Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.3
3.2
Journals
Energies
Special Issues
Designing for Both Efficiency and Resilience: Harmonizing Energy, Comfort, and...
energies-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Energies Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Designing for Both Efficiency and Resilience: Harmonizing Energy, Comfort, and Climate Adaptation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 8223

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ahmed Saleem

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
Interests: building performance simulations; sustainable and resilient building design; post-occupancy evaluation; indoor environmental quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Essam Abo-Zahhad

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Liwa College, Abu Dhabi 41009, United Arab Emirates
Interests: heat transfer; computational fluid dynamics (CFD); microfluidic devices; energy systems modelling and optimization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the built environment progresses, achieving greater energy efficiency and climate adaptation, balancing thermal resilience and energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important. While energy-efficient measures—such as airtight building envelopes, high-performance insulation, and demand-side energy management—can reduce operational energy use, they may also compromise a building’s ability to withstand extreme heatwaves, cold snaps, and power disruptions. For example, super-insulated and airtight buildings may be at risk of overheating during the summer months, while reliance on active cooling strategies can increase energy dependency and vulnerability during grid failures.

This Special Issue explores the synergies and trade-offs between energy efficiency and thermal resilience, aiming to identify design and operational strategies that optimize both. Building Performance Simulation (BPS) tools allow us to evaluate these interactions and develop integrated solutions that enhance comfort and survivability without compromising energy efficiency. Passive strategies, adaptive materials, thermal energy storage, and smart building controls can help mitigate conflicts, but their effectiveness is contingent on climate, occupancy behavior, and broader energy systems.

For this Special Issue, we are seeking original research, case studies, and review articles addressing (but not limited to) the following topics:

  • Trade-offs between energy-efficient design and thermal resilience, particularly in extreme weather conditions.
  • BPS applications for evaluating resilience–energy efficiency interactions in buildings.
  • Passive and active strategies that simultaneously enhance efficiency and resilience.
  • Risk of overheating in highly insulated, airtight buildings and mitigation approaches.
  • The role of thermal mass and phase change materials (PCMs) in balancing efficiency and resilience.
  • The use of thermal energy storage systems as a bridge between efficiency and resilience.
  • Smart, adaptive control systems that optimize energy performance while ensuring thermal safety.
  • The impact of urban heat islands (UHIs) on the resilience–efficiency balance in dense environments.
  • Building retrofitting strategies that improve resilience without energy penalties.
  • Regulatory, policy, and economic perspectives on balancing efficiency and resilience.

Our aim is to advance interdisciplinary knowledge on how architects, engineers, and policymakers can design and retrofit buildings that are both energy-efficient and resilient. By critically examining the potential contradictions and synergies, we hope to inform a new generation of climate-responsive and energy-conscious buildings.

Dr. Ahmed Saleem
Dr. Essam Abo-Zahhad
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. 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

  • thermal resilience
  • building Performance Simulation (BPS)
  • passive and active thermal strategies
  • overheating risk mitigation
  • thermal energy storage
  • urban heat island (UHI) adaptation
  • climate-responsive building design

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

16 pages, 3188 KB  
Article
Analysis of Light Environment and Energy Performance of Smart Farms with Thermochromic Window Application
by Jina Seo, Doo-Sung Choi, Yong-Ho Jung and Doo-Yong Park
Energies 2026, 19(10), 2376; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19102376 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 183
Abstract
This study evaluated the performance of thermochromic windows as dynamic envelopes for smart greenhouses, focusing on the light environment and cooling load under peak summer conditions. Four covering materials, glass, Low-E glass, polycarbonate, and thermochromic windows, were compared using EnergyPlus (v9.2.0) simulation for [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the performance of thermochromic windows as dynamic envelopes for smart greenhouses, focusing on the light environment and cooling load under peak summer conditions. Four covering materials, glass, Low-E glass, polycarbonate, and thermochromic windows, were compared using EnergyPlus (v9.2.0) simulation for an 8-span greenhouse with a floor area of 1008 m2 in Gwangju, South Korea, on a representative summer day of 21 July. Thermochromic properties were modeled with temperature-dependent SHGC variations from 0.521 at 25 °C to 0.425 at 85 °C. Results showed that thermochromic windows reduced noon illuminance by 75% compared to conventional glass, from 26,482 lux to 6628 lux, while maintaining adequate light levels above the compensation point for tomato and paprika cultivation. Simultaneously, peak cooling load decreased by 13.1%, from 537,929 W to 467,477 W, outperforming Low-E glass at 9.2% and polycarbonate at 7.0%. At peak hours of 1:00 p.m., when the glass surface temperature reached 60.5 °C, the thermochromic glazing reduced transmitted solar radiation by 37.8% per unit area compared to conventional glass. This study demonstrates that thermochromic windows effectively balance photosynthetic light provision and cooling energy reduction in smart greenhouses, offering a viable design solution for controlled environment agriculture under extreme summer conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing for Both Efficiency and Resilience: Harmonizing Energy, Comfort, and Climate Adaptation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3015 KB  
Article
Comparative Study on Surface Heating Systems with and Without External Shading: Effects on Indoor Thermal Environment
by Małgorzata Fedorczak-Cisak, Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina, Mirosław Dechnik, Aleksandra Buda-Chowaniec, Anna Romańska and Anna Dudzińska
Energies 2026, 19(1), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010223 - 31 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 813
Abstract
The three key design criteria for nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs) and climate-neutral buildings are minimizing energy use, ensuring high occupant comfort, and reducing environmental impact. Thermal comfort is one of the main components of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), strongly affecting occupants’ health, well-being, [...] Read more.
The three key design criteria for nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs) and climate-neutral buildings are minimizing energy use, ensuring high occupant comfort, and reducing environmental impact. Thermal comfort is one of the main components of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), strongly affecting occupants’ health, well-being, and productivity. As energy-efficiency requirements become more demanding, the appropriate selection of heating systems, their automated control, and the management of solar heat gains are becoming increasingly important. This study investigates the influence of two low-temperature radiant heating systems—underfloor and wall-mounted—and the use of Venetian blinds on perceived thermal comfort in a highly glazed public nZEB building located in a densely built urban area within a temperate climate zone. The assessment was based on the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) index, commonly used in IEQ research. The results show that both heating systems maintained indoor conditions corresponding to comfort or slight thermal stress under steady state operation. However, during periods of strong solar exposure in the room without blinds, PMV values exceeded 2.0, indicating substantial heat stress. In contrast, external Venetian blinds significantly stabilized the indoor microclimate—reducing PMV peaks by an average of 50.2% and lowering the number of discomfort hours by 94.9%—demonstrating the crucial role of solar protection in highly glazed spaces. No significant whole-body PMV differences were found between underfloor and wall heating. Overall, the findings provide practical insights into the control of thermal conditions in radiant-heated spaces and highlight the importance of solar shading in mitigating heat stress. These results may support the optimization of HVAC design, control, and operation in both residential and non-residential nZEB buildings, contributing to improved occupant comfort and enhanced energy efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing for Both Efficiency and Resilience: Harmonizing Energy, Comfort, and Climate Adaptation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 4553 KB  
Article
Integrating Machine Learning Temporal Disaggregation and Physics-Based Simulation for Lifecycle Assessment of Buildings
by Giannis Iakovides, Renos Rotas, Petros Iliadis, Stefanos Petridis, Nikos Nikolopoulos and Elias Kosmatopoulos
Energies 2026, 19(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010021 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 846
Abstract
This study presents an integrated framework for lifecycle assessment (LCA) and lifecycle costing (LCC) of buildings and districts that combines machine learning-based temporal disaggregation, physics-based simulation, and holistic environmental evaluation. The methodology addresses a key limitation of conventional LCA practice: the reliance on [...] Read more.
This study presents an integrated framework for lifecycle assessment (LCA) and lifecycle costing (LCC) of buildings and districts that combines machine learning-based temporal disaggregation, physics-based simulation, and holistic environmental evaluation. The methodology addresses a key limitation of conventional LCA practice: the reliance on temporally aggregated energy data, which obscures daily and seasonal variability affecting environmental and economic indicators. A hierarchical disaggregation algorithm was used to reconstruct hourly electricity profiles from monthly totals and was coupled with the INTEMA building energy performance simulator and the VERIFY LCA/LCC platform. The disaggregation algorithm was validated on an office building in Cardiff, UK, supported by cross-validation across multiple UK office buildings, and achieved strong agreement with measured hourly consumption (R2 = 0.81, RMSE = 3.71 kWh). In the Cardiff case, the reconstructed hourly profiles reproduced lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and costs within 0.5% of the reference hourly measurement approach, compared with deviations of 44.1% and 2.9% under conventional monthly aggregation. The complete hybrid framework was then applied to a district in Massagno, Switzerland, encompassing eight buildings with heterogeneous typologies, for which only aggregated energy data were available (monthly for the office building and annual for the others). Over a 20-year horizon, total emissions reached 9429 tCO2-eq and primary energy demand approached 226 GWh, equivalent to 41 kgCO2-eq·m−2·yr−1. The results illustrate the framework’s applicability to multi-building systems and its ability to support LCA and LCC in contexts with limited temporal data availability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing for Both Efficiency and Resilience: Harmonizing Energy, Comfort, and Climate Adaptation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 15354 KB  
Article
Forecasting the Hygrothermal Condition of Partitions in a Thermally Modernized Historical Wooden Building—A Case Study
by Bożena Orlik-Kożdoń, Agnieszka Szymanowska-Gwiżdż and Elżbieta Rdzawska-Augustin
Energies 2025, 18(21), 5621; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215621 - 26 Oct 2025
Viewed by 808
Abstract
The paper presents select in situ and numerical investigations related to improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings. Using the case study of a historic timber building as an example, the procedure of the in situ investigation of its existing condition is presented. [...] Read more.
The paper presents select in situ and numerical investigations related to improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings. Using the case study of a historic timber building as an example, the procedure of the in situ investigation of its existing condition is presented. This procedure included measuring the moisture of the timber elements, determining the presence of fungi, mold, and wood-destroying insects, infrared camera inspection, and measuring the microclimate of the rooms. According to the conclusions of the building survey report, conservation guidelines were proposed. On the basis of those proposed guidelines, thermal upgrades were suggested, including insulation on the inside of the envelope components. Detailed numerical calculations were provided for the proposed thermal insulation systems. Those included a hygrothermal performance evaluation in the context of the change in the moisture content of timber elements in the insulated envelope components. The risk of mold development on the surface of selected junctions was also estimated. The key outcome of this study is a proprietary procedure for improving the thermal protection quality of envelope components of historic timber buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing for Both Efficiency and Resilience: Harmonizing Energy, Comfort, and Climate Adaptation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4669 KB  
Article
User Comfort Evaluation in a Nearly Zero-Energy Housing Complex in Poland: Indoor and Outdoor Analysis
by Małgorzata Fedorczak-Cisak, Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina, Mirosław Dechnik, Aleksandra Buda-Chowaniec, Beata Sadowska, Michał Ciuła and Tomasz Kapecki
Energies 2025, 18(19), 5209; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195209 - 30 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 777
Abstract
The building sector plays a key role in the transition toward climate neutrality, with national regulations across the EU requiring the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs). However, while energy performance has been extensively studied, less attention has been given to the problem [...] Read more.
The building sector plays a key role in the transition toward climate neutrality, with national regulations across the EU requiring the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs). However, while energy performance has been extensively studied, less attention has been given to the problem of ensuring user comfort—both indoors and in the surrounding outdoor areas—under nZEB design constraints. This gap raises two key research objectives: (1) to evaluate whether a well-designed nZEB with extensive glazing maintains acceptable indoor thermal comfort and (2) to assess whether residents experience greater outdoor thermal comfort and satisfaction in small, sun-exposed private gardens or in larger, shaded communal green spaces. To address these objectives, a newly built residential estate near Kraków (Poland) was analyzed. The investigation included simulation-based assessments during the design phase and in situ measurements during building operation, complemented by a user survey on spatial preferences. Indoor comfort was evaluated for rooms with large glazed façades, as well as rooms with standard-sized windows, while outdoor comfort was assessed in both private gardens and a shared green courtyard. Results show that shading the southwest-oriented glazed façade with an overhanging terrace provided slightly lower temperatures in ground-floor rooms compared to rooms with standard unshaded windows. Outdoors, users experienced lower thermal comfort in small, unshaded gardens than in the larger, vegetated communal area (pocket park), which demonstrated greater capacity for temperature moderation and thermal stress reduction. Survey responses further indicate that potential future residents prefer the inclusion of a shared green–blue infrastructure area, even at the expense of building some housing units in semi-detached form, instead of maximizing the number of detached units with unshaded individual gardens. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing both indoor and outdoor comfort in residential nZEB design, showing that technological efficiency must be complemented by user-centered design strategies. This integrated approach can improve the well-being of residents while supporting climate change adaptation in the built environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing for Both Efficiency and Resilience: Harmonizing Energy, Comfort, and Climate Adaptation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 1580 KB  
Article
Selection and Classification of Small Wind Turbines for Local Energy Systems: Balancing Efficiency, Climate Conditions, and User Comfort
by Waldemar Moska, Leszek Piechowski and Andrzej Łebkowski
Energies 2025, 18(17), 4575; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174575 - 28 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3930
Abstract
Micro and small wind turbines (MAWTs) are increasingly integrated into residential and prosumer hybrid energy systems. However, their real-world performance often falls short of catalog specifications due to mismatched wind resources, siting limitations, and insufficient attention to human comfort. This paper presents a [...] Read more.
Micro and small wind turbines (MAWTs) are increasingly integrated into residential and prosumer hybrid energy systems. However, their real-world performance often falls short of catalog specifications due to mismatched wind resources, siting limitations, and insufficient attention to human comfort. This paper presents a comprehensive decision-support framework for selecting the type and scale of MAWTs under actual local conditions. The energy assessment module combines aerodynamic performance scaling, wind speed-frequency modeling based on Weibull distributions, turbulence intensity adjustments, and component-level efficiency factors for both horizontal and vertical axis turbines. The framework addresses three key design objectives: efficiency—aligning turbine geometry and control strategies with local wind regimes to maximize energy yield; comfort—evaluating candidate designs for noise emissions, shadow flicker, and visual impact near buildings; and climate adaptation—linking turbine siting, hub height, and rotor type to terrain roughness, turbulence, and built environment characteristics. Case studies from low and moderate wind locations in Central Europe demonstrate how multi-criteria filtering avoids oversizing, improves the autonomy of hybrid PV–wind systems, and identifies configurations that may exceed permissible limits for noise or flicker. The proposed methodology enables evidence-based deployment of MAWTs in decentralized energy systems that balance technical performance, resilience, and occupant well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing for Both Efficiency and Resilience: Harmonizing Energy, Comfort, and Climate Adaptation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop