Identifying feasibility factors for enhancing HVAC-airside strategy implementation of commercial buildings in Sri Lanka

Purpose The built environment plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings being a key focus due to their high energy consumption. While stakeholders seek sustainable solutions, the HVAC-airside system, critical for overall HVAC efficiency, remains underutilised in Sri Lanka, primarily because its feasibility has not been adequately assessed. Factors such as technical, economic, operational, market, social and legal considerations influence adoption. To address this gap, strategies are needed to overcome barriers and drive stakeholder engagement. Therefore, this study aims to identify feasibility factors that enhance HVAC-airside strategy implementation, contributing to SDG targets and promoting sustainable construction in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was adopted, employing semi-structured interviews with 17 experts experienced in building services. The collected data were analysed using the content analysis method with NVivo software. Findings The study identified 35 feasibility factors categorised into six domains: technical, economic, operational, market, social and legal feasibility. Key findings emphasise the critical role of feasibility assessment in determining the viability of adopting HVAC-airside strategies. The research facilitates organisations to make informed decisions on whether to proceed with HVAC-airside implementation strategies. Originality/value This study highlights an underexplored aspect of HVAC efficiency in Sri Lanka, where airside strategies are significantly underutilised despite their potential to enhance energy performance. By assessing feasibility, the research aims to encourage the adoption of these strategies. The findings contribute to industry professionals’ knowledge while providing academia with a foundation for further research in this area.