Research Outputs (Construction, Economics and Management)

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For information on accessing Architecture content please contact Katlego Chiya via email : Katlego.Chiya@wits.ac.za or Tel (W) : 011 717 1978

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Willingness of End Users in Embracing Sustainable Housing in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, 2023-10) Weaich, Malcolm; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Ndlovu, Pride; Rikhotso, Thulisiwe; Ntshangase, Noxolo
Purpose: This study examines South African end-users' willingness to adopt sustainable housing, identifying preferred materials and investment levels. It aims to inform sustainable material adoption to reduce construction-sector carbon emissions. Approach: A quantitative survey collected data on attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to pay for sustainable housing. SPSS was used for data analysis, focusing on socio-economic status, willingness to adopt sustainable homes, and cost comparisons with traditional materials. Findings: Middle and high-income earners are more willing to adopt sustainable housing, despite higher costs. South Africans prefer materials that reduce energy grid dependence and are willing to pay for its full conversion. Regression analysis identified preferred sustainable options across income levels. Based on its findings, the study challenges the notion that affordability is the sole driver for low adoption levels of sustainable living in South Africa, emphasising individual values and the need for inclusivity in sustainable housing. Limitations: The study's small sample size of 88 participants limits its scope. Future research should include longitudinal studies and deeper exploration of sustainable housing stakeholders and explore interventions, through end-user perceptions at a more in-depth level to form a theory of adoption pertaining to sustainable housing practices phenomena. Practical implications: The study establishes a market demand for sustainable housing in South Africa, advocating for government and industry collaboration to boost awareness and adoption. Value of paper: The paper informs policy, guides industry sustainable housing practices, and aids in the development of targeted strategies to promote sustainable housing and reduce its carbon footprint. Keywords: Construction industry, End-user willingness, Green building certification, Sustainable development, Sustainable housing.
Corporate final nodal destination choices in the exodus from Johannesburg Central Business District
(International Structural Engineering Construction Conference (ISEC) Press, 2017) Khatleli, Nthatisi
The opening up of the invisible barriers after the fall of apartheid in South Africa led to massive internal migrations and relocations to bigger cities. Johannesburg as the biggest economic hub not only in South Africa but in Africa, pulled the majority of the new opportunity seekers from across the Africa continent. This uncontrolled influx led to overcrowding, increased crime and grime in the city center of Johannesburg. The loss of value of property in this part of the city led to a lot of corporate organizations relocating to budding economic nodes in and around Johannesburg. The study seeks to understand the processes that were applied in deciding the suitable new Headquarters for these blue chip companies. The new nodes that accommodated the new relocators have over time assumed identities of their own in terms of the type of companies that are mostly found in these areas. Although these identity nuances are not pronounced at first glance, they are accentuated with greater scrutiny. The study sought to see if there is a fit between the independent observation of the characteristics of these locations and the perceived attractors to the blue chip firms. This was achieved by interviewing the executives of these companies and sending emails to some in order to understand the processes and triggers affecting their decisions. It was generally observed that prestige and locational characteristics that complemented the company’s ethos were the overriding triggers in deciding on the final nodal destination.
The impact of obsolescence in health public private partnership projects
(International Structural Engineering Construction Conference (ISEC), 2017) Khatleli, Nthatisi
Obsolescence is a major challenge in Infrastructure implementation around the world. South Africa has been implementing PPPs close to 20 years now and some of the first projects will soon come to closure as the end of their term is drawing nigh. Obsolescence is generally mitigated by stipulating that there should be a general overhaul of the facility very close to the end of term in order to preserve and elongate the economic life of the project. However, the health projects are very much dependent on the ever-changing technological developments for their optimal performance. Some of the new technological equipment might require infrastructural adaptations. Through interviewing designers, managers and clients the research sought to garner information that could be helpful for future projects in this sector and that could be adapted to other sectors as well. Although it was found that obsolescence was not properly catered for, the experiences of the aforementioned respondents were valuable in proposing general considerations in future projects. It is hoped that lessons will be instructive and beneficial to the other countries which are new to the PPP procurement method, especially when it comes to the implementation of the health facilities.

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