustainability performance through real-time monitoring and resource optimisation. However, the limited availability of longitudinal and context-specific studies in developing countries shows the need for targeted policy support, investment in digital infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives to enable inclusive and sustainable digital transformation among construction SMEs.
Motheo Tjebane, Snenhlanhla Precious Hlengwa, Samuel Herald Peter Chikafalimani, Molusiwa Stephan Ramabodu, Gift Laolang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Strategies for Sustainable Retrofits in Higher Learning Institutions' Infrastructure in African Countries: A Bibliometric Review
Higher learning institutions across African developing countries face aging infra-structure, increasing energy demands, and the need to align with sustainability goals. Retrofit-ting existing buildings offers a cost-effective strategy to improve environmental performance and occupant well-being. However, limited consolidated knowledge exists on sustainable retrofit strategies within the African higher education context. This study evaluates such strategies through a bibliometric review of 33 Scopus-indexed publications, using VOSviewer to analyse citation networks and keyword co-occurrence. The findings show that China dominate the re-search output, while African contributions remain limited, with South Africa leading the region. Key themes identified include sustainable development, green building, energy efficiency, and construction practices. The results highlight a significant research gap in African focused studies and emphasise the need for capacity building among academics and practitioners. This study provides insights to guide future research and support the effective implementation of sustainable retrofitting in higher education infrastructure.
Dunisani Sydwell Shivambu, William Nkomo, Motheo Tjebane, Gift Laolang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings