Search

This paper delves into the potential impact of a changing climate on the energy performance of European buildings. Research aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current energy requirements focusing on the envelope, considering existing regulations in national policies. Energy simulations are conducted at 94 locations across the European Union to cover the climatic variability and Koppen climate classification. The research analyzes future climate scenarios for the years 2030, 2050, and 2070, using three different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 2.6, 4.5, 8.5). According to a comprehensive analysis of heating, cooling, and overall energy performance, climate plays a significant role in buildings' energy balance. In moderately cool climate countries, the demand for air conditioning is projected to decrease in the years ahead. Conversely, in countries with a warm climate, there is a projected increase in the overall energy demand. Consequently, a revision of current energy regulations should be a priority. Providing insights into the relation between building design, energy efficiency, and climate change, the research identifies policy adjustments to ensure buildings can effectively respond to changing climatic conditions. A holistic and dynamic approach can support building design accounting for long-term impacts of climate change to create resilient and energy-efficient structures. • National building energy regulations of European Member States do not tackle climate change. • Over next decades, a decrease in heating demand is forecasted across all climate zones. • There is potential for a future considerable increase of cooling demand in Europe. • A reduction in total building energy demand in colder climates and an increase in warmer climates can be expected. • Revise national energy regulations, especially in warmer zones, to curb the expected rise in Europe's total energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular construction is becoming famous for buildings because it allows a high degree of prefabrication, with individual modules easily transported and installed. Building envelope optimization is vital as it protects buildings from undesirable external environments by expressly preventing the incursion of outside elements. This research uses a systematic literature review to appraise the characteristics of modular envelope panels, focusing on hygrothermal and energy performance. A total of 265 articles were subjected to rigorous filtering and screening measures. The findings reveal notable inconsistencies in modular envelope terminologies and a lack of consistent performance measures, which present significant challenges for research and development efforts. Furthermore, the results indicate a predominant focus on hygrothermal and energy performance in existing studies, with limited attention to environmental impacts and other performance factors. Moreover, the existing literature primarily addresses modular envelope solutions in temperate climates, offering inadequate information for hot and hot–humid climate contexts. To address these gaps, this study proposes categorizing modular envelope panels into four distinct categories: active, passive, smart, and green/vegetated wall panels. These findings will benefit researchers, architects, building envelope designers, policymakers, and organizations developing building performance-related assessment ratings, standards, and codes. The study suggests adopting the categorization of modular envelope panels provided in this study and developing modular panels suitable for hot and humid climates to fill the existing knowledge gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]