Search

Vernacular architecture offers valuable technological and typological solutions rooted in knowledge systems that connect environmental, social, economic, and cultural contexts. This paper introduces the Heritage for People Platform, a collaborative digital tool developed under the VerSus+ project (Creative Europe Program), aimed at organising and disseminating vernacular architectural knowledge with a focus on sustainable practices that are both culturally and environmentally conscious. The platform builds upon lessons learned from similar projects, offering key improvements such as the adoption of a Case-Based Reasoning methodology, which organises examples by geographic location, materials, and intervention types. A structured classification system based on sustainability principles and strategies enables cross-disciplinary research and comparison. The design process was highly participatory, incorporating user feedback at every stage to ensure the platform is accessible to a wide range of users, including designers, scholars, craftspeople, and the general public. A cross-device, user-centered approach further broadens its accessibility. The platform provides a public, web-based geospatial repository where users can create, update, and explore a dynamic collection of artefacts, design models, people, and institutions from across the globe. This tool marks a significant advance in promoting and preserving both physical and intangible heritage, with strong educational and practical applications for sustainable architecture. The paper details the theoretical framework and real-world potential of the platform as a critical resource for promoting sustainability in the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomimicry creates designs inspired by nature and uses ecological benchmarks to assess their sustainability. It is believed that biomimicry can help society produce and consume in more sustainable ways, as well as address some of the key challenges facing the world today. However, research into the applications of and possible barriers to using biomimicry for creating more sustainable Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects is still limited. This paper addresses this gap by undertaking and analysing twelve semi-structured interviews with leading global experts and practitioners in the field of biomimicry as applied to the built environment industry. The study identifies substantial potential in the use of biomimicry in AEC projects, including the following: adopting circular approaches; enhancing interactions between human and natural infrastructure; optimising material and energy use; recycling and re-use of materials; reducing time and costs; plus more collaborative and interdisciplinary working. However, a wide range of multifaceted barriers also exist that are currently hindering the exploration and exploitation of this potential, including the following: lack of knowledge; insufficient research and testing at the scale of AEC projects; fragmentation, poor communication and traditional nature of the industry; perception of high risks and costs; as well as outdated and unsuitable legislation and planning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the investigation and inventory of cob buildings within the Guérande Peninsula, employing an interdisciplinary framework merging academic inquiry, fieldwork, and digital cartographic methodologies. Against the backdrop of escalating environmental concerns within the construction sector, raw earth construction emerges as a compelling avenue for sustainable building practices due to its low embodied energy and reversible characteristics. Despite historical prevalence in regions such as northwest France, traditional earth-building techniques have experienced waning prominence with the advent of industrial materials. However, the resurgence of interest in raw earth's minimal carbon footprint has catalyzed renewed attention towards earth-building methods. Through a meticulous investigation methodology, this study identifies and analyzes 802 potentially old cob buildings, with 46 structures confirmed as cob constructions. Employing statistical analyses of building characteristics, including wall and lift heights, preservation states, and geographical distributions, this research sheds light on the significance of preserving cob heritage amidst rapid urbanization. The findings underscore the imperative for ongoing research and awareness efforts to safeguard these vernacular architectural traditions. By illuminating centuries-old building practices, this research contributes to the scholarly discourse on sustainable construction methodologies and local cultural preservation. Moreover, it underscores the necessity of integrating traditional knowledge systems with contemporary sustainability initiatives to foster resilience and longevity within the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been an increasing effort to promote energy efficiency, using renewable energies and electric mobility to achieve a more sustainable future and even carbon neutrality by 2050. This paper aims to understand if combining these technologies leads to a win–win solution. For that, the system's characteristics that will be used for the simulation were defined as a residential community consumption scenario with and without electric vehicles charging overnight. The simulation was completed in software, and eight scenarios were tested: high population density/low population density with/without electric mobility and hourly tariff/simple tariff. After these scenarios had been tested, the conclusion was that the low population density and hourly tariff without and with electric mobility were the best two cases economically (in terms of levelized cost of energy, net present costs, and savings) and environmentally, and the worst was high population density with hourly tariff and electric mobility. Other scenarios were then tested, including changes in the load curve, namely a commercial load curve, and changes in the load curve of electric vehicle chargers, mainly daytime charging. The conclusion was that even though the initial hypothesis did not lead to a win–win solution, with changes in the hypothesis, the integration of electric mobility in energy communities might lead to that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of global climate change on the built environment emphasizes the need for sustainable development goals (SDGs) using technological solutions, such as the Internet of Things (IoT). The significance of innovative building assessment (BA) tools plays a pivotal role in bridging the existing gap between the theoretical and actual operational performance of buildings. The main research question is how can a new generation of BA tools leverage the IoT to optimize occupant well-being and achieve SDGs' targets. This article delves into the pivotal role played by the IoT and occupant-centric concepts in advancing sustainability initiatives and facilitating the achievement of SDGs. The novelty of this paper lies in its exploration of the current state of IoT integration as a strategic imperative for SDGs' achievement and climate change mitigation. Consequently, a paradigm shift is evident in this work, showcasing a comprehensive comparison between conventional and IoT occupant-centric BA tools and introducing a correlation study between IoT occupant-centric systems and future SDGs' targets. Lastly, current gaps and valuable insights into future research possibilities are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "City in a Park" (CIP) is a new concept of urban transformation and development proposed in China in recent years, guiding the construction of healthy and sustainable living environments. This paper analyzes urban planning based on the CIP concept from a synergetic perspective, aiming to explore how the integrated planning of ecological spaces and built environments can promote systematic sustainable development in ecology, economy, and society. This research employs methods including document collection, unstructured interviews, field observations, and participatory observation, focusing on a case study of the Sichuan Tianfu New Area (STNA), a demonstration zone for the CIP. The study finds that the planning of the STNA extends the planning scope of urban ecological spaces beyond the traditional urban construction boundaries, not only preserving the natural resources but also enhancing the city's overall sustainability through regional ecological services. By designing ecological spaces as green infrastructure that connects urban and rural areas, the primary sector is more readily integrated with the secondary and tertiary sectors, facilitating the integration of the urban and rural infrastructure and industries. The STNA integrates urban and rural administrative divisions, builds a cross-departmental collaborative management platform, and guides public participation in the planning process, ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of planning implementation and enhancing the equitable sharing of social services. This research provides new insights into comprehensive, cross-disciplinary, and ecology-oriented urban planning. It offers evidence for an understanding of the application pathways and effects of the CIP concept in urban planning practice and provides valuable experience for other cities to promote harmonious coexistence between the city and nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a well-known issue that the 2050 target of carbon emissions neutrality will be reached only with the co-operation of all the interested sectors, and the construction sector could be one of the main contributors to this change. With the built environment globally responsible for about 40% of annual global energy-related CO2 emissions, the construction sector offers an important opportunity to drive transformative change and presents the most challenging mitigation potential among all industrial sectors, which also brings opportunities for adopting sustainability practices and increasing resilience. This paper presents a systematic literature review of those two pivotal concepts to reach the decarbonization goal: sustainability and resilience. Starting from an extensive literature review (2536 scientific documents) based on the PRISMA statement, the definitions and assessment methodologies of those concepts for the construction sector have been studied. The methodological approach followed for their analysis has been conducted on a first selection of 42 documents, further reduced to 12 by using clear inclusion criteria to identify the integrated assessment procedures. The main goal of this study is to clarify the correlation between sustainability and resilience concepts for constructions and their integrated assessment, in line with the latest regulations and market needs. The results show that, currently, sustainability and resilience are mainly evaluated in a distinct way to obtain building energy performance certificates, as well as to quantify the building market value and its complementary contribution to the 'energy efficiency first' principle and energy-saving targets towards the emergent issue of climate change. Few works focus on the integrated assessment of both concepts considering the construction industries' point of view about materials and/or systems for buildings. The novelty of this study is the critical review of the current sustainability and resilience integrated assessment methods used for the construction value chain, declined for four main target groups. Researchers, policymakers, industries, and professionals could gain dedicated insights and practical suggestions to put in practice the elements of circular economy, ecological innovation, and cleaner production, which are essential in order to drive the decarbonization of the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomimicry is an interdisciplinary approach to study and transfer principles or mechanisms from nature to solve design challenges, frequently differentiated from other design disciplines by its particular focus on and promise of sustainability. However, in the biomimicry and biologically inspired design literature, there are varying interpretations of how and whether biomimetic designs lead to sustainable outcomes and how sustainability, nature, and mimesis are conceptualised and engaged in practice. This paper takes a particular focus on the built environment and presents a theoretical overview of biomimicry literature spanning across specific fields, namely architecture, philosophy, sustainability and design. We develop upon conceptual considerations in an effort to contribute to the growing calls in the literature for more reflective discussions about the nuanced relationship between biomimicry and sustainability. We further develop a 'Biomimicry for Sustainability' framework that synthesises recent reflective deliberations, as a possible direction for further theorisation of biomimicry, aiming to elaborate on the role of biomimicry as a sustainable design methodology and its potential to cultivate more sustainable human-nature relations. The framework is used as a tool for retrospective analysis, based on literature of completed designs, and as a catalyst for biomimetic design thinking. The objective of this paper is to serve as a point of departure for more active and deeper discussions regarding future biomimetic practice in the context of sustainability and transformational change, particularly within the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parametric design applied to the built environment is critical to creating sustainable and resilient spaces. However, this research field involves a vast and complex amount of disconnected information. Therefore, this paper aims to analyse research trends in applying parametric design to optimise sustainability and environmental ergonomics parameters in built environments. The following specific objectives are identified to meet this objective: (i) a quantitative analysis based on a systematic literature review; (ii) a qualitative review based on a performance analysis and scientific mapping; and (iii) a comparative analysis of case studies applying parametric language for the optimisation of sustainability and environmental ergonomics parameters. The 1045 research records covering 1974 to 2021 illustrate a field in development that evolves from early digital advances to climate change adaptations, the circular economy and resilience. It highlights the importance of applying bioclimatic techniques in the built environment, identifying the most optimised measures and encouraging the creation of guidelines to serve as a protocol for future studies, contributing to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting trends, establishing research themes, outlining research networks and suggesting areas for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability rating systems for the built environment involve a multitude of indicators that are based on different types of data. This work capitalizes on an existing multicriteria assessment method and supporting decision-making tool at building and neighbourhood scale, to develop an enhanced method and tool at city scale. The main sustainability issues at building and city scales include site and infrastructure, energy and resources consumption, environmental loadings, climate change, environmental quality, water, waste, transportation, services, social aspects, economy and governance. Approximately 300 indicators distributed among the different scales are used to describe and quantify the various facets of sustainability. Specifically, the building scale includes a pool of 80 indicators of which 17 are key performance indicators (KPIs), the neighbourhood scale has 133 indicators of which 14 are KPIs and the city scale has a total of 99 indicators of which 10 are KPIs that were new additions to the existing method. The emphasis in this paper is given on elaborating the key performance indicators for cities and demonstrating their applicability through a case study. The common method and tools provide a flexible assessment system for local authorities and stakeholders to develop and assess sustainability plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The Louisiana State University (LSU) Windstorm Impact, Science, and Engineering (WISE) Open-Jet Testing facility is instrumental in enhancing structural resilience under windstorms. The facility represents a Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure to address grand challenges and the need for experimental capabilities in the mid-scale range. Its unique capabilities enable the comprehensive testing and evaluation of critical infrastructure components, encompassing low- and high-rise buildings, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, wind turbines, bridges, vegetation (nature-based solutions), power transmission lines, and more. Through controlled wind conditions, researchers can gain invaluable insights into the behaviour and performance of these critical infrastructures. The facility is pivotal in advancing the design and engineering of robust, climate-resilient systems capable of withstanding the challenges posed by dynamic environmental conditions. The potential impact of this wind testing facility extends far beyond the boundaries of conventional engineering, offering a pathway towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment on a global scale. Experimental wind engineering is crucial for global structural design. This paper addresses limitations in aerodynamic testing, particularly in wall-bounded and small-scale scenarios. Open-jet testing, introduced as an advanced tool, overcomes turbulence modelling constraints, providing a more accurate representation of real-world conditions. The LSU WISE open-jet facility produces complete turbulence at a large scale, eliminating the need for corrections accompanied by partial turbulence simulation. This discovery holds significant implications in wind engineering and unsteady aerodynamics. Integrating photovoltaic panels with gable-roofed buildings may not require additional structural reinforcement, with a reduction in wind uplift forces by 45–63%. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer design flexibility and aesthetic appeal despite potential higher upfront costs. Strategic interventions, such as design optimization and cost-effective installation methods, can enhance the economic viability of BIPV systems. Contrary to long-held beliefs, the findings challenge the notion that wind loads on structures with sharp corners are insensitive to Reynolds number. Open-jet testing produces higher peak pressures, providing real-world justification for actual damage in high-rise buildings. These results validate the author's hypothesis regarding the underestimation of peak loads (in small-scale testing) leading to cladding failure in high-rise buildings. They emphasize the superiority of large-scale open-jet testing, underscoring its critical role in designing resilient structures. The LSU WISE open-jet facility's unique capabilities hold immense promise for revolutionizing wind engineering, addressing grand challenges, and creating more resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Its applications span critical infrastructure, promising significant economic, societal, and educational impacts in STEM fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban built environment has a significant role in leading individuals to outdoor spaces, socializing, and being together. Despite the Egyptian Government's efforts to provide more housing for people in different forms, they ignore the social life in the new residential neighborhood when designing the neighborhood's urban form. This paper examines the quantitative connection between the Urban Form Aspects and Social Sustainability in residential communities. The research selects Salam New City in Port Said Governorate as a case study and applies different scenarios for the most important urban aspects. The research uses the simulation method to investigate the effects of the different urban form scenarios on the social aspects by using Urban Modeling Interference (Umi) and DepthmapX simulation software. Finally, the paper concludes that social interaction and activities improve by 48% and social integration will improve by 74% from the base case for Salam New City case study when using the Urban Form Aspects (Green percentage 35%, Mixed land use 40%, Street network 7% with D/H Ratio 4/1), which leads to improving the social life in the selected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The city's built environment and functionality play a crucial role in shaping individual mobility patterns, impacting the overall health and quality of life of its population. Understanding these influences is an important research topic, making it a central focus of this paper. This study aims to identify the factors responsible for promoting healthy mobility behavior. To address this comprehensively, a multidisciplinary empirical survey was developed based on the "Triad"—a model consisting of the built environment, mobility(-behavior), and public health. In addition to the evaluation of socio-demographic factors and activity radius mapping, statistical analyses like multiple linear regression were used. These statistical analyses allow the assessment of the impact of various independent variables on the promotion of healthy mobility behavior within urban settings. The multiple regression shows that the satisfaction with the accessibility of public transport and the sense of safety as a cyclist contribute to explaining the variation of healthy mobility. Furthermore, the satisfaction with walking in the neighborhood and the inhalation of exhaust fumes while walking also seem to have an impact. The results show the link between the Triad and make it clear that mobility planning and urban planning must take a more integrated approach to promote health and simultaneously protect the climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of intelligent devices in buildings has brought about tremendous changes into the construction industry. The use of automation is also gradually gaining interest from the stakeholders involved in the built environment. This paper presents the perception of property stakeholders (property valuers/real estate developers and service users) regarding the acceptability of smart buildings as a future built environment in Nigeria, using Benin City a case study. A total of 159 structured questionnaires were administered with 108 retrieved and valid for analysis. The information sourced from the respondents includes smart building awareness, the support for, drivers to, and limitations of its implementation, the willingness to develop smart buildings, and the willingness to pay proportionate rent to occupy smart properties. The findings showed that the poll of respondents for the property valuers and the real estate developers, as well as the service users, claimed to be aware of the concept, and they also support its development in the country. The drivers and limitations were ranked based on their perceived level of significance. This study recommends the promotion of awareness to accelerate its acceptance and implementation. This will help propagate the process of creating a smart city in developing nations such as Nigeria and prepare property valuers professionally for its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many studies have focused on digital transformation and sustainability within the realm of project management, there has been a lack of research that comprehensively reviews the current state of the art of the aforementioned subject using a holistic approach. This oversight hampers the amalgamation of DT and sustainability in project management, waning the steps to be taken for the realisation of a smart and sustainable built environment. To fill the identified knowledge gap, this study presents a science mapping approach to meticulously examine the literature published on DT and sustainability within the realm of project management. In doing so, a bibliometric review together with a comprehensive Scientometric mapping analysis was carried out on the literature published from 2011 to 2022. The findings obtained in this study provide insightful accounts for both project managers and academics. Project managers are not only enlightened on revamping their business models but are also given insights into utilising digital strategies for bringing the maximum level of sustainability into their projects. Meanwhile, researchers are given insight into the emerging trends, timelines, and emerging streams that will be explored in future endeavours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry significantly impacts the environment and uses natural resources that negatively impact the built environment. Conversely, green buildings can lead to several environmental, social, and economic benefits. The paper explores the barriers that impede the implementation of sustainable construction projects in Iraq. It draws on a literature review in the field of sustainable construction, as well as a survey of construction industry professionals in Iraq. A total of 17 major barriers to sustainable construction projects are identified and classified into four groups to reduce the environmental impacts of construction activities. The variance inflation factor (VIF) values of dimensions were less than 3.5, indicating that they independently contribute to the second-order constructs. Therefore, it is essential to implement green building practices, such as using energy-efficient materials and systems, adopting energy-efficient designs, and using renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the findings suggest that sustainable construction practices can also help improve quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive reuse of built heritage is increasingly critical for reasons of sustainability, particularly in urban spaces. With increasing pressures for building and housing, the building and construction industry will likely continue to contribute 39% of all carbon emissions in the world, with operational emissions accounting for 28%. Further demolition, urban renewal and rebuilding not only obstruct pathways to decarbonisation but create shocks that disrupt and displace communities. We argue that it is essential to support built heritage beyond conventional urban renewal approaches and to position it as a critical community-based asset that can leverage local knowledge and promote a sustainable and more circular economy. However, such an agenda must acknowledge the challenges of adopting new innovative practices that can reduce strain on current material and social resources. This paper situates adaptive reuse as critical in strategies to reuse existing building stock and other broader sustainability movements, framing it from an economic angle. A case study approach explores adaptive reuse interventions and how these might be extended to other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of facilities management practices in the built environment and the changing focus to include sustainability principles have been acknowledged. However, there is no consensus on the sustainability principles needed to ensure maximal benefits in the built environment. Few studies have systematically analysed and visualised the trends in facilities management sustainability research. This study thus explored facilities management research and its evolving focus over the past decade regarding sustainability. With a focus on the built environment, an exploratory study using scientometrics and content analysis was undertaken based on the extant literature from 2012 to 2022 published in the Scopus database. Keywords including "sustainable facilities management" and "built environment" were used to identify journal articles and conference papers. Interlinks were mapped and visualised using VOSviewer and complemented with findings from the content analysis. Findings showed that current research pathways centred around four clusters, including planning and implementation, community-oriented smart facilities management, innovativeness, and environmental and corporate energy management. These core research focus areas were mostly concentrated in the United Kingdom. The core researchers, institutions, funders, and sources were established. Future research gaps and directions based on knowledge areas and methodological and collaborative endeavours were highlighted. The study offers insights to facilities managers, researchers, analysts, and policymakers on the trajectory of sustainable facilities management research and the extent to which the sustainable development agenda has been embraced. The relations between SFM research and opportunities or areas of stronger focus given contemporary occurrences were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megaproject practices worldwide have triggered increasing research in megaproject management issues and led to an increasing number of papers being published during the last decade. However, it is demonstrated by the literature that there is no systematic examination on research development in the discipline of megaproject management, and consequently it is very difficult for scholars to quickly understand and grasp the research trend. Therefore, a research question naturally comes out, i.e., what is the status quo of megaproject management research and what are the research directions worthy of further investigation? This study aims to answer the question by conducting a systematic examination of the research development in the discipline of megaproject management. A total of 117 relevant articles, identified from six major international journals between 2009 and 2021, were analyzed based on the number of papers published annually, main author contributions, citations, categorization of the research methods and data analysis methods adopted, and research topics covered. The results indicated that developed countries, such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, have enjoyed significant advantages in terms of megaproject management research. It also revealed that more sophisticated views and theory have been used effectively, rather than only basic qualitative methods, in a number of studies on megaproject management. Future studies on megaproject management will be led globally, where megaprojects will remain designed and built to better built environments. In addition, continuous in-depth research on related topics can promote innovation in megaproject management to achieve sustainable megaproject development. Megaproject management will continue to be a hot research topic in the future; in particular, megaproject investment and finance management have emerged as new challenging topics. The findings can be valuable for both industry practitioners and researchers to gain deeper understanding of the current status and future directions of megaproject management research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essence of sustainable urbanization is to take a holistic approach to the harmonious development of economic, social, cultural and environmental protection. This paper applies the urban sustainability assessment system to analyze the characteristics of indicators related to the quality of the built environment and environmental pressure of 91 cities in four major megalopolises in China from 2010 to 2018. It also combines statistical methods to summarize the general features of urban development through a comprehensive urban performance evaluation by comparative and classification analysis for the purpose of scientific guidance on sustainable urbanization. The comparative results showed that in terms of urban sustainability, the Yangtze River Delta performed best, followed by JingJinJi, Pearl River Delta and Shandong Peninsula. Of which, the quality of built environment in JingJinJi and the environment pressure in the Shandong Peninsula require particular attention to improve and decrease, respectively. Moreover, cities can be grouped into six development types through performance clustering including three positive and three negative types. The characteristics of all types are summarized, and the performance of the specific indicators are detailed compared to serve as a guiding basis for making generic recommendations of sustainable urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance gap between simulation and reality has been identified as a major challenge to achieving sustainability in the Built Environment. While Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) surveys are an integral part of better understanding building performance, and thus addressing this issue, the importance of POE remains relatively unacknowledged within the wider Built Environment community. A possible reason that has been highlighted is that POE survey data is not easily understood and utilizable by non-expert stakeholders, including designers. A potential method by which to address this is the visualization method, which has well established benefits for communication of big datasets. This paper presents two case studies where EnViz (short for "Environmental Visualization"), a prototype software application developed for research purposes, was utilized and its effectiveness tested via a range of analysis tasks. The results are discussed and compared with those of previous work that utilized variations of the methods presented here. The paper concludes by presenting the lessons drawn from the five-year period of EnViz, emphasizing the potential of environmental visualization for decision support in environmental design and engineering for the built environment, and suggests directions for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Façades give the first impression of a structure, reflecting the overall aesthetic appeal, architectural styles, cultural influences, and technological advancements. Emphasis on sustainability is increasing, with a shift towards eco-friendly and energy-saving materials, triggered by decreasing the environmental impact of construction. Cork is a green competitive material for various engineering and design applications due to its biological formation, sustainable production and a portfolio of properties including low density, impermeability, viscoelastic behaviour and high thermal insulation that derive from its cellular and chemical features. This work presents cork materials used in building façades and their properties, also giving information on cork production and processing into cork-based products as a review of the existing published research, while also identifying knowledge gaps and further research needed. Historical examples of cladding of constructions with raw cork are given, while the contemporary innovative use of cork façades was triggered by some designs of well-known architects with outdoor application of expanded cork agglomerates. Examples of different historical and contemporary constructions were assembled and critically assessed by the authors. The aim is to give integrated information of cork as a natural, renewable and sustainable material to raise the interest of designers, architects and engineers to explore cork, blending aesthetics with environmental responsibility, targeting a more sustainable and resilient built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomimicry applications in different domains, from material science to technology, have proven to be promising in inspiring innovative solutions for present-day challenges. However, biomimetic applications in the built environment face several barriers including the absence of biological knowledge of architects and planners and the lack of an adequate common means to transfer biomimetic concepts into strategies applicable in the urban context. This review aims to create a multidimensional relational database of biomimetic strategies from successful precedent case studies in the built environment across different city systems and on different application scales. To achieve this, a thorough systematic search of the literature was implemented to map relevant biomimetic case studies, which are analyzed to extract biomimetic strategies that proved to be applicable and successful in an urban context. These strategies are then classified and documented in a relational database. This will provide a guide for architects and planners on how to transfer biomimetic strategies to strategies applicable in the urban context, thus bridging the gap of their lack of biological knowledge. The resulting matrix of strategies provides potential strategies across most of the different city systems and scales with few exceptions. This gap will be covered in a future work, currently in progress, to expand the database to include all city systems and scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission patterns of taxis are in accordance with the urban structure and daily travel footprints of residents. With taxi trajectory data from the intelligent transportation system in Xi'an, China, this study excludes trajectories from electric taxis to accurately estimate GHG emissions of taxis. A gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model is employed to examine the nonlinear influence of the built environment (BE) on the GHG emissions of taxis on weekdays and weekends in various urban areas. The research findings indicate that the GHG emissions of taxis within the research area exhibit peak levels during the time intervals of 7:00–9:00, 12:00–14:00, and 23:00–0:00, with notably higher emission factors on weekends than on weekdays. Moreover, a clear nonlinear association exists between BE elements and GHG emissions, with a distinct impact threshold. In the different urban areas, the factors that influence emissions exhibit spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Metro/bus/taxi stops density, residential density, and road network density are the most influential BE elements impacting GHG emissions. Road network density has both positive and negative influences on the GHG emissions in various urban areas. Increasing the road network density in subcentral urban areas and increasing the mixed degree of urban functions in newly developed urban centers to 1.85 or higher can help reduce GHG emissions. These findings provide valuable insights for reducing emissions in urban transportation and promoting sustainable urban development by adjusting urban functional areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of age-friendly homes benefits vulnerable groups, such as frail people and older adults. Advances in smart home technologies, including robots, have important synergies with homes designed for health needs. Yet, focus on environmental and sustainable housing design and improvements misses important opportunities for collective impact. Stronger involvement of disciplines, such as those from the built environment for technological integration within homes and effects on space and the community, is needed. There is a need for a unified framework integrating the needs and factors of the resident, smart home technologies and robots, and the built environment, and that includes the concept of a "home". With the remodeling of housing towards sustainable and environmental targets, as well as advances in smart home technologies such as robots, the timeliness of shared input for the benefit of residents now and in the future is of the essence. This would help target future research into effective and optimized cohabitation with technology within homes for the purpose of improving the wellbeing of residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable building design has gained global significance as a strategy to address environmental challenges and promote healthier living spaces. This concept is particularly relevant in Saudi Arabia, where there is a growing emphasis on integrating sustainable practices into the design and operation of buildings, especially in educational settings. Amidst the global push for sustainability in workplaces, this study's core lies in assessing and comparing the satisfaction levels with the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a Saudi Arabian higher education building against those in international green buildings, considering factors that comprise thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, acoustic quality, office arrangement, furnishings, cleanliness, and maintenance. Employing the Center for the Built Environment (CBE) IEQ survey tool, a comprehensive study was conducted among the building's occupants. A literature review and benchmarking studies complemented this to gather data on international green buildings. This study aims to assess and compare the satisfaction levels with the IEQ of a Saudi Arabian higher education building against international green buildings. The comparative analysis aims to expose the commonalities and differences in satisfaction levels, exploring how various factors influence overall satisfaction with the IEQ. The research found that there is overall satisfaction with the IEQ parameters of the building under investigation, except with two parameters: acoustics and thermal comfort. The building is generally in alignment with the IEQ of international buildings. This research is presumed to contribute significantly to sustainability initiatives in educational buildings, fostering a healthier and more sustainable workplace environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term challenges of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. Considering the ever-increasing need for energy in parallel with population growth and the impact of greenhouse gases, the built environment is among the issues that should be addressed as a priority. As international agreements, the EU, and national legislation become institutionalized, the need to decarbonize the built environment increases. For this reason, there is a need for an understanding that enables the transition to a more sustainable society. In line with this understanding, a transition to zero-energy buildings is required. In this article, the evaluation framework is created by combining the Transition Management (TM) approach, which is a framework developed to understand long-term changes in culture, structure, and practices for sustainable development solutions, and the Strategic Niche Management (SNM) approach, which encourages technological and social change to initiate sustainable innovations at the niche level. Applications regarding energy efficiency and niche formation for the built environment in Türkiye (Gaziantep) were discussed. When the applications and theories are evaluated together, it can be seen that the applications carried out in Gaziantep regarding Nearly Zero Energy Buildings may be starter experiments. However, these projects are insufficient to create a niche, and the developments are progressing very slowly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid pace of urbanization and the increasing concentration of populations in urban areas have generated a substantial demand for architectural structures, resulting in a significant increase in building stock and continuous material flows that interact with the environment. This study emphasizes the importance of high-spatial-resolution mapping of residential building stock for effective urban-construction resource management, planning, and waste management. Focusing on Xi'an as a case study, the research develops a comprehensive framework for mapping urban residential building stock by integrating diverse data dimensions, including temporal, spatial, network, and multi-attribute aspects. The findings indicate that between 1990 and 2020, approximately 4758 residential communities were established in central Xi'an. The analysis of seven key residential construction materials revealed that the building stock escalated from 1.53 million tons to 731.12 million tons, with a steady spatial expansion of material distribution. The study attributes this growth to factors such as population increase, economic advancement, and policy initiatives, which, in turn, have driven the demand for residential building materials and reinforced the interdependence between urban expansion and residential construction development. Remarkably, from 1990 to 2020, the population surged by 2.1-fold, the economy by 66-fold, and the stock of residential building materials by 477-fold, indicating that the growth rate of material stock consistently outpaced that of both population and economic growth. Over the past three decades, the rapid expansion of residential buildings has led to the encroachment of urban ecological spaces by concrete structures. The methodology proposed in this study for quantifying building material offers valuable insights for policymakers and urban and environmental planners to foster responsible resource consumption and supports component-level circularity in the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart buildings deploying 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) are viewed as the next sustainable solution that can be seamlessly integrated in all sectors of the built environment. The benefits are well advertised and range from inducing wellness and monitoring health, amplifying productivity, to energy savings. Comparatively, potential negative risks are less known and mostly relate to cyber-security threats and radiation effects. This meta-integrative qualitative synthesis research sought to determine the possible underlying demerits from developing smart buildings, and whether they outweigh the possible benefits. The study identified five master themes as threats of smart buildings: a surfeit of data centers, the proliferation of undersea cables, the consternation of cyber-security threats, electromagnetic pollution, and E-waste accumulation. Further, the paper discusses the rebound impacts on humans and the environment as smart buildings' actualization becomes a reality. The study reveals that, although some aspects of smart buildings do have their tangible benefits, the potential repercussions from these not-so-discussed threats could undermine the former when all perspectives and interactions are analyzed collectively rather than in isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban built environment professions are facing challenges due to the less predictable future of cities, as well as the increasing expectations from clients and the general public. It is crucial to support and inform these professions with sound evidence in order to promote the sustainability of cities. However, there have been few efforts to introduce evidence-based design (EBD) theories and frameworks into built environment professional education. This study presents an EBD framework for an undergraduate urban design studio. The effectiveness and long-term impact of EBD approaches and the framework presented were examined via learning outcomes, student reflections, and guest comments across two rounds of studio delivery. The reflections and comments were coded and analyzed using NVivo 11. The effectiveness of the EBD approach is confirmed for the premises, development, and effectiveness of urban design proposals that align with the concerns and expectations of professional guests. The wide range of evidence and techniques also fosters cross-disciplinary collaborations. This study sheds light on education in the built environment disciplines, which would further enhance the strength of relevant professions, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation in construction plays a fundamental role in helping us face current challenges, namely the reduction in energy consumption, the mitigation of the effects of climate change, the depletion of resources, and the generation of waste. Regarding the built environment, improving the thermal properties of the building envelope is one of the growing needs to reduce energy consumption in the building sector. In this context, thermal mortars have been a trend in the construction industry in recent years due to their ability in reducing heat transfer through the building envelope. On the other hand, the addition of waste has been studied as an alternative to improve the thermal properties of mortars and reduce the consumption of primary materials in the construction sector. This work aims to carry out a detailed review regarding the incorporation of waste in thermal mortars through the application of scientometric data analysis and a systematic literature review. To this end, the different residues incorporated into thermal mortars and the various percentages and forms of incorporation were identified throughout the publications gathered in this review. The most studied properties regarding the thermal mortars with the addition of waste were also the subject of study. A comprehensive database of thermal mortars with the incorporation of waste is presented, in which the objectives of the studies, the wastes and forms of incorporation and the measured properties are highlighted. The main results of the analysed researches are deeply discussed and the gaps in this area of the knowledge are identified to point out new directions and possible perspectives for future studies in the field of thermal mortars incorporating waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shows the potential of smart city development in revitalizing urban industrial heritage and traditional industrial blocks. It highlights the challenges faced by these areas, such as aging infrastructure, pollution, and neglect. Smart city technologies are examined as effective solutions for addressing these challenges by promoting efficient resource utilization, improving mobility and connectivity, and enhancing the quality of the built environment. International examples of smart city initiatives implemented in industrial heritage sites and traditional industrial blocks are presented to demonstrate the potential benefits of these technologies. This article emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement in the revitalization process. It argues that smart city development should prioritize the needs and aspirations of local communities, leveraging their knowledge and expertise for long-term success and sustainability. This article underscores the significance of adopting a comprehensive and integrated approach to urban revitalization that considers social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. It suggests that smart city development can act as a catalyst for transforming urban industrial areas into thriving and resilient landscapes capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century. This article aims to explore the potential of smart city development in revitalizing urban industrial heritage and traditional industrial blocks while advocating for equitable outcomes and sustainable urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant contribution of building materials and emissions, accounting for approximately 40%, underscores the crucial role that buildings play in addressing climate change. Considering that buildings and transport are among the main contributors of energy-related emissions, Bahrain's greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) increased from 16 (Mt/year) in 1990 to 54 (Mt/year) in 2020, which requires immediate attention. Pro-environmental behaviours play a significant role in reducing overall emissions and mitigating climate change. Therefore, this research aims to clarify the main factors influencing pro-environmental behaviour in the University of Bahrain campus, in order to create a strategic framework encompassing pro-environmental solutions working towards zero emissions. The problem is analysed through a mixed methodology based on a literature review, questionnaire and photographic analysis. The findings highlight the importance of several internal and external factors in relation to pro-environmental behaviour in higher education environments. The results provide valuable insights for stakeholders and decision-makers to implement change through green initiatives at a policy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green building rating system within the sustainability framework of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Pearl Rating System (PRS), similar to most international rating systems such as LEED, considers several strategies, regulations, and policies to improve the energy and water performance in buildings. However, the applicability of considering water as part of energy or the fact that the utilization of energy mandates the usage of water seems unexplored and is not yet included in any of the existing building rating systems. A unified approach of water and energy resources is thus vital for future considerations in energy policy, planning, and the inclusion of the same in the sustainability rating systems. This paper investigated, as a case study, the prospects of water–energy nexus in the prevailing UAE green building rating system—PRS—to uncover whether any water conservation strategy has an adverse effect on energy and vice versa. The review revealed that the major shortcomings of the PRS in terms of water–energy nexus strategy are the usage of reference codes that are not suitable for the UAE's climate and geographical conditions, inexistent synergy between some credit categories, the oversight of rebound effects, and a need for credit reassessment. The paper also recommends that any proposed strategy to realign credit categories in terms of the water–energy nexus with the potential risk to also have a hidden negative rebound effect that researchers and practitioners should identify lest the water–energy tradeoff brings unprecedented repercussions. The theoretical analysis establishes that the bifurcating management of water and energy in the sustainability rating system and energy policy needs to be revisited in order to reap more sustainable and optimum results that are environmentally, ecologically, and financially consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exergy is important and relevant in many areas of study such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), sustainability, energy systems, and the built environment. With the growing interest in the study of LCA due to the awareness of global environmental impacts, studies have been conducted on exergetic life cycle assessment for resource accounting. The aim of this paper is to review existing studies on exergetic life cycle assessment to investigate the state-of-the-art and identify the benefits and opportunity for improvement. The methodology used entailed an in-depth literature review, which involved an analysis of journal articles collected through a search of databases such as Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The selected articles were reviewed and analyzed, and the findings are presented in this paper. The following key conclusions were reached: (a) exergy-based methods provide an improved measure of sustainability, (b) there is an opportunity for a more comprehensive approach to exergetic life cycle assessment that includes life cycle emission, (c) a new terminology is required to describe the combination of exergy of life cycle resource use and exergy of life cycle emissions, and (d) improved exergetic life cycle assessment has the potential to solve characterization and valuation problems in the LCA methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies of road or railway infrastructures have shown that traffic emissions outweigh the environmental impacts of the product stage and construction stage over the entire life cycle. Traffic usage is therefore the main emitter over the life cycle (A1–C4). Due to the small number of sustainability assessment systems, the question of how to consider traffic emissions in detail in an integral life cycle assessment has arisen. This study examines Austrian car traffic and investigates environmental impacts beyond the scope of carbon dioxide and particulate matter. The results were determined for a selection of common impact indicators. In addition to driving in flat terrain, an approach is presented that enables the evaluation of emissions due uphill and downhill driving. Thus, route options and route closures/detours due to maintenance work can be evaluated in a simple way. During the analyses, a traffic calculator was developed, which can currently assess different cars depending on the route specifics (flat/hill). The tool can be expanded to include other road vehicles (buses, trucks, motorcycles) and trains as well. This will simplify evaluations and decision-making processes and provide optimal support for a future-proof sustainable built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to describe a multidisciplinary investigation part of an ongoing research project. The contribution focuses on the identification and selection of innovative technologies and operative methodologies capable of fostering the sustainable innovation and resilience of the Italian N-E territory by addressing four challenges: energy transition, environmental challenges, adaptation to climate change, and digitalisation. The investigation devised an original conceptual research framework aiming to identify possible solutions and drawing a connection between them and the challenges, by considering the actions, the technological and methodological support, and, indirectly, the European and global policy objectives they help to reach. The research results are: (i) a definition of the four challenges in light of the built environment and construction sector; (ii) the conceptual research framework schema as a replicable instrument; (iii) its contextualization to the research scope; (iv) a preliminary list of technologies and methodologies supporting the sustainable innovation in the given territorial context; and (v) a ranking of the most promising solutions according to their effectiveness and application potential. The results highlight how, in the Italian N-E context, the solutions most effective in delivering sustainability and resilience are the ones operating in the built environment by preserving the built resources, mainly by addressing the building envelope and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curricular changes in architecture can support to meet the increased demand for sustainability in higher education (HE). Identifying their associated factors is necessary to understand ongoing and future transitions in architecture education. Transition management (TM) frameworks have been frequently used to analyze structural changes in various institutions but have received little attention in architecture education. This study explores the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) as a case study, focusing on its architecture curricula within 32 years from 1990 to 2022, corresponding to multiple generations of academic careers. A multiple-level perspective (MLP) document analysis on curricular changes is conducted in three steps, drawing on a specific perspective on sustainability in architecture. First, generic characteristics that may influence curricular changes are identified from the literature. Second, shifts in the undergraduate curriculum of ETH Zurich are systematically mapped. Third, a classification of implemented curricular shifts results in seven nuanced variations in generic factors. These socio-technical factors involve the development and dissemination of new disciplinary (1) and interdisciplinary (2) approaches to a sustainable built environment (SBE), a relocation of the viewpoint on sustainability from physiology/hygiene to building physics (3), experimentation with inquiry-based learning in niches (4), extended spheres of influence in teaching (5), early committed intra-faculty opinion leaders (6), and the formation of educational networks (7). The proposed approach based on longitudinal curriculum mapping offers a way to locate structural curricular changes, identify hidden educational trends, and inform institutional changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable architecture holds research significance as a necessary approach to address climate change. However, the lack of a clear definition and diverse research methods present obstacles in this field. To overcome these challenges, this study adopts an integrated approach that combines ecological and low-carbon aspects and considers the entire life cycle system. The highlight of this article is the integration of two research methods to assess the sustainability of a building system from both ecological and carbon footprint perspectives. This approach has not been extensively explored by researchers thus far. The aim is to quantitatively explore and evaluate the sustainability performance of building systems. The research findings reveal that, among the five life cycle stages, the operational stage of a building exhibits the highest proportions of emergy consumption and carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 89.4% and 90%, respectively. From an emergy analysis perspective, newly constructed building systems demonstrate qualified sustainable parameters (Emergy Sustainability Indicator (ESI) = 2.7 > 1)). However, as the building system ages and operates over time, the overall sustainable parameters gradually decrease, eventually becoming unqualified. Furthermore, carbon emissions analysis indicates that total carbon emissions accelerate with the aging of the building, highlighting the necessity of continuous inputs of material flow, energy flow, and information flow to maintain the building system's sustainability. The cross-feedback model emerges as the most effective correction method among the input processes, although data collection poses a challenge due to its nonlinearity. This study provides a fresh perspective for architects and building managers, offering insights that contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable practices in the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, many researchers across the world have addressed the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the energy assessment of the built environment. However, several potential issues still need to be resolved in order to utilise the benefits provided by BIM to a maximum degree. To fill this gap, a systematic literature review is conducted in this study to critically investigate the utilisation of BIM tools in energy assessment. To achieve the above-mentioned objective, after shortlisting the relevant papers published hitherto, using keyword searching, a systematic review was undertaken, including the application of BIM in the contexts of different countries, types of BIM tools, BIM and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) integration, energy affiliations, stakeholders' involvement and their roles, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis. The outcomes show the most widely used and effective BIM tools in different types of construction projects in various countries. The review of the literature clearly shows that BIM tools can effectively be used in the assessment of energy performance of buildings. The article gives insight to engineers, architecture, and decision makers to carefully select appropriate BIM tools in terms of energy assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of international conferences and initiatives, such as the Habitat III New Urban Agenda and UN Sustainable Development Goals, have urged industry, scholars, and policymakers to create an inclusive and sustainable built environment for all in the coming era of cities. Green building schemes, which have been gaining momentum over recent decades, are one of the most influential measures that have been taken to promote urban sustainability. However, due to disciplinary characteristics, most current studies share a techno-engineering focus. Seldom do they answer the question: will green buildings make a difference to the occupants? This paper explains how, and to what extent, green features and design contribute to different dimensions of occupant well-being by conducting a systematic and comprehensive review of current journal articles and industrial reports. It provides an alternative, occupant-oriented perspective to the conventional discourse. A conceptual framework is developed, revealing that green building aspects are linked to six dimensions (three subjective and three objective) of occupant well-being. It further shows how different green features are linked with these dimensions through a detailed examination of the literature. Finally, suggestions are provided based on the research findings for the direction of future green building development and empirical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, most developing countries need to improve the quality of the built environment by means of large-scale infrastructure construction, thereby promoting rapid urbanization. The quality of the built environment ( Q U ) and its environmental pressure ( P U ) have become our primary focus to achieve a globally acknowledged vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this study, we proposed an overall workflow by combining the proven urban sustainability ( S U ) assessment tool with the evaluation process and the analysis of the spatiotemporal dimension to investigate the urban characteristics of the 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta. Our results showed an upward trend of urban sustainability from 2010 to 2018, but there are still 19 cities with unsustainable urbanization processes. The megalopolis is rapidly progressing toward an imbalanced state. Specifically, the urban sustainability of the southern region performs better than the northern region, coastal cities perform better than the inland cities, and the regional peripheral cities perform better than the inner cities. Across the 41 cities in the delta, five different relational trends between Q U and P U have been found to predict their future development. The results of this research will help decision-makers to coordinate the future development of regional integration between cities and to target the alleviation of the adverse chain reaction brought about by the situation of imbalance or further improving urban sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the findings from a recent study by the authors which examined factors affecting diffusion of photovoltaics (PV), while comprehensively considering the local PV and construction industry as well as characteristics of the built environment, this paper proposes a holistic strategy for PV implementation into Singapore's built environment. It consists of (1) a multilevel mechanism framework, encompassing eleven mechanism categories of instruments and activities and (2) a general design framework including design principles, general project instructions and the main design guidelines. Relying on a survey conducted among PV experts on established mechanisms, the present study suggests that building codes (e.g., fire safety, structural safety, etc.) and initiatives and incentives related to PV/building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) should be the highest priority for authorities, followed by assessment of BIPV/PV properties, working toward social acceptance, conducting research projects and information exchange, and education and training activities. Considering all three pillars of sustainability, the design framework is based on the following interrelated design principles: (1) compatibility and coherence with the local context, (2) technical soundness, (3) economic viability, (4) user-centered design, (5) connecting with community and socio-cultural context, and (6) adaptability and flexibility. Despite Singapore's scarcity of land, the established design guidelines cover a wide spectrum of solutions, including PV integration into both buildings and non-building structures. The synthesis of the two interconnected and inseparable frameworks aims to create an environment conducive to long-term widespread PV integration and stimulate the deployment of BIPV, which should help Singapore and other cities reduce their dependency on imported fossil fuels, while also making them more livable and enjoyable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the impact of climate change in the form of low-carbon developments, innovations in sustainable building strategies are imperative. In this regard, the performance of a double-roof house consisting of a photovoltaic panel roof (PV) and green roof (GR) was compared to traditional solar-roof buildings. The synergy between both the PV and GR systems was analysed by numerical simulations and physical modelling across the four seasons. The performance of the systems was assessed on three dimensions: indoor thermal comfort, photovoltaic temperature, and energy yield. The synergy of photovoltaic roofs with green roofs kept the indoor environment 6% more comfortable than solar roofs. The synergy also reduced the photovoltaic temperature by up to 8 °C, extending the PV life span and increasing the energy yield by 18%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive review of building materials, construction methods, and building regulations on the U.K. mainland. This provides valuable insights into the historical progression and transformation of the construction industry through a comprehensive analysis of both traditional and modern building construction materials and methods and categorising their evolutionary trajectory. Current building regulations in England, Wales, and Scotland are compared, highlighting differences in fire safety, noise safety, energy conservation, and sustainability. For example, fire safety regulations are analysed in detail, including fire resistance duration, wall cladding combustibility, and limitations on unprotected areas. Advances in knowledge and technology have led to increasingly sophisticated and energy-dependent methods, materials, and regulations. This study showcases the vast array of building construction materials spanning centuries, each possessing unique properties and performances. The selected methods and materials represent those currently employed or widely utilised in the U.K. construction industry, affirming their relevance and applicability in modern construction practices. Limitations in construction practices primarily stem from a lack of knowledge and tools rather than material scarcity. Enhancing knowledge and access to advanced tools is crucial to overcoming these limitations and driving advancements in the field. This study provides insights into the evolution of building materials, construction methods, and building regulations that can inform future developments in sustainable building practices. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, building designers, and constructors, particularly in terms of adopting sustainable materials and construction methods that comply with building regulations while reducing the environmental impact of the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The built environment has great influence over the sustainability of societies as well as over people's quality of life. Quality of life (QoL) is a broad concept that has different definitions across diverse bodies of knowledge. The social–cultural environment and the characteristics of the built environment influence people's perception of QoL. This study aims to identify and analyse the factors that impact QoL and sustainable development in the urban context. A systematic literature review was developed to understand QoL concepts and to identify urban indicators that contribute to the multidimensional evaluation of urban QoL. The results include (1) a holistic overview of QoL concepts and indicators; (2) the proposal of a holistic urban QoL concept; (3) the identification of urban QoL dimensions and indicators that contribute to urban QoL evaluation. The main contribution of this study is its discussion of the multidimensional nature of QoL, including objective and subjective dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of urban landscapes in the current era of concern for a sustainable built environment can never be overemphasized. The study explores the landscape features and typologies of some urban environments within Kano to understand the management effectiveness of urban landscapes in the Kano metropolitan area. At least two wards were purposively selected each from the eight metropolitan local government areas due to their urban landscape and land use. Focus group discussion (FGD) sessions were carried out through with prominent elders and "Masu Unguwanni" (village/ward heads) of each of the sampled wards as well as direct assessments of their physical characteristics to justify the general landscape progression in support of documentation for the present and future generation. The study unveils the layout typology, the scenic points and the ecological and cultural landscapes in the sampled districts. It further reveals that the historic urban forms in Kano are degrading with time, or rather not following the course of sustainability, as the physical surroundings satisfy the immediate needs of the communities. However, the study suggests increasing the awareness of Kano's urban landscape preservation and the 2011 UNESCO proposal implementation on Historic Urban Landscapes (HUL). Then, the study discourages unhealthy developments within Kano Metropolis and the entire state. It also recommends landscape architects be part and parcel of planning schemes for controlling and regulating urban development via the formal practice of land allocation, land acquisition, building codes, design, planning and construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data collection and large-scale urban audits are challenging and can be time consuming processes. Geographic information systems can extract and combine relevant data that can be used as input to calculation tools that provide results and quantify indicators with sufficient spatial analysis to facilitate the local decision-making process for building renovations and sustainability assessment. This work presents an open-access tool that offers an automated process that can be used to audit an urban area in order to extract relevant information about the characteristics of the built environment, analyze the building characteristics to evaluate energy performance, assess the potential for the installation of photovoltaics on available building rooftops, and quantify ground permeability. A case study is also presented to demonstrate data collection and processing for an urban city block, and the relevant results are elaborated upon. The method is easily replicable and is based on open data and non-commercial tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green growth has emerged as a strategy for addressing environmental concerns while also promoting economic development. This study assesses the impact of renewable energy technologies and policies on green growth in the built environment. It investigates 20 developed and 20 developing countries from 2010 to 2021. Panel data estimators such as generalized least squares and generalized method of moments are employed. The results reveal that the contribution of renewable energy sectors to green growth varies between developed and developing countries. In developed countries, solar, wind, and biomass capacities have facilitated green growth, while hydroelectric capacities have not. By contrast, in developing countries, wind capacity has not been effective, while other sectors show a positive contribution. The study also confirms the criticality of judicious renewable energy policies in stimulating investment and technological innovation required for a sustainable built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The testing of multi-layer building envelopes was performed using an environmental chamber following the ASTM C1363 and ISO 8990 standards. However, performing such tests in accordance with the standards by an accredited laboratory can be extremely costly, and many laboratories have waiting lists of several months. This is a significant cost for researchers and building material testing companies in the construction industry. Therefore, the goal of this study was to design, construct, and test a portable environmental chamber for building envelopes to validate the accuracy and the efficiency of the built environmental chamber to measure the thermal performance (i.e., R-value) of wall panels at extreme climate conditions (i.e., −20 °C and 80 °C). The results indicated that the built environmental chamber is capable of maintaining the steady state temperature inside the chamber during the hot climate condition test of 65 °C (150 °F) within ±0.5 °C and during the cold climate condition test of −16 °C (3 °F) within ±1 °C, meeting the requirement of the ASTM C1363-19 standard. The results also indicated that the built environmental chamber is capable of measuring the R-value of building envelopes under hot climate conditions with an accuracy of ±0.73 ft2·°F h/BTU (±0.129 m2 °C/W) and under cold climate conditions with an accuracy of ±1.02 ft2 °C·h/BTU (±0.180 m2 °C/W). This university-based testing program allows companies to test several building envelopes at a relatively low cost and minimum wait duration. Additionally, such an environmental chamber can be used for the accurate evaluation of innovative designs to determine promising designs and to refine wall specimen prototypes for manufactured materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]