Effects of value engineering on the sustainability of new facilities on university campuses: A case study analysis of project and facility managers’ perceptions and experiences
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Abstract
Value engineering during the design phase of new construction projects can affect the sustainability of new facilities and, ultimately, the cost of operating the building over its life cycle. As universities strive to become more sustainable in their practices and provide a learning environment for students, it is important that new buildings are built to model sustainable practices. Sustainable facilities will provide a better environment for students, faculty, and staff. In addition, these facilities will save universities operating expenses, providing more funding for research and other scholarly endeavors. This qualitative, collective case study will explore the project and facility managers’ perceptions of the impact of value engineering, during the design and construction of new facilities, on the sustainability of higher education campuses. Savings and sustainability obtained using value engineering techniques during the construction of new facilities can be based on initial savings achieved during the construction of the facility; however, increased savings for the university may be achieved over time if value engineering during the design phase of the construction process considers the life-cycle cost of equipment and processes used to construct new facilities.
This collective case study was conducted at three large public universities in the state of Texas. The 14 participants were project and facility managers at these institutions who were experienced in the design, construction, and operation of new facilities. The qualitative methodology and collective-case research design was used, and data was collected and analyzed with the constant comparative method, using open coding to answer the three research questions that guided this study. Data collection was conducted through the lens of the researcher using semi-structured interview questions. Rich, thick descriptions, triangulation of findings, member checking, and reflexive journaling were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. The results of this study will inform higher education practitioners of project and facility managers’ perceptions of value engineering.
The results of this study suggested several recommendations for higher education practice, as evidenced in prior research. Value engineering during the design and construction of new facilities can provide both positive and negative long-term costs and sustainability for new facilities. Advanced planning, adequate construction budgets, and the involvement of stakeholders in the value-engineering process improve the resulting sustainability and life-cycle costs of new facilities. In addition, including the long-term potential cost savings of sustainable systems and components in the value-engineering process provides improved life-cycle costs for new facilities.
The findings of this study indicate the need for additional research. This includes qualitative studies involving additional stakeholders in the design and construction of new facilities, also a quantitative study to determine the impact of value-engineering on the life-cycle costs of buildings over time.