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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 February 2026) | Viewed by 27300

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Martha Katafygiotou

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Guest Editor

Department of Real Estate, School of Architecture, Engineering, Land and Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, 8042 Pafos, Cyprus
Interests: real estate development; sustainability; land use; land planning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Chrystala Psathiti

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Guest Editor Assistant

Department of Architecture, Land and Environmental Sciences, School of Architecture, Engineering, Land and Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, 8042 Pafos, Cyprus
Interests: adaptive reappropriation; educational buildings; spatial analysis; evidence-based approaches; advanced data manipulation; socio-spatial sustainability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on "Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings" focuses on innovative approaches and technologies that improve the energy efficiency of buildings. It explores solutions for reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impacts in both residential and commercial structures. It incorporates a wide range of innovative topics that address both technical and socio-spatial aspects of energy efficiency in the built environment. The Issue brings together research and case studies that contribute to the development of greener, more sustainable building practices.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Smart building systems: Integration of intelligent controls and automation for optimizing energy use.
Energy-efficient materials: Use of sustainable, high-performance materials in construction and insulation.
Renewable energy integration: Systems like solar panels, wind energy, and heat pumps that can be incorporated into building designs.
Energy management systems: Software and hardware solutions to monitor and control energy consumption.
Retrofitting strategies: Upgrading existing buildings with modern technologies to improve energy efficiency.
Adaptive reappropriation: Techniques for repurposing existing structures, such as retrofitting old buildings to improve energy performance and sustainability, while preserving their architectural integrity.
Educational buildings: Case studies and research on the application of energy-efficient technologies in schools and universities, creating more sustainable learning environments.
Spatial analysis and evidence-based approaches: The use of advanced spatial analytics to understand how building design impacts energy use. Evidence-based approaches ensure that design decisions are supported by data, optimizing energy consumption in different spaces.
Socio-spatial sustainability: Investigating the relationship between social factors, space utilization, and sustainability, focusing on how energy-efficient buildings can enhance social well-being and community cohesion.

Dr. Martha Katafygiotou
Guest Editor

Dr. Chrystala Psathiti
Guest Editor Assistant

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

energy-efficient buildings
adaptive reappropriation
educational buildings
smart building systems
spatial analysis
evidence-based design
renewable energy integration
advanced data manipulation
retrofitting strategies
socio-spatial sustainability
sustainable materials
intelligent energy management
building automation systems
green building technologies
thermal performance optimization

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Related Special Issue

Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings—2nd Edition in Energies

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 110 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings

by Martha Katafygiotou

Energies 2026, 19(5), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19051368 - 7 Mar 2026

Viewed by 325

Abstract

Dear Readers, [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

Research

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27 pages, 6954 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Evaluation of an Integrated Phase Change Material Oriented Strand Board for Thermal Energy Storage in Building Walls

by Layla Muhsan Hasan and Sanjeev Khanna

Energies 2026, 19(3), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030773 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 471

Abstract

In this study, a phase change material (PCM) in the form of technical-grade octadecane and oriented strand boards (OSBs), which are boards made from wood strands, are used to develop a latent heat storage board with the aim of utilizing this material in building construction while lowering energy consumption. The incorporation of PCM into buildings is difficult for several reasons, including the organic phase material’s flammability and leakage during phase change. These obstacles have been overcome to a significant extent in the engineered OSB material. To avoid PCM from leaking throughout the phase change regime, PCM was hosted in the oriented strand board (OSB) using high-density polyethylene to develop a shape-stabilized phase change wood-based board (SSPCM-OSB). To improve the binding between PCM and OSBs and reduce the flammability, additional additives were added. Extensive testing was conducted to determine the physical and thermal properties and heat transfer characteristics of the developed SSPCM-OSB. The newly developed oriented strand board with SSPCM integration has a lower heat flux than a conventional OSB and comparable flammability characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

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25 pages, 7336 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Energy Skins: A Climate Zones-Based, Multi-Scale Analysis for High Performance Buildings

by Antonello Monsù Scolaro, Emanuele Lisci, Sara Moro and Katia Gasparini

Energies 2025, 18(22), 6042; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18226042 - 19 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1059

Abstract

Adaptive facades represent the result of a complex combination of innovative technologies, components, and materials, as well as mechanical, electronic, or digital technologies from sectors outside the construction world (technology transfer), which require a constant multidisciplinary systemic approach. Unlike traditional envelopes, adaptive facades integrate aesthetics, functionality, and energy performance within a single system. This field of research has long been the subject of study by important institutions and research groups that have identified the macro-categories of adaptive envelopes that cover the largest share of the market and have defined the first ISO standards related to dynamic shading, chromogenic envelopes, and active ventilated facades. From the state-of-the-art analysis, adaptive facade systems exhibit short response times, measurable in seconds or minutes, while medium- to long-term adaptability remains underexplored. The objective of this study is to address this gap by considering durability and circularity. Analysis of a database of 329 building envelopes reveals a predominance of short-term strategies within the environmental domain, while long-term strategies focus on material durability and resilience through system regeneration and reuse. These strategies allow for maintaining energy performance by reducing degradation. Ongoing research integrates these strategies with reusability and circularity, extending the perspective beyond the building’s service life to support sustainable lifecycle approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

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15 pages, 1110 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Scalable and Standardized Methodology for the Comparative Cost–Benefit Evaluation of Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) Technologies Across Europe

by Turkay Ersener, Paraskevas Koukaras, Dimosthenis Ioannidis, Christos Tjortjis, Byron Ioannou and Paris Fokaides

Energies 2025, 18(21), 5825; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215825 - 4 Nov 2025

Viewed by 913

Abstract

As the importance of energy efficiency and smart readiness in the building sector has been on the rise, the financial evaluation of smart-ready technologies (SRTs) remains a gap in this field. This study introduces a methodology that comparatively evaluates the cost–benefit relationship between 11 different SRTs across three European countries—Cyprus, Italy and The Netherlands. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for energy-focused aspects such as Country-Specific Energy Savings Potential (CSESP) and Seasonal Smart Efficiency Coefficient (SSEC) and financial aspects such as Smart Readiness Cost Index (SRCI), Labor Cost Impact Factor (LCIF), Return on Smart Investment (RoSI), and Smart Investment Break-Even Period (SIBEP) were used to quantify the performance of the SRTs. The results indicate that regional labor rates, energy pricing, and climatic conditions—as well as relative technology cost–benefit tradeoffs—play a significant role in the economic viability of smart-ready devices. Having low labor costs and energy pricing, Cyprus exhibited the most cost-effective outcomes among the three countries. Italy showed strong returns although the initial investments were higher. The Netherlands was observed to benefit the most from heating-oriented technologies. The study comes to the conclusion that regionally specific methods are necessary for the adoption of SRTs and that techno-economic performance cannot be assessed separately from local market dynamics. The proposed framework supports stakeholders and policymakers in smart building investment and planning by offering a scalable method for device-level benchmarking. These indicators are developed specifically for this study and are not part of the official EU SRI (Smart Readiness Indicator) methodology. Their inclusion supports device-level evaluation and complements ongoing efforts toward SRI standardization. This research directly addresses Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, as well as SDG 11 on Sustainable Development, by evaluating how smart-ready technologies can contribute to energy efficiency and decarbonization in buildings. Based on the results, further research is needed to expand the indicator framework to additional technologies, include building typology effects, and integrate dynamic factors such as CO₂ pricing and real-time tariffs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

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Review

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20 pages, 2754 KB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Courtyard Microclimate on Building Thermal Performance Under Hot Weather Conditions: A Review

by Xu Zhou, Ernesto Antonini and Jacopo Gaspari

Energies 2025, 18(20), 5433; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205433 - 15 Oct 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2584

Abstract

The increasing frequency of extreme heat events poses significant challenges to buildings in terms of escalating thermal stress, while courtyards, as a traditional passive cooling strategy, demonstrate considerable potential in improving building thermal performance and in energy savings for cooling. Although existing studies have revealed the role of courtyards in enhancing their internal microclimate, an in-depth understanding of how design parameters regulate the microclimate and thereby affect the thermal performance of adjacent buildings remains limited, constraining their effective application in coping with extreme heat. This study conducts an exploration of relevant research aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of courtyard microclimate regulation, the quantitative methods employed, and effective design strategies in addressing high temperatures. The findings indicate that courtyards influence the building thermal performance through four mechanisms: solar radiation control, airflow organization, evaporative cooling, and thermal buffering. Their effectiveness depends on the optimized combination of geometry, material properties, and landscape configuration. Moreover, different quantitative methods exhibit notable differences in scale, accuracy, and applicability. Finally, based on the identified key factors and their interactions, this study proposes optimization pathways to bridge the gap between design expectations and practical outcomes, thereby providing both a theoretical framework and practical guidance for advancing the scientific application of courtyards in enhancing building thermal performance and energy efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

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23 pages, 1227 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Comparative Assessment of LEED, BREEAM, and WELL: Advancing Sustainable Built Environments

by Elias Tsirovasilis, Martha Katafygiotou and Chrystala Psathiti

Energies 2025, 18(16), 4322; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164322 - 14 Aug 2025

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7459

Abstract

This study compares the LEED, BREEAM, and WELL certification systems using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework to assess their performance across environmental, social, and economic dimensions and their alignment with sustainable development goals. A structured secondary analysis was conducted on over 50 peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and official certification manuals. Inclusion criteria required documented design targets and post-occupancy outcomes for certified buildings (2014–2024). A two-phase analytical model was applied: first, evaluating each system’s structure and priorities; then benchmarking them using the TBL framework to assess how holistically each addresses sustainability. Results show that LEED leads to energy optimization, BREEAM to lifecycle integration, and WELL to occupant health and indoor environmental quality. However, all systems exhibit post-occupancy performance gaps: LEED and BREEAM underperform by 15–30% in energy use, while WELL-certified projects may exceed 30% due to stringent indoor comfort demands. These findings highlight the need to integrate real-time post-occupancy evaluation into certification protocols. To improve overall effectiveness, the study proposes enhancements such as adaptive performance tracking, occupant feedback loops, and dynamic benchmarking aligned with actual building use. By identifying both the comparative strengths and systemic limitations of the three frameworks, this research contributes to the refinement of green building assessment tools. Practical implications include (1) integrating post-occupancy evaluation into certification renewal cycles, (2) adopting hybrid certification strategies to improve sustainability coverage, and (3) designing benchmarking tools that reflect real-world operational data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

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21 pages, 3047 KB

Open AccessReview

Microgeneration of Electricity in Gyms—A Review and Conceptual Study

by Waldemar Moska and Andrzej Łebkowski

Energies 2025, 18(11), 2912; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112912 - 2 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5820

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential for microgeneration of electrical energy from human physical activity and reviews current commercial and research solutions, including stationary bicycles, treadmills, rowing ergometers, strength equipment, and kinetic floor systems. The physiological foundations of human energy generation are examined, with attention to key factors such as age, gender, fitness level, maximum oxygen uptake, heart rate, and hydration. The study includes mathematical models of energy conversion from metabolic to electrical output, incorporating fatigue as a limiting factor in long-duration performance. Available energy storage technologies (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and flywheels) and intelligent energy management systems (EMS) for use in sports facilities and net-zero energy buildings are also reviewed. As part of the study, a conceptual design of a multifunctional training and diagnostic device is proposed to illustrate potential technological directions. This device integrates microgeneration with dynamic physiological monitoring and adaptive load control through power electronic conversion. The paper highlights both the opportunities and limitations of harvesting human-generated energy and outlines future directions for sustainable energy applications in fitness environments. A preliminary economic analysis is also included, showing that while the energy payback alone is limited, the device offers commercial potential when combined with diagnostic and smart fitness services and may contribute to broader building energy efficiency strategies through integration with intelligent energy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

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35 pages, 3509 KB

Open AccessReview

Energy Management Systems in Higher Education Institutions’ Buildings

by Enrique C. Quispe, Miguel Viveros Mira, Mauricio Chamorro Díaz, Rosaura Castrillón Mendoza and Juan R. Vidal Medina

Energies 2025, 18(7), 1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071810 - 3 Apr 2025

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5020

Abstract

This study reviews the methods used to implement energy management systems (EnMS) in higher education institutions (HEIs) and their impact on improving energy performance considering their relationship with the requirements for an EnMS according to ISO 50001. From 2310 articles, 136 articles and 5 technical reports related to EnMS and energy efficiency were selected and analyzed. A synthesis of the major actions taken by HEIs to enhance their energy performance is presented, including energy management strategies, methods for measuring and estimating consumption, occupant behavior models that influence energy use, barriers to energy efficiency in HEIs buildings, and future challenges. It was found that studies on building energy management systems often do not incorporate an analysis of CO₂ emissions reduction. Funding for this research is driven by directives and policies related to energy performance. These results should assist HEIs seeking to implement an EnMS to improve their energy performance and reduce CO₂ emissions, thereby contributing to energy security, climate change mitigation, and fostering a new culture of energy use and consumption. It was also found that, although most studies do not explicitly mention the ISO 50001 standard, all of them comply with at least one of its requirements. Additionally, 27% of energy management strategies focus on operational aspects, while 26% involve energy audits, primarily through measurement, estimation, forecasting, energy reviews, and the establishment of an energy baseline (EnBL). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

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Other

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27 pages, 4739 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A System Thinking Approach to Circular-Based Strategies for Deep Energy Renovation: A Systematic Review

by Shantanu Ashok Raut, Lia Marchi and Jacopo Gaspari

Energies 2025, 18(10), 2494; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18102494 - 12 May 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2107

Abstract

Over 85% of buildings in the European Union were constructed before 2001, contributing to energy inefficiencies, material waste, and increasing socio-economic disparities. While deep energy renovations (DER) are critical to EU climate goals, their implementation remains hindered by financial, regulatory, and social barriers. Integrating circular economy (CE) principles into DER offers a pathway to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability yet requires a systemic understanding of feedback dynamics. This study applies a systems-thinking approach to examine the interdependencies influencing CE-DER implementation. Five thematic clusters—technical enablers, economic and policy barriers, social sustainability factors, environmental considerations, and digitalization for climate resilience—are identified, informing the development of causal loop diagrams (CLDs). The CLDs reveal key reinforcing loops such as innovation investment, policy learning, stakeholder co-design, operational efficiency, and balancing loops, including certification bottlenecks, financial fragmentation, and digital resistance. The findings suggest that CE-DER success relies on activating reinforcing dynamics while addressing systemic constraints through coordinated financial incentives, ethical digitalization, and inclusive governance. By visualizing interdependencies across technical, social, and policy domains, the feedback-oriented framework developed provides actionable insights for advancing socially equitable, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient renovation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)

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