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26 pages, 1035 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Policy to Practice: European Funding and the Development of Energy-Efficient Buildings in Romania’s Mountain Regions

by Daniela-Mihaiela Boca, Tudor-Panfil Toader, Raluca Iștoan, Marta-Ioana Moldoveanu, Valentina-Tudor Constanța and Marius Vladu

Buildings 2026, 16(6), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16061161 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 303

Abstract

The European Union’s transition to climate neutrality by 2050 requires measurable reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, especially in territories characterized by geographical constraints, such as mountainous regions. The study analyzes how European funding guidelines are translated into concrete technical interventions [...] Read more.

The European Union’s transition to climate neutrality by 2050 requires measurable reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, especially in territories characterized by geographical constraints, such as mountainous regions. The study analyzes how European funding guidelines are translated into concrete technical interventions for public buildings in mountainous areas of Romania, using a representative case study from Rodna, Bistrița-Năsăud County. The methodology is based on the national energy performance calculation framework (Mc 001/2022), harmonized with Directive 2010/31/EU and aligned with the EN ISO 52016-1 framework, while maintaining compatibility with the quasi-steady-state methodology implemented in MC 001/2022, and includes the assessment of compliance with the “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principle also. The integrated energy rehabilitation of the analyzed building led to reductions in final energy consumption of 30–45%, primary energy consumption of 40–45%, and operational CO₂ emissions of 45–50%. The integration of renewable energy sources increased their share to approximately 35% of the building’s energy mix. The estimated annual reduction of 40–45 tons of CO₂ highlights the direct climate impact of investments financed from European funds. The results confirm that European funding instruments function not only as financial mechanisms, but also as governance instruments capable of steering the transition towards a low-emission construction sector in vulnerable mountain regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Practices in Building Design and Construction)

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16 pages, 3576 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Automated Parametric Design Tool to Expand Mass-Timber Utilization Based on Embodied Carbon

by Edward A. Barnett, David W. Dinehart and Steven M. Anastasio

Buildings 2026, 16(3), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16030527 - 28 Jan 2026

Viewed by 683

Abstract

The building sector accounts for a large percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely from the embodied carbon in common building materials like concrete and steel. Embodied carbon (EC) refers to the greenhouse gases released during the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal [...] Read more.

The building sector accounts for a large percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely from the embodied carbon in common building materials like concrete and steel. Embodied carbon (EC) refers to the greenhouse gases released during the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. Although growing in popularity, mass timber is still not nearly as common as other building materials. During the early building design stages, engineers often do not have the time or resources to holistically optimize material selection; consequently, concrete and steel remain the materials of choice. This research focused on the development of a fully automated parametric design tool, APDT, to showcase the viability of evaluating and optimizing mass timber in building construction. The APDT was developed using Autodesk’s Revit 2022 and the visual-based programming tool housed within Revit: Dynamo. The automated designer uses parametric inputs of a building, including size, number of stories, and loading, to create a model of a mass timber building with designed glulam columns and beams and cross-laminated timber floor panels. The designer calculates overall material quantities, which are then used to determine the building’s overall embodied carbon impact. Discussed herein is the development of a building design tool that highlights the benefits of optimized mass timber using existing software and databases. The tool allows the designer to expediently provide an estimate of the amount of material and embodied carbon values, thereby making it easier to consider mass timber when determining the structural system at the infancy stage of the project. The methodology outlined herein provides a replicable methodology for creating an APDT that bridges a critical gap in early-stage design, enabling rapid embodied carbon comparisons and fostering consideration of mass timber as a viable low-carbon alternative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Practices in Building Design and Construction)

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24 pages, 8088 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Landscape Enhancement Design of Street-Facing Façades and Adjacent Public Spaces in Old Residential Areas: A Commercial Activity Optimization Approach

by Yan Gui, Mengjia Gu, Suoyi Kong and Likai Lin

Buildings 2026, 16(2), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020361 - 15 Jan 2026

Viewed by 539

Abstract

With the ongoing advancement of urbanization, the renewal of old urban areas has emerged as a central front in enhancing urban quality, with street space improvement playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development. This study focuses on Chengdu, a highly urbanized [...] Read more.

With the ongoing advancement of urbanization, the renewal of old urban areas has emerged as a central front in enhancing urban quality, with street space improvement playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development. This study focuses on Chengdu, a highly urbanized megacity, employing a combination of multi-point continuous street view photography, spatial mapping, and landscape design interventions to systematically examine human activity patterns, commercial dynamics, and pathways for spatial optimization along the street-facing interfaces of old residential neighborhoods and their adjacent urban streets. The findings reveal that: (1) commercializing the street-facing façades enhances local employment opportunities; (2) window-type fences demonstrate superior adaptability by effectively balancing commercial accessibility with resident safety; and (3) a diverse mix of commercial types sustains the vitality of street-level economies in these areas. These results not only offer actionable spatial strategies for the renovation of old residential zones in Chengdu but also contribute transferable insights for urban regeneration efforts globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Practices in Building Design and Construction)

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14 pages, 3245 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Performance of Sprinkler and Natural Smoke Ventilation Systems in Warehouses: A CFD-Based Evaluation Using PyroSim

by Marian Alex Butean, Ioan Aschilean and Raluca-Andreea Felseghi

Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3767; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203767 - 19 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1347

Abstract

This study examines the interdependent performance of fire detection systems, automatic sprinklers, and natural smoke ventilation in warehouse environments. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with PyroSim and FDS, four operational scenarios were analyzed to evaluate system activation sequences and suppression effectiveness. Results [...] Read more.

This study examines the interdependent performance of fire detection systems, automatic sprinklers, and natural smoke ventilation in warehouse environments. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with PyroSim and FDS, four operational scenarios were analyzed to evaluate system activation sequences and suppression effectiveness. Results show that ceiling-only sprinklers may limit fire growth but fail to achieve extinguishment, while integrated in-rack sprinklers with coordinated venting provide full suppression and optimized thermal control. The findings underscore the importance of performance-based, integrated design strategies to enhance fire protection and minimize property losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Practices in Building Design and Construction)

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18 pages, 1063 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Rainwater Treatment Using Sand and Gravel Filtration and Chlorine Disinfection for Non-Potable Domestic Reuse

by Mara-Georgiana Giurgiu, Ioan Așchilean and Raluca-Andreea Felseghi

Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3759; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203759 - 18 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2066

Abstract

Rainwater, originating from atmospheric precipitation, has historically been used as an alternative source to meet daily water needs. This study aims to analyze the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of rainwater in order to assess its potential for reuse in non-potable domestic applications and [...] Read more.

Rainwater, originating from atmospheric precipitation, has historically been used as an alternative source to meet daily water needs. This study aims to analyze the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of rainwater in order to assess its potential for reuse in non-potable domestic applications and outdoor activities. The research focuses on identifying key water quality indicators and evaluating the feasibility of using rainwater for non-potable purposes. Rainwater will be collected from the roof of a residential building, treated through filtration and disinfection processes, and subsequently subjected to laboratory analyses to determine its physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. In the final stage, its reuse potential will be evaluated. Currently, the use of rainwater in households is limited due to non-compliance with certain quality standards. However, in the context of the increasingly severe global water crisis, rainwater could represent a sustainable alternative source, contributing to water security and the conservation of this essential resource for future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Practices in Building Design and Construction)

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17 pages, 1156 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cost and Incentive Analysis of Green Building Label Upgrades in Taiwan’s Residential Sector: A Case Study of Silver to Gold EEWH Certification

by Yen-An Chen, Fang-I Su and Chen-Yi Sun

Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2956; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162956 - 20 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2602

Abstract

In response to the global push for sustainable development, green building certification systems have become a key policy instrument for reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector. In Taiwan, the EEWH (Ecology, Energy Saving, Waste Reduction, and Health) system serves as the primary [...] Read more.

In response to the global push for sustainable development, green building certification systems have become a key policy instrument for reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector. In Taiwan, the EEWH (Ecology, Energy Saving, Waste Reduction, and Health) system serves as the primary framework for evaluating building sustainability. However, while government incentives such as floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses aim to encourage adoption, private sector participation remains limited, especially in the residential sector. This study investigates the cost implications and incentive benefits of upgrading green building certification from the Silver level to the Gold level under the EEWH system, using eight collective housing projects in the Taipei metropolitan area as case studies. Through a detailed analysis of certification components, upgrade strategies, and construction cost estimates, this research quantifies the additional costs required for each sustainability indicator and evaluates the alignment between upgrade investments and incentive rewards. The findings reveal that the average cost increase associated with the Silver-to-Gold upgrade ranges between 1% and 3% of total construction costs, with certain design strategies offering high cost-effectiveness. Moreover, the study examines whether the current FAR bonus policy provides adequate motivation for developers to pursue higher certification levels. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to optimize incentive structures and for developers considering sustainable building investments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Practices in Building Design and Construction)

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14 pages, 1855 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Investments in Construction: Cost–Benefit Analysis Between Rehabilitation and New Building in Romania

by Tudor Panfil Toader, Marta-Ioana Moldoveanu, Daniela-Mihaiela Boca, Raluca Iștoan, Lidia Maria Lupan, Aurelia Bradu, Andreea Hegyi and Ana Boga

Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2770; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152770 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 2354

Abstract

Sustainable investments in construction are essential for the development of communities and for reducing environmental impacts. This study analyzes two scenarios: rehabilitation of an existing building and construction of a new NZEB-compliant building, based on a life cycle cost–benefit analysis. The results show [...] Read more.

Sustainable investments in construction are essential for the development of communities and for reducing environmental impacts. This study analyzes two scenarios: rehabilitation of an existing building and construction of a new NZEB-compliant building, based on a life cycle cost–benefit analysis. The results show that both scenarios generate negative Net Present Values (NPVs) due to the social nature of the project, but the new NZEB building presents superior performance (NPV: USD –2.61 million vs. USD –3.05 million for rehabilitation) and lower operational costs (USD 1.49 million vs. USD 1.92 million over 30 years). Key financial indicators (IRR, CBR), sensitivity analysis, and discount rate variation support the conclusion that the NZEB scenario ensures greater economic resilience. This study highlights the relevance of extended LCCBA in guiding sustainable investment decisions in social infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Practices in Building Design and Construction)

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Review

Jump to: Research

47 pages, 11325 KB

Open AccessReview

Natural Materials in Contemporary Vernacular Architecture: A Literature Review and Case Study of Sustainable Construction in the Danube Delta

by Andreea Hegyi, Cristian Petcu, Horia Petran, Adrian-Victor Lăzărescu, Alexandra Csapai and Tudor Panfil Toader

Buildings 2026, 16(7), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16071442 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 386

Abstract

This paper studies the sustainable integration of vernacular construction techniques and natural materials in the context of sustainable development, using Danube Delta UNESCO World Heritage site as case study. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research examines the potential of clay-based composites reinforced [...] Read more.

This paper studies the sustainable integration of vernacular construction techniques and natural materials in the context of sustainable development, using Danube Delta UNESCO World Heritage site as case study. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research examines the potential of clay-based composites reinforced with plant fibres such as reed, bulrush, and hemp as environmentally responsible building materials. The methodology, based on a narrative literature review, combines bibliometric analysis with a case study approach to evaluate scientific interest in vernacular construction and to identify locally available natural resources. Results reveal increasing academic attention to sustainable vernacular architecture, highlighting clay-based composite’s favourable hygrothermal properties and the remarkable thermal insulation capabilities of vegetable fibres. The case study shows that most Danube Delta’s natural construction materials—particularly the world’s largest continuous reed vegetation—remain underutilized. The research concludes that revitalizing traditional construction methods, by integrating modern technological innovations, presents significant potential for sustainable rural development, preserving cultural heritage, enhancing regional identity, and reducing environmental impact in construction while supporting local economic growth through culturally authentic tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Practices in Building Design and Construction)

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