Search Results (2)

According to the literature, both advanced and developing countries are facing several challenges due to the lack of clean energy and emissions of CO₂ leading to climate change. Especially in the built environment, energy efficient buildings are highly desirable to save energy without affecting occupant’s health while providing an acceptable indoor environment and thermal conditions. The use of insulation, passive solar heating, and HVAC systems can contribute to improve the indoor thermal comfort. In the present study, a numerical simulation model is developed to evaluate the human comfort factors in a simulated indoor environment. The CFD model considers the thermal interaction of humans with the indoor environment. Ventilation and a heat source are added to model a workspace for evaluating indoor air temperature and human comfort factors. Indices like predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage dissatisfaction (PPD) are evaluated to assess thermal sensation of human body when adding and removing a heat source in the model office (i.e., radiator). Full article

Urban planning is a vital process in determining the functionality of future cities. It is predicted that at least two thirds of the world’s citizens will reside in towns and cities by the middle of this century, up from one third in the middle of the previous century. Not only is it essential to provide space for work and dwelling, but also for their well-being. Well-being is inextricably linked with the surrounding environment, and natural landscapes have a potent positive effect. For this reason, the inclusion and management of urban green infrastructure has become a topic of increasing scientific interest. Elements of this infrastructure, including green roofs and façades are of growing importance to operators in each stage of the planning, design and construction process in urban areas. Currently, there is a strong recognition that “green is good”. Despite the positive recognition of urban greenery, and the concerted efforts to include more of it in cities, greater scientific attention is needed to better understand its role in the urban environment. For example, many solutions are cleverly engineered without giving sufficient consideration to the biology of the vegetation that is used. This review contends that whilst “green is good” is a positive mantra to promote the inclusion of urban greenery, there is a significant opportunity to increase the contribution of plant science to the process of urban planning through both green infrastructure, and biomimicry. Full article