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Advancements in Super-Low-Energy Buildings: Innovations for Extreme Climate Conditions

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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 7454

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shisheng Chen

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Guest Editor

School of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Interests: urban microclimate; urban cooling; building energy efficiency; heat stress and heat strain
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Wen Zhang

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Guest Editor

Department of Architecture, School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Interests: solar building; green building; building integrated photovoltaic; urban microclimate; urban heat island
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Zhongqi Yu

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Guest Editor

Department of Architecture, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Interests: urban heat island; zero energy building; sports facility; urban microclimate
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yang He

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Guest Editor

College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
Interests: building integrated photovoltaic; vertical greenery; urban microclimate; building energy simulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Super-Low-Energy (SLE) Building program represents the latest advancement in Singapore's green building initiative. SLE buildings are designed with top-tier energy efficiency, incorporating both onsite and offsite renewable energy sources, along with advanced energy management strategies. This Special Issue seeks to bring together cutting-edge research related to the design of SLE buildings for extreme climate conditions. As global temperatures rise and climate change intensifies, the need for innovative low-carbon technologies becomes imminent. This issue aims at emphasizing recent progress in various aspects of building design, materials, and strategies that contribute to improved energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort in challenging climates.

Topics of Interest:

We welcome original research articles, case studies, and review papers on the following topics:

Low-Carbon Technologies:

Innovations in energy-efficient building systems;
Renewable energy integration in building design;
Smart grid technologies and energy management systems.

Building Materials and Design:

The development and application of sustainable building materials;
Passive design strategies for extreme climate conditions;
Advances in insulation, reflective surfaces, and thermal mass utilization.

Indoor Environmental Quality:

Strategies to enhance indoor air quality and thermal comfort;
The impact of extreme climate on occupant health and productivity;
Adaptive building design for occupant comfort in fluctuating conditions.

Climate Resilience:

Strategies for climate adaptation and resilience in building design;
Risk assessment and management for extreme weather events;
Case studies of successful super-low-energy buildings in extreme climates.

Policy and Regulations:

The assessment of policies promoting super-low-energy buildings;
The role of building codes and standards in enhancing energy efficiency;
An economic analysis of low-carbon technologies in building retrofits.

Behavioral Aspects:

The influence of occupant behavior on energy consumption;
Strategies for promoting energy-efficient practices among occupants;
Behavioral adaptation to indoor environmental conditions.

Dr. Shisheng Chen
Dr. Wen Zhang
Dr. Zhongqi Yu
Dr. Yang He
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

super-low-energy buildings
extreme climate
low carbon technologies
sustainable building materials
indoor environmental quality
climate responsive design
occupant behavior
renewable energy

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 3577 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Performance and Energy Saving Benefits of Photovoltaic-Cool Roof: A Case Study in Shanghai Area

by Qinglin Yang, Yang He, Lukai Zhou, Mengmeng Dai, Wenze Wu, Shisheng Chen, Yulei Feng, Zhexin Wei, Changbang Luo and Yiwei Lu

Buildings 2026, 16(4), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16040762 - 12 Feb 2026

Viewed by 570

Abstract

Driven by the combined effects of global warming and the urban heat island (UHI) effect, building energy consumption has been rising steadily in recent years. The photovoltaic-cool roof (PVCR) system has emerged as an effective solution for urban energy conservation and carbon reduction. However, existing research on the energy-saving benefits of PVCR remains relatively limited, and none of these studies have considered the interaction between photovoltaic modules and high-reflectivity roofs (also called cool roof, CR). Therefore, field experiments were conducted to compare the thermal performance of the PVCR system against that of three conventional roof configurations, including photovoltaic roof (PVR), asphalt roof (AR), and CR. The results demonstrate that the PVCR system achieves a remarkable daytime cooling effect, with a maximum temperature reduction of 29 °C compared to the AR system, and maintains lower temperature fluctuations throughout the entire day. In addition, the findings reveal that the photovoltaic modules exhibit a lower average temperature when installed on the cool roof, with a temperature decrease of 0.15 °C relative to the asphalt roof. A numerical model incorporating the photothermal interaction between a high-reflectivity surface and PV modules was developed and validated with experimental data. The numerical model considers the interactions between the photovoltaic (PV) modules and the high reflectivity surface, including shortwave radiation reflection, longwave radiative exchange, and convective heat transfer. The sensitivity analysis indicates that a change in the spacing and height of the PV arrays from 0.3 m to 0.5 m increases the relative energy-saving efficiency of the system. The conclusions drawn in this paper can provide a reference for the application of the PVCR system in hot-summer and cold-winter areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Super-Low-Energy Buildings: Innovations for Extreme Climate Conditions)

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15 pages, 5081 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Super-Low-Energy Building Design Strategies Based on the Quantification of Passive Climate Adaptation Mechanisms

by Jiaohua Cheng, Yuanyi Zhang, Xiaohuan Liu and Rui Ding

Buildings 2026, 16(2), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020456 - 22 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 331

Abstract

In response to the urgent need for developing super-low-energy buildings (SLEBs) under extreme climatic conditions, a critical research gap lies in scientifically quantifying the passive climate adaptation mechanisms of vernacular architecture and translating them into modern design strategies. To this end, this study proposes a multidimensional “Monitoring–Visualization–Quantification” analytical method. Using the Aijing Zhuang building in central Fujian, China, as a case study, this method systematically analyzed its passive regulatory performance through high-frequency monitoring and spatial-interpolation techniques. This research revealed a distinct “Gradient-Buffering-and-Dynamic-Adjustment” mechanism: a maximum indoor–outdoor temperature difference of 5.7 °C was achieved, with indoor temperature variability reduced by 62%. The courtyard, functioning as a “Thermal Buffer” and “Ventilation Hub”, orchestrated the internal climatic gradients. This study provides systematic quantitative evidence for the modern translation of traditional wisdom, and the revealed mechanism can be directly transformed into design strategies for SLEBs adapted to extreme climates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Super-Low-Energy Buildings: Innovations for Extreme Climate Conditions)

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15 pages, 1337 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Prefabricated Public Buildings in Rural Areas with Extreme Hot–Humid Climate: A Case Study of the Yongtai County Digital Industrial Park, Fuzhou, China

by Xin Wu, Jiaying Wang, Ruitao Zhang, Qianru Bi and Jinghan Pan

Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2767; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152767 - 6 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1269

Abstract

Accomplishing China’s national targets of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality necessitates proactive solutions, hinging critically on fundamentally transforming rural construction models. Current construction practices in rural areas are characterized by inefficiency, high resource consumption, and reliance on imported materials. These shortcomings not only jeopardize the attainment of climate objectives, but also hinder equitable development between urban and rural regions. Using the Digital Industrial Park in Yongtai County, Fuzhou City, as a case study, this study focuses on prefabricated public buildings in regions with extreme hot–humid climate, and innovatively integrates BIM (Building Information Modeling)-driven carbon modeling with the Gaussian Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (G2SFCA) method for spatial accessibility assessment to investigate the carbon emissions and economic benefits of prefabricated buildings during the embodied stage, and analyzes the spatial accessibility of prefabricated building material suppliers in Fuzhou City and identifies associated bottlenecks, seeking pathways to promote sustainable rural revitalization. Compared with traditional cast-in-situ buildings, embodied carbon emissions of prefabricated during their materialization phase significantly reduced. This dual-perspective approach ensures that the proposed solutions possess both technical rigor and logistical feasibility. Promoting this model across rural areas sharing similar climatic conditions would advance the construction industry’s progress towards the dual carbon goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Super-Low-Energy Buildings: Innovations for Extreme Climate Conditions)

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39 pages, 9517 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multidimensional Evaluation Framework and Classification Strategy for Low-Carbon Technologies in Office Buildings

by Hongjiang Liu, Yuan Song, Yawei Du, Tao Feng and Zhihou Yang

Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2689; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152689 - 30 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1319

Abstract

The global climate crisis has driven unprecedented agreements among nations on carbon mitigation. With China’s commitment to carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets, the building sector has emerged as a critical focus for emission reduction, particularly because office buildings account for over 30% of building energy consumption. However, a systematic and regionally adaptive low-carbon technology evaluation framework is lacking. To address this gap, this study develops a multidimensional decision-making system to quantify and rank low-carbon technologies for office buildings in Beijing. The method includes four core components: (1) establishing three archetypal models—low-rise (H ≤ 24 m), mid-rise (24 m < H ≤ 50 m), and high-rise (50 m < H ≤ 100 m) office buildings—based on 99 office buildings in Beijing; (2) classifying 19 key technologies into three clusters—Envelope Structure Optimization, Equipment Efficiency Enhancement, and Renewable Energy Utilization—using bibliometric analysis and policy norm screening; (3) developing a four-dimensional evaluation framework encompassing Carbon Reduction Degree (CRD), Economic Viability Degree (EVD), Technical Applicability Degree (TAD), and Carbon Intensity Degree (CID); and (4) conducting a comprehensive quantitative evaluation using the AHP-entropy-TOPSIS algorithm. The results indicate distinct priority patterns across the building types: low-rise buildings prioritize roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems, LED lighting, and thermal-break aluminum frames with low-E double-glazed laminated glass. Mid- and high-rise buildings emphasize integrated PV-LED-T8 lighting solutions and optimized building envelope structures. Ranking analysis further highlights LED lighting, T8 high-efficiency fluorescent lamps, and rooftop PV systems as the top-recommended technologies for Beijing. Additionally, four policy recommendations are proposed to facilitate the large-scale implementation of the program. This study presents a holistic technical integration strategy that simultaneously enhances the technological performance, economic viability, and carbon reduction outcomes of architectural design and renovation. It also establishes a replicable decision-support framework for decarbonizing office and public buildings in cities, thereby supporting China’s “dual carbon” goals and contributing to global carbon mitigation efforts in the building sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Super-Low-Energy Buildings: Innovations for Extreme Climate Conditions)

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24 pages, 13285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Photovoltaic Application Design for Non-Residential Areas in Existing High-Density Residential Areas in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

by Wen Zhang, Pan Wang, Xiaohua Cheng, Shisheng Chen, Yuhan Chen and Pengfei Zhang

Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2399; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142399 - 8 Jul 2025

Viewed by 782

Abstract

As global climate change intensifies and energy crises deepen, photovoltaic (PV) applications in cities are increasingly garnering attention worldwide. In this context, retrofitting existing high-density residential areas with PV applications is becoming a focus of urban low-carbon development. As the most densely populated city in Western China, Chengdu is characterized by rapid development and high energy consumption. The widespread application of photovoltaic (PV) systems could significantly alleviate its energy consumption issues. This research investigated the PV application potentials of 27 non-residential areas in high-density residential areas in Chengdu, Sichuan Province from a design perspective and proposed design recommendations for PV applications in these spaces. In addition, this study analyzed urban morphological factors affecting the PV generation potential in non-residential areas through a Pearson correlation. The key factors influencing the PV application potential in these areas were building density (BD), non-residential area perimeter-to-area ratio (NBPAR), and maximum building height (H_max). This research aims to provide new strategies and methods for the low-carbon transformation of future urban high-density residential areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Super-Low-Energy Buildings: Innovations for Extreme Climate Conditions)

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21 pages, 18928 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Food–Energy–Water Nexus: A Multi-Objective Spatial Configuration Framework for High-Density Communities

by Jie Zheng, Hengyu Li, Lulu Sun, Mingxuan Li and Yukun Zhang

Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2196; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132196 - 23 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1615

Abstract

Global urbanization and climate change are intensifying challenges in the sustainable management of the Food–Energy–Water (FEW) system. This study introduces a multi-objective optimization framework that redefines urban spaces through a dual rooftop-ground hierarchy, interlinkage nodes for mapping material and energy flows, and the application of NSGA-II optimization to balance food production, energy output, and costs. The framework was applied to a case study area, generating non-dominated solutions with diverse resource-cost configurations. The findings revealed that optimal scenarios could meet 40.6% of local energy demands and exceed 102.9% of local grain demands, while maintaining economic viability. This approach bridges resource systems theory and spatial planning practice, providing economically viable pathways for high-density cities to transform into hybrid production-consumption spaces, effectively addressing the dual pressures of urbanization and climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Super-Low-Energy Buildings: Innovations for Extreme Climate Conditions)

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Other

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68 pages, 5341 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Utilizing Building Automation Systems for Indoor Environmental Quality Optimization: A Review of the Current Literature, Challenges, and Opportunities

by Qinghao Zeng, Marwan Shagar, Kamyar Fatemifar, Pardis Pishdad and Eunhwa Yang

Buildings 2026, 16(6), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16061267 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 768

Abstract

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) plays a vital role in occupant health and productivity. However, current Building Management Systems (BMS) often struggle in sustaining optimal IEQ levels due to limitations in data management and lack of occupant-centric feedback loops. To address these gaps, this research synthesizes the state-of-the-art methods for IEQ monitoring, assessment, and control within Building Automation Systems (BAS), identifying both technological and methodological advancements, as well as highlighting the challenges and potential opportunities for future innovations. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, this multi-stage literature review analyzes 176 publications from 1997 to 2024, with a focus on the decade of rapid technological evolution from 2014 to 2024. The review focuses on high-impact journals indexed in Scopus to ensure quality while acknowledging the potential bias inherent in a single-database search. The synthesis reveals a methodological shift in monitoring from sparse, zone-level sensing towards dense, multi-modal systems that incorporate physiological data via wearables and behavioral recognition through computer vision. Assessment techniques are evolving from static models such as the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) towards adaptive, personalized frameworks supported by Digital Twins and integrated simulations. Furthermore, control logic is transitioning toward Reinforcement Learning and Model Predictive Control to proactively manage occupancy surges and environmental variables. This evolution of monitoring approaches, assessment techniques, and control strategies is represented within the study’s Three-Tiered Developmental Trajectory, providing a novel Body of Knowledge (BOK) for mapping the transition of building systems from reactive tools to autonomous, occupant-centric agents. This study also introduces a Cross-Modal Interaction Matrix to systematically analyze the systemic trade-offs between IEQ domains. Furthermore, by establishing the “Implementation Frontier,” this work identifies the specific technical and ethical bottlenecks, such as “false vacancy” sensing errors, fragmented data silos, and the ethical complexities of high-resolution data collection that prevent academic innovations from becoming industry standards. To bridge these gaps, we conclude that the next generation of “cognitive buildings” must prioritize three pillars: resolving binary sensing limitations, harmonizing data via vendor-neutral APIs, and adopting privacy-preserving architectures to ensure scalable, interoperable, and occupant-centric optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Super-Low-Energy Buildings: Innovations for Extreme Climate Conditions)

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