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19 pages, 5847 KiB  
Article
Parametric Analysis of Rammed Earth Walls in the Context of the Thermal Protection of Environmentally Friendly Buildings
by Piotr Kosiński, Wojciech Jabłoński and Krystian Patyna
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6886; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156886 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
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27 pages, 3927 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study on Outdoor Heatwave Indicators for Indoor Overheating Evaluation
by Wenyan Liu, Jingjing An, Chuang Wang and Shan Hu
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2461; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142461 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 212
Abstract
With increasing global climate change, extreme weather threats to indoor environments are growing. Heatwave events provide essential data for building thermal resilience analysis. However, existing heatwave definition indicators vary widely and lack standardized criteria. To more accurately evaluate indoor overheating risks, this study [...] Read more.
With increasing global climate change, extreme weather threats to indoor environments are growing. Heatwave events provide essential data for building thermal resilience analysis. However, existing heatwave definition indicators vary widely and lack standardized criteria. To more accurately evaluate indoor overheating risks, this study compared indoor overheating responses under different heatwave definition indicators, considering the temporal disconnect between indoor and outdoor heat conditions. Focusing on Beijing, this study established an indoor–outdoor coupled heatwave evaluation framework using 1951–2021 meteorological data and the heat index as an overheating metric. By analyzing indoor overheating degree and overlap degree to characterize indoor–outdoor correlations, we concluded that different definitions of heatwaves lead to variations in identifications, while multidimensional indicators better capture extreme events. Heatwaves with prolonged duration and high intensity pose greater health risks. Although Beijing’s indoor thermal conditions are generally safe, peak heat indices during summer heatwaves exceed danger thresholds in some buildings, highlighting thermal safety concerns. The metrics for heatwave 6 and heatwave 7 optimally integrate indoor–outdoor characteristics with higher thresholds identifying more extreme events. These findings support the design of building thermal resilience, overheating early warnings, and climate-adaptive electrification strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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28 pages, 6030 KiB  
Article
Balancing Solar Energy, Thermal Comfort, and Emissions: A Data-Driven Urban Morphology Optimization Approach
by Chenhang Bian, Panpan Hu, Chun Yin Li, Chi Chung Lee and Xi Chen
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3421; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133421 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 439
Abstract
Urban morphology critically shapes environmental performance, yet few studies integrate multiple sustainability targets within a unified modeling framework for its design optimization. This study proposes a data-driven, multi-scale approach that combines parametric simulation, artificial neural network-based multi-task learning (MTL), SHAP interpretability, and NSGA-II [...] Read more.
Urban morphology critically shapes environmental performance, yet few studies integrate multiple sustainability targets within a unified modeling framework for its design optimization. This study proposes a data-driven, multi-scale approach that combines parametric simulation, artificial neural network-based multi-task learning (MTL), SHAP interpretability, and NSGA-II optimization to assess and optimize urban form across 18 districts in Hong Kong. Four key sustainability targets—photovoltaic generation (PVG), accumulated urban heat island intensity (AUHII), indoor overheating degree (IOD), and carbon emission intensity (CEI)—were jointly predicted using an artificial neural network-based MTL model. The prediction results outperform single-task models, achieving R2 values of 0.710 (PVG), 0.559 (AUHII), 0.819 (IOD), and 0.405 (CEI), respectively. SHAP analysis identifies building height, density, and orientation as the most important design factors, revealing trade-offs between solar access, thermal stress, and emissions. Urban form design strategies are informed by the multi-objective optimization, with the optimal solution featuring a building height of 72.11 m, building centroid distance of 109.92 m, and east-facing orientation (183°). The optimal configuration yields the highest PVG (55.26 kWh/m2), lowest CEI (359.76 kg/m2/y), and relatively acceptable AUHII (294.13 °C·y) and IOD (92.74 °C·h). This study offers a balanced path toward carbon reduction, thermal resilience, and renewable energy utilization in compact cities for either new town planning or existing district renovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section B: Energy and Environment)
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28 pages, 5769 KiB  
Article
Assessment and Enhancement of Indoor Environmental Quality in a School Building
by Ronan Proot-Lafontaine, Abdelatif Merabtine, Geoffrey Henriot and Wahid Maref
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5576; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125576 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Achieving both indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and energy efficiency in school buildings remains a challenge, particularly in older structures where renovation strategies often lack site-specific validation. This study evaluates the impact of energy retrofits on a 1970s primary school in France by integrating [...] Read more.
Achieving both indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and energy efficiency in school buildings remains a challenge, particularly in older structures where renovation strategies often lack site-specific validation. This study evaluates the impact of energy retrofits on a 1970s primary school in France by integrating in situ measurements with a validated numerical model for forecasting energy demand and IEQ. Temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels were recorded before and after renovations, which included insulation upgrades and an air handling unit replacement. Results indicate significant improvements in winter thermal comfort (PPD < 20%) with a reduced heating water temperature (65 °C to 55 °C) and stable indoor air quality (CO2 < 800 ppm), without the need for window ventilation. Night-flushing ventilation proved effective in mitigating overheating by shifting peak temperatures outside school hours, contributing to enhanced thermal regulation. Long-term energy consumption analysis (2019–2022) revealed substantial reductions in gas and electricity use, 15% and 29% of energy saving for electricity and gas, supporting the effectiveness of the applied renovation strategies. However, summer overheating (up to 30 °C) persisted, particularly in south-facing upper floors with extensive glazing, underscoring the need for additional optimization in solar gain management and heating control. By providing empirical validation of renovation outcomes, this study bridges the gap between theoretical predictions and real-world effectiveness, offering a data-driven framework for enhancing IEQ and energy performance in aging school infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable Buildings)
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22 pages, 518 KiB  
Article
Modeling Heat Consumption of an Office Building During COVID-19 Restrictions
by Stanislav Chicherin
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6378; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126378 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 505
Abstract
COVID-19 restricted the number of employees. Operational data showed that traditional methods of modeling heat consumption are not correct anymore. The aim is to model the energy demand of an office building during COVID-19 limitations and showcase improvements after a new controller or [...] Read more.
COVID-19 restricted the number of employees. Operational data showed that traditional methods of modeling heat consumption are not correct anymore. The aim is to model the energy demand of an office building during COVID-19 limitations and showcase improvements after a new controller or suggested alternatives are applied. After an actual heat consumption profile was simulated, energy conservation scenarios were considered: the usage of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs); accounting impacts of solar radiation and wind; changing mass flow rates based on the indoor temperature; adopting an additional control, changing the temperature setpoint; introducing night and day setbacks. After implementing new design and operational methods, the overheating of indoor spaces was alleviated, and the average indoor temperature was reduced from 23.5 °C to 20.4 °C. The annual specific heat consumption decreased to 174 kWh/m2 (20.2% lower). The methodology ensured thermal comfort and high energy-saving potential. If operating parameters were adjusted, the total saving effect in energy demand was 119.8 MWh, with an energy-saving rate of 19.8%. Employing TRV-related savings and considering thermal inertia provided more stable indoor temperatures and higher energy performance. The minimum saving effect corresponded to the optimal operation and ensuring the indoor environment by considering wind and the maximum one-to-night setbacks. The fluctuations in indoor temperature became smoother. Full article
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27 pages, 2919 KiB  
Article
Conversion to Variable Flow Rate—Advanced Control of a District Heating (DH) System with a Focus on Operational Data
by Stanislav Chicherin
Energies 2025, 18(11), 2772; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112772 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 532
Abstract
This study aims to improve the operational efficiency of district heating (DH) systems by introducing a novel control method based on variable flow rate control, without compromising indoor comfort. The novelty of this work lies in its integrated analysis of flow control and [...] Read more.
This study aims to improve the operational efficiency of district heating (DH) systems by introducing a novel control method based on variable flow rate control, without compromising indoor comfort. The novelty of this work lies in its integrated analysis of flow control and substation configurations in DH networks, linking real-world operational strategies with mathematical modeling to improve energy efficiency and infrastructure costs. Using a case study from Omsk, Russia, where supply temperatures and energy demand profiles are traditionally rigid, the proposed approach utilizes operational data, including outdoor temperature, supply/return temperature, and hourly consumption patterns, to optimize heat delivery. A combination of flow rate adjustments, bypass line implementation, and selective control strategies for transitional seasons (fall and spring) was modeled and analyzed. The methodology integrates heat meter data, indoor temperature tracking, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)-like system inputs to dynamically adapt supply temperatures while avoiding overheating and reducing distribution losses. The results show a significant reduction in excess heat supply during warm days, with improvements in heat demand prediction accuracy (17.3% average error) compared to standard models. Notably, the optimized configuration led to a 21% reduction in total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including 6537 tons of CO2 annually), a 55.3% decrease in annualized operational costs, and a positive net present value (NPV) by year nine, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 25.4%. Compared to conventional scenarios, the proposed solution offers better economic performance without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades. These findings demonstrate that flexible, data-driven DH control is a feasible and sustainable alternative for aging networks in cold-climate regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies)
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18 pages, 2805 KiB  
Article
Impact of Thermal Mass, Window Performance, and Window–Wall Ratio on Indoor Thermal Dynamics in Public Buildings
by Ran Cheng, Nan Zhang, Wengan Zhang, Yinan Sun, Bing Yin and Weijun Gao
Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101757 - 21 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 571
Abstract
Thermal comfort in public buildings is crucial for occupant well-being and energy efficiency. This study employs TRNSYS software to simulate the effects of thermal mass, window performance, and window–wall ratio (WWR) on summer thermal comfort. The results indicate that without energy-saving measures, increased [...] Read more.
Thermal comfort in public buildings is crucial for occupant well-being and energy efficiency. This study employs TRNSYS software to simulate the effects of thermal mass, window performance, and window–wall ratio (WWR) on summer thermal comfort. The results indicate that without energy-saving measures, increased thermal mass raises daily average maximum and minimum temperatures by 0.33–0.96 °C and 0.14–0.94 °C, respectively. Enhanced WWRs lead to higher daily average maximum and minimum temperatures for double-glazed windows (0.18–0.61 °C and 0.07–0.62 °C, respectively), while single-glazed windows show increased maximum temperatures (0.18–1.86 °C) but decreased minimum temperatures (−0.01 to −0.72 °C). Thermal mass has a modest effect on indoor overheating during high outdoor temperatures. Double-glazed windows and lower WWRs effectively reduce indoor overheating, decreasing the attenuation coefficient by 2.13–28.94%. Conversely, single-glazed windows and higher WWRs enhance heat dissipation, increasing daily average temperature fluctuations by 2.33–44.18%. Notably, single-glazed windows with WWRs ≥ 50% improve thermal comfort by reducing extreme superheat temperature occurrence in heavy-thermal-mass buildings by 0.81 to 14.63%. Despite lower cooling loads with heavy thermal mass, double-glazed windows, and low WWRs, the study suggests that single-glazed windows and high WWRs can enhance summer thermal comfort. Therefore, reasonable shading measures and lighter thermal mass are recommended for such buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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19 pages, 5389 KiB  
Article
Assessing Overheating Risks in Moderately Insulated Irish Social Housing: Analysis of Building Energy Ratings and Indoor Temperature Profiles
by Fahimehsadat Sajadirad, Richard O’Hegarty and Oliver Kinnane
Energies 2025, 18(6), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061381 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 710
Abstract
As buildings become more energy-efficient in cold climates, the unintended consequence of increased overheating risk during warmer seasons necessitates attention. In this context, there is an absence of research addressing the assessment of overheating risks in residential buildings in Ireland. This study assesses [...] Read more.
As buildings become more energy-efficient in cold climates, the unintended consequence of increased overheating risk during warmer seasons necessitates attention. In this context, there is an absence of research addressing the assessment of overheating risks in residential buildings in Ireland. This study assesses data from a sample of 1100 social housing units in Dublin, the majority of which have a Building Energy Rating (BER) of C, representing moderately insulated dwellings. Using indoor temperature data and outdoor climate reports for 2022, the research evaluates overheating risks based on both static and adaptive criteria in the living room zone of dwellings. The static methods used include the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Guide A and the Passivhaus Institute standard, while adaptive methods follow CIBSE TM59. The findings reveal discrepancies in overheating risk assessments: overall, 4% surpass thresholds under CIBSE Guide A. In contrast, 41% of dwellings exceeded overheating thresholds under the Passivhaus standard during the May to September 2022. Adaptive criteria, however, indicated minimal overheating instances, at 0.4%. These results highlight how different assessment methodologies influence overheating risk conclusions. The impact of this study is two-fold. First it further strengthens existing literature which questions the appropriateness of static methods. Secondly, it shows that the risk of overheating in moderately insulated buildings in this sample set is minimal. Full article
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35 pages, 6500 KiB  
Article
Historical Analysis of Real Energy Consumption and Indoor Conditions in Single-Family Passive Building
by Szymon Firląg, Abdullah Sikander Baig and Dariusz Koc
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020717 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1212
Abstract
The paper includes a historical analysis of real energy consumption and indoor conditions in a single-family passive building located in Warsaw, Poland. Passive houses have emerged as a sustainable alternative to the conventional construction of houses, having advantages such as low energy consumption, [...] Read more.
The paper includes a historical analysis of real energy consumption and indoor conditions in a single-family passive building located in Warsaw, Poland. Passive houses have emerged as a sustainable alternative to the conventional construction of houses, having advantages such as low energy consumption, comfortable indoor temperatures, an environmentally friendly nature, and low carbon emissions. This research consists of indoor temperature assessments over a 5-year period (2018–2022) which include comfort assessments made in accordance with the standard EN 16798-1 and precise assessments made for extreme weather events over a two-week critical period including the heating and cooling seasons. The real energy consumption analysis, including electric heating, outdoor lighting, indoor lighting, ventilation, and domestic hot water, was compared against passive house and nearly-zero energy standards. The results of the study show that the building is thermally comfortable to live in, as it remained mainly in the first comfort category, IEQ I. There was no such issue as overheating and underheating even during extreme weather events. The energy need for heating remained very close to the passive standard, namely 15 kWh/(m2·year). The total primary energy consumption for heating, hot water, and electricity meets the standard required value of 120 kWh/(m2·year). These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of passive house design principles at achieving high levels of thermal comfort and energy efficiency in cold climates. In addition, it is demonstrated that it is possible to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures (even with outdoor air temperatures reaching 35 °C) without air conditioning or cooling systems. The integration of a photovoltaic system offers a viable pathway toward transforming the building into a zero-energy standard, contributing to sustainability goals and reducing carbon emissions. Full article
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18 pages, 5968 KiB  
Article
Indoor Environmental Quality and Health Implications of Building Retrofit and Occupant Behaviour in Social Housing
by Arman Hashemi and Mohan Dungrani
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010264 - 2 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2555
Abstract
Poor housing quality contributes to poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and overheating with older adults, children, pregnant women, and those living in poverty most at risk. While retrofit strategies could help to reduce carbon emissions by improving building energy efficiency, they could simultaneously [...] Read more.
Poor housing quality contributes to poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and overheating with older adults, children, pregnant women, and those living in poverty most at risk. While retrofit strategies could help to reduce carbon emissions by improving building energy efficiency, they could simultaneously lead to ‘unintended’ outcomes including overheating, damp, mould, and exposure to harmful indoor air pollutants by making buildings more airtight and trapping heat and air pollutants inside. Occupants’ lifestyles, attitudes, and awareness have also been identified as some of the key challenges when it comes to improving energy performance, winter/summer thermal comfort, and IAQ in buildings. This paper provides insight into the effects of energy efficient retrofit strategies and occupant behaviour on energy performance, IAQ, thermal comfort, and health, with a focus on older people living in social housing. A mixed method is employed involving: (1) physical measurements, to record actual energy consumption and indoor environmental conditions (i.e., temp., RH%, CO2); (2) questionnaire surveys, to assess occupants’ behaviours and health; (3) dynamic thermal modelling, to evaluate the effects of retrofit strategies; and (4) thermal imaging, to assess the building fabric performance and identify possible defects. The results revealed that although retrofit strategies reduced energy consumption by up to 60%, some resulted in significant risk of overheating. Occupants’ behaviours combined with debatable building management practices also contributed to risks of overheating and poor IAQ that could negatively affect health and wellbeing of building occupants in the long-term. Full article
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24 pages, 2956 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Heat Pump Control in an NZEB via Model Predictive Control and Building Simulation
by Christian Baumann, Philipp Wohlgenannt, Wolfgang Streicher and Peter Kepplinger
Energies 2025, 18(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010100 - 30 Dec 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1113
Abstract
EU regulations get stricter from 2028 on by imposing net-zero energy building (NZEB) standards on new residential buildings including on-site renewable energy integration. Heat pumps (HP) using thermal building mass, and Model Predictive Control (MPC) provide a viable solution to this problem. However, [...] Read more.
EU regulations get stricter from 2028 on by imposing net-zero energy building (NZEB) standards on new residential buildings including on-site renewable energy integration. Heat pumps (HP) using thermal building mass, and Model Predictive Control (MPC) provide a viable solution to this problem. However, the MPC potential in NZEBs considering the impact on indoor comfort have not yet been investigated comprehensively. Therefore, we present a co-simulative approach combining MPC optimization and IDA ICE building simulation. The demand response (DR) potential of a ground-source HP and the long-term indoor comfort in an NZEB located in Vorarlberg, Austria over a one year period are investigated. Optimization is performed using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) based on a simplified RC model. The HP in the building simulation is controlled by power signals obtained from the optimization. The investigation shows reductions in electricity costs of up to 49% for the HP and up to 5% for the building, as well as increases in PV self-consumption and the self-sufficiency ratio by up to 4% pt., respectively, in two distinct optimization scenarios. Consequently, the grid consumption decreased by up to 5%. Moreover, compared to the reference PI controller, the MPC scenarios enhanced indoor comfort by reducing room temperature fluctuations and lowering the average percentage of people dissatisfied by 1% pt., resulting in more stable indoor conditions. Especially precooling strategies mitigated overheating risks in summer and ensured indoor comfort according to EN 16798-1 class II standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Energy Performance in Buildings)
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20 pages, 1661 KiB  
Review
A Critical Review of Overheating Risk Assessment Criteria in International and National Regulations—Gaps and Suggestions for Improvements
by Mahsan Sadeghi, Dong Chen and Anthony Wright
Energies 2024, 17(24), 6354; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246354 - 17 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1601
Abstract
The escalating environmental threat of indoor overheating, exacerbated by global climate change, urbanisation, and population growth, poses a severe risk to public health worldwide, specifically to those regions which are exposed to extreme heat events, such as Australia. This study delves into the [...] Read more.
The escalating environmental threat of indoor overheating, exacerbated by global climate change, urbanisation, and population growth, poses a severe risk to public health worldwide, specifically to those regions which are exposed to extreme heat events, such as Australia. This study delves into the critical issue of overheating within residential buildings, examining the existing state of knowledge on overheating criteria and reviewing overheating guidelines embedded in (a) international standards and (b) national building codes. Each regulatory document is analysed based on its underlying thermal comfort model, metric, and indices. The advantages and limitations of each document are practically discussed and for each legislative document and standard, and the quantitative measures have been reviewed, analysed, and summarised. The findings illuminate a global reliance on simplistic indices, such as indoor air temperature and operative temperature, in the existing regulatory documents. However, other critical environmental parameters, such as relative humidity, indoor air velocity, and physiological parameters including metabolic heat production and clothing insulation, are often not included. The absence of mandatory regulations for overheating criteria in residential buildings in some countries, such as in Australian homes, prompts the call for a holistic approach based on a thermal index inclusive of relevant environmental and physiological parameters to quantify heat stress exposure based on human thermal regulation. Gaps and limitations within existing guidelines are identified, and recommendations are proposed to strengthen the regulatory framework for overheating risk assessment in residential buildings. The findings hold significance for policymakers, building energy assessors, architects, and public health professionals, providing direction for the improvement of existing, and development of new, guidelines that aim to enhance indoor thermal condition and population health while ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability in the building stock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort in Building)
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24 pages, 12901 KiB  
Article
Model to Improve Classrooms’ Visual Comfort Using Waste-Based Shading and Its Validation in Mediterranean Schools
by Xinmiao Mo, Oriol Pons-Valladares and Sara Isabel Ortega Donoso
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10176; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310176 - 21 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1358
Abstract
European non-residential buildings constructed before building energy codes consume more energy and resources than new buildings. Existing educational buildings comprise 17% of this outdated stock. These buildings can be retrofitted to create a conducive learning environment that can improve students’ comfort. The refurbishment [...] Read more.
European non-residential buildings constructed before building energy codes consume more energy and resources than new buildings. Existing educational buildings comprise 17% of this outdated stock. These buildings can be retrofitted to create a conducive learning environment that can improve students’ comfort. The refurbishment of facades is a common solution to improve the energy performance of schools when the aim is to improve the daylighting comfort. This study develops a methodology to optimize facade renovation solutions including (1) preparation, (2) simulations of the simplified model using local shading, and (3) modeling a realistic optimized facade design. This study evaluates visual comfort by considering multiple-dimensional metrics such as useful daylight illuminance (UDI), annual sunlight exposure (ASE), illuminance uniformity, and the daylighting factor. The three parameters of the louvres on which this study focuses are the distance from the new facade to the exterior wall, the blade degrees, and slat spacing. The methodology was first applied to improve the facade proposal with reused roof tiles from the project Waste-based Intelligent Solar-control-devices for Envelope Refurbishment (WiSeR). The results illustrate that implementing these solutions efficiently improves the indoor visual comfort in the classroom while avoiding overheating issues. For a constant-gaps surface, a shading distribution with alternated gaps gives better results for the aforementioned light metrics. Specifically, the most suitable values are a 7 cm distance from the new shading system to the existing wall, slat degrees at 0, and louvre spacing at 21 cm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Green Building)
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30 pages, 7038 KiB  
Article
Integrating Machine Learning and Genetic Algorithms to Optimize Building Energy and Thermal Efficiency Under Historical and Future Climate Scenarios
by Alireza Karimi, Mostafa Mohajerani, Niloufar Alinasab and Fateme Akhlaghinezhad
Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9324; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219324 - 27 Oct 2024
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4017
Abstract
As the global energy demand rises and climate change creates more challenges, optimizing the performance of non-residential buildings becomes essential. Traditional simulation-based optimization methods often fall short due to computational inefficiency and their time-consuming nature, limiting their practical application. This study introduces a [...] Read more.
As the global energy demand rises and climate change creates more challenges, optimizing the performance of non-residential buildings becomes essential. Traditional simulation-based optimization methods often fall short due to computational inefficiency and their time-consuming nature, limiting their practical application. This study introduces a new optimization framework that integrates Bayesian optimization, XGBoost algorithms, and multi-objective genetic algorithms (GA) to enhance building performance metrics—total energy (TE), indoor overheating degree (IOD), and predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD)—for historical (2020), mid-future (2050), and future (2080) scenarios. The framework employs IOD as a key performance indicator (KPI) to optimize building design and operation. While traditional indices such as the predicted mean vote (PMV) and the thermal sensation vote (TSV) are widely used, they often fail to capture individual comfort variations and the dynamic nature of thermal conditions. IOD addresses these gaps by providing a comprehensive and objective measure of thermal discomfort, quantifying both the frequency and severity of overheating events. Alongside IOD, the energy use intensity (EUI) index is used to assess energy consumption per unit area, providing critical insights into energy efficiency. The integration of IOD with EUI and PPD enhances the overall assessment of building performance, creating a more precise and holistic framework. This combination ensures that energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and occupant well-being are optimized in tandem. By addressing a significant gap in existing methodologies, the current approach combines advanced optimization techniques with modern simulation tools such as EnergyPlus, resulting in a more efficient and accurate model to optimize building performance. This framework reduces computational time and enhances practical application. Utilizing SHAP (SHapley Additive Explanations) analysis, this research identified key design factors that influence performance metrics. Specifically, the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) impacts TE by increasing energy consumption through higher heat gain and cooling demand. Outdoor temperature (Tout) has a complex effect on TE depending on seasonal conditions, while indoor temperature (Tin) has a minor impact on TE. For PPD, Tout is a major negative factor, indicating that improved natural ventilation can reduce thermal discomfort, whereas higher Tin and larger open areas exacerbate it. Regarding IOD, both WWR and Tin significantly affect internal heat gains, with larger windows and higher indoor temperatures contributing to increased heat and reduced thermal comfort. Tout also has a positive impact on IOD, with its effect varying over time. This study demonstrates that as climate conditions evolve, the effects of WWR and open areas on TE become more pronounced, highlighting the need for effective management of building envelopes and HVAC systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Renewable Thermal Energy Systems)
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20 pages, 4240 KiB  
Article
Study of a Novel 3D Façade Configuration and Its Impact on Energy Performance and Office Space Sustainability
by Loay Hannoudi, Noha Saleeb and George Dafoulas
Energies 2024, 17(17), 4420; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174420 - 3 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1294
Abstract
This research paper examines how multi-angled façade systems improve and optimise energy performance compared to a flat façade and meet sustainability targets for lower energy use to align with UN SDGs 3, 11, 12, and 13. The multi-angled façade system does not tilt [...] Read more.
This research paper examines how multi-angled façade systems improve and optimise energy performance compared to a flat façade and meet sustainability targets for lower energy use to align with UN SDGs 3, 11, 12, and 13. The multi-angled façade system does not tilt up and down. Instead, it employs two different window orientations on a vertical axis (left and right). The large portion orients more to the north to allow more daylight to penetrate inside the room, and the small part is oriented more to the south to provide passive solar heating. The investigations in this research paper were carried out using version 4.8 of the IDA ICE software, and the researchers evaluated the energy consumption, the energy action through the façade, and the building’s inside operative temperature. The results of this paper present the simulation findings for primary energy consumption in different scenarios. For example, the researchers explain that one can save 6.3 kWh/(m2·year) when using a multi-angled façade system compared to a flat façade. This is in addition to improving the thermal indoor climate that results from using the façades. The conclusions of the research show that the façade with multiple angles maximises using daylight and optimises solar power, thus avoiding overheating issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency of the Buildings: 3rd Edition)
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