A Framework to implement design and built practices for green and adaptive reuse of existing buildings

Abstract

Adaptive Reuse is the process to improve environmental, social and financial performance of buildings. Reuse of existing buildings, especially as a result of performance upgrades has been identified with a significant impact on the sustainability of built environment. Application of adaptive reuse with green building concept is known as difficult and lacks attention in the field of research. Further, the potential to implement Green Adaptive Reuse has become uncertain as the way of implementing specific design, build practices for green buildings is still unknown. Thus, this research is aimed at developing a framework to implement design and built practices for green adaptive reuse of existing buildings. A qualitative research approach was followed for this research with semi-structured nterviews involving nine (09) local expert professionals and one (01) international expert professional. The findings were analyzed using content analysis method. Physical, Economics, Functional, Technological, Social, Legal and Political were identified as major design criteria, which related to green building practices. Further, the findings included with barriers and strategies for the implementation of green adaptive reuse for existing buildings. Considering the Sri Lankan context, this study developed a framework as a guide for the implementation of green adaptive reuse for existing buildings. Moreover, government involvement, conducting social awareness programmes, developing skilled professionals, empowering the regulations, provisions of tax concessions through government intervention were highlighted as strategies to mitigate barriers of green adaptive reuse. Finally, a framework was developed for the implementation of green adaptive reuse concept for existing buildings.