Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design

Dear Colleagues,

Many countries have committed to carbon neutrality plans to face the threat of climate change and, at present, the mid-century is the agreed time horizon to reach zero emissions. This requires an energy transition that involves all sectors and entails the rapid development and deployment of innovative technologies and solutions aimed at concretely implementing the green transformation.

In particular, the pathway outlined for the building sector is oriented towards the construction of nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEBs).

Meaningful experiences have been gained in this field, through the investigation and realization of nZEBs in various countries and for different end uses. Research in this area is still evolving, and its role is essential to report the results obtained and develop effective strategies to accelerate progress towards the achievement of nearly zero energy buildings on a large scale.

In this perspective, the objective of this Special Issue is to encourage the production of scientific works that can give evidence of the state of the art and the roadmaps established for the diffusion of zero-energy buildings, with the aim of sharing ideas and contributing to the strengthening of this constructive logic.

Experimental studies, as well as numerical simulation and predictive models are welcome. Reports and review articles are also expected. The thematic areas concern, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conceptualization and technical codification of nZEB (nearly Zero-Energy Buildings) and NZEB (Net-Zero-Energy Buildings);
• Design optimization;
• Cost-optimal analysis;
• Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis;
• Role of renewable sources;
• Passive systems;
• Innovative envelope and plant systems for nZEBs;
• Performance during operation;
• Renovation towards nZEBs;
• Satisfaction and evaluation by the occupants;
• Policies to support nZEBs;
• Challenges and opportunities of the nZEBs;
• Nature-based strategies towards nZEBs.

Dr. Cristina Carpino
Dr. Miguel Chen Austin
Prof. Dr. Dafni Mora
Prof. Dr. Natale Arcuri
Guest Editors

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