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Sustainable Built Environment: Energy Efficiency Technologies, Performance Evaluation and Indoor Environment Quality

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2025 | Viewed by 1988

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Piero Bevilacqua

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering (DIMEG), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
Interests: passive systems for the building envelope; green roofs; Trombe Walls; innovative photovoltaic systems; thermal comfort of indoor spaces and IEQ; NZEB in Mediterranean area; innovative solar-assisted air-conditioning plants; integrated thermal storage systems; solar cooling; thermal properties of building materials; renewable cogeneration systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Cynthia Cruickshank

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
Interests: design and optimization of advanced building energy systems; high performance building envelopes; solar-assisted heat pumps; solar cooling; thermal storage; renewable energy systems
Dr. Miroslav Čekon

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Institute of Construction and Architecture, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 831 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
2. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Slovak University of Technology, Vazovova 5, 811 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: building physics; building engineering; thermal properties; optical properties; energy performance; phase change materials; transparent insulation materials; selective coatings

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue titled "Sustainable Built Environment: Energy Efficiency Technologies, Performance Evaluation and Indoor Environment Quality" is part of an international scientific journal that aims to delve into the most recent advancements and research in building energy efficiency. This collection of papers underscores the pivotal role that buildings play in global energy consumption and carbon emissions, showcasing innovative solutions and technologies designed to enhance energy performance in both new constructions and existing structures.

The issue explores cutting-edge energy efficiency technologies, including innovative materials and construction techniques, advanced HVAC systems, and the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. It highlights smart building technologies and the application of IoT for effective energy management.

Additionally, the Special Issue covers the development and validation of building performance simulation and monitoring methods. It emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection and analysis in optimizing energy consumption and enhancing building performance. The role of regulatory frameworks, policies, and incentives in promoting energy-efficient building practices is also examined, offering insights into how legislation can drive the adoption of sustainable technologies.

The relationship between energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality is another key theme, investigating how to balance energy savings with occupant comfort and health. Case studies from around the world illustrate successful implementations of energy-efficient designs and retrofits, providing practical examples of best practices.

Overall, this Special Issue aims to contribute to the global discourse on sustainable building practices, presenting comprehensive research that supports the transition to low-energy and zero-emission buildings. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in the sustainable development of the built environment.

Dr. Piero Bevilacqua
Prof. Dr. Cynthia Cruickshank
Dr. Miroslav Čekon
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Energies 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

  • energy efficiency in buildings
  • innovative materials, active façades
  • HVAC systems
  • high-performance building envelopes
  • green systems
  • Trombe walls
  • NZEB and ZEB
  • smart buildings
  • IoT in buildings
  • policies and strategies for the built environment

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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26 pages, 9846 KiB  
Article
Heat Transfer Coefficient of a Building: A Constant with Limited Variability or Dynamically Variable?
by Ljubomir Jankovic, Grant Henshaw, Christopher Tsang, Xinyi Zhang, Richard Fitton and William Swan
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092182 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
The heat transfer coefficient, or the HTC, is an industry-standard indicator of building energy performance. It is predicated on an assumption that it is of a constant value, and several different methods have been developed to measure and calculate the HTC as a [...] Read more.
The heat transfer coefficient, or the HTC, is an industry-standard indicator of building energy performance. It is predicated on an assumption that it is of a constant value, and several different methods have been developed to measure and calculate the HTC as a constant. Whilst there are limited variations in the results obtained from these different methods, none of these methods consider a possibility that the HTC could be dynamically variable. Our experimental work shows that the HTC is not a constant. The experimental evidence based on our environmental chambers, which contain detached houses and in which the ambient air temperature can be controlled between −24 °C and +51 °C, with additional relative humidity control and with weather rigs that can introduce solar radiation, rain, and snow, shows that the HTC is dynamically variable. The analysis of data from the fully instrumented and monitored houses in combination with calibrated simulation models and data processing scripts based on genetic algorithm optimization provide experimental evidence of the dynamic variability of the HTC. This research increases the understanding of buildings physics properties and has the potential to change the way the heat transfer coefficient is used in building performance analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environment: Energy Efficiency Technologies, Performance Evaluation and Indoor Environment Quality)
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20 pages, 9853 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Urban Environment on the Thermal Performance and Environmental Quality of Residential Buildings: A Case Study in Athens
by Maria Kolokotroni, May Zune, Petra Gratton, Thet Paing Tun, Ilia Christantoni and Dimitra Tsakanika
Energies 2025, 18(8), 2062; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18082062 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of the urban context on the energy performance of a residential building in Athens. Current and future weather files were modified to consider the urban heat island, the overshadowing of adjacent buildings, and the modification of wind speed [...] Read more.
This paper examines the impact of the urban context on the energy performance of a residential building in Athens. Current and future weather files were modified to consider the urban heat island, the overshadowing of adjacent buildings, and the modification of wind speed due to the effects of urban canyons. Dynamic thermal simulations were carried out using the modified weather files. The results indicate that there was a change in heating and cooling demand in comparison to using typical weather files; heating was reduced, but cooling was increased with a total increase in energy demand. There was variation due to height, while overshadowing impacts energy demand significantly. The modified weather analysis also indicates that there are periods in the year that cooling and heating are negligible. During these periods, passive strategies can be used to maintain good internal air quality if occupants are informed how to use their windows and shading devices according to prevailing weather conditions. A method of achieving this occupant-centric operation of the building is described, and the results of an intervention study are discussed. It shows that internal environmental quality can be improved by occupant actions based on forecast weather conditions to direct them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environment: Energy Efficiency Technologies, Performance Evaluation and Indoor Environment Quality)
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20 pages, 840 KiB  
Article
Assessment of LEVEL(S) Key Sustainability Indicators
by Mahsa Rastegari, Claudio Del Pero and Fabrizio Leonforte
Energies 2025, 18(8), 2027; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18082027 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 189
Abstract
The growing global emphasis on sustainability science has catalyzed significant advancements in research and practice within this domain. Among the various initiatives, the European Union has introduced LEVEL(S), a comprehensive framework for assessing the sustainable performance of buildings. This system provides a standardized [...] Read more.
The growing global emphasis on sustainability science has catalyzed significant advancements in research and practice within this domain. Among the various initiatives, the European Union has introduced LEVEL(S), a comprehensive framework for assessing the sustainable performance of buildings. This system provides a standardized methodology for evaluating and reporting key aspects of building sustainability across Europe, leveraging a structured set of indicators to address performance throughout a building’s life cycle. This study conducts a thorough analysis of the key performance indicators (KPIs) within the LEVEL(S) framework. It highlights critical limitations, such as the absence of specific metrics, misalignment with existing regulations and standards, and the absence of clear thresholds needed to effectively evaluate the performance of each KPI. Through a rigorous analysis of these KPIs, this study explores the potential for developing an enhanced and more refined framework to address these challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environment: Energy Efficiency Technologies, Performance Evaluation and Indoor Environment Quality)
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21 pages, 3464 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Carbon Performance Gap and Thermal Energy Performance Gap of School Buildings in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia
by Hana Begić Juričić, Hrvoje Krstić and Mihaela Domazetović
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1818; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071818 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
This study examines the Carbon Performance Gap (CPG) and Energy Performance Gap (EPG) of school buildings in Osijek-Baranja County in Croatia. The variance between the predicted energy efficiency of a building, as indicated by the energy performance certificate (EPC), and its actual performance [...] Read more.
This study examines the Carbon Performance Gap (CPG) and Energy Performance Gap (EPG) of school buildings in Osijek-Baranja County in Croatia. The variance between the predicted energy efficiency of a building, as indicated by the energy performance certificate (EPC), and its actual performance in terms of energy consumption, is often referred to as the EPG while the variance between the predicted carbon emission of a building from the EPC and its actual emission is referred to as CPG. This study aims to determine the extent of CPG and EPG between actual energy consumption/carbon emission and the calculated, which is presented in EPCs of school buildings. The average EPG among the analyzed schools was found to be 71.73% while the average CPG was found to be 78.77%. The analysis also revealed a substantial average annual difference in heating costs attributable to the EPG. By addressing EPG and CPG while optimizing energy usage, educational institutions can achieve substantial cost savings and contribute significantly to sustainability goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environment: Energy Efficiency Technologies, Performance Evaluation and Indoor Environment Quality)
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22 pages, 5465 KiB  
Article
The Solar Shading Performance of the Multi-Angled Façade System and Its Impact on the Sustainable Improvement of the Buildings
by Loay Hannoudi, Noha Saleeb and George Dafoulas
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071565 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
This research paper explores the visual potential of the multi-angled façade system, allowing office employees to achieve optimal exposure to the external environment through the room façade. This contributes to sustainability objectives by enhancing indoor climate quality, promoting health and well-being, and aligning [...] Read more.
This research paper explores the visual potential of the multi-angled façade system, allowing office employees to achieve optimal exposure to the external environment through the room façade. This contributes to sustainability objectives by enhancing indoor climate quality, promoting health and well-being, and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 9, and 11. This façade concept provides a solution to the issue of shading devices being fully closed for long periods due to intense solar radiation on the room’s window. The concept of a multi-angled window involves incorporating two differently oriented window sections within each façade along a vertical axis (right and left), rather than tilting them upward or downward. The larger section is oriented more toward the north to maximize daylight access and external views, while the smaller section faces south to enhance passive solar heating. The visual potential is assessed based on the periods when the solar shading devices are not fully closed—meaning one section of the multi-angled façade may remain open while the other is shaded. To evaluate this, along with the resulting energy consumption and indoor climate, the software program IDA ICE version 4.8 is utilized. Simulation results indicate that the duration of complete shading closure is significantly lower for a multi-angled façade compared to a flat façade, in some instances nearly half, thereby improving visual comfort, daylight availability, and heat gain while simultaneously reducing spatial energy consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environment: Energy Efficiency Technologies, Performance Evaluation and Indoor Environment Quality)
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30 pages, 3755 KiB  
Systematic Review
Combining Energy Performance and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in Buildings: A Systematic Review on Common IEQ Guidelines and Energy Codes in North America
by Ishanka Perera, Kasun Hewage, Anber Rana and Rehan Sadiq
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071740 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in buildings is vital for health, work efficiency, productivity, and the overall sustainability of buildings. IEQ is governed by four parameters: indoor air quality and thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort. The recent pandemic has compelled people to think [...] Read more.
The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in buildings is vital for health, work efficiency, productivity, and the overall sustainability of buildings. IEQ is governed by four parameters: indoor air quality and thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort. The recent pandemic has compelled people to think beyond energy efficiency and refocus on the health, well-being, and productivity of building occupants. Despite numerous IEQ guidelines and standards, there remains a paucity of systematic research that critically examines the relationship between IEQ and building energy efficiency. This systematic review explores the existing equilibrium and identifies gaps between IEQ standards and building energy codes. Firstly, this review examined the status of the IEQ standards and identified that most of the North American IEQ guidelines cannot achieve energy efficiency targets. Secondly, existing building energy codes were reviewed to determine how well these codes fare with IEQ requirements. It was revealed that the expensive energy certification documents are more focused on IEQ than traditional energy codes. The identified factors indicate that most building energy codes can meet only indoor air quality thresholds (a subset of IEQ), while other parameters are inadequately addressed. This review revealed 19 relationships between IEQs and energy efficiency. Building energy code/IEQ guidelines developers could consider the identified 19 relationships to develop a combined set of guidelines/standards for future building stock. An integration model between IEQ and energy efficiency is proposed as a future research direction to contribute to the better design and construction of modern buildings. The findings will facilitate the construction of healthy and sustainable buildings, and they aim to generate new residential communities that achieve an optimal health–energy–carbon nexus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environment: Energy Efficiency Technologies, Performance Evaluation and Indoor Environment Quality)
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