Effects of High-Voltage Overhead Power Lines (HVOPLs) on Residential Property Prices

Research findings on the effects of high-voltage overhead power lines on values of neighborhood properties remain inconclusive and inadequately explored. This study aims to investigate the effects of HVOPLs on market values and sale-prices of residential properties in the vicinity. The empirical results based on a hedonic price model show that HVOTLs impart a significant negative effect on nearby residential properties. Results show that affected properties are selling at a discount price compared to properties without the influence of HVOPLs. The market value of a residential unit located within physical distance of 300-meters of power-lines, and pylon, are on average, 34.2% and 18% lower than comparable properties, respectively. Furthermore, results suggest that it is the physical distance to HVOPL structures that accounts more for the value diminution compared to the visual impact of the structure. The results imply that the market value of properties adjacent to HVOPL corridors is reduced significantly. This discourages potential property buyers. The study contributes to the knowledge in two-ways: (i) it shows the greater impact of HVOPLs on property prices with a larger reduction in valuation than previous studies; and (ii) effects of the different visual impact of pylons compared with that of cables are clearly distinguished

Housing Consumption of the “Soon-to-Retire” in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Regression Analysis

Availability and quality of housing have long been serious problems in Hong Kong over the years. It is now apparent that the rapidly increasing aging population (those over 65 years) seems to make the housing issue an even more serious one. As the demographic and social structures of the society continue to evolve, government’s housing policy should be reviewed and revised from time to time, accordingly, in order to satisfy the changing needs of the society. The main objective of this study is to explore the significant determinants of housing consumption of the ‘soon-to-retire’ group and suggest an explanation for their underlying dynamics. Based on a sample survey data, a cross-sectional regression model is employed to identify significant determinants that influence housing consumption of this group. Empirical results reveal that housing consumption of this group is influenced not only by market and demographic factors but also by the health status of the household. Heath status of the household, of this age group, is very important as this group is nearing their retirement. The empirical results further reveal that average household size and housing tenure as significant determinants of housing consumption of this study group. By introducing this new factor, we attempt to broaden our knowledge about the housing consumption of this less explored aspect of the housing market

Perception of Embodied Carbon Mitigation Strategies: The Case of Sri Lankan Construction Industry

Whilst operational carbon (OC) emission reduction has received greater attention in the literature, embodied carbon (EC) emission reduction aspect has been largely neglected. This is particularly seen in developing countries. This study assessed the awareness and perception of carbon emission in general and EC emission reduction strategies in particular in the Sri Lankan construction industry. A detailed questionnaire, based on a comprehensive literature review, was developed to assess the awareness and perception of the Sri Lankan construction professionals about global carbon emissions, OC emissions, and EC emissions and carbon mitigation strategies. Based on a sample of 111 professionals in the construction sector, results revealed that the Sri Lankan construction professionals have poor awareness about carbon emission, especially about EC emission and EC mitigation strategies. The results further revealed that they are more concerned about the OC emission reduction than the EC emission reduction. The results suggest that they are basically aware of some basic/conventional mitigation strategies such as better design (low-carbon), an extension of building life and refurbishment of existing buildings and carbon tax, but their awareness of recently introduced micro-level technologies/strategies is significantly poor. Findings are a clear reflection of the current situation in many developing countries with regard to carbon emission and mitigation strategies. It was found that a major reason for low awareness was related to the culture: The majority of the respondents believed that actions to reduce carbon footprint should be initiated and handled by the government and other authorities, but not by construction professionals

Global Research on Carbon Emissions: A Scientometric Review

Greenhouse gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide have been recognized as the prime cause of global climate change, which has received significant global attention. Among these gases, carbon dioxide is considered as the prominent gas which motivated researchers to explore carbon reduction and mitigation strategies. Research work on this domain expands from carbon emission reporting to identifying and implementing carbon mitigation and reduction strategies. A comprehensive study to map global research on carbon emissions is, however, not available. Therefore, based on a scientometric analysis method, this study reviewed the global literature on carbon emissions. A total of 2945 bibliographic records, from 1981 to 2019, were extracted from the Web of Science core collection database and analyzed using techniques such as co-author and co-citation analysis. Findings revealed an increasing trend of publications in the carbon emission research domain, which has been more visible in the past few years, especially during 2016–2018. The most significant contribution to the domain was reported from China, the United States, and England. While most prolific authors and institutions of the domain were from China, authors and institutions from the United States reported the best connection links. It was revealed that evaluating greenhouse gas emissions and estimating the carbon footprint was popular among the researchers. Moreover, climate change and environmental effects of carbon emissions were also significant points of concern in carbon emission research. The key findings of this study will be beneficial for the policymakers, academics, and institutions to determine the future research directions as well as to identify with whom they can consult to assist in developing carbon emission control policies and future carbon reduction targets

Perception of Embodied Carbon Mitigation Strategies: The Case of Sri Lankan Construction Industry

Whilst operational carbon (OC) emission reduction has received greater attention in the literature, embodied carbon (EC) emission reduction aspect has been largely neglected. This is particularly seen in developing countries. This study assessed the awareness and perception of carbon emission in general and EC emission reduction strategies in particular in the Sri Lankan construction industry. A detailed questionnaire, based on a comprehensive literature review, was developed to assess the awareness and perception of the Sri Lankan construction professionals about global carbon emissions, OC emissions, and EC emissions and carbon mitigation strategies. Based on a sample of 111 professionals in the construction sector, results revealed that the Sri Lankan construction professionals have poor awareness about carbon emission, especially about EC emission and EC mitigation strategies. The results further revealed that they are more concerned about the OC emission reduction than the EC emission reduction. The results suggest that they are basically aware of some basic/conventional mitigation strategies such as better design (low-carbon), an extension of building life and refurbishment of existing buildings and carbon tax, but their awareness of recently introduced micro-level technologies/strategies is significantly poor. Findings are a clear reflection of the current situation in many developing countries with regard to carbon emission and mitigation strategies. It was found that a major reason for low awareness was related to the culture: The majority of the respondents believed that actions to reduce carbon footprint should be initiated and handled by the government and other authorities, but not by construction professionals