Japanese applications of the Green Building Challenge and Tool between 1996 and 2002
Master Thesis
2003
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University of Cape Town
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This research determines that the Green Building Tool (GBTool) may be sufficiently flexible to be implemented in Japan. Even so, the locally developed system has been adopted as the preferred building environmental assessment method for Japan. Pressing building environmental concerns in Japan are identified, and performance criteria for building assessment tools in Japan established. A distinction is drawn between building performance assessment criteria and assessment tool performance criteria. This is central to understanding Japanese attitudes towards the GBTool. The Japanese Green Building Challenge (GBC) process is discussed -including the testing, customisation and use of the GBTool and the subsequent development of a Japanese alternative (CASBEE - the Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency). A comparative assessment of the GBTool and CASBEE system for Japanese commercial application is undertaken. User-friendly tools that can slot into existing building processes and regulations are most suitable for commercial use in Japan. Building professionals prefer a set of tools designed for use in specific building stages such as CASBEE. The study consequently finds that the GBTool is suitable for research, but has limited commercial application because of the size of the assessment framework. The development of a Japanese tool for nationwide implementation has been a consensus based decision-making process. The development of assessment frameworks acceptable to local users may enable the promotion of building environmental priorities while addressing established commercial building concerns.
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Bibliography: leaves 100-108.
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Syndercombe, E. 2003. Japanese applications of the Green Building Challenge and Tool between 1996 and 2002. University of Cape Town.