School of Art, Design and Architecture

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Open Access
Barriers to MNEs green business models in the UK construction sector: An ISM analysis
(Elsevier, 2017-01-11) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed; Qadri, Asim
The environmental and economic benefits of green business models (GBMs) are considerable if current barriers can be identified and ways of overcoming them developed. In this study, barriers to GBMs are identified by conducting a qualitative study. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected UK construction sector experts from academia and industry and the results were obtained by applying thematic analysis. Five major categories of barriers emerged: government constraints; financial constraints; sector constraints; company constraints; and lack of demand. To understand the collective impact of these barriers, the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) method was used. The ISM-based model showed that government constraints are driving the rest of the barriers followed by financial and construction sector constraints equally then the by company constraints. Surprisingly, lack of demand appeared to have the least significance in hindering GBM transformation compared to the rest of the barriers. The results present a clear picture of the green construction market relevant to multinational enterprises (MNEs) intending to enter the UK. MNEs are therefore influenced by the government on strategic planning and capability building for GBMs. Effective engagement with the government will generate institutional advantages resulting in legitimacy and trust for MNEs in the UK markets.
Open Access
Bottle House: Utilising Appreciative Inquiry to develop a user Acceptance model
(Emerald, 2020-05-23) Adefila, Arinola; Abuzeinab, Amal; Whitehead, Timothy; Oyinlola, M. A.
This paper develops a novel user-acceptance model for circular solutions to housing design. The model has been systematically developed from a case study of an upcycled plastic bottle building in a low-income community in Nigeria. It is common practice to use participatory approaches to consult end-users in communities, typically after design concepts have been proposed and conceptualised. However, this often leads to critical sociocultural or usability elements being overlooked and the design being substandard. Therefore, this paper develops a robust model for designers, specialists and activists involved in construction that can be used during all phases of a project. This approach demonstrates that user needs should be considered before building designs and plans are generated, providing a greater frame of reference for practitioners, consultants and end-users. Enabling the integration of holistic needs of the community and the development of circular design solution. A case study methodology has been employed to develop this model, uses appreciative Inquiry methodology. This includes multiple methods to capture end-users perception; focus groups, interactions with the local community, and self-recorded comments. This case study is part of a broader research project to develop replicable low-cost self-sufficient homes utilising local capacity using upcycled, locally available materials. The findings identify the challenges associated with designing circular-solution housing without a robust understanding of interrelated factors, which ensure sustainability and user acceptance. The conclusions demonstrate why essential sociocultural factors, usually unrelated to technical development, should be understood and contextualised when designing sustainable solutions in Low/Middle-Income Communities. We argue that without this holistic approach, undesirable consequences may arise, often leading to more significant challenges. Instead of referring to multiple frameworks, this distinctive model can be used to evaluate user acceptance for low-cost housing in particular and other dimensions of circular solution design that involve end-user acceptance. The model blends circular solution dimensions with user-acceptance concerns; offering a guide that considers essential features that are both user-friendly and pragmatic; such as utility, technological innovation and functionality as well as their intersectionality. The research relied on a single case study, which focused on end-user engagement of upcycling waste materials as an application of circular solutions. The model will contribute to developing socially accepted circular solutions taking into consideration local context factors.
Open Access
Business model reconfiguration in green construction: A theoretical perspective
(2013) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed
Business models describe the business logic of a particular company and green business model is when a company changes part(s) of its business model and thereby both captures economic value and reduces the ecological footprint in a life-cycle perspective. In this paper, business model literature is reviewed with the intention of promoting learning to understand the economic complexity of environmental sustainability in the construction context. Although the green construction literature does not explicitly deal with the changes of construction companies business model, there is a considerable research that implicitly investigates features and elements of the business models of green construction. Key features from this literature are: green value propositions should always be related to customer/stakeholder issues. Going green will improve relationships among stakeholders and with particular customers since key activities are performed in a greener manner. Knowledge and partnership are the most important resources needed to go green and moreover green branding is an important resource and can be a source of competitive advantage. To unlock green value proposition opportunities, cost structure and revenue models should be considered from a long-term perspective.
Metadata only
Challenges and opportunities for scaling up global upcycling towards sustainable production and consumption: Literature review
(Springer, 2021-12-31) Sung, Kyungeun; Abuzeinab, Amal
Upcycling, creation or modification of a product from used or waste materials, components and products for equal or higher quality or value than the compositional elements, represents a promising alternative to mass production and frequent replacement purchases. The benefits of upcycling include increased resource efficiency, reduction of solid waste and industrial energy consumption involved in processing and manufacturing with virgin materials, creation of new job opportunities, and promotion of sustainable consumer behaviour. Despite such anticipated benefits, upcycling remains a niche practice. Moving from a niche to a mainstream practice, in other words, scaling-up, could realise the full potential of upcycling. Regarding the embryonic stage of upcycling research despite rising academic and industry interests, development of upcycling theory could contribute to scaling-up. In particular, understanding challenges and opportunities in the global upcycling value chain would be an invaluable first step for significant development in practices. This paper critically reviews existing literature on challenges and opportunities in global upcycling, provides a list of common factors across industries and countries/regions, and discusses how these factors should be reflected on any actions for scaling up upcycling locally and globally.
Open Access
A conceptual green business model for construction companies: An empirical evaluation
(2013) Abuzeinab, Amal
Construction companies are being challenged to adopt a greener approach to meet client needs and to gain or sustain business competiveness with the phenomenon like green market growing. However, the relation between environmental performance and economic value creation is often indirect and hard to quantify. Consequently new concepts have been called for to appreciate opportunities offered by environmental sustainability. Of these, the business model concept provides a better understanding on how the green or environmental value is captured and turned into profitable products and services. In previous work, we have formulated a conceptual green business model for construction industry. To verify and gain better understanding of the previously formulated conceptual green business model, seven expert interviews are conducted. The empirical feedback from the interviewees has been used to revise the model, document the greatest benefits associated with environmental sustainability, and identify critical stakeholders of success of green movement in the construction context and the critical organisational capabilities and management practices for green business models to be economically viable.
Metadata only
Designing Sustainable Housing Using a User-Centred Approach: Paipe Case Study
(MDPI, 2023-09-30) Abbakyari, Maryam; Abuzeinab, Amal; Adefila, Arinola; Whitehead, Timothy; Oyinlola, M. A.
This paper presents a user-centred design method for developing prototype housing designs in the Paipe community of Abuja, Nigeria, addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). UCD is a qualitative methodology that prioritises end users in the design process. This study employs qualitative methods to collect data through interviews, field surveys, and site analysis using a single case study. The UCD approach was used to develop a profile of residents and identify their needs and preferences. Thematic analysis of the data led to the creation of design specifications and prototype designs. Two design options were developed: a cluster design based on field survey observations and an enclosed modern design based on residents’ preferences. This study contends that user-centred design (UCD) is essential for sustainable housing provision in LMICs, aligning with the United Nations’ adequate-housing programme.
Open Access
Emergence of the business models in the building and construction literature
(2014) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed
Business models play a key role on successful businesses since they describe how an organisation creates and delivers value for its customers and subsequently captures value. A good business model can separate a company from its rivals by creating a competitive edge. However, there is limited research on business models in the building and construction field. This paper aims to contribute to this limited literature by exploring how the business model concept is understood and conceived by the building and construction literature to shed some light on the concept and its associated benefits, establish a common language, and help position future enquiries. Yet, it becomes vital to cover the literature in the business and management field where business models originated. This approach helps gaining thorough understanding and seeing the big picture of business models. The findings suggest that there is a growing interest in the use of business models concept in the building and construction disciplines but most articles refer to business models without explicit definition which can lead to uncertainty on using the concept. Furthermore, recent studies provide explicit definition of business models and seek to develop an understanding of the concept with reference to the construction context. As suggested by the literature, business models concept can be relevant for sustainability studies since it helps companies converting their abstract environmental strategies into viable business concepts thus creating value for customers and capturing this value. Moreover, concentration on the business model can facilitate better evaluation of current construction companies’ business models and assess their future suitability of sustainability aspects and competitiveness. To benefit from business models in the building and construction context, they need to be considered and developed at the level of field of operation with clear explanation on what they mean.
Open Access
Examining Energy Efficiency and Retrofit in Historic Buildings in the UK
(MDPI, 2025-03-27) Sevim, Yasemin Erol; Taki, Ahmad; Abuzeinab, Amal
The energy efficiency potential of a considerable number of Europe’s historical buildings is noteworthy. However, policymakers often express concerns about energy retrofits that may compromise the integrity of these structures and their surroundings. On the contrary, various strategies exist for enhancing energy efficiency in historic buildings without compromising their architectural constraints. The main aim of this study is to examine energy efficiency and retrofit strategies for historic commercial buildings in the UK. The case study that was selected is a historical building constructed in 1865 for the Water Works Company in the UK, whose function has changed through the years. The research methodology employed a combination of techniques that incorporated literature reviews, a case study, semi-structured interviews, and dynamic thermal simulations. For the purpose of obtaining reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases and consumption of energy, the energy performance of five different retrofit treatment methods that have the smallest damaging effect on historical significance was examined. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating advanced building performance strategies, including wall enhancements, the optimisation of HVAC systems, and the implementation of minimally intrusive photovoltaic solutions. These interventions collectively contributed to achieving remarkable reductions in energy consumption, with electricity usage reduced by 100% and natural gas consumption decreased by 88.2%. Applying retrofit strategies reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 95% from 20,493.51 kg to 1274.76 kg per year. The findings underscore that, despite the considerable potential for enhancing energy efficiency in historic structures, there exists an extensive absence of understanding among homeowners concerning accessible regulations, grants, and practical energy-saving measures.
Open Access
Green business models and organisational changes: Lessons from the UK construction sector
(2016) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed
Green business models (GBMs) can support green growth because they are based on green value creation and capture with emphasis on clients role. However, GBMs require substantial investment and strong change capabilities. This paper maps organisational changes associated with GBMs transformation. For this purpose, 19 semi-structured interviews are conducted with a heterogeneous sample of academics and managers from the UK construction sector. The interviews then are analysed by a means of thematic analysis with aim to capture any common changes and to form similar patterns of changes which occurred within the sample. Surprisingly, there are a lot of similarities that can be grouped broadly into three major themes: green profile development; structure; and operations. In addition, the change starts from the strategic level (policy) to the operational level but it may be triggered by the people at the operational level. Furthermore, GBMs not only change product/service and process but also catalyse broader systems change of the green value chain. Therefore, construction organisations have to accept that transition to GBMs will bring significant changes to the way they work if these models are to flourish.
Open Access
Green business models in the construction sector: An analysis of outcomes and benefits
(Emerald, 2017) Abuzeinab, Amal; Qadri, Asim; Kulonda, D.; Arif, Mohammed
Purpose – The call to examine green business models (GBMs) in the construction sector has been growing louder because they represent the logic of green value creation and capture. The aim is to identify benefits of GBMs by adopting five essential elements of the GBM from the literature: green value proposition (GVP); target group (TG); key activities (KA); key resources (KR); and financial logic (FL). Design/methodology/approach –19 semi-structured interviews are conducted with construction sector practitioners and academics in the UK. Thematic analysis is used to obtain benefits of GBMs. Further, Interpretive Ranking Process (IRP) is used to examine which elements of the GBM have a dominant role in providing benefits to the construction businesses. Findings – The benefits are grouped into three themes: credibility/reputation benefits; financial benefits; and long-term viability benefits. The IRP model shows that the KR is the most important element when evaluated against the three benefit themes. Implications – Linking GBM elements and benefits will help companies in the construction sector to analyse the business case of environmental sustainability for embracing it. Originality/value - This research is one of the few empirical academic works investigating benefits of GBMs in the construction sector. IRP method is a novel contribution to GBMs and construction research.
Open Access
Green business models in the UK construction sector: Empirical study
(2014) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed; Thompson, W.
A business model is considered to be green when a business changes part(s) of its business model and thereby both captures economic value and provides environmental improvement. The aim of this paper is to explore how managers define the term “green business model” in the UK construction sector. Twelve experienced managers defined green business models differently than what is found in literature and empirical studies, however some of them provided definitions that are partially consistent: they highlighted the relationship between economic benefits and environmental benefits in these models. Nevertheless, their understandings and definitions lacked the view of using green business models as an effective tool to create green value propositions and analyze how this value can be captured in the form of profits and reputation. The results of the interviews suggest that some of the managers do neither understand the concept fully nor utilize any similar value creation analysis in their companies. This thinking may not be limited only to the UK.
Open Access
Green business models transformation: Evidence from the UK construction sector
(Emerald, 2017) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed; Kulonda, D.; Awuzie, B.
Purpose – Sustainability has the potential to bring enormous benefits to our built environment. To release this potential, a change in business models is required. Green business models (GBMs) transformation is investigated by adopting five essential elements of green value creation and capture: Green Value proposition (GVP), Target Group (TG) Key Activities (KA), Key Resources (KR), and Financial Logic (FL). Design/methodology/approach – In this qualitative study, 19 semi-structured interviews are conducted. Interviewees were selected purposively. The emergent data is analysed with the aid of themes. Findings – It is observed that significant effort is being made towards enabling the transformation of certain elements pertinent to green value creation: KA and KR. This is particularly so when compared to other elements like GVP, TG, and FL. Implications –Findings from this study should encourage construction managers to align their extant BMs to green activities hence enabling new approaches to green value creation and capture. Furthermore, the study will aid in improving the environmental and economic positions of the value chain within the construction sector. Originality/value - This research is one of the few empirical academic works investigating GBMs in the construction sector.
Open Access
Key global challenges and opportunities for scaling up upcycling businesses in the world: Interpretive structural modelling workshop preliminary analysis
(Aalto University, 2023-06-02) Abuzeinab, Amal; Sung, Kyungeun; Moalosi, Richie; Satheesan, Ashwathy; Garba, Bilkisu; Adeh, Funto; Lim, Hye-Won; Baek, Joon Sang; Njeru, Sophia
Upcycling is one promising approach to extending the lifetimes of products, components, and materials by utilising a variety of material processes and innovations to turn waste products and materials into products of higher quality or value than the compositional elements. Upcycling increases resource efficiency and reduces solid waste and industrial energy consumption. It creates new job opportunities for businesses and reduces costs for materials. Despite such benefits, however, upcycling remains a niche practice. Moving from a niche to a mainstream practice (or scaling-up) could realise the full potential of upcycling. Understanding interrelated and self-reinforcing challenges in the global upcycling value chain is critical for scaling up global upcycling businesses. As existing studies of upcycling are mostly industry and country-specific, the factors impacting upcycling success across industries and countries still need to be discovered, making it difficult to establish which challenges can be prioritised in effectively scaling up upcycling businesses internationally. This study aimed to identify critical global challenges and opportunities for scaling up upcycling businesses worldwide. We organised two online workshops with nine international experts in upcycling, utilising Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM). The preliminary analysis of the ISM workshop results showed that all global challenges and opportunities are interlinked and that key opportunities reflect key challenges, with the first priority intervention suggested as ‘involving citizens in upcycling initiatives or events’ followed by ‘improving material provision’.
Open Access
Modelling Organisational Factors Influencing Sustainable Development Implementation Performance in Higher Education Institutions: An Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) Approach
(MDPI, 2019-08-09) Abuzeinab, Amal; Awuzie, Bankole Osita
Globally, higher education institutions (HEIs) have continued to record varied sustainable development (SD) implementation performances. This variance has been attributed to the presence of certain organisational factors. Whereas previous studies have successfully identified the factors influencing the SD implementation performance in HEIs, few studies have attempted to explore the relationship between these factors and the influence of such a relationship on the management of SD implementation in HEIs. This is the objective of this study. Understandably, an understanding of such relationships will facilitate the development of appropriate frameworks for managing SD implementation in HEIs. Relying on a case study of a South African University of Technology (SAUoT), this study elicits data through a focus group discussion session. An interpretative structural modelling (ISM) focus group protocol indicating extant pair-wise relationships between identified organisational factor categories was extensively discussed. The emergent data was recorded, transcribed verbatim and subsequently analysed. The findings suggest that communication was critical to the prevalence of other factors, hence indicating its centrality to the effective management of SD implementation in HEIs. These findings will guide implementing agents in HEIs towards developing appropriate strategies for communicating SD implementation strategies.
Open Access
Overcoming Barriers to Green Business Models in the UK Construction Industry
(2015) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed
The environmental potential for green business models is considerable if current barriers can be identified and ways of overcoming them developed. Barriers to green business models are investigated by conducting a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews are carried with a selected 19 UK construction industry experts from both academia and practices and results are obtained by applying thematic analysis. Five major categories of barriers are emerged from the analysis: government constraints; financial constraints; industry constraints; company constraints; and lack of demand. The results show that the barriers are both internal and external to construction companies. Financial institutions are expected to play a major role on the future of green business models by investing in performance-oriented models and allowing access to finance for construction companies that perform better in environmental terms. Finally, a collective effort is needed from governments, financial institutions, construction industry leaders, client groups, community, and individuals to combat these barriers and to increase green business models uptake.
Open Access
A review of sustainable business models and strategic sustainable development
(2018-06-06) Small-Warner, Kaie; Abuzeinab, Amal; Taki, A. H.
This paper summarizes sustainable business models by addressing definitions, archetypes and assessments. It then summarizes the framework for strategic sustainable development to highlight its systematic, scientific and social strengths. The discussion combines both concepts to conclude with a research approach that may scientifically and socially enhance sustainable business models.
Embargo
Stakeholder engagement: A green business model indicator
(Elsevier, 2014-12-30) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed
Green business models have the potential to deliver a much better performance compared to the conventional business models in this age of sustainability. Stakeholder engagement is considered one of the key elements to help facilitate an increased uptake of green business models. There is limited research available on principles and mechanisms to enhance stakeholder engagement. This paper aims to investigate principles for engaging stakeholder in the context of the UK construction industry as a means towards achieving a green business model transformation. Qualitative research was used to investigate the practice of stakeholder engagement with 19 managers and academics in the construction sector. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with these professionals and thematic analysis was used to identify themes that display effective stakeholder engagement practice. The findings suggest that stakeholder engagement is a driver contributing towards an organizations success and it can help green business models implementation. Practices, of stakeholders engagement, emerge from the data include: top level support; staff empowerment; incentive and reward; collaboration; effective communication; understanding clients need; being proactive; interacting early with clients; building relationships; partnering; and matching or facilitating different services. Companies’ ability to interact and engage with stakeholder will be a major game changer on the competition environment. Thus, competencies around stakeholders’ engagement will be a high priority in the future.
Open Access
Sustainability communication: a content analysis of websites of higher education institutions in the UK
(Emerald, 2024-11-26) Abuzeinab, Amal; Muhammad, Abdulrahman Haruna; Awuzie, Bankole; Letten, Karl; Zairi, Adel
Purpose – Websites of higher education institutions (HEIs) have been identified as veritable platforms for communicating sustainability. However, studies seeking to assess the correlation between the degree of communication and the sustainability performance of HEIs, based on their rankings specifically in the United Kingdom remain limited. As its contribution towards bridging this gap, this study examines how members of the Environmental Association of Universities & Colleges (EAUC) communicate sustainability through their websites. It focuses on 27 EAUC members that received first-class awards in the People & Planet University League. Design/methodology/approach – An intensive web-based content analysis was used to analyse the degree of sustainability communication carried out by HEIs that are EAUC members through their respective websites. To analyse the content of these websites, 16 existing indicators were adopted covering three categories: sustainability management strategies and policies; location of sustainability-related information on the websites; and sustainability communication techniques. Findings – All the HEIs examined in this study demonstrate some level of engagement in sustainability on their respective websites. Although EAUC members appear to be making significant effort in communicating their commitment to sustainability, this study recommends improvements in the visibility of sustainability messages on homepages of institutional websites, as only a small percentage of institutions mention sustainability-related matters there.
Open Access
Sustainable Construction Capabilities: A Local Authority Perspective
(2013) Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed
The emerging trend of climate change adaptation in the construction industry has raised the need to identify the sustainability requirements of the construction industry. Considering sustainability has the potential to enhance company profiles and improve relationships with stakeholders particularly clients. This paper presents a case study of a Local Authority and sheds light on some major issues, drivers, benefits, and organisational changes associated with sustainable construction. In addition, it identifies the critical factors for successful sustainable practices. The findings reveal that the implementation of sustainable practices often demands significant organisational and management capabilities such as closer collaboration and joint work between internal units, sustainability experts, sustainability targets as well as collaboration between demand and supply sides. It is found that clients awareness and education are vital for successful sustainable construction.
Open Access
Understanding sustainability through Bradford affordable housing lens
(2014) Abuzeinab, Amal; Oltean-Dumbrava, V.; Dickens, D.
Sustainability has gained momentum in recent years due to natural threats and government regulations with housing sector being at the centre of this debate. Affordable housing providers frequently face a dilemma of delivering sustainable homes while maintaining affordable rent for customers. This paper aims to shed some light on the important considerations of sustainable, affordable housing criteria, and hence increasing understanding of sustainable housing from an affordable, social housing perspective. To achieve this aim, the paper reviews the relevant literature to identify a common ground in defining sustainability, and presents an example of sustainability approach from a social housing provider at Bradford: namely, Incommunities. The outcome suggests that in order to achieve true sustainability, the environmental, social, and economic dimensions must be simultaneously taken into consideration, although the weight of each dimension can differ depending on the context. The outcome also suggests that Incommunities takes a holistic approach to sustainability based on residents and affordability requirements. Incommunities provides affordable rent, employment opportunities, and access to different services and support for residents. The affordable rent is mainly achieved through energy efficiency measures and Decent Homes government programme. These initial outcomes provide the basis of an on-going partnership project, between University of Bradford and Incommunities, aimed at developing decision support tools and techniques for sustainable, affordable social housing to ultimately deliver customer satisfaction and quality of life for the Bradford community.

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