Search Results (778)

This study explores the role of egoistic and altruistic values on green real estate purchase intention among young consumers in Canada aged between 20 and 40 years. In addition, this study examines the mediating effects of pro-environmental self-identity between social consumption motivation and green real estate purchase intention. A quantitative cross-sectional research design with an explanatory nature is employed. A total of 432 participating consumers in Canada, comprising 44% men and 48% women, with a graduate educational background accounting for 46.7%, and the ages between 24 and 35 contributing 75.2%, were part of the study, and the data collection used a survey method with a purposive sampling, followed by a respondent-driven method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed on the scales used for the study variables. A structural equational model and path analysis were conducted to derive the results, and the relationships were positive and significant. The study results infer the factors contributing to green real estate purchase intention, including altruistic value, egoistic value, social consumption motivation, and pro-environmental self-identity, with pro-environmental self-identity mediating the relationship. This study emphasizes the relevance of consumer values in real estate purchasing decisions, urging developers and marketers to prioritize ethical ideas, sustainable practices, and building a feeling of belonging and social connectedness. Offering eco-friendly amenities and green construction methods might attract clients, but creating a secure area for social interaction is critical. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to explore the role of egoistic and altruistic values on purchase intention, mainly in the housing and real estate sector, with the target consumers being young consumers in Canada. Full article

Bamboo scrimber is an environmentally friendly biomass building material with excellent mechanical properties. However, it is susceptible to delamination failure of the transverse fibers under compression, which limits its structural performance. To address this problem, this study utilizes steel tubes to encase bamboo scrimber, forming a novel bamboo scrimber-filled steel tubular column. This configuration enables the steel tube to provide effective lateral restraint to the bamboo material. Axial compression tests were conducted on 18 specimens, including bamboo scrimber columns and bamboo scrimber-filled steel tubular columns, to investigate the effects of steel ratio and loading mode (full-section and core loading) on the axial compression performance. The test results indicate that the external steel tubes significantly enhance the structural load-bearing capacity and deformation capacity. Primary failure modes of the composite columns include shear failure and buckling. The ultimate stress and strain of the structure are positively correlated with the steel ratio; as the steel ratio increases, the ultimate stress of the specimens can increase by up to 19.2%, while the ultimate strain can increase by up to 37.7%. The core-loading specimens exhibited superior load-bearing capacity and deformation ability compared to the full-section-loading specimens. Considering the differences in the curves for full-section and core loading, the steel tube confinement coefficient was introduced, and the predictive models for the ultimate stress and ultimate strain of the bamboo scrimber-filled steel tubular column were developed with accurate prediction. Full article

Rammed earth (RE), a traditional material aligned with circular economy (CE) principles, has been gaining renewed interest in contemporary construction due to its low environmental impact and compatibility with sustainable building strategies. Though not a modern invention, it is being reintroduced in response to the increasingly strict European Union (EU) regulations on carbon footprint, life cycle performance, and thermal efficiency. RE walls offer multiple benefits, including humidity regulation, thermal mass, plasticity, and structural strength. This study also draws attention to their often-overlooked ability to mitigate indoor overheating. To preserve these advantages while enhancing thermal performance, this study explores insulation strategies that maintain the vapor-permeable nature of RE walls. A parametric analysis using Delphin 6.1 software was conducted to simulate heat and moisture transfer in two main configurations: (a) a ventilated system insulated with mineral wool (MW), wood wool (WW), hemp shives (HS), and cellulose fiber (CF), protected by a jute mat wind barrier and finished with wooden cladding; (b) a closed system using MW and WW panels finished with lime plaster. In both cases, clay plaster was applied on the interior side. The results reveal distinct hygrothermal behavior among the insulation types and confirm the potential of natural, low-processed materials to support thermal comfort, moisture buffering, and the alignment with CE objectives in energy-efficient construction. Full article

A steel modular building is a highly prefabricated form of steel construction. It offers rapid assembly, a high degree of industrialization, and an environmentally friendly construction site. To promote the application of multi-story steel modular buildings in earthquake fortification zones, it is imperative to conduct in-depth research on their seismic behavior. In this study, a seven-story modular steel building is investigated using shaking table tests. Three seismic waves (artificial ground motion, Tohoku wave, and Tianjin wave) are selected and scaled to four intensity levels (PGA = 0.035 g, 0.1 g, 0.22 g, 0.31 g). It is found that no residual deformation of the structure is observed after tests, and its stiffness degradation ratio is 7.65%. The largest strains observed during the tests are 540 × 10⁻⁶ in beams, 1538 × 10⁻⁶ in columns, and 669 × 10⁻⁶ in joint regions, all remaining below a threshold value of 1690 × 10⁻⁶. Amplitudes and frequency characteristics of the acceleration responses are significantly affected by the characteristics of the seismic waves. However, the acceleration responses at higher floors are predominantly governed by the structure’s low-order modes (first-mode and second-mode), with the corresponding spectra containing only a single peak. When the predominant frequency of the input ground motion is close to the fundamental natural frequency of the modular steel structure, the acceleration responses will be significantly amplified. Overall, the structure demonstrates favorable seismic resistance. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are an emerging category of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable materials that are attracting significant research and commercial interest across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and biomedicine. These materials harness the natural growth of fungi as a low-energy bio-fabrication method, converting abundant agricultural by-products and waste into sustainable alternatives to energy-intensive synthetic construction materials. Their affordability and eco-friendly characteristics make them attractive for both research and commercialisation. Currently, mycelium-based foams and sandwich composites are being actively developed for applications in construction. These materials offer exceptional thermal insulation, excellent acoustic absorption, and superior fire safety compared to conventional building materials like synthetic foams and engineered wood. As a result, MBCs show great potential for applications in thermal and acoustic insulation. However, their foam-like mechanical properties, high water absorption, and limited documentation of material properties restrict their use to non- or semi-structural roles, such as insulation, panelling, and furniture. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the fabrication process and the factors affecting the production and performance properties of MBCs. It addresses key elements such as fungal species selection, substrate choice, optimal growth conditions, dehydration methods, post-processing techniques, mechanical and physical properties, termite resistance, cost comparison, and life cycle assessment. Full article

Residential and agricultural buildings must prioritize environmental sustainability, employing locally sourced, bio/geologically sustainable materials, and reversible construction methods. Hence, adobe construction and earth-based building methods are experiencing a comeback. This article describes the hygrothermal performances of a real scale agricultural building prototype, in real field conditions, built and designed to be energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and well-suited for the hot, dry climates typical of the Mediterranean region during summer. The building prototype is a small modular two room construction, one room based on wood (for control purpose) and the other one on raw earth. The experimental set up highlights the passive cooling and humidity regulation potential provided by raw earth and adobe brick technology in agricultural buildings used for fruit and vegetable storage. Such passive cooling alternatives in the Mediterranean climate could reduce the need for energy-intensive and environmentally impactful cold storage rooms. Full article

This review article focuses on the long-term durability challenges associated with bamboo fiber-reinforced polymer composites when subjected to various environmental aging conditions such as water immersion, hygrothermal fluctuations, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, soil burial, and refrigerated storage. The primary issue addressed is the degradation of mechanical and structural performance of bamboo fiber-reinforced polymer composites due to moisture absorption, fiber swelling, and fiber–matrix interface deterioration. To mitigate these aging effects, the study evaluates and compares multiple strategies, including chemical and physical fiber surface treatments, filler additions, and fiber hybridization, which aim to enhance moisture resistance and mechanical stability. These composites are relevant in automotive interiors, construction panels, building insulation, and consumer goods due to their eco-friendly nature and potential to replace conventional synthetic composites. This review is necessary to consolidate current knowledge, identify effective enhancement approaches, and guide the development of environmentally resilient bamboo fiber-reinforced polymer composites for real-world applications. Full article

Currently, natural resources are rapidly depleting as a result of increasing construction facilities. Increasing energy consumption with increasing construction is another serious issue. In addition, many problems that threaten the environment and human health arise during the disposal and storage of waste materials obtained in different sectors. The main objective of this study is to investigate the substitution of cotton (CW), chicken feather (CFF) and stone wool waste (SWW) from pumice aggregate in the production of environmentally friendly hollow blocks. To achieve this, CW, CFF and SWW were substituted for pumice at ratios of 2.5–5–7.5–10% in mass, and hollow blocks were produced with this mixture under low pressure and vibrations in a production factory. Various characterization methods, including a size and tolerance analysis, unit volume weight test, thermal conductivity test, durability test, water absorption test and strength tests, were carried out on the samples produced. This study showed that waste fibers of chicken feather and stone wool are suitable for the production of sustainable and environmentally friendly hollow blocks that can reduce the dead load of the building, have sufficient strength, provide energy efficiency due to low thermal conductivity and have a high durability due to a low water absorption value. Full article

Precision irrigation plays a crucial role in managing crop production in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. This study builds on the results of the GreenWaterDrone project, aiming to estimate, in real time, the actual water requirements of crop fields using the crop water stress index, integrating infrared canopy temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, and thermal and near-infrared imagery. To achieve this, a state-of-the-art aerial micrometeorological station (AMMS), equipped with an infrared thermal sensor, temperature–humidity sensor, and advanced multispectral and thermal cameras is mounted on an unmanned aerial system (UAS), thus minimizing crop field intervention and permanently installed equipment maintenance. Additionally, data from satellite systems and ground micrometeorological stations (GMMS) are integrated to enhance and upscale system results from the local field to the regional level. The research was conducted over two years of pilot testing in the municipality of Trifilia (Peloponnese, Greece) on pilot potato and watermelon crops, which are primary cultivations in the region. Results revealed that empirical irrigation applied to the rhizosphere significantly exceeded crop water needs, with over-irrigation exceeding by 390% the maximum requirement in the case of potato. Furthermore, correlations between high-resolution remote and proximal sensors were strong, while associations with coarser Landsat 8 satellite data, to upscale the local pilot field experimental results, were moderate. By applying a comprehensive model for upscaling pilot field results, to the overall Trifilia region, project findings proved adequate for supporting sustainable irrigation planning through simulation scenarios. The results of this study, in the context of the overall services introduced by the project, provide valuable insights for farmers, agricultural scientists, and local/regional authorities and stakeholders, facilitating improved regional water management and sustainable agricultural policies. Full article

In order to improve the durability of loess-based composite coal gangue porous planting concrete (LCPC), the effects of fly ash and slag powder content on the durability and microstructure of LCPC were studied. In this paper, fly ash and slag powder were mixed into LCPC, and freeze-thaw cycle and dry-wet cycle tests were carried out. The compressive strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and mass change were used as evaluation indices to determine the optimal mix ratio for LCPC durability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed, and the experimental design was carried out with the water–cement ratio, fly ash, and slag powder content as variables. The microstructure characteristics of LCPC were analyzed. The results show that the maximum number of freeze-thaw cycles can reach 35 times and the maximum number of dry-wet cycles can reach 50 when 5% fly ash and 20% slag powder are used. With an increase in the water-cement ratio, the skeleton of the loess gradually became complete, and its structure became more compact. In the micro-morphology diagram, the mixed fly ash and slag powder particles are not obvious, but with an increase in dosage, the size of the cracks and pores gradually decreases. The incorporation of fly ash and slag powder can play a positive role in the durability of LCPC and improvement of its microstructure. The results of this study are crucial for improving the application performance of ecological restoration, soil improvement, and long-term stability of structures, and can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of environmentally friendly building materials. Full article

As part of its modernisation and economic diversification policies, Saudi Arabia is building smart, sustainable cities intended to improve quality of life and meet environmental goals. However, involving the public in urban planning remains complex, with traditional methods often proving expensive, time-consuming, and inaccessible to many groups. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into public participation may help to address these limitations. This study explores whether Saudi residents are ready to engage with AI-driven tools in urban planning, how they prefer to interact with them, and what ethical concerns may arise. Using a quantitative, survey-based approach, the study collected data from 232 Saudi residents using non-probability stratified sampling. The survey assessed demographic influences on AI readiness, preferred engagement methods, and perceptions of ethical risks. The results showed a strong willingness among participants (200 respondents, 86%)—especially younger and university-educated respondents—to engage through AI platforms. Visual tools such as image and video analysis were the most preferred (96 respondents, 41%), while chatbots were less favoured (16 respondents, 17%). However, concerns were raised about privacy (76 respondents, 33%), bias (52 respondents, 22%), and over-reliance on technology (84 respondents, 36%). By exploring the intersection of generative AI and participatory urban governance, this study contributes directly to the discourse on inclusive smart city development. The research also offers insights into how AI-driven public engagement tools can be integrated into urban planning workflows to enhance the design, governance, and performance of the built environment. The findings suggest that AI has the potential to improve inclusivity and responsiveness in urban planning, but that its success depends on public trust, ethical safeguards, and the thoughtful design of accessible, user-friendly engagement platforms. Full article

The construction industry faces significant challenges such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, waste generation, and pollution, necessitating a shift toward sustainable practices. This study explores the benefits of implementing modular building practices (MBP) as a transformative solution. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire distributed to active and practising construction professionals. Data were analysed using mean item scores and standard deviation, with Cronbach’s alpha confirming the reliability of the research instrument (α = 0.961). The findings reveal that MBPs offer significant benefits, including eco-friendly operations, reduced material wastage, improved safety, and high productivity, among others. The discussion highlights MBPs’ potential to address environmental and economic challenges, aligning with global sustainability goals. The study concludes that MBP is a viable alternative to traditional construction, recommending policy support, industry collaboration, and further research to optimise its adoption and integration into the construction sector. Full article

A major breakthrough in environmentally friendly building materials is the development of sustainable unfired clay bricks including alumina waste produced during liquid nitrogen generation. Though used extensively, conventional fired clay bricks require energy-intensive manufacturing techniques that produce significant amounts of CO₂ and aggravate environmental damage. By removing the need for high-temperature firing and allowing for the valorization of industrial byproducts including alumina waste and lateritic soil, unfired clay bricks offer a reasonable low-carbon alternative. High silica and alumina contents define the alumina waste, which shows pozzolanic reactivity, thus improving the physicomechanical performance of the bricks. With alumina waste substituting 0–8.57% of the cement content, seven different formulations showed improvements in compressive strength, reduced water absorption, and optimal thermal conductivity. Especially, the mechanical performance was much enhanced with alumina waste inclusion up to 30%, without sacrificing thermal insulation capacity or moisture resistance. Further supporting the environmental and financial sustainability of the suggested brick compositions is the economic viability of using industrial waste and regionally derived soils. A comparative analysis of the conventional fired bricks shows that the unfired substitutes have a much lower environmental impact and show better mechanical properties, including greater compressive strength and modulus of rupture. These results support the more general goals of circular economy systems and low-carbon urban development by highlighting the feasibility of including alumina waste and lateritic soil into sustainable building materials. Using such waste-derived inputs in building fits world initiatives to lower resource consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and build strong infrastructure systems. Full article

In China, the recycling system for waste tires is characterized by high output but low standardized recovery rates. This study examines the environmental and health risks caused by non-compliant treatment by individual recyclers and explores the barriers to the large-scale adoption of Pyrolysis Technology. A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Model involving pyrolysis plants, waste tire recyclers, and government regulators is developed. The model incorporates pollutants from pretreatment and pyrolysis processes into a unified metric—Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO₂-eq)—based on Global Warming Potential (GWP), and designs a Differential Carbon Taxation mechanism accordingly. The strategy dynamics and stability conditions for Evolutionary Stable Strategies (ESS) are analyzed. Multi-scenario numerical simulations explore how key parameter changes influence evolutionary trajectories and equilibrium outcomes. Six typical equilibrium states are identified, along with the critical conditions for achieving environmentally friendly results. Based on theoretical analysis and simulation results, targeted policy recommendations are proposed to promote standardized waste tire pyrolysis: (1) Establish a phased dynamic carbon tax with supporting subsidies; (2) Build a green market cultivation and price stabilization system; (3) Implement performance-based differential incentives; (4) Strengthen coordination between central environmental inspections and local carbon tax enforcement. Full article

Under the guidance of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the power industry is transitioning toward environmentally friendly practices. With the increasing integration of intermittent renewable energy sources (RES) and the enhanced self-regulation capabilities of grids, traditional distribution networks (DNs) are transitioning into active distribution networks (ADNs). To fully exploit the synergistic optimization potential of the “source-grid-load-storage” system in electricity-carbon coupling scenarios, leverage user-side flexibility resources, and facilitate low-carbon DN development, this paper proposes a low-carbon optimal scheduling strategy for ADN incorporating demand response (DR) priority. Building upon a bi-directional feedback mechanism between carbon potential and load, a two-layer distributed robust scheduling model for DN is introduced, which is solved through hierarchical iteration using column and constraint generation (C&CG) algorithm. Case study demonstrates that the model proposed in this paper can effectively measure the priority of demand response for different loads. Under the proposed strategy, the photovoltaic (PV) consumption rate reaches 99.76%. Demand response costs were reduced by 6.57%, and system carbon emissions were further reduced by 8.93%. While accounting for PV uncertainty, it balances the economic efficiency and robustness of DN, thereby effectively improving system operational safety and reliability, and promoting the smooth evolution of DN toward a low-carbon and efficient operational mode. Full article