Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Buildings Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities"

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 January 2024 | Viewed by 10757

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Lina Šeduikytė

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų Street 48, 51367 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: sustainability; LCA; energy efficiency; IAQ; thermal comfort; digitalization

Dr. Jakub Kolarik

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

DTU Construct, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Brovej 118, DTU, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Interests: indoor environment; IAQ; heating and air-conditioning systems; human responses to the indoor environment; the impact of indoor environment on work productivity, activity and well-being

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The construction sector, one of the largest industries in the world, is nowadays integrating concepts of Industry 4.0, a practice known as Construction 4.0. Construction 4.0 is based on the digitalisation of industry and the industrialisation of processes. Technologies used for this purpose include: Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twin (DT), Internet of Things (IoT), simulation and modelling, autonomous and industrial robotics, augmented and virtual reality, additive/advanced manufacturing, big data and other innovative technologies.

These new technologies must also fulfil sustainability measures with respect to environmental, economic and social factors. Economic factors may be analysed from a circular economy point of view. Life Cycle Assessment, a comprehensive tool used to evaluate different products, buildings and systems throughout their life cycle, can be used to fulfil environmental requirements. Social aspects could be analysed in different ways, such as in ensuring a sustainable and safe environment. People spend most of their time indoors (>80%); thus, indoor air quality is a critical health determinant. Ensuring good environmental and thermal comfort conditions for people staying indoors is essential. However, this presents a challenge to establishing energy efficiency in buildings.

Topics of interest include current research in the following areas:

Sustainable buildings and cities;
Digitalisation of the construction sector;
Life Cycle Assessment of buildings materials, systems and buildings;
Indoor air quality and thermal comfort;
Energy efficiency in sustainable buildings.

Prof. Dr. Lina Šeduikytė
Dr. Jakub Kolarik
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainability
energy efficiency
indoor air quality
thermal comfort
digitalisation
building information modelling
6D-BIM
digital twins
life cycle assessment
green buildings
sustainable cities
industry 4.0
construction 4.0
circular economy

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

Open AccessArticle

Application of Cluster Analysis to Examine the Performance of Low-Cost Volatile Organic Compound Sensors

and

Buildings 2023, 13(8), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13082070 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 350

Abstract

Airtight energy-efficient buildings of today need efficient ventilation to secure high indoor air quality. There is a need for affordable and reliable sensors to make demand control available in a broad range of ventilation systems. Low-cost metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors offer such a possibility, but they are usually non-selective and react to broad range of compounds. The objective of the present paper was to use cluster analysis to assess the ability of five commercially available MOS VOC sensors to detect pollutants in a residential setting. We studied three scenarios: emissions from people (human bioeffluents), furnishing materials (linoleum), and human activity (surface cleaning with spray detergent). We monitored each scenario with five MOS VOC sensors and a proton-transfer-reaction–time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS). We applied an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm to evaluate the dissimilarity between clusters. Four of the five tested sensors produced signals in agreement with the concentration patterns measured with the PTR-ToF-MS; one sensor underperformed in all cases. Three sensors showed a very similar performance under all emission scenarios. The results showed that the clustering could help in understanding whether a particular sensor matched the intended emission scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Reduction in Thermal Energy Consumption across Renovated Buildings in Latvia and Lithuania

and

Buildings 2023, 13(8), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13081916 - 27 Jul 2023

Viewed by 311

Abstract

Currently, the optimization of thermal energy consumption in buildings is considered a suitable alternative in the construction of new buildings, as a result of which the overall energy efficiency of the building increases. Thus, this study examined the efficiency and efficacy of different building renovation packages conducted across several buildings in Latvia and in Lithuania (across a larger building stock). In the first section of this study, 13 multi-apartment residential houses with 3 building renovation packages have been investigated in the city of Daugavpils, Latvia, in order to determine the actual reduction in heat energy consumption across each of the renovation implementation packages. The study findings indicate that changes in Latvian building regulations regarding insulation thickness did not significantly impact thermal energy consumption in fully renovated buildings. However, the combination of facade renovations, upgraded heating systems, and improved ventilation systems resulted in substantial energy savings, with an average reduction of 50.59% in thermal energy consumption for space heating across the reviewed multi-apartment residential building stock. In the following section of this study, the impact of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) on building energy efficiency in Lithuania has been examined. The results show that over a 10-year period in the 2000s, Lithuanian building stock experienced a 20% increase in energy efficiency, followed by an additional 6.3% increase between 2010 and 2016. The mandatory requirement for renovated buildings to achieve a minimum energy efficiency class has resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption for heating purposes. The findings underscore the effectiveness of building renovation packages and the EPBD regulations in enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable building practices. The importance of heat metering, consideration of indoor air temperature, and the need to address indoor air quality during renovations were also highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Microclimate Parameter Assurance in Schools with Natural Ventilation Systems

and

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071807 - 15 Jul 2023

Viewed by 468

Abstract

Slow population growth has limited the construction of new schools, leading to the renovation of existing buildings to achieve energy efficiency goals. While improvements are made to thermal insulation, heating and ventilation systems often remain outdated, presenting challenges in maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools, where children spend a significant amount of time in densely populated classrooms, and whose health is more affected by IAQ than that of adults. Therefore, this study assessed the possibilities to achieve IAQ requirements in schools ventilated by opening the windows by monitoring the carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration, temperature, and relative humidity (RH) fluctuation. The results of the study have shown that it is not feasible to achieve the defined IAQ parameters in classrooms through window opening alone. The measured CO₂ concentration during lessons in many cases exceeded the limit value of 1000 ppm and did not decrease to ambient levels when the windows were opened during the break. Additionally, the internal air temperature dropped below the normative when lessons started, and RH was significantly below the recommended minimum value on all days. It was also found that the use of thermal energy decreases evenly because of inefficient air change leaving no direct economic leverage for the installation of efficient ventilation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Sensible Cooling Performance in the Case of an Air Handling Unit System with Indirect Evaporative Cooling: Indirect Evaporative Cooling Effects for the Additional Cooling System of Buildings

Attila Kostyák

Szabolcs Szekeres

and

Imre Csáky

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071800 - 14 Jul 2023

Viewed by 345

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that the amount of energy consumed by mechanical cooling can be significantly reduced by the indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) process. By increasing the heat recovery efficiency of air handling units (AHUs), sensible cooling performance can be achieved with the IEC process for a significant part of the cooling season. This study determined the sensible cooling performance under which outdoor air conditions can be achieved. With IEC, the indoor humidity load cannot be adequately managed and must be solved by a supplementary cooling system, which may require additional cooling energy. This study shows the effect of the set indoor humidity on the amount of cooling energy required. The increase in energy consumption of the supplementary cooling system has been determined by simulation and for which indoor air conditions the amount of cooling energy used can be optimized if only IEC cooling is used in the air handling unit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of the Project Management Methodologies PRINCE2 and PMBOK in Managing Repetitive Construction Projects

Aivaras Simonaitis

Mindaugas Daukšys

and

Jūratė Mockienė

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071796 - 14 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1121

Abstract

Nowadays, companies employ various project management (PM) methodologies to ensure that their projects are effective and successful. It is worth knowing that differences in principles and processes of PM methodologies influence the use of different PMs in managing non-repetitive and repetitive construction projects. This paper presents the selection and application of a rational construction PM methodology to a repetitive construction project after a comparison of two PM methodologies, namely Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and Projects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2). The object of this study is a repetitive anti-corrosion works project for steel structures conducted at Company X. The research was carried out in two steps. First, a quantitative survey of the respondents from companies involved in the management and execution of construction projects was conducted with the aim to identify a rational approach to construction PM. The questionnaire consisted of fourteen closed-ended questions, six of which were generic and eight were PMBOK- and PRINCE2-specific questions. Companies that took part in the quantitative study identified the PRINCE2 project management approach as the most suitable for managing a repetitive construction project. Using the PRINCE2 PM methodology, the repetitive construction project would aim to provide as much information as possible to the project participants, form a team and assign team leaders responsible for the phases, establish a financial plan, a detailed timetable for the execution of the works, a quality control plan, and a plan of responsible persons, and detail the technological sequencing of the works. Second, a quantitative study on the selection of a rational construction project management approach for a repetitive construction project was pursued, and a qualitative assessment of construction project monitoring trends and actions was conducted. The qualitative research was performed using a structured interview method and asking the representatives of different companies X, Y, and Z the same 15 questions. The results of the qualitative research showed that a successful PM depends on the size of the project team, the PM tools and methodologies used, the PM philosophy, and the frequency of monitoring and discussing the project progress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Diagnosis of Ventilation and Cooling Systems in a Sports Hall—A Case Study

Maria Hurnik

Joanna Ferdyn-Grygierek

Jan Kaczmarczyk

and

Piotr Koper

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1185; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051185 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 908

Abstract

Air conditioning systems in buildings consume a significant part of the world’s energy, and yet there are cases wherein users are not satisfied with the quality of the thermal environment. Examples of such special cases are sports halls, which require different thermal conditions within a single zone. Thermal diagnostics for buildings can be used to diagnose problems. The aim of the paper was to analyse the effectiveness of the ventilation and cooling systems of a sports hall with a cubature of 16,300 m³ and to check the possibility of managing the hall’s cooling demands via the existing air conditioning system. Diagnostic measurements were performed, including in situ measurements of ventilation air flows from the diffusers and their temperatures, visualization of the supply air flows, and monthly registration of the indoor temperature in the hall at different set temperatures of the supply and exhaust air. Additionally, a numerical analysis, using EnergyPlus simulations, of cooling demand was performed with regard to the varying uses of the hall. The analysis based on measurement and simulation showed that it is not possible to remove heat gains from the hall with the current available ventilation air flow. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Smart Readiness Indicator for Educational Buildings

and

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040888 - 28 Mar 2023

Viewed by 946

Abstract

The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) is an assessment scheme for the intelligence of buildings, which was introduced by the European Commission in the directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings in 2018. Since its introduction, many activities related to the maturation and employment of the SRI have been initiated. One of the adaptation needs of the SRI, revealed through public consultation with relevant stakeholders, is the requirement for a tailored SRI for different types of buildings. The aim of this study is to analyze possible scenarios to optimize the smartness performance, as addressed by the SRI score, in educational buildings. The subject of this study concerned campus buildings of the Kaunas University of Technology, in Lithuania. For the definition of the SRI, the calculation sheet developed by the European Commission was used. The effect of the improvements in the smartness performance of buildings on their energy efficiency was examined with the use of a whole-building, BIM-based energy assessment tool (IDA-ICE). The findings of this study revealed that despite the improvement in the automation and control levels of the building heating system, the maximum SRI values achieved deviate significantly by a high-smartness level. This study revealed the importance of services at a city level towards achieving the optimal smartness levels at a building unit level. It also delivered useful findings related to the linkage between energy and smartness performance of a building. The policy implication of the study findings also covers topics relevant to utilities management at a district level, as well as on the need for tailored SRI services catalogs for different types of buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Bake-Out Effect in Winter for the Enhancement of Indoor Air Quality at New Apartments in UAE

Naglaa Sami Abdelaziz Mahmoud

and

Chuloh Jung

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040846 - 23 Mar 2023

Viewed by 927

Abstract

Indoor air pollution has become a pressing issue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to poor ventilation, inadequate airtightness, and using chemicals in building materials. Accordingly, the UAE is currently experiencing more cases of sick building syndrome (SBS) than any other country. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the bake-out strategy in reducing indoor air pollutants in a new apartment building in the UAE. The study evaluated a reduction in toluene (C₇H₈), ethylbenzene (C₈H₁₀), xylene (C₈H₁₀), styrene (C₈H₈), and formaldehyde (HCHO) at room temperature and relative humidity. The airtight unit without winter bake-out had higher indoor concentrations of hazardous chemicals than the ventilated units, and the emission of dangerous substances increased with temperature. Moreover, harmful chemicals were only effectively reduced with ventilation times of at least seven days after the heating period. The release rate of contaminants after the bake-out was lower than before. The indoor concentration of hazardous chemicals was lower when bake-out and mechanical ventilation were combined, resulting in a reduction of 92.8% of HCHO. Furthermore, units with a certain amount of ventilation maintained a low indoor pollutant concentration, regardless of whether a bake-out was performed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Biophilic Buildings as Sustainable Environments

Indre Grazuleviciute-Vileniske

Aurelija Daugelaite

and

Gediminas Viliunas

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101542 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4046

Abstract

Biophilic design approach aims at creating favorable conditions for humans in various types of anthropogenic environments, while at the same time restoring broken human–nature connection. The biophilic design guidelines and principles are general and flexible and allow wide array of architectural expressions. In order to better understand the architectural expression possibilities provided by biophilic design approach, the existing classifications of biophilic architecture and biophilic design examples were analyzed with the aim to develop the classification that would reflect the links between a building’s architectural expression and biophilic qualities. Three categories of biophilic architecture were distinguished in the developed classification: mimetic, applied, and organic. The distinguished categories were illustrated with the characteristic building examples and the evaluation of biophilic qualities and human-nature collaboration potential of these example buildings was carried out using comprehensive system of criteria. The analysis has demonstrated that all three distinguished categories—mimetic, applied, organic—allow for the creation of biophilic environments and hold the potential for human–nature collaboration, although organic biophilic design would be currently considered as the least developed, although most promising category. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

Open AccessReview

Trends and Interdisciplinarity Integration in the Development of the Research in the Fields of Sustainable, Healthy and Digital Buildings and Cities

Lina Seduikyte

Indrė Gražulevičiūtė-Vileniškė

Ingrida Povilaitienė

Paris A. Fokaides

and

Domantas Lingė

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071764 - 11 Jul 2023

Viewed by 550

Abstract

This article provides a thorough bibliometric analysis of significant research trends in sustainability from 1988 until now, focusing on sustainable, healthy and digital buildings and cities. It exemplifies how research emphasis has shifted from explicit ecological investigations to nature-based solutions and city greening programs, with a rising interest in the many responsibilities of urban stakeholders in attaining sustainability. Despite weak integration at the literature and author cooperation levels, the “healthy buildings and cities” topic indicates promise for multidisciplinary integration. The “digital buildings and cities” topic, on the other hand, presents a more particular concern with strong cross-cluster collaboration and significant integration possibilities. Global relevance has been demonstrated through research on “sustainable buildings and cities,” mainly in journal papers. This topic’s study clusters show remarkable synergy across management, transportation, ecology, remote sensing and environmental engineering domains. In comparison to “healthy buildings and cities” and “digital buildings and cities” topics, the study of “sustainable buildings and cities” demonstrates a deeper level of interdisciplinary integration, highlighting the significant potential for further exploration within sustainability science research. This study emphasizes the ongoing worldwide relevance of sustainability science research and identifies significant opportunities for multidisciplinary integration across the investigated subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Healthy, Digital and Sustainable Buildings and Cities"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI