Envisioning a strategic framework to streamline building operation, sustainability and users’ disease control

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to present a strategic framework aiming to streamline building operation and sustainability issues. To make available a further contribution to respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), an operational prevention guideline relying on the level of spread risk has also been developed, primarily intended for users when accessing and circulating within common spaces of buildings in general. Design/methodology/approach The research approach involved the development of a whole theory, essentially based on a qualitative design, by means of tree schematic representations and explanatory frames. It presents part of a model already developed (called SIAPME), although, in general, besides integrating the underlying aspects of the individual experience of daily life, it is based on insights and impressions taken from the literature review. Findings With an identity of its own, this study offers an overview of an alternative set of well-founded and integrated strategies to improve working processes in a number of fields of the building operation function. A structured vision has thus, been provided with interest in certain key topics of the present time, such as energy management, comfort and sustainability. Still, in this context, based on a frame of knowledge gathered to date, a current, innovative and simple guidance has also been designed to help prevent the contagion of COVID-19. Research limitations/implications The draft of procedures is part of an ambitious goal to serve as a well-founded strategic basis for the eventual development of an advanced software solution. As it is mainly limited to qualitative analysis, from which themes and generalisations have been arranged, this research may need more empirical evidence and additional work will be necessary to overcome any gaps that may be found. Practical implications An overall assessment of this study seems to corroborate the idea that a significant impact on the developments in building operation can occur if stakeholders seek a more integrated way of management, based on cross-referencing of current issues. At a time when great uncertainties remain and knowledge advances are in full swing, the designed framework aims to be an added input towards already existing research. Furthermore, it can be seen as a valuable contribution to improving related software applications. Originality/value The originality lies in trying to better understand how and in which aspects the general day-to-day management of building operation can be handled more effectively, sustainable and framed, following a reasoned scientific line, in addition of trying to figure out greater capacity to deal with users’ contagions, especially in the existing context of the pandemic.

The changing role of innovation for crisis management in times of COVID-19: An integrative literature review

“…As a result of the epidemic, global communities and economies have had an opportunity to think about the various areas in which creative solutions could result in long-term sustainability improvements. However, the fact is that the long-term sustainability of multinational firms' social innovation business models is difficult to establish, and success is contingent on several criteria ( Falorca, 2020 ). This includes the trifecta of sustainable and innovative government policies that favor and incentivize multinational enterprises to create social value through business model innovation; socially innovative and environmentally conscious managers, investors, and shareholders; and international organizations that guide, assist, or aid countries in developing their strategic initiatives and providing roadmaps for their enterprises to create social value ( Acioli et al, 2021 ).…”

Digital transformation of legionella-safe cooling towers: an ecosystem design approach

“…Digital transformation made possible by Industry 4.0 can contribute to the problem of legionella in cooling towers. Facilities management calls for new frameworks to promote sustainability and control of diseases (Falorca, 2020). Definition of the objectives for a solution Conceptual design of a blockchain-based ecosystem (Longo et al , 2019; Tsujimoto et al , 2018) that integrates cooling tower management with the concept of the“fleet” – similar assets sharing data and producing knowledge (GE, 2016).…”

“…Digital transformation made possible by Industry 4.0 can contribute to the problem of legionella in cooling towers. Facilities management calls for new frameworks to promote sustainability and control of diseases (Falorca, 2020).…”

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