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16 pages, 1225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Indicator Assessment of a Thermal Insulation Investment, Taking into Account the Pre-Set Temperature

by Janusz Adamczyk, Robert Dylewski and Marcin Relich

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093544 - 24 Apr 2024

Viewed by 353

Abstract

The article proposes indicators to evaluate a thermal insulation investment in a building, such as net present value (NPV), profitability index, discounted payback period, and ecological cost efficiency. Economic and ecological aspects were taken into account. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was [...] Read more.

The article proposes indicators to evaluate a thermal insulation investment in a building, such as net present value (NPV), profitability index, discounted payback period, and ecological cost efficiency. Economic and ecological aspects were taken into account. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used in the ecological analysis. The following heat sources in the building were considered: condensing gas boiler and heat pump. The developed indicators also depend on the pre-set temperature in residential premises. A methodology to determine the optimum thermal insulation thickness for both economic and ecological reasons was also proposed. A case study was analyzed, and a reference building, typical for Polish construction conditions, was used for research. Various solutions were suggested regarding the type of thermal insulation material and heat sources. The values of the indicators were determined for the proposed variants and for the economically and ecologically optimum thermal insulation thicknesses. Based on the conducted research, it was found that air temperatures maintained in the rooms of the building undergoing thermal modernization should be taken into account in the energy audit. The energy demand of the building for a room temperature of 26 °C is higher by 61% compared to the demand for the same building at the design temperature (20 °C). The innovation in the proposed approach to the economic and ecological assessment of a building is the combination of a wide range of temperatures potentially maintained in living spaces with ecological cost-effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Built Environment)

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17 pages, 1313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Wearable Technologies for Workforce Safety in Built Environment Projects in South Africa

by Lerato Aghimien, Ntebo Ngcobo and Douglas Aghimien

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3498; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083498 - 22 Apr 2024

Viewed by 491

Abstract

In a quest for the safe and sustainable delivery of built environment projects in South Africa, this study explored intelligent wearable technologies (IWTs). A post-positivism philosophical stance was adopted by surveying 165 built environment experts. The technology–organisation–environment (T–O–E) framework was also employed in [...] Read more.

In a quest for the safe and sustainable delivery of built environment projects in South Africa, this study explored intelligent wearable technologies (IWTs). A post-positivism philosophical stance was adopted by surveying 165 built environment experts. The technology–organisation–environment (T–O–E) framework was also employed in understanding the critical factors influencing the use of IWTs in the study area. Data analyses used mean scores, the Kruskal–Wallis H-test, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM) with appropriate model fit indices. It was found that, albeit at a slow pace, IWTs such as smart safety vests embedded with indoor GPS/sensors, smartwatches, and smart safety helmets are gradually gaining popularity within the South African built environment. SEM revealed that while all the assessed T–O–E factors are important to the increased use of IWTs within the study area, the environment- and technology-related factors will significantly impact how individuals and organisations use these beneficial wearable technologies. This study contributes to the existing discourse on intelligent technologies for the safety of the built environment workforce from the South African perspective, where such studies have received less attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Built Environment)

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13 pages, 11141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Building Information Modeling-Based Life Cycle Assessment of the Embodied Carbon and Environmental Impacts of High-Rise Building Structures: A Case Study

by Lijian Ma, Rahman Azari and Mahjoub Elnimeiri

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020569 - 9 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1468

Abstract

High-rise buildings represent technological, urban, and life-style trends of the modern urban landscape, yet there are limited data regarding their embodied carbon and environmental impacts, particularly when compared to low- or mid-rise buildings. Given that the projected growth of the global urban population [...] Read more.

High-rise buildings represent technological, urban, and life-style trends of the modern urban landscape, yet there are limited data regarding their embodied carbon and environmental impacts, particularly when compared to low- or mid-rise buildings. Given that the projected growth of the global urban population by 2050 requires cities with higher density and potentially a greater number of high-rise buildings, it is crucial to develop a clear understanding of the embodied carbon and environmental impacts of high-rise buildings. The primary structural materials used in high-rise buildings are reinforced concrete and structural steel. As of today, over 99% of tall buildings’ structures are built from those two materials. This article utilizes a building information modeling (BIM)-based life cycle assessment (LCA) in Revit and Tally to examine the embodied carbon and environmental impacts of an actual high-rise building structure case study in Chicago that uses a hybrid concrete steel structure. The results show that the embodied carbon and environmental impacts of the high-rise building structure are dominated by the impacts of the product stage in the building’s life cycle and by concrete being the main structural material. Specifically, this study reveals that concrete constitutes a substantial 91% share of the total mass of the building structure, with a 74% contribution to the life cycle global warming potential, 53% to the acidification potential, 74% to the eutrophication potential, 74% to the smog formation potential, and 68% to the non-renewable energy usage. On the other hand, steel accounts for 9% of the building’s structure mass, estimated to constitute 26% of the global warming potential, 47% of the acidification potential, 26% of the eutrophication potential, 26% of the smog formation potential, and 32% of the non-renewable energy usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Built Environment)

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23 pages, 5431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Net-Zero Energy Campuses in India: Blending Education and Governance for Sustainable and Just Transition

by Balaji Kalluri, Vishnupriya Vishnupriya, Pandarasamy Arjunan and Jay Dhariwal

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010087 - 21 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1621

Abstract

This study addresses the urgent need for comprehensive climate education amid a climate emergency. Human (energy) behaviors are developed from childhood and early adulthood. This study hypothesizes that transcending a nation’s net-zero energy ambition can be accomplished through experiential education. An Urban Governance [...] Read more.

This study addresses the urgent need for comprehensive climate education amid a climate emergency. Human (energy) behaviors are developed from childhood and early adulthood. This study hypothesizes that transcending a nation’s net-zero energy ambition can be accomplished through experiential education. An Urban Governance Lab plus nEt-Zero Energy league model is introduced. Various behavioral interventions are designed based on the principles of serious games. Discussions provide rich narratives on how a nation with so many diverse communities can forge a rapid net-zero transition. The blended multi-disciplinary STEM education can drive energy citizenship in campus-like communities. A scenarios-based analysis demonstrating the potential of the proposed model in shaping energy behavior in young citizens leading to net zero is presented. The results from the scenario analysis present optimistic evidence underlining how campus-like communities driven by bottom-up initiatives can realize net-zero ambition beyond hope. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Built Environment)

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27 pages, 9229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Loose Belt Fault Detection and Virtual Flow Meter Development Using Identified Data-driven Energy Model for Fan Systems

by Gang Wang, Junke Wang, Nurayn Tiamiyu, Zufen Wang and Li Song

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12113; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612113 - 8 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 758

Abstract

An energy model that correlates fan airflow, head, speed, and system power input is essential to detect device faults and optimize control strategies in fan systems. Since the application of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) makes the motor-efficiency data published by manufacturers inapplicable for VFD–motor–fan [...] Read more.

An energy model that correlates fan airflow, head, speed, and system power input is essential to detect device faults and optimize control strategies in fan systems. Since the application of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) makes the motor-efficiency data published by manufacturers inapplicable for VFD–motor–fan systems, the fan efficiency and drive (belt–motor–VFD) efficiency must be identified for each individual system to obtain accurate energy models. The objectives of this paper are to identify an energy model of existing VFD–motor–fan systems using available experimental data and demonstrate its applications in loose belt fault detection and virtual airflow meter development for optimal control. First, an approach is developed to identify the fan head, fan efficiency, and drive-efficiency curves using available fan head, speed, and system power input as well as temporarily measured airflow rate without measuring shaft power. Then, the energy model is identified for an existing VFD–motor–fan system. Finally, the identified model is applied to detect the slipped belt faults and develop the virtual airflow meter. The experiment results reveal that the developed approach can effectively obtain the energy model of VFD–motor–fan systems and the model can be applied to effectively detect slipped belt faults and accurately calculate the fan airflow rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Built Environment)

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21 pages, 6124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indoor Particulate Matter Transfer in CNC Machining Workshop and The Influence of Ventilation Strategies—A Case Study

by Huimin Yao, Shanshan Qiu, Yuling Lv, Shen Wei, Ang Li, Zhengwei Long, Wentao Wu and Xiong Shen

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6227; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076227 - 4 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

Particulate matter in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining workshop is harmful to workers’ health. This paper studies particulate matter transfer and the performance of various ventilation strategies in a CNC machining workshop. To obtain the boundary condition of the particle field, instruments were [...] Read more.

Particulate matter in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining workshop is harmful to workers’ health. This paper studies particulate matter transfer and the performance of various ventilation strategies in a CNC machining workshop. To obtain the boundary condition of the particle field, instruments were installed to obtain the particle size attenuation characteristics and source strength, respectively. The results show that the 99% cumulative mass concentration of particles is distributed within 1.5 μm, and the release rate of particles from the full enclosure. Next, the indoor flow field and particle field were simulated by numerical simulation with the measured boundary conditions. The working area’s age of air, particle concentration, and ventilation efficiency were compared between four displacement ventilation methods and one mixed ventilation method. The results show that the working area’s mean particle concentration and ventilation efficiency under longitudinal displacement ventilation is better than other methods. At the same time, the mean age of air is slightly worse. In addition, mixed ventilation can obtain lower mean age of air, but the particle concentration is higher in the working area. The bilateral longitudinal ventilation can be improved by placing axial circulation fans with vertical upward outlets in the center of the workshop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Built Environment)

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Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1880 KiB

Open AccessReview

Indoor Thermal Comfort Sector: A Review of Detection and Control Methods for Thermal Environment in Livestock Buildings

by Qiongyi Cheng, Hui Wang, Xin Xu, Tengfei He and Zhaohui Chen

Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041662 - 17 Feb 2024

Viewed by 760

Abstract

The thermal environment is crucial for livestock production. Accurately detecting thermal environmental conditions enables the implementation of appropriate methods to control the thermal environment in livestock buildings. This study reviewed a comprehensive survey of detection and control methods for thermal environments in livestock [...] Read more.

The thermal environment is crucial for livestock production. Accurately detecting thermal environmental conditions enables the implementation of appropriate methods to control the thermal environment in livestock buildings. This study reviewed a comprehensive survey of detection and control methods for thermal environments in livestock buildings. The results demonstrated that temperature, humidity, velocity, and radiation are major elements affecting the thermal comfort of animals. For single thermal environmental parameters, the commonly employed detection methods include field experiments, scale models in wind tunnels, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, and machine learning. Given that thermal comfort for livestock is influenced by multiple environmental parameters, the Effective Temperature (ET) index, which considers varying proportions of different environmental parameters on the thermal comfort of livestock, is a feasible detection method. Environmental control methods include inlet and outlet configuration, water-cooled floors, installation of a deflector and perforated air ducting (PAD) system, sprinkling, etc. Reasonable inlet configuration increased airflow uniformity by more than 10% and decreased ET by more than 9 °C. Proper outlet configuration improved airflow uniformity by 25%. Sprinkling decreased the temperature by 1.1 °C. This study aims to build a comprehensive dataset for the identification of detection and control methods in research of the thermal environment of livestock buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Built Environment)

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16 pages, 1745 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Luminance-Based Lighting Design Method: A Framework for Lighting Design and Review of Luminance Measures

by Daniel Bishop and J. Geoffrey Chase

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4369; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054369 - 1 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2662

Abstract

Imaging photometers and ray-tracing software packages have made it possible to capture and model high-resolution and accurate luminance maps. However, luminance map measurement is rarely seen in professional practice, despite its ability to evaluate visual parameters accurately and directly, such as contrast, visual, [...] Read more.

Imaging photometers and ray-tracing software packages have made it possible to capture and model high-resolution and accurate luminance maps. However, luminance map measurement is rarely seen in professional practice, despite its ability to evaluate visual parameters accurately and directly, such as contrast, visual, size, and target brightness. Two barriers to the uptake of luminance measurement and associated design measures include (1) lack of knowledge of the range of measures available, and (2) difficulty in assessing whether a luminance-based lighting design method is a sufficient and justifiable replacement for the current illuminance-based practice. This paper reviews current practice and presents alternative luminance design measures and human needs for lighting to construct a framework for designing and comparing lighting design methods. It concludes by presenting a new luminance-based lighting method in the context of this framework to show that it is more accurate and comprehensive than current practice and can be enabled by emerging low-cost and increasingly accessible luminance measurement technologies. The overall outcomes provide the metrics and framework to bring more complete and effective luminance-based lighting design into practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Built Environment)

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