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24 pages, 3552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Implementation of a Heat Pump in a District Heating System Operating with Gas Boiler and CHP Unit

by Damir Požgaj, Boris Delač, Branimir Pavković and Vedran Medica-Viola

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7280; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137280 - 27 Jun 2025

Viewed by 294

Abstract

Given the widespread use of gas-fired boilers and combined heat and power (CHP) units in existing district heating (DH) systems, this study investigates the integration of medium-scale heat pumps (HPs) into such configurations. Fifteen DH system variants were analysed, differing in installed HP [...] Read more.

Given the widespread use of gas-fired boilers and combined heat and power (CHP) units in existing district heating (DH) systems, this study investigates the integration of medium-scale heat pumps (HPs) into such configurations. Fifteen DH system variants were analysed, differing in installed HP capacity, operational strategies, and the synchronisation of heat and electricity production with thermal demand. A dynamic simulation model incorporating real-world equipment performance was developed to assess energy efficiency, environmental impact, and economic viability under three distinct energy price scenarios. The results demonstrate that an HP sized to 17% of the total heating capacity of the DH system achieves a 54% decrease in primary energy consumption and a 68% decrease in emissions compared to the base system. Larger HP capacities enhance environmental performance and increase the share of renewable energy but also entail higher investment. An economic analysis reveals that electricity-to-gas price ratios strongly influence the cost-effectiveness of HP integration. Under favourable electricity pricing conditions, systems with HP operational priority achieve the lowest levelized cost of heating. The most economically viable configuration consists of 600 kW HP and achieves a payback period of 4.7 years. The findings highlight the potential for HPs to decarbonize DH systems while emphasising the importance of market conditions and system design in ensuring economic feasibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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24 pages, 3107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BEST—Building Energy-Saving Tool for Sustainable Residential Buildings

by Marco Cecconi, Fabrizio Cumo, Elisa Pennacchia, Carlo Romeo and Claudia Zylka

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6817; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126817 - 17 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 481

Abstract

The building and construction sector significantly impacts CO₂ emissions and atmospheric pollutants, contributing to climate change. Improving energy efficiency in buildings is essential to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal. This study presents a decision-support tool [...] Read more.

The building and construction sector significantly impacts CO₂ emissions and atmospheric pollutants, contributing to climate change. Improving energy efficiency in buildings is essential to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal. This study presents a decision-support tool for energy retrofit interventions in existing residential buildings. The methodological approach begins with the identification and classification of common roof and wall types in the national residential building stock, segmented by construction period, followed by defining optimized, pre-calculated standardized solutions. The performance evaluations of proposed solutions resulted in a matrix designed to guide practitioners in selecting pre-calculated, efficient, and sustainable prefabricated solutions based on energy performance criteria. The tool developed from this matrix enables preliminary energy assessment, offering an overview of potential retrofit interventions. It assists designers in identifying specific cases based on construction period, building type, and climate zone, allowing for the selection of standardized solutions, energy pre-analyses, energy and cost-saving simulations, and access to detailed performance sheets. Unlike other tools requiring extensive input on opaque envelope components and thermo-physical calculations, this tool streamlines the selection process of vertical and roof closures based on construction age and building type. Additionally, the tool estimates potential economic savings and the Net Present Value (NPV) of proposed insulation solutions, identifying available incentives for the intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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21 pages, 9163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Energy Performance of Rice Husk Fiber Insulation Applied by the Blowing Technique in an Industrialized Modular Housing System

by Karin Rodríguez Neira, Carlos Javier Rojas-Herrera, Juan Pablo Cárdenas-Ramírez, Joaquín Torres Ramo and Ana Sánchez-Ostiz

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4602; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094602 - 22 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1048

Abstract

The construction sector plays a key role in climate change due to its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Developing environmentally friendly building materials with low environmental impact is essential to improving energy efficiency. Insulation derived from agricultural waste is particularly promising [...] Read more.

The construction sector plays a key role in climate change due to its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Developing environmentally friendly building materials with low environmental impact is essential to improving energy efficiency. Insulation derived from agricultural waste is particularly promising due to its low ecological footprint, responsible resources use, and potential for integration into various construction systems. This study evaluates the potential of rice husk fiber as a thermal insulating material applied through the blowing technique in the Skylark 250 modular system. Rice husk fiber was morphologically and thermally characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while its thermal behavior was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) alongside a fire behavior assessment. Additionally, energy simulations were conducted to compare the thermal performance of rice husk fiber with other insulating materials when integrated into a building’s thermal envelope. The results showed an average thermal conductivity of 0.040 W/mK, a U-value of 0.17 W/m²K, and a heating demand of 9.56 kWh/m²-year when applied to the modular system. The material also exhibited good fire resistance, with a smoldering velocity of 3.40 mm/min. These findings highlight rice husk fiber’s potential as a sustainable insulation material for modular construction, contributing to energy efficiency and climate change mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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25 pages, 3691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Lifecycle Assessment of Renewable Energy Investments in Public Buildings: A Case Study of an Austrian Kindergarten Under Atypical Operational Conditions

by Georgia Kousovista, Giannis Iakovides, Stefanos Petridis, Nikolaos-Charalampos Chairopoulos, Angelos Skembris, Maria Fotopoulou, Despina Antipa, Nikolaos Nikolopoulos and Dimitrios Rakopoulos

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2330; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052330 - 21 Feb 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 741

Abstract

This paper investigates the environmental and economic impacts of energy-efficient renovations, specifically focusing on the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in a public kindergarten. Leveraging the VERIFY platform, this study employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) methodologies to evaluate [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the environmental and economic impacts of energy-efficient renovations, specifically focusing on the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in a public kindergarten. Leveraging the VERIFY platform, this study employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) methodologies to evaluate building performance over a 25-year analysis period under three distinct scenarios: a low-usage period during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021), a normal-usage period under post-pandemic conditions (2024) with the realized investment, and a hypothetical scenario with a PV installation size that allows for appropriate reductions alongside favorable financial outcomes. The pandemic-induced occupancy reduction led to atypical energy demand patterns, with lower self-consumption and increased electricity exports to the grid, affecting the financial viability of PV investments. By incorporating post-pandemic operational data, a meaningful comparison of energy efficiency measures under constrained and stable operating conditions is conducted, addressing the impact of fluctuating demand on long-term energy investment sustainability. The results highlight that system sizing and energy reconciliation policies (net metering, net billing) significantly influence financial outcomes. The PV system achieved a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of EUR 0.0811–0.0948/kWh, with payback periods ranging from 6.01 to 14.66 years, depending on operational intensity. The findings demonstrate that while PV systems contribute to emission reductions and cost savings, their economic feasibility depends on occupancy stability and policy frameworks. This study provides insights for optimizing renewable energy investments in public buildings, demonstrating the importance of considering dynamic operational conditions in lifecycle assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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38 pages, 14425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Energy Management for Residential Buildings Optimizing Costs and Efficiency Through Thermal Energy Storage and Predictive Control

by Ricardo Felez and Jesus Felez

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020880 - 17 Jan 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

This paper addresses the challenge of decarbonizing residential energy consumption by developing an advanced energy management system (EMS) optimized for cost reduction and energy efficiency. By leveraging the thermal inertia of building envelopes as a form of thermal energy storage (TES), the proposed [...] Read more.

This paper addresses the challenge of decarbonizing residential energy consumption by developing an advanced energy management system (EMS) optimized for cost reduction and energy efficiency. By leveraging the thermal inertia of building envelopes as a form of thermal energy storage (TES), the proposed EMS dynamically balances energy inputs from the electrical grid, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and battery storage, while regulating HVAC operations. Employing model predictive control (MPC) and integrating real-time data on energy prices, weather conditions, and consumption patterns, the system minimizes energy costs, while maintaining indoor thermal comfort. Simulations conducted for both summer and winter scenarios demonstrate significant reductions in energy costs. Laboratory and real-world testing confirm the EMS’s efficacy in enhancing energy efficiency, increasing PV self-consumption, and reducing reliance on grid energy, marking a step forward in sustainable energy solutions for residential applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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12 pages, 2530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploiting the Value of Active and Multifunctional Façade Technology through the IoT and AI

by Matteo Giovanardi, Alessia Baietta, Francesco Belletti, Sara Magnani, Oscar Casadei and Alessandro Pracucci

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031145 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1989

Abstract

In recent years, the interest in multifunctional façade (MF) technology has increased significantly. Recent advances in the integration of active and passive technologies have led to a new concept of building skins with highly flexible and decentralized control. Such an approach is considered [...] Read more.

In recent years, the interest in multifunctional façade (MF) technology has increased significantly. Recent advances in the integration of active and passive technologies have led to a new concept of building skins with highly flexible and decentralized control. Such an approach is considered capable of tackling environmental challenges and enhancing indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Integrated HVAC systems, dynamic blinds, and renewable energy systems can drastically increase façade responsiveness and efficiency. Although the technical feasibility of active and MF technology has already been demonstrated, market applications are still limited. The goal of this paper is to define the state of the art of MFs and clarify how the integration of IoT technologies, supported by AI, can increase market interest by fully exploiting the value of these systems. Indeed, recent advances in the IoT and data analysis tools are opening up attractive scenarios in optimization process. Starting with an overview of the most interesting EU-funded projects, this paper presents a MF case study in which IoT infrastructures are fully integrated. The prototype, realized within the MEZeroE Horizon project, stimulates a debate on future trajectories (and gaps) for the marketability of MF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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20 pages, 9921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Double-Skin Façades for Building Retrofitting and Climate Change: A Case Study in Central Italy

by Camilla Lops, Samantha Di Loreto, Mariano Pierantozzi and Sergio Montelpare

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7629; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137629 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3748

Abstract

In recent years, the need to make the built environment more resilient and adaptable to climate change has become essential. In Europe, this aspect concerns most existing buildings with several deficiencies from the energy efficiency point of view, considering they were designed before [...] Read more.

In recent years, the need to make the built environment more resilient and adaptable to climate change has become essential. In Europe, this aspect concerns most existing buildings with several deficiencies from the energy efficiency point of view, considering they were designed before the introduction of modern codes. Among the various strategies for building energy retrofitting, Double-Skin Façades (DSFs) have gained attention due to their potential to improve the building performance and inhabitants’ comfort. This research aims to evaluate the use of adequately designed DSFs for the energy restoration of buildings. In detail, various DSF configurations are applied to a residential building located in Central Italy and investigated under present and future climate conditions, estimated through regional climate models. The installation of multi-layered façades, particularly the Multi-Storey typology, greatly reduces energy consumption and increases the expected comfort rates. When the selected configuration was considered, the results underline a decrease in the annual building energy requirement of about 37–56% up to 42–59%, respectively, for 2030 and 2070. Moreover, using multi-layer façades can increase indoor minimum operative temperatures up to 3.8% during the coldest months and reduce the maximum summer ones by 1.9–3.8%, raising comfort levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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18 pages, 8205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building Energy Flexibility Assessment in Mediterranean Climatic Conditions: The Case of a Greek Office Building

by Georgios Chantzis, Effrosyni Giama and Agis M. Papadopoulos

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7246; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127246 - 17 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1933

Abstract

The EU energy and climate policy has set quantitative goals for decarbonization based on the energy efficiency and the evolution of energy systems. The utilization of demand side flexibility can help towards this direction and achieve the target of higher levels of penetration [...] Read more.

The EU energy and climate policy has set quantitative goals for decarbonization based on the energy efficiency and the evolution of energy systems. The utilization of demand side flexibility can help towards this direction and achieve the target of higher levels of penetration in regard to intermittent renewable energy production and carbon emission reduction. This paper presents a simulation-based assessment of thermal flexibility in a typical office building in Greece, which is a representative Mediterranean country. The use of variable speed heat pumps coupled with hydronic terminal units was evaluated. The research focused mainly on the evaluation of energy flexibility offered by energy stored in the form of thermal energy by utilizing the building’s thermal mass. The demand response potential under hourly CO_2eq intensity and energy prices was investigated. The flexibility potential was evaluated under different demand response strategies, and the effect of demand response on energy consumption, operational costs, CO_2eq emissions and thermal comfort was analyzed and discussed. The results showed that both control strategies based on both the CO_2eqintensity signal and spot price signal have, in some cases, the potential for cost and emission savings, and in other cases, the potential to depreciate in terms of emissions and cost the increase of energy consumption due to load shifting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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13 pages, 3659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetic Photovoltaic Facade System Based on a Parametric Design for Application in Signal Box Buildings in Switzerland

by Ho Soon Choi

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4633; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074633 - 6 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5024

Abstract

This study aims to produce renewable energy by applying a solar-energy-harvesting architectural design using solar panels on the facade of a building. To install as many solar panels as possible on the building elevation, the Signal Box auf dem Wolf, located in Basel, [...] Read more.

This study aims to produce renewable energy by applying a solar-energy-harvesting architectural design using solar panels on the facade of a building. To install as many solar panels as possible on the building elevation, the Signal Box auf dem Wolf, located in Basel, Switzerland, was selected as the research target. The solar panels to be installed on the facade of the Signal Box auf dem Wolf are planned such that they are able to move according to the optimal tilt angle every month to allow maximal energy generation. The kinetic photovoltaic facade system and the simulation of renewable energy generation were implemented using a parametric design. The novelty of this study is the development of a kinetic photovoltaic facade system using a parametric design algorithm. From the perspective of renewable energy in the field of architecture, the kinetic photovoltaic facade system developed in this study has the advantage of producing maximal renewable energy according to the optimal tilt angle of the solar panels. Additionally, building facades that move according to the optimal tilt angle will contribute to the expansion of the field of sustainable architectural design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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29 pages, 1312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methodology to Identify and Prioritise the Sustainability Aspects to Be Considered in the Design of Brazilian Healthcare Buildings

by Marília Costa, Maria de Fátima Castro and Ricardo Mateus

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3807; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063807 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1811

Abstract

The evidence of climate change has increased the necessity for actions to avoid severe consequences for future generations. Recognising the benefits of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings has led to the development of several methods to estimate and rate the performance of building. Healthcare [...] Read more.

The evidence of climate change has increased the necessity for actions to avoid severe consequences for future generations. Recognising the benefits of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings has led to the development of several methods to estimate and rate the performance of building. Healthcare buildings are functional and dynamic structures that support their occupants’ healing processes and comfort. They have a significant role in society and specific goals in merging their strategic planning requirements (cost reduction, regulatory compliance, social responsibility, and performance improvement) with Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, this paper addresses critical issues regarding the sustainability of the Brazilian healthcare sector by analysing the suitability of the most common international healthcare building sustainability assessment methods to the specific social, economic, and environmental contexts of the Brazilian healthcare sector. The paper analyses the HBSAtool-PT, a sustainability assessment method developed for this type of building, and identifies the possibilities for adapting to the Brazilian context. As a result, this research proposes a framework to assess the sustainability of healthcare buildings in Brazil. In the framework’s definition, a survey was conducted to determine the opinion of building stakeholders regarding the importance of indicators. A weighing system for the proposed sustainability indicators was developed using the AHP method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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22 pages, 6022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Operation of Active Distribution Networks

by Dimitra G. Kyriakou and Fotios D. Kanellos

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 3115; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053115 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2039

Abstract

The present and future conditions in the energy market impose extremely high standards to the operation of building energy systems. Moreover, distribution networks face new operational and technical challenges as a result of the rapid penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) and other [...] Read more.

The present and future conditions in the energy market impose extremely high standards to the operation of building energy systems. Moreover, distribution networks face new operational and technical challenges as a result of the rapid penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) and other forms of distributed generation. Consequently, active distribution networks (ADNs) will play a crucial role in the exploitation of smart building prosumers, smart grids, and RES. In this paper, an optimization method for the sustainable operation of active distribution networks hosting smart residential building prosumers, plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) aggregators, and RES was developed. The thermal and electrical loads of the residential buildings were modeled in detail and an aggregation method was implemented to the hosted PEVs. Moreover, smart power dispatch techniques were applied at each building prosumer and PEV aggregator hosted by the active distribution network. Simultaneously, all the operational limitations of the active distribution network, building energy systems, and the hosted PEVs were satisfied. The constrained optimal power flow (OPF) algorithm was exploited to keep the voltages of the hosting distribution network between the permissible bounds. A significant operation cost reduction of 17% was achieved. The developed models were verified through detailed simulation results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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26 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Areas: A European Analysis

by Sara Bona, Armando Silva-Afonso, Ricardo Gomes, Raquel Matos and Fernanda Rodrigues

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010168 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 9695

Abstract

Currently, the world is facing resource scarcity as the environmental impacts of human intervention continue to intensify. To facilitate the conservation and recovery of ecosystems and to transform cities into more sustainable, intelligent, regenerative, and resilient environments, the concepts of circularity and nature-based [...] Read more.

Currently, the world is facing resource scarcity as the environmental impacts of human intervention continue to intensify. To facilitate the conservation and recovery of ecosystems and to transform cities into more sustainable, intelligent, regenerative, and resilient environments, the concepts of circularity and nature-based solutions (NbS) are applied. The role of NbS within green infrastructure in urban resilience is recognised, and considerable efforts are being made by the European Commission (EC) to achieve the European sustainability goals. However, it is not fully evidenced, in an integrated way, which are the main NbS implemented in the urban environment and their effects. This article aims to identify the main and most recent NbS applied in urban environments at the European level and to analyse the integration of different measures as an innovative analysis based on real cases. For this purpose, this work presents a literature review of 69 projects implemented in 24 European cities, as well as 8 urban actions and 3 spatial scales of implementation at the district level. Therefore, there is great potential for NbS adoption in buildings and their surroundings, which are still not prioritized, given the lack of effective monitoring of the effects of NbS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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Review

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24 pages, 6053 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ventilation Strategies to Ensure Thermal Comfort for Users in School Buildings: A Critical Review

by María Teresa Aguilar-Carrasco, Remedios María López-Lovillo, Rafael Suárez and Ángel Luis León-Rodríguez

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5449; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105449 - 13 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 611

Abstract

People spend most of their time indoors, where air quality is crucial to health. In this context, this study conducts a critical review of ventilation strategies in schools to ensure air quality, as well as to guarantee students’ thermal comfort. Based on a [...] Read more.

People spend most of their time indoors, where air quality is crucial to health. In this context, this study conducts a critical review of ventilation strategies in schools to ensure air quality, as well as to guarantee students’ thermal comfort. Based on a bibliographical review, strategies from previous studies are identified and evaluated in order to determine their advantages. After a detailed search, a total of 19 articles were selected, which provides a thorough analysis of the ventilation strategies in school buildings considering thermal comfort. The identified strategies were categorized into natural, mechanical, and hybrid types. The results reveal a prevalence of natural ventilation, which accounts for over 50% of strategies in all climates. Mechanical ventilation is less common and is applicable to around 30% of cases. Hybrid strategies, combining natural and mechanical ventilation, are the least used and only appear in oceanic climates, with a usage rate of 20%. Most studies highlight the lack of air conditioning in many schools, making adequate thermal stress management through ventilation crucial. The results analyzed clearly show a lack of studies with optimal results whose ventilation strategies can be replicated in other similar educational buildings, ensuring thermal comfort and air quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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24 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Intelligent Methods and Their Potential Use towards a Smart Grid Negotiation Framework

by Dimitrios K. Panagiotou and Anastasios I. Dounis

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5196; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125196 - 14 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1267

Abstract

The integration of Distributed Energy Resources utilizing Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Storage Systems, and Information and Communication Technologies is transforming traditional energy systems into adaptable, flexible, and sustainable systems, with the Smart Grid concept playing a pivotal role. This paper surveys intelligent techniques [...] Read more.

The integration of Distributed Energy Resources utilizing Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Storage Systems, and Information and Communication Technologies is transforming traditional energy systems into adaptable, flexible, and sustainable systems, with the Smart Grid concept playing a pivotal role. This paper surveys intelligent techniques and methods applied in various markets and applications, particularly focusing on their potential adaptation for negotiation processes in Smart Grid contexts. The negotiation mechanisms, crucial for prosumers who engage in real-time transactions, are analyzed with a focus on fuzzy logic tools, specifically q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets. These tools are evaluated for their capability to handle negotiation tasks and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making problems. The paper proposes a negotiation schema for healthcare buildings, especially hospitals, given their significant environmental impact, providing insight for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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20 pages, 3708 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advanced Digital Tools for Data-Informed and Performance-Driven Design: A Review of Building Energy Consumption Forecasting Models Based on Machine Learning

by Andrea Giuseppe Di Stefano, Matteo Ruta and Gabriele Masera

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 12981; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132412981 - 5 Dec 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2970

Abstract

Cities and buildings represent the core of human life, the nexus of economic activity, culture, and growth. Although cities cover less than 10% of the global land area, they are notorious for their substantial energy consumption and consequential carbon dioxide (CO₂) [...] Read more.

Cities and buildings represent the core of human life, the nexus of economic activity, culture, and growth. Although cities cover less than 10% of the global land area, they are notorious for their substantial energy consumption and consequential carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. These emissions significantly contribute to reducing the carbon budget available to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. In this context, the designers’ role is crucial to the technical and social response to climate change, and providing a new generation of tools and instruments is paramount to guide their decisions towards sustainable buildings and cities. In this regard, data-informed digital tools are a viable solution. These tools efficiently utilise available resources to estimate the energy consumption in buildings, thereby facilitating the formulation of effective urban policies and design optimisation. Furthermore, these data-driven digital tools enhance the application of algorithms across the building industry, empowering designers to make informed decisions, particularly in the early stages of design. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on artificial intelligence-based tools that support performance-driven design. An exhaustive keyword-driven exploration across diverse bibliographic databases yielded a consolidated dataset used for automated analysis for discerning the prevalent themes, correlations, and structural nuances within the body of literature. The primary findings indicate an increasing emphasis on master plans and neighbourhood-scale simulations. However, it is observed that there is a lack of a streamlined framework integrating these data-driven tools into the design process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Energy and Buildings: Future Perspectives and Challenges)

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