2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

31 pages, 5689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Techno-Economic Analysis of the Energy Resilience Performance of Energy-Efficient Buildings in a Cold Climate and Participation in the Flexibility Market

by Ashish Saini, Ala Hasan and Jari Shemeikka

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 2936; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13122936 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 710

Abstract

Unexpected power outages and extreme weather encouraged research on energy-resilient buildings throughout the world. Resilient building research mainly focuses on hot weather rather than cold extremes. This study defines resilience terminologies based on the available literature and discusses the impact of energy efficiency [...] Read more.

Unexpected power outages and extreme weather encouraged research on energy-resilient buildings throughout the world. Resilient building research mainly focuses on hot weather rather than cold extremes. This study defines resilience terminologies based on the available literature and discusses the impact of energy efficiency on energy resilience performance in energy-efficient buildings due to abrupt power outages in an extremely cold climate. The assessment involves the case simulation of a multistory apartment located in southern Finland at design outdoor conditions (−26 °C) in IDA-ICE 4.8, a dynamic building simulation software, and its techno-economic assessment to ensure building resilience for up to 7 days of power outages. The assessment shows the efficient building envelope can enhance the time taken by the building to drop the indoor temperature to the threshold by approximately 15%. Additionally, the efficient heating system along with the building envelope can reduce the instantaneous power demand by up to 5.3 times, peak power demand by up to 3.5 times, and on average power consumption by 3.9 times. Similarly, the study finds that the total energy requirement during a blackout can be reduced by 4.1 times. The study concludes that enhanced building resilience is associated with energy-efficient parameters such as an efficient energy system and an efficient building envelope that has low thermal losses and high thermal inertia retention. The batteries contribute the maximum proportion to the overall retrofitting cost, and the proportion can go up to 70% in baseline configurations and 77% in efficient configurations of buildings. The analysis concludes that the required investment varies largely with the technologies involved and the combination of components of these energy systems. The assessment finds that the high investment costs associated with batteries and battery recharging costs are the main bottlenecks to feasible flexibility in market participation. Full article

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18 pages, 4136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of Indoor Air Quality in Educational Buildings: A Spanish Case Study

by Alberto Leal Matilla, Jorge Pablo Diaz Velilla, Alicia Zaragoza-Benzal, Daniel Ferrández and Paulo Santos

Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2780; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112780 - 05 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1196

Abstract

Ensuring good indoor air quality in the spaces within educational centres is essential for the health and academic performance of students. In this sense, studying the evolution of health pollutants and their relationship with the environmental parameters of indoor humidity and temperature presents [...] Read more.

Ensuring good indoor air quality in the spaces within educational centres is essential for the health and academic performance of students. In this sense, studying the evolution of health pollutants and their relationship with the environmental parameters of indoor humidity and temperature presents a challenge for the design of more efficient and comfortable buildings with a lower risk of virus infection. In this work, the relationship between pollution levels and SARS-CoV-2 virus infections in the academic year 2021/22 is shown, comparing the pollution values measured on-site with the value of the official measuring stations of the Community of Madrid. In addition, the impact of ventilation measures implemented during this period is assessed, aiming to establish guidelines for ensuring a safer and healthier school environment. It was found that during winter months, when there is less outdoor ventilation, pollution levels exceeded the recommended limits, according to reference regulations. This highlights the need for interior conditioning strategies in educational spaces. Thus, this multidimensional approach, considering both airborne pollutants and weather conditions, provides a comprehensive perspective on indoor air quality in school buildings in the central area of a metropolitan city, such as the Community of Madrid. Full article

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16 pages, 6704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chopped Straw as an Insulation Material: The Influence of Different Blow-In Technologies and Flame Retardants on Hygrothermal Properties

by Tarja Salonen, Henriette Fischer and Azra Korjenic

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2555; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102555 - 10 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3503

Abstract

The demand for renewable resources in building construction is increasing, and wheat straw is an excellent option due to its superior environmental performance compared to traditional insulation materials. However, the hygrothermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation have remained largely unexplored. At the [...] Read more.

The demand for renewable resources in building construction is increasing, and wheat straw is an excellent option due to its superior environmental performance compared to traditional insulation materials. However, the hygrothermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation have remained largely unexplored. At the moment, blown-in straw is only blown in vertically, although horizontal blowing would be more efficient depending on the situation. This study investigates the effect of different blowing techniques on the thermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation, focusing on the difference between vertical and horizontal blowing techniques. In-situ-measured thermal conductivities were compared with design values used in energy balances. In addition, the long-term hygrothermal behavior of chopped wheat straw insulation treated with flame retardants was investigated. The methodology included heat flow plate measurements, needle probe measurements and laboratory measurements using the hot plate method. The results show that there is no significant difference in thermal performance between the blowing techniques. The measured thermal conductivities were lower than expected, challenging the current general normative moisture surcharge on the thermal conductivity of natural fiber insulation. The addition of the flame retardant had no noticeable effect on the hygrothermal properties of the chopped straw. Chopped wheat straw can be regarded as a highly ecological insulation material with great potential for the future. Full article

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27 pages, 6516 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Insights and Evidence on Energy Retrofitting Practices in Rural Areas: Systematic Literature Review (2012–2023)

by Ahmed Abouaiana and Alessandra Battisti

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1586; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071586 - 22 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1780

Abstract

Rural commons face extraordinary challenges like fragility and sensitivity due to climate change. Retrofitting rural built environments affords benefits that could overcome these challenges and support sustainable development. However, notwithstanding the vast energy retrofitting interventions available, the associated aspects require investigation, particularly in [...] Read more.

Rural commons face extraordinary challenges like fragility and sensitivity due to climate change. Retrofitting rural built environments affords benefits that could overcome these challenges and support sustainable development. However, notwithstanding the vast energy retrofitting interventions available, the associated aspects require investigation, particularly in distinct rural contexts with all their valuable, cultural, and historical inheritance. Hence, this study aimed to examine energy retrofitting practices in rural settlements worldwide over a decade to diagnose the goals that are being undertaken, stakeholder engagement, and finally, the bi-correlation between rural contexts and interventions, and retrofitting contributions to valorizing the place’s identity. This study is a systematic literature review (SLR) considering the items of the PRISMA checklist (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). An SLR of published peer-reviewed studies between January 2012 and March 2023 in 16 electronic databases in all available languages, using a combination of seven keywords within three domains, was conducted. The initial search resulted in 397; after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, there were 60 eligible articles. The academic progress and tendencies in the energy retrofitting domain of rural built environments are discussed and summarized into four major thematic classifications (energy efficiency strategies, energy efficiency planning, policy evaluation, and occupant behavior). Briefly, rural buildings lack energy-saving designs. Simulation tools are essential; however, they should be calibrated with on-site conditions, showing the reasons for selecting the applied retrofitting measures and correlation with the surrounding context. Successful implementation requires cross-disciplinary collaboration, engaging decision makers, and providing energy education for the local community. Regulations should include micro-context-specific environmental performance indicators. These insights could help map out future academic pursuits and help the stakeholders better understand their nature. Simultaneously, this study assists early-stage researchers in conducting systematic literature reviews utilizing different tools. However, the SLR protocol may have limited findings due to the specific search terms used, so the authors believe the more the literature search scope is broadened, the more discoveries could be made. Full article

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17 pages, 663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Assessment of Cementitious Ceramic Tile Adhesives

by Jacek Michalak

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051326 - 19 May 2023

Viewed by 1130

Abstract

This article presents the results of analyzing environmental impact indicators of thirteen ceramic tile adhesives (CTAs). The analyzed data came from ten third-party-verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) created in 2016–2022. The paper examines seven environmental impact indicators for modules A1–A3 (cradle-to-gate). Significant differences [...] Read more.

This article presents the results of analyzing environmental impact indicators of thirteen ceramic tile adhesives (CTAs). The analyzed data came from ten third-party-verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) created in 2016–2022. The paper examines seven environmental impact indicators for modules A1–A3 (cradle-to-gate). Significant differences were observed between the values of environmental indicators, which, in the case of Global Warming Potential (GWP), differed by almost 270% in the most extreme case. For the depletion of abiotic resources (elements) (ADP_e), the values of products differed by nearly fourteen thousand times. Results are discussed from the perspective of the CTAs’ manufacturer assessing the product. The analysis focused on issues such as the historical dimension of data, which is the basis for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the need for their constant updating, and the subject of uncertainty—usually wholly omitted in the considerations on the environmental impact of construction products. The results of the analysis were also evaluated in terms of the planned introduction of the new 3+ assessment system in connection with the future amendment of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The results of the CTAs’ analysis of environmental indicators showed that, despite the EPDs functioning for a decade, the obligatory assessment of construction products in terms of sustainability using the 3+ system did not create the conditions for its proper occurrence. This analysis showed that, without obtaining reliable data on the environmental impact of CTAs, correct AVCP is not possible, and the consumer is not able to make proper choices. Full article

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19 pages, 6416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Spectrometry for Determining the Solar Radiation of Deciduous Trees’ Shade: A Passive Energy Conservation Approach for Mediterranean Climates

by María Luisa del Campo-Hitschfeld, Nicolás Arenas, Marco Rivera and Pablo Ballesteros-Pérez

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051130 - 23 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1448

Abstract

Deciduous trees are well known for controlling solar gains in buildings, contributing to energy savings in a sector that consumes 35% of global energy. However, there is still a lack of information about the real thermal impact that deciduous trees have. This work [...] Read more.

Deciduous trees are well known for controlling solar gains in buildings, contributing to energy savings in a sector that consumes 35% of global energy. However, there is still a lack of information about the real thermal impact that deciduous trees have. This work proposes a new method that is cheap and easy to implement to quantify the shading efficiency of different types of deciduous trees in hot seasons. The results can be applied in energy evaluations of buildings. The trees selected belong to the central valley of Chile, which is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The trees selected can also be found in other parts of the world. A spectrometer is used for measuring the amount of solar radiation (irradiance) that is present in the shadow of trees, measuring wavelengths between 339 nm and 750 nm (mostly within the visible light range). The full referential irradiance spectrum of the site is obtained by calibrating the standard ASTM G-173-03. At the site, the spectrometer is used to obtain the visible light range, while the infrared radiation (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation ranges are obtained from the literature. Our results indicate that the analyzed deciduous trees reduce an average of 82% of the solar radiation. This information will help project designers during the building energy efficiency design phase by representative modeling of the solar radiation gains allowed by deciduous trees. Full article

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22 pages, 16536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating BIPV Façades in a Building Envelope in Hot Districts for Enhancing Sustainable Ranking: A Saudi Arabian Perspective

by Esam M. H. Ismaeil and Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051110 - 22 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1694

Abstract

Enhancing contractual construction project documents with sustainability and green building requirements reflects growing concerns for the majority of organizations in hot zone districts. The aim is to provide a healthy, best functional performance, safe environment with occupant comfort, and an efficient building performance [...] Read more.

Enhancing contractual construction project documents with sustainability and green building requirements reflects growing concerns for the majority of organizations in hot zone districts. The aim is to provide a healthy, best functional performance, safe environment with occupant comfort, and an efficient building performance as an environmental-friendly building. This research study develops a holistic evaluation system for the façade composite of contractual documents. The aim of the current study was to enhance building energy performance under the sustainability rating system focusing on adapting active envelope energy applications. The research used technical evaluation with energy simulation based PVsyst V7.1.0 software and contractual status evaluation for an ongoing unique case study project in Saudi Arabia. Feasibility analysis was carried out for a sustainable active envelope using the adopted specifications of the Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) façade item instead of the contractual passive item in the Giftedness and Creativity Center project. The project was registered in the sustainability rating system called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The results showed that using BIPV facades as an active renewable energy source enhances building energy performance over the project life cycle. Additionally, it generates 68% of energy demand as a nearly-zero energy project. Several other advantages include lower cost than tender cost without any contractual conflicts, energy savings per year, project upgrade to the platinum certificate, added value to the public investment, CO₂ emission reduction, and barrels of oil saved. Full article

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35 pages, 23986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cold Housing in Central Mexico: Environmental Dissatisfaction and Underheating Lowers Self-Perceived Health in Central Mexico

by Carlos Zepeda-Gil and Augusto Jacobo Montiel-Castro

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030814 - 20 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1713

Abstract

Despite being perceived as a warm country, winters in the Central Mexican Plateau frequently reach temperatures below zero Celsius. Prolonged exposures to low temperatures resulting in heart and respiratory morbidities are estimated to be responsible for 50% of the reported illness in the [...] Read more.

Despite being perceived as a warm country, winters in the Central Mexican Plateau frequently reach temperatures below zero Celsius. Prolonged exposures to low temperatures resulting in heart and respiratory morbidities are estimated to be responsible for 50% of the reported illness in the plateau, attributable primarily to the design of homes ill-suited to extreme temperatures. Consequently, there is a growing need to ensure that dwellings provide adequate indoor thermal conditions in the region. Hence, on-site sensors were used to collect temperature and relative humidity data every five minutes in 26 living rooms in the Plateau for 11 months. From these data, a subsample was determined, resulting in dwelling-level thermal comfort and health surveys on 15 homes. Computer simulations were used to investigate whether the building itself could provide thermal comfort under different retrofitting scenarios. Multiple linear regression relating the Predicted Percentage Dissatisfaction (PPD) index to self-perceived health was undertaken. Both monitored and simulated results were matched against our underheating model, finding that 92% of the homes had cold indoor environments, some even during summer. High PPD and intense levels of underheating were positive predictors of higher self-reported health problems. More self-reported health problems were correlated with both lower life satisfaction and self-worth, and with subjects’ use of more adaptive strategies against environmental dissatisfaction. Dynamic computer simulations suggested that indoor thermal environments could be improved by enforcing the non-utilised standard NOM-ENER-020, which recommends the addition of insulation on walls and roofs. These findings suggest that the cold environments within homes of the plateau influence the self-perceived physical and mental health of its population. Hence, the application of adequate measures, such as retrofitting homes with stronger standards than the existing NOM-ENER-020 are needed in place. Full article

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23 pages, 1292 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Parameters Measured to Characterize Classrooms’ Indoor Environmental Quality

by Minh Tien Tran, Wenjuan Wei, Claire Dassonville, Christophe Martinsons, Pascal Ducruet, Corinne Mandin, Valérie Héquet and Pawel Wargocki

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020433 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2325

Abstract

As attention to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) grows, a systematic strategy for assessing IEQ in schools needs to be developed. For this purpose, this paper presents a summary of parameters measured in school classrooms to characterize the quality of thermal, acoustic, and visual [...] Read more.

As attention to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) grows, a systematic strategy for assessing IEQ in schools needs to be developed. For this purpose, this paper presents a summary of parameters measured in school classrooms to characterize the quality of thermal, acoustic, and visual environments and indoor air quality (IAQ). The summary is based on a review of published literature reporting measurements in schools in Europe and North America in the past ten years. It also summarizes the measurement protocols and measured concentrations. Eighty-eight papers describing measurements in schools were identified and analyzed. No unique standardized measuring method was used in the reviewed studies and different parameters were measured. The most often measured parameters were those describing the thermal environment and IAQ. The former mainly comprised air temperature and relative humidity. The latter mainly comprised concentrations of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, radon, formaldehyde, and some volatile organic compounds. The measured parameters describing acoustic and visual environments mainly comprised noise level, reverberation time, and illuminance. A few studies reported additional measurements of radiant temperature, operative temperature, and speech intelligibility. Measurement protocols from different studies show inconsistency in sampling duration and location and expressed results. Measured concentrations also show high variation between studies, with some pollutants exceeding the threshold values proposed by local and/or international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). This review provides the reference for developing a rating scheme and protocols for uniform characterization of classroom IEQ. Full article

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18 pages, 4017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncertainty Assessment of Mean Radiant Temperature Estimation for Indoor Thermal Comfort Based on Clustering Analysis of Reduced-Input Surfaces

by Eunho Kang, Ruda Lee, Jongho Yoon, Heejin Cho and Dongsu Kim

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020342 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Mean radiant temperature (MRT) is important for indoor thermal comfort determination. Several good ways to practically obtain accurate MRT include measuring all indoor surface temperatures for MRT calculation or using a black globe thermometer. Still, it can be hard to apply in practice [...] Read more.

Mean radiant temperature (MRT) is important for indoor thermal comfort determination. Several good ways to practically obtain accurate MRT include measuring all indoor surface temperatures for MRT calculation or using a black globe thermometer. Still, it can be hard to apply in practice because using such experimental measurements increases the efforts of data management times and acquisition costs. In this regard, there is a practical advantage in reducing the number of measured surfaces by grouping similar surfaces rather than measuring all indoor surface temperatures individually to obtain MRT. However, since even those similar surfaces are not the same, it can lead to erroneous MRT estimation, which needs to be investigated. This study analyzes the uncertainty of MRT estimates by categorizing the surfaces with similar temperature behaviors to examine the risk of such inaccuracy. In this study, the input data required for the MRT calculation are generated using a measurement data-based simulation model, and the uncertainty of the MRT is quantified using the Monte Carlo method. As a result of the study, it is observed that excluding surfaces with similar temperatures for MRT estimation does not significantly affect the uncertainty. When the appropriate number of input surfaces is satisfied, its MRT shows a difference of less than 1% compared to the results calculated with all surfaces. Full article

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24 pages, 3287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Energy, Environmental and Economic Costs of Buildings’ Thermal Insulation–Influence of Type of Use and Climate

by António M. Raimundo, Afonso M. Sousa and A. Virgílio M. Oliveira

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020279 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1306

Abstract

Among the aspects with major impacts on the energy and environmental performance of a building, the thermal insulation of the opaque elements of its envelope stands out. This work assesses the influence of the application of thermal insulation to the opaque elements of [...] Read more.

Among the aspects with major impacts on the energy and environmental performance of a building, the thermal insulation of the opaque elements of its envelope stands out. This work assesses the influence of the application of thermal insulation to the opaque elements of the building’s envelope on the thermal comfort conditions indoors; moreover, the influence of the thermal insulation on the energy, environmental, and economic costs over the building’s complete life cycle is evaluated. For this purpose, the three most commonly used thermal insulating materials (expanded polystyrene—EPS, extruded polystyrene—XPS, and mineral wool—MW), thicknesses between 0 (without insulation) and 40 cm, five climates (hot, warm, moderate, cold, and very cold), and six types of use (apartment, housing, clinic, school, bank branch, and supermarket) were considered. EPS reveals itself to be the most promising thermal insulation material, both in economic and environmental terms, so it was selected for this study. The EPS’ optimal thickness depends on the building’s type of use, the climate, and the perspective from which the assessment is carried out (energy, environmental, or economic). The results show that the economically optimal thicknesses of thermal insulation are significantly lower than the corresponding ones in environmental terms. Furthermore, the application of thermal insulation to the opaque building’s envelope is more beneficial in energy and environmental terms than from an economic perspective. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021

13 pages, 2646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Retrofit Strategies on Thermal Insulation Applied in Buildings Located on the Southern Border of the EU: The Case of the Canary Islands

by Eduardo González-Díaz, José Miguel Márquez-Martinón, Ana Pérez-García, Norena Martín-Dorta and Benjamín González-Díaz

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111994 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Nowadays, a large amount of the total primary energy is consumed by buildings, accounting for about 40% of the total energy demand. Aligned with the EU objectives and the strategies to reduce the demand, cooling and heating are stated as the most energy [...] Read more.

Nowadays, a large amount of the total primary energy is consumed by buildings, accounting for about 40% of the total energy demand. Aligned with the EU objectives and the strategies to reduce the demand, cooling and heating are stated as the most energy consuming processes and the building envelope plays an important role to reduce the energy consumption. In this work, the energy demand related to heating and cooling in a typical building has been evaluated, which has been simulated in 35 cities located in different climatic zones, using the DesignBuilder v.6.1.7.007 software. Although the increase in insulation and the replacement of windows lead to a reduction in energy demand, in the case of the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria without insulation, the demands are lower than 1.7 kWh/m²/year and 5 kWh/m²/year, respectively, and these results indicate that energy saving strategies, driven by policies and economic support, based on the renovation and improvement of the thermal insulation of the building envelope, are not the most appropriate due to the need for an additional energy load for cooling and to maintain comfort within the regulatory limits. Full article

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20 pages, 2456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Heating Load in Residential Buildings Using Multi-Verse Optimizer, Self-Organizing Self-Adaptive, and Vortex Search Neural-Evolutionary Techniques

by Fatemeh Nejati, Nayer Tahoori, Mohammad Amin Sharifian, Alireza Ghafari and Moncef L. Nehdi

Buildings 2022, 12(9), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091328 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1263

Abstract

Using ANN algorithms to address optimization problems has substantially benefited recent research. This study assessed the heating load (HL) of residential buildings’ heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network is utilized in association with the MVO (multi-verse optimizer), [...] Read more.

Using ANN algorithms to address optimization problems has substantially benefited recent research. This study assessed the heating load (HL) of residential buildings’ heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network is utilized in association with the MVO (multi-verse optimizer), VSA (vortex search algorithm), and SOSA (self-organizing self-adaptive) algorithms to solve the computational challenges compounded by the model’s complexity. In a dataset that includes independent factors like overall height and glazing area, orientation, wall area, compactness, and the distribution of glazing area, HL is a goal factor. It was revealed that metaheuristic ensembles based on the MVOMLP and VSAMLP metaheuristics had a solid ability to recognize non-linear relationships between these variables. In terms of performance, the MVO-MLP model was considered superior to the VSA-MLP and SOSA-MLP models. Full article

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25 pages, 4848 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Position Paper Introducing a Sustainable, Universal Approach to Retrofitting Residential Buildings

by Małgorzata Fedorczak-Cisak, Mark Bomberg, David W. Yarbrough, Lowell E. Lingo and Anna Romanska-Zapala

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060846 - 17 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2336

Abstract

Protests during the 2021 Climate Conference in Glasgow exemplified our dilemma. The establishment perpetuates old thinking, while young people demand a new approach to mitigate the impact of climate change. The authors agree with the young people, and as a solution we propose [...] Read more.

Protests during the 2021 Climate Conference in Glasgow exemplified our dilemma. The establishment perpetuates old thinking, while young people demand a new approach to mitigate the impact of climate change. The authors agree with the young people, and as a solution we propose to replace the current fragmentary approach with a new holistic one. The passive house approach that was conceptualized by the University of Illinois and built in Canada in 1977 showed us that energy consumption can be reduced about half of that used in the traditional design. Seventeen years later, a European passive house was built in Darmstadt. In 2008, a demonstration house in Syracuse, NY, showed that integrated passive measures produced energy use by about half of the NY state code for 2004. At the same time, some advanced houses in the USA showed total energy use of about 70 kWh/(m²∙y). In 2008, at the first Building Enclosure Science and Technology Conference, two equally important objectives for 2030 were proposed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: (1) a 90% reduction of energy use in new buildings and (2) 50% for the retrofitting of existing buildings, i.e., to the level achieved in the 1980s. The first objective has recently been achieved in small buildings while the large residential buildings remain on the level obtained in the 2000s. Yet, the retrofitting of existing buildings (the second objective) has been a dismal failure. This paper acknowledges progress in hydronic heating and cooling involving electric heat pumps and hybrid solar panels, building automatics used for operation of HVAC, and modification of air distribution systems that comes from experience with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Furthermore, it highlights that to accelerate energy efficiency and carbon emission reductions, there must be broad public-private educational programs with demonstrations of a new generation of retrofitting. Economically and ecologically retrofitted buildings will create a new approach to real estate investment. Full article

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21 pages, 3680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Optimum Building Envelope Parameters of a Room concerning Window-to-Wall Ratio, Orientation, Insulation Thickness and Window Type

by Ayşe Fidan Altun

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030383 - 20 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2925

Abstract

The building envelope includes all materials (glazing, external walls, doors, etc.) that separate the conditioned space from the outside environment. Building envelope characteristics significantly influence the energy consumption of buildings. In this study, research was carried out to find optimum building envelope design [...] Read more.

The building envelope includes all materials (glazing, external walls, doors, etc.) that separate the conditioned space from the outside environment. Building envelope characteristics significantly influence the energy consumption of buildings. In this study, research was carried out to find optimum building envelope design parameters, such as insulation thickness, orientation, glazing type, and the window-to-wall ratio of a room, using actual climatic data of two cities with different characteristics according to the Köppen climatic classification. The insulation thickness and the window type that minimizes the net present worth of the building façade over 20 years of a lifetime gave the optimum values. In addition, the effect of the various parameters, such as the infiltration rate through the envelope, room set-point temperature, and the fuel type, on the net present cost was also analyzed. It was found that appropriate selection of windows, orientation, and insulation thickness would lead to a significant reduction in the annual energy consumption. Despite having the lowest initial investment cost, the room with single glazed windows had the highest energy requirement and the net present cost. The building façade with double glazed windows, oriented towards the south-west, yielded the minimum net present cost in both locations. Results showed that the optimum external wall thickness is 9 cm in Hakkari (Dsa—Continental Climate) and 6 cm in Istanbul (Csa—Mild Climate). Full article

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29 pages, 11842 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Thermo-Energy Performance of Lightweight Steel Framed Constructions: A Case Study

by Ligia Moga, Ioan Petran, Paulo Santos and Viorel Ungureanu

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030321 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

The building sector continues to play an essential role in reducing worldwide energy consumption. The reduced consumption is accompanied by stricter regulation for the thermotechnical design of the building envelope. The redefined nearly Zero Energy Building levels that will come into force for [...] Read more.

The building sector continues to play an essential role in reducing worldwide energy consumption. The reduced consumption is accompanied by stricter regulation for the thermotechnical design of the building envelope. The redefined nearly Zero Energy Building levels that will come into force for each member state will pressure designers to rethink the constructive details so that mandatory levels can be reached, without increasing the construction costs over an optimum level but at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The paper aims to illustrate the main conclusions obtained in assessing the thermo-energy performance of a steel-framed building representing a holistically designed modular laboratory located in a moderate continental temperate climate, characteristic of the south-eastern part of the Pannonian Depression with some sub-Mediterranean influences. An extensive numerical simulation of the main junctions was performed. The thermal performance was established in terms of the main parameters, the adjusted thermal resistances and global thermal insulation coefficient. Further on, the energy consumption for heating was established, and the associated energy rating was in compliance with the Romanian regulations. A parametric study was done to illustrate the energy performance of the investigated case in the five representative climatic zones from Romania. An important conclusion of the research indicates that an emphasis must be placed on the thermotechnical design of Light Steel Framed solutions against increased thermal bridge areas caused by the steel’s high thermal conductivity for all building components to reach nZEB levels. Nevertheless, the results indicate an exemplary behaviour compared to classical solutions, but at the same time, the need for an iterative redesign so that all thermo-energy performance indicators are achieved. Full article

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25 pages, 4690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circular Building Process: Reuse of Insulators from Construction and Demolition Waste to Produce Lime Mortars

by Daniel Ferrández, Engerst Yedra, Carlos Morón, Alicia Zaragoza and Marta Kosior-Kazberuk

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020220 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2565

Abstract

This research aims to revalue the possibilities presented by lime mortars for use in renovation and as cladding material on facades. The study focuses on analyzing the technical feasibility of lime mortars with the incorporation of residues from three types of thermal insulation [...] Read more.

This research aims to revalue the possibilities presented by lime mortars for use in renovation and as cladding material on facades. The study focuses on analyzing the technical feasibility of lime mortars with the incorporation of residues from three types of thermal insulation materials: expanded polystyrene with graphite especially suitable for use on facades; expanded polystyrene for use indoors; and insulating mineral wool. The incorporation of these construction and demolition residues makes it possible to improve several technical performance aspects of lime mortars, and to incorporate circular economy criteria in the manufacturing process of these materials. The results showed that the incorporation of mineral wool improves the mechanical resistance to the bending of mortars, increases their durability against freeze–thaw cycles and salt crystallization, and reduces the final shrinkage of mortars. For their part, mortars with the addition of polystyrene-insulating residues reduce mechanical resistance, but also reduce thermal conductivity, and are lighter, which is why they are shown as a possible alternative for use in precast. Full article

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16 pages, 2827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Renovation of Modernist Architecture Study Based on Selected Cases

by Joanna Jablonska and Lukasz Wojciechowski

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020195 - 08 Feb 2022

Viewed by 3276

Abstract

Modernist architecture is one of the most significant movements which serve as grounds for contemporary creations. At the beginning of the 20th century, the impact of new structural and building technologies allowed designers to find new ways of architectural expression. It is rooted [...] Read more.

Modernist architecture is one of the most significant movements which serve as grounds for contemporary creations. At the beginning of the 20th century, the impact of new structural and building technologies allowed designers to find new ways of architectural expression. It is rooted in thought-out composition and simplicity which serve as a background for the exposition of structure. The geometrical interplay of a building’s elements highlights the impressively thin structures and raw surfaces of novel building materials. Nowadays, in selected regions, the architecture of the Modernist Period is neglected or loosely refurbished. As an effect of this phenomenon, buildings are demolished or deprived of aesthetical values. Thus, this article aims at showing an overview of sectional research on good practice. We base the study of on-site design implementations of several modernist architecture refurbishments and focus on technology and design assumptions with optimised thermal modernisation. The paper reveals a set of examples for the refurbishment of modernist architecture, with calculations of heat energy coefficients of the initial and design phase. The presented thermal modernisations aim at adjusting buildings to new requirements concerning energy without any loss of initial architectural expression. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

18 pages, 3015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Non-Autoclaved Aerated Concrete for Energy Behaviors of a Residential House in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

by Chang-Seon Shon, Inzhu Mukangali, Dichuan Zhang, Anuar Ulykbanov and Jong Kim

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120610 - 04 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3272

Abstract

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is commonly used as a modern, energy-efficient construction material in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan—the second-coldest national capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The autoclave curing method used to manufacture the AAC has potential risks and is environmentally costly because of [...] Read more.

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is commonly used as a modern, energy-efficient construction material in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan—the second-coldest national capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The autoclave curing method used to manufacture the AAC has potential risks and is environmentally costly because of its high-pressure and -temperature operation. Therefore, for phase I and II studies, non-autoclaved aerated concrete (NAAC) was cast, and its properties were evaluated in terms of compressive strength, density, porosity, and thermal conductivity. Moreover, the thermal conductivity prediction model of NAAC was successfully developed. In this Phase III study, the energy behavior of the NAAC was evaluated by energy simulation for a typical two-story residential house model in Kazakhstan. Different wall materials, such as fired brick and normal concrete, were adapted to compare the energy performance of NAAC. Finally, the annual heat loss and amount of heat transferred through the wall of the house were calculated to cross-check the energy-saving effect of NAAC. It was found that the NAAC conserved energy, because the heating and cooling loads, annual heat loss, and amount of heat transfer of NACC were lower than those of fired brick and normal concrete. Full article

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29 pages, 2191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laboratory Measurement and Boundary Conditions for the Water Vapour Resistivity Properties of Typical Australian Impermeable and Smart Pliable Membranes

by Toba Samuel Olaoye, Mark Dewsbury and Hartwig Künzel

Buildings 2021, 11(11), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11110509 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2802

Abstract

The duo of better insulated and more air-tight envelopes without appropriate consideration of water vapour diffusion and envelope moisture management has often demonstrated an increased potential of moisture accumulation, interstitial condensation, and mould growth within the building envelope. To inform a resilient, energy [...] Read more.

The duo of better insulated and more air-tight envelopes without appropriate consideration of water vapour diffusion and envelope moisture management has often demonstrated an increased potential of moisture accumulation, interstitial condensation, and mould growth within the building envelope. To inform a resilient, energy efficient, and healthy building design, long-term transient hygrothermal modelling are required. Since 2008, concern has been raised to the Australian building regulators regarding the need to establish the vapour diffusion properties of construction materials, in order to develop a hygrothermal regulatory framework. This paper discusses the results from laboratory testing of the vapour diffusion properties of two common reflective pliable membranes, and one smart pliable membrane. The two reflective pliable membranes are often used within the exterior walls of Australian buildings. The smart pliable membrane is a relatively new, internationally available product. The three membranes were tested as per ISO 12,572 at 23 °C and 50% RH. To establish if the vapour resistivity properties were constant, under different relative humidity conditions, the membranes were further tested at 23 °C and relative humidity values of 35%, 65%, and 80%. The results of the three pliable membranes show that the vapour resistivity properties varied in a non-linear (dynamic) manner subject to relative humidity. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that regardless of the class, each of the tested membrane types behaved differently under varying relative humidity and pressure gradients within the testing laboratory. Full article

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15 pages, 48221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Performance of Double-Pane Lightweight Steel Framed Walls with and without a Reflective Foil

by Paulo Santos and Telmo Ribeiro

Buildings 2021, 11(7), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11070301 - 08 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2440

Abstract

One strategy to increase energy efficiency of buildings could be the reduction of undesirable heat losses by mitigating the heat transfer mechanisms across the building envelope. The use of thermal insulation is the simplest and most straightforward way to promote thermal resistance of [...] Read more.

One strategy to increase energy efficiency of buildings could be the reduction of undesirable heat losses by mitigating the heat transfer mechanisms across the building envelope. The use of thermal insulation is the simplest and most straightforward way to promote thermal resistance of building elements by reducing the heat transfer by conduction. However, whenever there is an air cavity, radiation heat transfer could be also very relevant. The use of thermal reflective insulation materials inside the air gaps of building elements is likewise an effective way to increase thermal resistance without increasing weight and wall thickness. Some additional advantages are its low-cost and easy installation. In this work, the performance of a thermal reflective insulation system, constituted by an aluminium foil placed inside an air cavity between a double pane lightweight steel framed (LSF) partition, is experimentally evaluated for different air gap thicknesses, ranging from 0 mm up to 50 mm, with a step increment of 10 mm. We found a maximum thermal resistance improvement of the double pane LSF walls due to the reflective foil of around +0.529 m²∙°C/W (+21%). The measurements of the

R

-values were compared with predictions provided by simplified models (CEN and NFRC 100). Both models were able to predict with reasonable accuracy (around ±5%) the thermal behaviour of the air cavities within the evaluated double pane LSF walls. Full article

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25 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

BIM-Based Energy Analysis and Sustainability Assessment—Application to Portuguese Buildings

by José Pedro Carvalho, Manuela Almeida, Luís Bragança and Ricardo Mateus

Buildings 2021, 11(6), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060246 - 09 Jun 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7690

Abstract

Buildings are responsible for several negative impacts on the environment, most of them related to nonrenewable energy consumption, increasing the concern regarding buildings energy efficiency. In this context, computer software has been used to estimate the energy needs of the built environment, and [...] Read more.

Buildings are responsible for several negative impacts on the environment, most of them related to nonrenewable energy consumption, increasing the concern regarding buildings energy efficiency. In this context, computer software has been used to estimate the energy needs of the built environment, and the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology can be used to simplify this process. This study aims to validate a BIM-based framework to streamline the energy analysis of Portuguese buildings, based on the method of the national regulation for the thermal performance of residential buildings. Currently, designers need to spend considerable time assessing all the building characteristics and performing the mandatory calculations for energy performance analysis. It is also intended to link the results of the energy simulation with a Building Sustainability Assessment method—SBTool^PT-H. The purpose is to demonstrate how it is possible to benefit from this approach to simultaneously improve building sustainability during the design stage. To do so, different case studies were modelled in Autodesk Revit and exported to a BIM energy tool to perform energy simulation analysis. The results were validated against the official assessment method of the Portuguese thermal regulation and were successfully used to assess the SBTool^PT-H energy efficiency category. The research outcomes provide design teams with a reliable BIM-based framework to improve building energy performance and to develop thermal projects while enhancing building sustainability. It also increases the knowledge about the integration of sustainability assessment in the BIM environment, providing new insights for complete integration. Full article

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