The global push for net zero emissions by mid-century is reshaping the competencies required in managing buildings. The built environment is a major front in climate mitigation, accounting for an estimated 38% of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. This study reviews the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to future-proof facility management (FM) professionals in alignment with evolving climate legislation, with a focus on the UKâs NetZero 2050 target. Through a critical synthesis of recent academic, industry, and policy literature, five key themes emerge: the rise of carbon literacy and regulatory fluency as core FM competencies, the urgency of digital proficiency, the importance of strategic communication, persistent gaps in training frameworks, and the uneven integration of sustainability tools in practice. Institutional barriers, such as outdated qualifications and limited upskilling opportunities are identified alongside technical challenges. A conceptual framework is proposed to guide FM upskilling, tool integration, and strategic repositioning within organizations. The findings offer actionable insights for industry bodies, training providers, and policymakers to align FM practice with national and global climate goals, highlighting that empowering FM professionals is pivotal to achieving decarbonisation targets.
Academic, practitioner, and policy interest in digital labor platforms (DLPs)âbusinesses that use their digital infrastructure to intermediate transactions between workers and clients who need their servicesâis surging. While these transformational platforms have brought many benefits, there are growing concerns about the harms and entrepreneurial risks they create for workers. As such, there is a growing interest in problematizing the ownership and governance of DLPs. Our paper critically compares three increasingly common archetypesâCorporate DLPs, Cooperative DLPs, and Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) DLPsâto discern their likelihood of addressing or exacerbating platform workersâ exposure to harms and entrepreneurial risks. Our analysis identifies promising new opportunities for those interested in cultivating a digital solidarity economy by highlighting the merits and demerits of different alternatives to Corporate DLPs, as well as promising new hybrids like Cooperative DAO DLPs. Furthermore, it advances our understanding of factors that contribute to DLPsâ being structured in particular ways and how choices about DLPsâ structures, in turn, prompt the evolution of organizational archetypes. ⢠Calls for regulating a plurality of organisational archetypes in the digital economy to mitigate harms and risks to workers. ⢠Evaluates the harms and entrepreneurial risks of workers across 3 archetypes: Corporate DLPs, Cooperative DLPs, and DAO DLPs. ⢠Identifies two variants of DAO DLPs, the Non-Cooperative DAO DLP and the Cooperative DAO DLP. ⢠Furthers our conceptual understanding of the benefits, risks, and harms of the burgeoning digital solidarity economy.
Traditional facility management often relies on centralized decision-making structures that limit stakeholder participation, leading to misalignment with occupant needs and reduced satisfaction. This paper proposes a novel blockchain- and Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)-based framework for community-based facilities management in smart buildings. The framework comprises two key components: a decentralized governance platform that facilitates transparent collective decision-making through blockchain-based voting, and a maintenance management platform with an incentivization mechanism that encourages building occupants to actively contribute to facility upkeep through tokenized rewards. System evaluation includes cost analysis, scalability, data security considerations, usability testing, and semi-structured interviews with facility managers and researchers to assess the platform's usefulness, challenges, and adoption potential. The findings demonstrate the framework's potential as a viable incentivization solution for engaging stakeholders in the collective upkeep and improvement of building infrastructure.
The aim of this bachelorâs thesis is to clarify the key similarities and differences between physical and virtual real estate markets, focusing on marketplaces, transaction processes, market participants and value formation. The study is conducted as a literature review comparing the established, nationally regulated practices of traditional real estate markets with the global and still developing structure of blockchain-based metaverse markets. The findings show that although both markets share fundamental value drivers such as location, scarcity and income potential, the mechanisms behind these factors differ significantly. Institutional investors play a stabilizing role in physical markets, whereas metaverse markets remain fragmented and speculative. The results complement existing research and provide practical insights for professionals in both real estate and Web3 environments.
BACKGROUND: Kenyaâs public tertiary healthcare is facing persistent quality of healthcare challenges characterized by acute shortage of healthcare workers, frequent industrial unrest, broken-down healthcare facilities, and erratic supply of essential commodities. To address these systemic challenges the government introduced the asset lease financing (ALF) mechanism aimed at strengthen tertiary hospitals through modern medical equipment and technologies. However, the effect of ALF on quality remains highly debated and controversial. This study examined the effect and constraints of ALF in improving quality of healthcare within Kenyaâs tertiary hospitals. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed with quantitative data collected from 145 hospital managers, staff and patients. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants characteristics and indicators of study variables. Ordinary least square regression was then used to estimate the effect of ALF on quality of tertiary healthcare, controlling for existing traditional funding. Complementary qualitative insights were gathered from 26 policymakers, hospital managers, and health financing experts through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns in strengths and constraints. Integration of findings happened through triangulation to enhance interpretation and understanding. RESULTS: Analysis showed that asset lease financing had a significant positive effect on quality of tertiary healthcare (β = 0.587, p < 0.01), explaining 26% of the variance. When traditional funding was controlled, ALF remained significant (β = 0.495, p < 0.01), with the model explaining 33% of the variance. Respondents attributed this to improved access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, as well as expanded service capacity. However, descriptive summaries and qualitative perspectives revealed several constraints limiting ALF optimal effect in improving tertiary healthcare quality in Kenya. Stakeholders noted high recurrent costs, under-utilized assets, weak contract negotiation, and top-down procurement processes that limited hospital autonomy and contribution. Operational gaps, including inadequate training and delayed maintenance, further constrained ALF effect on quality. CONCLUSIONS: ALF has the potential to enhance quality of healthcare and technological capacity in Kenyaâs tertiary hospitals, but its effects are contingent on robust governance, effective contract design, and alignment with institutional capacity which seem lacking in the Kenyan context. Without these safeguards, current leasing arrangements risk becoming fiscally unsustainable with little quality enhancement. Policymakers should strengthen transparency, decentralize decision-making, and incorporate performance-based provisions into leasing contracts to maximize ALF effect in enhancing quality of care.
N Meghana, Neha N Rao, Nishitha Suvarna, Pranathi Bhat
Blockchain technology, a distributed and unalterable ledger system, can potentially change the real estate sector, and especially property title recording. The paper discusses the benefits and restrictions of blockchain title recording systems relative to the present U.S. title registry system, with reference to Nashville (Davidson County), Tennessee. With the benefits of enhanced security, efficiency, and fraud protection, challenges to implementation in the form of high cost, legal compliance, and scalability are yet to be overcome. Comparative reviews of international blockchain application in real estate, using examples from India and Russia, describe both successes and limitations of the technology. Finally, permissioned and private DLTs are discussed, noting that though more efficient, they might not represent a radical overhaul of government-sponsored registries. The results indicate that while blockchain-based title recording systems have direct advantages, they are not yet economically viable for mass implementation.
The construction industry is known for its intricate and fragmented nature, often plagued by inefficient processes and data management challenges. Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) presents a promising solution, potentially revolutionizing data sharing, transparency, and security. However, the successful adoption of DLT necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its implications, effective organizational changes, and strategic implementation strategies. This study examines the critical factors in adopting DLT into construction processes and workflows. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry. The findings emphasize the importance of educating staff about DLTâs benefits, strategic planning aligned with business goals, collaboration with DLT experts, universities, and industry partners, careful planning and robust security measures, and organizational changes such as dedicated DLT teams and engaging suppliers. Recommendations include prioritizing continuous improvement, investing in training programs, and exploring integration with emerging technologies. The study provides empirical insights into DLT adoption challenges and strategies, synthesizing these findings with existing literature, and offers a roadmap for construction firms, policymakers, and researchers seeking to leverage DLT for enhanced efficiency and innovation in the construction industry.
Purpose Blockchain is a developing technology that affects numerous industries, including facility management (FM). Many barriers are associated with adopting blockchain-enabled building information modeling (BEBIM) in FM. This research aims to identify and prioritize the barriers to adopting BEBIM in FM. Design/methodology/approach To address the knowledge gap, this study employs a two-phase methodology for evaluating the barriers to adopting BEBIM in FM. The first phase involves a comprehensive literature review identifying 14 barriers to BEBIM adoption. Using a Delphi approach, the identified barriers were categorized into 6 groups and finalized by 11 experts, adding 3 more barriers to the list. The best-worst method (BWM) determines the priority weights of identified barriers and sub-barriers in the second phase. Findings This study reveals that adopting BEBIM for FM in India faces significant hurdles. The most critical barriers are âlimited collaborationâ and âcommunication among stakeholders,â âlegal constraints in certain jurisdictionsâ and âchallenges in establishing trust and governance models.â To mitigate these barriers, stakeholders should foster collaboration and communication, develop efficient blockchain technology (BT) and establish a trust and governance model. Practical implications This work underscores the importance of formulating effective strategies to overcome the identified barriers and emphasizes implications that can assist policymakers and industry stakeholders in achieving successful BEBIM adoption for improved FM practice. Originality/value The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, construction industry stakeholders and facility managers interested in leveraging this technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FM practice in India.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current state of research on the integration of blockchain and building information modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry as a means of identifying gaps between the existing paradigm and practical applications for determining future research directions and improving the industry. The study aims to provide clear guidance on areas that need attention for further research and funding and to draw academic attention to factors beyond the technical dimension. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method systematic review is used, considering multiple literature types and using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework that covers three dimensions (technic, process and context) and three research elements (why, what and how). Data are retrieved and analysed from the Web of Science and Scopus databases for the 2017â2023 period. Findings While blockchain has the potential to address security, traceability and transparency and complement the system by integrating supporting applications, significant gaps still exist between these potentials and widespread industry adoption. Current limitations and further research needs are identified, including designing fully integrated prototypes, empirical research to identify operational processes, testing and analysing operational-level models or applications and developing and applying a technology acceptance model for the integration paradigm. Previous research lacks contextual settings, real-world tests or empirical investigations and is primarily conceptual. Originality/value This paper provides a comprehensive, critical systematic review of the integration of blockchain with BIM in the construction industry, using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework which can be applied in future reviews. The study provides insight into the current state and future opportunities for policymakers and practitioners in the AECO industry to prepare for the transition in this disruptive paradigm. It also provides a phased plan along with a clear direction for the transition to more advanced applications.
With the emergence of Miner Extractable Value (MEV), block construction markets on blockchains have evolved into a competitive arena. Following Ethereum's transition from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS), the Proposer Builder Separation (PBS) mechanism has emerged as the dominant force in the Ethereum block construction market. This paper presents an in-depth longitudinal study of the Ethereum block construction market, spanning from the introduction of PoS and PBS in September 2022 to May 2023. We analyze the market shares of builders and relays, their temporal changes, and the financial dynamics within the PBS system, including payments among builders and block proposers -- commonly referred to as bribes. We introduce an MEV-time law quantifying the expected MEV revenue wrt. the time elapsed since the last proposed block. We provide empirical evidence that moments of crisis (e.g. the FTX collapse, USDC stablecoin de-peg) coincide with significant spikes in MEV payments compared to the baseline. Despite the intention of the PBS architecture to enhance decentralization by separating actor roles, it remains unclear whether its design is optimal. Implicit trust assumptions and conflicts of interest may benefit particular parties and foster the need for vertical integration. MEV-Boost was explicitly designed to foster decentralization, causing the side effect of enabling risk-free sandwich extraction from unsuspecting users, potentially raising concerns for regulators.
The building sectorâs decarbonization progress made to date has not been enough to achieve the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C1. To avert a catastrophic climate disaster, mobilizing capital at the requisite scale and speed is urgently needed. However, as things stand, the investment in building decarbonization is unlikely to increase radically in the next few years. One of the biggest challenges is the financial barrier of decarbonization's demand and supply side. This barrier will lead to significant investment gaps and a subsequent market failure to deliver the net zero carbon emission target. With the rise of the voluntary carbon market and carbon data disclosure mandates, an emerging cohort of Web3 startups is helping corporations track, tokenize, and transact energy or carbon impact. This phenomenon inspired us to revisit monetizing carbon value in commercial real estate to bridge the decarbonization financing barrier. We identified four challenges to make this idea work: 1) measurement and verification, 2) streamlined automation, 3) stakeholder incentive alignment, and 4) fixing the failing carbon market. We examine if Web3 decarbonization solutions can tackle those four challenges in monetizing building decarbonization. By looking into Web3 applications in decarbonization data management, tokenization, and marketplace, we unpack the unique capabilities and potentials of Web3 solutions and how they are different from the status quo to accelerate decarbonization in commercial real estate. The findings are a mixture of "the emperor's new clothes" and " the next big thing ."Web3 startups are immature â most are at or before proof of concept. Nonetheless, Web3 technologies can play a role in providing improvements to carbon data management, aligning stakeholders' incentives, and increasing efficiency in the energy or carbon markets.
Dongmin Lee, Leyang Wen, Jin Ouk Choi, Sang Hyun Lee
Volumetric modular construction (VMC) needs streamlined supply chain coordination to achieve its full potential benefits, such as reduced schedule and cost, with consistent quality. Studies have noted that blockchain technology has significant potential for increasing the efficacy of supply chain coordination by providing reliable information sharing among VMC stakeholders. However, it is not well known how blockchain technologyâs enhanced information sharing ultimately can lead to better supply chain coordination in VMC. To address this issue, we developed and tested a blockchain-based information collecting, storing, and sharing system with an automated contract execution method. A sensor-integrated decentralized application collects project information and sends it to the blockchain network to be shared among project participants for data-driven actions in VMC. We demonstrated the system through a hypothetical case project in which stakeholders took photos with their mobile devices to share the moduleâs status information to trigger an automated payment promptly, facilitating efficient supply chain coordination. The results show that any photos collected from the stakeholderâs mobile device can be traceably stored and shared in the suggested blockchain system regardless of their file size, triggering nearly real-time automated payments. The primary contribution of this study is the development and demonstration of a blockchain system that realizes accountable project-related information sharing with automated contract execution functions across VMC stakeholders for better supply chain coordination.
Reveals that as one of the highly decentralized countries in Africa, the Kenyan intergovernmental finance framework proves conducive to locally driven development. The major transfer from central to local governments, called the equitable share, delivers a formulae-based share of revenue provided from the central budget, an unconditional block grant providing fiscal flexibility for counties to spend revenues against their highest priorities in both operational and capital budgets at their own discretion. The counties remain under the pressure of inherited situations, however, which limit countiesâ abilities to adopt more ambitious development strategies and may constrain pandemic recovery measures. The seven counties studied represent very substantial economic power in Kenya. A diverse group that well represents Kenyaâs 47 counties, they exemplify the situation of Kenyaâs 47 counties when investigating (1) financing operation and development; (2) development, debt service, and repair and maintenance; (3) workout of inherited financial assets and liabilities; and (4) the first steps to institutionalizing asset management.
Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan
Purpose Studies show that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies can be used to transform the built environment sector in the 21st century. Blockchain technology has been identified as one of the drivers of 4IR that could be a channel of innovation in the built environment. Studies concerning the application of blockchain technology in Nigeriaâs built environment are scarce. Thus, this study aims to investigate the relevance of blockchain technology to the Nigerian built environment professionals (BEP) in the 21st century and proffer ways to promote the applications in the sector. Design/methodology/approach Given the unexplored nature of the issue in Nigeriaâs context, 20 semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted across Lagos and Abuja cities. The participants were knowledgeable in construction-related information technology, from construction contracting firms and construction consulting firms, academicians in construction consultancy and internet and communication technology experts. The collated data were coded, analysed and presented in themes via a thematic approach. Findings Automating construction progress payments in smart contracts, financial management and supply chain management reduces transaction costs emerged as the key areas where blockchain technology can benefit the Nigerian BEP if well implemented. Others are blockchain-based BIM and prevents forgery and alteration of data, contract management and blockchain-based building information modelling (BIM). Blockchain technology applications are not without some hindrances. The 22 perceived hindrances were government, employer and employee related in Nigeriaâs built environment. Research limitations/implications This research is restricted to the relevance and encumbrances facing the applications of blockchain technology in Nigeriaâs built environment. Also, this study proffers policy solutions to promote the application of blockchain technology in the built environment via a qualitative method. Future study becomes pertinent to explore other components of the 4IR and their relevance within Nigeriaâs built environment. Practical implications Results from this paper will strengthen and offer a rich insight into the relevance of blockchain technology in the Nigerian built environment. Other developing nations with similar challenges may consider the recommendations from this study. This study will contribute towards stirring the parties to create a good platform and supporting policies to promote the applications and implementation of blockchain technology across the industry. Originality/value This paper is one of the few papers that attempted to uncover issues that hinder blockchain technology applications in the Nigerian built environment via a qualitative approach and proffer feasible solutions from the practitionersâ perspective.
An inspection is a crucial construction process that ensures that building works and workers comply with prescribed codes, standards, and building progress. The traditional inspection is characterized by physical effort and onerous paperwork. The emergence of e-inspection 1.0 has meant the adoption of computerized means to ease the paperwork burden, although physical onsite presence has remained mandatory. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the dispatch of inspectors difficult and has prompted governments worldwide to explore alternative inspection approaches that harness the latest information antitamper and traceability technologies, such as blockchain. In this paper, we refer to these approaches as âe-inspection 2.0.â This research reports the urgent need for e-inspection 2.0 to guarantee construction quality, compliance, and progress amid pandemic conditions. Using the design science research method, it then proposes a blockchain-based solution to address authenticity and traceability concerns and facilitate e-inspection 2.0. The system is validated through a case study of a modular construction project in the Hong KongâPearl River Delta construction nexus. We find that rigorous technological solutions can render e-inspection 2.0 reliable. However, existing regulations are far from amenable to such inspections. Therefore, we call for an extension of the pandemic e-inspection 2.0 expediency to common practice in a post-pandemic era through the development of robust technological instruments and the amendment of inspection regulations.
Ehsan Bakhtiarizadeh, Wajiha Shahzad, Mani Poshdar, James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi
Abstract Different industries are modernising their systems and introducing innovations to their management practices. However, the construction industry is recognised for its lack of technological systems on which the success of this sector is deemed to be heavily dependent. Previous studies have focused on enhancing the off-site construction supply chain. However, studies on the importance and utilisation of technology in this sub-sector are scarce, predominantly where the efficiency of off-site supply chain management is stalled as a consequence of the slow implementation of technology. Thus, this article employs an exploratory approach by providing insight into the applicability of blockchain technology in New Zealandâs off-site construction and demonstrates the benefits associated with the adoption of this technology. A literature review was used to identify stakeholdersâ interrelationships in different stages of prefabrication projects. Then, a pilot interview from industry experts followed by a questionnaire survey was used to determine the involvement of stakeholders in different phases and the benefits that blockchain technology can bring to this industry. The results indicate that using blockchain as a secure information management system could improve the integration of prefabrication supply systems by producing a collaborative atmosphere amongst the organisations involved.
Onsite assembly is a critical stage for modular construction. Its success or failure depends on accurate information sharing among numerous stakeholders who, unfortunately, often possess unsynchronized information. Owing to its decentralized consensus mechanism, blockchain has the potential to improve information-sharing accuracy on construction sites. However, little research has documented how this can be done. Adopting a design science research (DSR) method, this study aimed to explore the use of blockchain technology to improve information-sharing accuracy in the onsite assembly of modular construction (OAMC). First, an OAMC business process analysis was conducted to understand the issues leading to information sharing, in particular its accuracy. Then, a blockchain-based conceptual model was developed. Its components, such as membership registration, information sharing-request, ordering service, consensus mechanism, and distributed storage, were described. Finally, a prototype system was developed and validated in a mock-up OAMC. The results show that the prototype system can improve the accuracy of information sharing in OAMC by allowing project participants to endorse information about the modules and their assembly through the blockchainâs consensus mechanism. This study explores and implements blockchain technology in a specific construction area. It can serve as a valuable reference for future endeavors in harnessing the power of blockchain technology, particularly for mobilizing information endorsement mechanisms for various value-added applications.
Laura CambraâRufino, Andrea Brambilla, JosĂŠ LeĂłn Paniagua CaparrĂłs, Stefano Capolongo
AIM: The research sheds light on the challenges and limitations of Spanish and Italian hospital design by looking at the gaps between education and practice. BACKGROUND: Hospital design plays an important role in providing high-quality and cost-effective facilities for any healthcare system. Spain and Italy face contemporary challenges (i.e., elderly population, staff retention, and obsolete healthcare facilities) and have similar issues of life expectancy, health expenditure, hospital beds provision, and decentralized tax-financed healthcare systems. METHOD: A cross-sectional, mixed-method study was used. This involved two different data collection strategies and analysis for each area of investigation: (i) education and (ii) practice. For the former, educational programs were reviewed via a web search; for the latter, an online survey of 53 architectural/engineering offices involved in hospital design was conducted. RESULTS: Hospital design education is limited to 0/58 in Spanish and 2/60 courses in Italian universities, although each country offers three postgraduate courses. The practitioners' survey shows that even though their offices have a long history of healthcare design, only 48% in Spain and 60% in Italy have received specific university training. Office staff lack employees with medical backgrounds, which hinders any partnership between health and design fields either for design practice or the education fields. Laws, national regulations, technical guidelines, and previous experience are the most useful information sources, while international scientific publications appear underused by practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: Italian and Spanish healthcare architecture could be improved by promoting multidisciplinary teams (in practice and education) and improving the education offer by tailoring it to national needs.
Purpose Facilities management (FM) has become a revolutionary profession, which adds value to the built environment. Compared to other industries, the development of the FM industry is at a preliminary stage owing to poor adaptation of digitalisation. Although FM procurement process has improved over time, it is still complex, inefficient and challenging with the lack of digital innovations. Blockchain technology has emerged as a revolutionary digital technology under âProcurement 4.0â. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that enables the effective use of blockchain technology for FM procurement process. Design/methodology/approach Data collection using interviews was performed in two stages adopting a mono method qualitative methodological choice using case studies and survey strategies. Template analysis and content analysis techniques were used to analyse the collected data. Findings Through the findings, main steps in the current FM process were identified. It was revealed, manual procurement has issues related to, efficiency, data security, communication and transparency. Similarly, e-procurement systems also have issues related to data security, poor integration and transparency. FM industry has identified the requirement of transforming into an advanced digitalised technology-based procurement system. This study revealed, blockchain features to overcome these issues and the application of blockchain technology in different steps of the procurement process through the developed framework. Originality/value The developed framework offers a solution for the future technological transformation of FM procurement using blockchain technology.
There is a lack of accurate and valid data provision during the construction project lifecycle, and throughout the in-use phase of building assets. Construction needs to adopt a new technology to support building assets. Due to the current limitation of construction technology, Blockchain can be considered a new revolution within the most advanced construction applications. This paper proposes a framework for assembling Asset Information Models (AIMs) through private Blockchain to allow the owners, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to upload and visualise the data anywhere at any time throughout the lifecycle of the building to support project owners in making decisions. This paper introduces a conceptual framework through the processes of data analysis between the construction stages. The framework will improve current management efficiency in many ways such as: model upload/download, lack of data, partial model exchange, clash detection, conflict resolution, multiple data model formats, and data security. This helps project owners and maintenance teams to enhance their decision-making processes and improve the trust between stakeholders.