Building management system for sustainable built environment in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contribution of building management system (BMS) towards a sustainable built environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the findings of a comprehensive literature survey, preliminary survey and a structured questionnaire survey. Quantitative data were analysed using a relative importance index. Content analysis was used for the qualitative data analysis.

Findings

The results show that identifying user requirements, identifying BMS features, designing BMS, installation and commissioning, and operation and maintenance are the key steps in the BMS implementation process. High cost, lack of knowledge on BMS, unavailability of service and maintenance, and inadequate performance of BMS vendors were highlighted as barriers when adopting a BMS. Energy efficiency, reduction of operation and maintenance cost, occupant satisfaction, productivity, fault diagnosis, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, emergency response and level of controllability of building systems are some of the significant BMS functions that accomplish economic, environment and social sustainability pillars.

Practical implications

This study increases the awareness on functionality of a BMS and its potential contribution towards a sustainable built environment.

Originality/value

The study develops strong ties between BMS contribution and sustainability where built environment professionals could use the developed decision support model towards a sustainable built environment through the application of BMS.

Citation

Kumara, W.H.C.D., Waidyasekara, K.G.A.S. and Weerasinghe, R.P.N.P. (2016), "Building management system for sustainable built environment in Sri Lanka", Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 302-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-02-2015-0004