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The quantification of biomass potential is a useful task that may deem necessary under various circumstances. This study aims to identify the practices that have been followed in the recent past for the quantification of the plant-derived biomass potential. The employed methodology was based on an extensive literature review of recent studies in the field of biomass quantification. The review was classified in two fields: agriculture and crop residues potential, and forest residual potential. Within this study, the best quantification practices were collected and categorized and the main principles of plant-derived biomass quantification models were identified. Databases of typical properties of various types of biomass were established and a matrix of options for calculating biomass potential, depending on incoming data was delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Europe has a significant target ahead to fulfill: to achieve the goal of nearly zero energy buildings from the year 2021. This paper presents viable scenarios to achieve the achievement of nearly zero energy dwellings in the southern European country of Cyprus. The analysis is based on the documentation of the developments in the building sector after the adoption of mandatory building insulation regulations. For this purpose, data concerning the building stock of Cyprus before the adoption of the regulation of thermal insulation, as well as the construction characteristics for sixty dwellings which were built from 2010 to 2012 are compared. The ability of adoption of renewable energy in the building sector is also analyzed. Several scenarios are examined and a matrix defining the possible ranges of primary consumption of dwellings in Cyprus considered as nearly zero energy are presented. Possible scenarios examined in relation to consumption of dwellings in Cyprus by 2020 showed that this would range from 65 to −40 kWh/m2 year, depending on the degree of renewable energy technologies penetration. The outcomes of this work are particularly revealing with regard to the definition of feasible consumption targets for nearly zero energy dwellings in southern Europe by 2020. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since the photovoltaic (PV) scientific community started exploring innovative ways of incorporating solar electricity into buildings, a whole new vernacular of solar electric architecture emerged. Currently, there is a growing consensus that building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) systems will be the backbone of the zero energy building (ZEB) European target by 2020, through their widespread commercialization. BIPV systems often produce however less energy than conventional PV systems due to architectural constraints in the design of BIPV arrays. This paper presents a conceptual study regarding the energy yield and feasibility of BIPVs in several locations in Europe. Specific conclusions on the energy yield and economic feasibility of BIPVs with regard to the implemented PV module technology, the climatic zone, the orientation of the building and the mounting disposition are drawn. The findings of this work that were also validated using hourly time step computational analysis, reveal the necessary conditions under which BIPVs could have a major contribution to fulfilling the European 2020 targets by enabling the achievement of the ZEB goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a novel controlled-temperature double-skin façade (DSF) building element. A three-dimensional time-dependent numerical model was developed for six different geometries for the investigation of thermal performance under different orientations (azimuth 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°). The boundary conditions of the numerical model were determined with the PVGIS tool and adjusted with the sol-air temperature equation. The results of the numerical simulation were validated with the use of measurements from an experimental test cell. The numerical results indicated an improved thermal performance when temperature-controlled air and flow were supplied through the building envelope with annual total energy savings in kWh/m2 of 1.99, 1.38, 2.13 and 2.06 for azimuth 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, respectively. In regard to the total energy savings in %, the maximum benefit was considered to be in the winter season, with values of 65, 29, 80 and 28 for azimuth 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, respectively. The experimental measurements revealed the test cell's ability to maintain a relatively constant internal surface temperature and to not be significantly affected by the orientation and diverse ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SIPOC based model for sustainable facilities management of municipal residential buildings. • Model encompasses a set of requirements for decision-making on alternative possibilities of real estate (RE) management. • Model applied to assess the social housing of Kaunas Municipality, Lithuania. • Cost of facility management could be reduced via expert optimization of requirements for buildings. • Using MEW or SAW multicriteria evaluation method is sufficient in facility assessment and decision-making activities. The aim of this study is to develop a method for managing municipal residential buildings. The developed model encompasses a system of requirements for the buildings, the assessment of the compliance of the buildings with the set requirements, the rating of the buildings based on their compliance with the applicable requirements and the assessment of the decision-making on alternative possibilities of real estate (RE) management. To achieve these targets, a criteria system for the assessment of municipal residential buildings based on construction regulations, municipal functions and public administration requirements was developed. The significance of the compliance of the buildings with these requirements was determined. The model was applied in practice to assess the social housing of Kaunas Municipality, in Lithuania. The suitability of the model to prioritize the alternative facilities was substantiated by the received objective and qualitative indicators of building assessment, data processing using recognized methods of analysis, economic calculations and the suitability of the received results for use in the decision-making process. This study aims to deliver a comprehensive sustainability management assessment tool which could potentially be employed in the case of building stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial sector is one of the main energy consumers in the developed world, accounting in the case of Europe for over 20% of the total consumed energy. Especially in countries of high solar potential, like the case of southern Europe, industrial roofs offer an alternative for the production of green energy, with the use of photovoltaic (PV) technology, considered to be one of the most mature applications at this time point. This work examines the capacity of industrial roofs to meet part of the energy needs of the industrial sector with PV installations. Specifically, in the context of this work, GIS techniques were utilized to quantify the total solar potential of industrial roofs, as well as their capacity for energy production. Technical, environmental, and economic indicators related to the processing of the findings of the work, as well as the definition of a policy framework, are extracted and discussed. The object of the work was the energy system of a southern island state of the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus, where all the conditions for a favorable framework for the promotion of industrial solar roofs are met. The study reveals that photovoltaic (PV) installations on Cyprus’s industrial roofs have the potential to generate 443.2 GWh annually, meeting 19% of the industrial sector’s energy needs, and reducing CO2 emissions by over 250 k tons per year, highlighting a substantial opportunity for decarbonization and economic investment in renewable energy. This study aspires to provide food for thought, for future work that will be implemented in this context, enabling the establishment of industrial roofs as a potential contributor to policies for adapting to the energy requirements of the era. The novelty of this research lies in its utilization of GIS techniques to quantify the solar potential and energy production capacity of industrial roofs, specifically in the context of the Republic of Cyprus, thereby contributing to the development of a policy framework for leveraging industrial solar roofs in energy strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin constitutes the sole renewable aromatic resource found in abundance on Earth and does not call into question the ethics of diverting land from food to energy production. In view of that, the potential of lignocellulosic biomass in promoting the Circular Economy and Bioeconomy concepts in future biorefinery operations is widely acknowledged. Biorefineries can convert lignocellulosic biomass into high-value products, lessen their environmental effect, and hasten the advent of a sustainable and renewable future by incorporating cutting-edge technologies and doing thorough Life Cycle Assessment analysis. However, converting lignin into added-value products is a challenging field from technological, environmental, and economic perspectives. This work set out to determine the most critical environmental aspects expected to provide reliable evidence in support of lignin valorisation routes that enable the production of value-added products and bioenergy. Findings provide the necessary knowledge for decision-making in biorefineries aligned with the Circular Bioeconomy concept, like how decision-making relating to future biorefineries is facilitated. Environmental burdens of lignin-derived products valorisation due to complex lignin structure A limited number of LCA studies on the valorisation of lignin to added-value products Future lignin-based biorefineries development should be assessed using holistic, sustainable approaches LCA methodologies on environmental performance of promising lignin valorisation routes Controversial aspects of lignin valorisation under the Circular Bioeconomy concept Raised concerns as a result of the lignin fraction expected high demand Identified controversial environmental aspects linking lignin valorisation to adverse impacts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scope of this study is the investigation of the thermal performance of building-integrated solar flat collectors with a uniform and multiple riser structure. The effect of dynamic operating parameters such as the environmental temperature, solar radiation, the inclination angle and further model modifications to the fluid inlet, outlet and riser are studied. Numerical calculations were carried out using Finite Element (FE) analysis. Three-dimensional transient models were developed to calculate the thermal performance of the investigated objects. The study revealed increased efficiency for the multiple-riser configuration. Under all boundary conditions, the highest fluid temperatures occur in the south orientation during autumn and winter and in the west during spring and summer. The thermal assessment comparison between the roof installed and vertical solar collectors were performed, and the differences throughout the slope angles were distinguished. The results showed that a building-integrated solar system acted as a shield barrier, and provided heat to the building structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the study of two innovative solar water heating systems, integrated on the facades and the roof of a social house building. One of the systems combines collector and storage tank in a single unit, called Integrated Collector Storage solar water heater; the other one comprises a photovoltaic and a thermal collector known as Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal device, in which the produced energy support both thermal and electrical needs. The analysis has considered the integration of the studied solar systems on building's envelope, investigating the effect of these systems in terms of building's thermal load along with their capacity to cover the hot water and electrical needs. The energy behavior of the building, as well as the energy output of the solar systems are investigated through simulation analysis for two cities (Nicosia, Cyprus and Athens, Greece) and three orientation modes (South, East and West). The results show that, after the interventions, the energy demands of the building for space heating and cooling are decreased at about 10%, while the hot water and electrical demands are covered up to 80 and 50%, respectively. The energy contribution of the respective solar systems with regard to the buildings’ energy demand is evaluated through Life Cycle Assessment; the respective analysis allows the evaluation of the environmental impacts during the entire life cycle of the considered systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy audits are an integral part of the overall energy savings strategy in the building sector. The significance of energy audits was confirmed both by their adoption by the European Energy Savings Directive (2012/27) as well as by the development and issuance of a large number of European standards (standard series EN16247, EN 15378, EN 16798, EN 16946, EN 16947 etc.), related to the energy audit of buildings and building systems. However, current practices for conducting energy audits in buildings do not adopt the latest developments in the field of Industry 4.0 practices, resulting in the general belief within the engineering community of building physics that energy auditing can be further updated and improved. This work aims to introduce a novel approach for the improvement of existing building energy audit practices with the adaptation of building information models and associated data. The study presents the potential of evaluation process utilizing building information models for constituent energy audit procedure – assessment of building energy consumption related to building envelope. The question of whether there is room for further adoption of digitization practices in carrying out energy audits, as well as the possibilities of developing new tools in this area are addressed. Following this, the main outcome of this study is the overview and analysis of Industry Foundation Classes schema building information model data structure and its interrelationships with the aim of using the extracted information to digitize energy audit procedures. Research approach covers digitization of building energy consumption assessment influenced by building envelope characteristics, as well as evaluation of economic and energy aspects for possible building shell optimization scenarios. The study also presents the results of a case study evaluation carried out with the developed tool using building envelope modification feature for various environment and economic parameters. Additionally, the architecture, and the rationale for the developed tool backed, used to extract necessary information for implementing building energy audits are presented. We finalize with the discussion on upcoming developments in the field and on future work of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era of rapid technological improvements, state-of-the-art methodologies and tools dedicated to protecting and promoting our cultural heritage should be developed and extensively employed in the contemporary built environment and lifestyle. At the same time, sustainability principles underline the importance of the continuous use of historic or vernacular buildings as part of the building stock of our society. Adopting a holistic, integrated, multi-disciplinary strategy can link technological innovation with the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings. This paper presents the ongoing research and results of the application of Machine Learning methods for the remote monitoring of the built environment of the historic cluster in Cypriot cities. This study is part of an integrated, multi-scale, and multi-disciplinary study of heritage buildings, with the end goal of creating an online HBIM platform for urban monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low carbon- oriented strategy of the European Community has caused a radical progress in the exploitation of agricultural waste-derived biomass. Within the context of the food versus fuel debate, it seems that second generation biomass is gaining a lot of momentum. The aim of this study is to quantify the potential contribution of olive -oil solid waste pellets in the energy mix of an olive oil producing country – Cyprus as well as to examine its competitiveness against wood pellets. These research questions required a multidisciplinary approach, thus this work is conducted on two levels; the technical and the life cycle costing level. The technical analysis demonstrates the significant potential of olive mills solid waste in contributing in the country's energy mix, by taking into consideration both its proximate and ultimate analysis as well as its availability. The feasibility analysis presents the viability of olive mills solid waste pellets in Cyprus, and provides evidence for the olive mills solid waste pellets' competiveness over other commercially-available pellets. According to the findings of this study, pelletized olive mills solid waste pellets could enter the market with a selling price of less than 150 € tn −1 and could contribute in the households, industrial and agricultural sectors by 1114 toe, 934 toe, 835 toe, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to construction materials provides a useful inside to the energy embodied in their production and contributes towards educated decision-making regarding the choice of the most environmentally friendly product. This study focuses on the cradle to site LCA of adobe production. It examines different production scenarios: (i) on-site production with locally available soil and transported straw or sawdust, (ii) on-site production with transported soil/straw or sawdust, and (iii) in factory production. The results, in terms of embodied energy and carbon per kg of adobe bricks produced, confirm that the minimization of transportation needs and the utilisation of locally available resources can significantly affect the environmental footprint of an adobe production system. They also show that the use of sawdust instead of wheat straw leads to improved environmental performance of the end-product. The embodied energy and carbon of adobe production is compared to equivalent data referring to other common masonry materials highlighting the eco-friendliness of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of biomass for energy production purposes can significantly reduce the environmental burdens associated with the highly criticized fossil fuelled energy production. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has proven to be one of the most effective tools for carrying out environmental impact analysis of any process or system. The interpretation of the findings of LCA can be used as a basis for recommendations and decision making in accordance to the goal and scope definition. The aim of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive LCA for the environmental evaluation of the biomass pelleting process with the focus being on the transportation and manufacturing stages. To achieve this aim, four scenarios are presented, investigating the pelleting process of olive husk, an abundant waste biomass found in Cyprus. Two alternative scenarios are developed in an effort to compare the centralised and the decentralised management of olive husk. Regarding those two scenarios, a novel mathematical parametric model was developed and Non-Linear Programming was applied for the computation of the optimal locations for a set of management facilities which achieve the lowest energy needs for transportation purposes. Additionally, a third and fourth scenario aimed to the comparison of the potential improvement of the environmental footprint of the olive husk pellets with regard to their reference cases (Scenario 1 and 2 respectively), when Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are incorporated in the pelleting process system. The authors concluded that the selection of location for the biomass management centres, as well as the employment of renewable energy technologies (RET) for energy generation can significantly affect the environmental impact of biomass utilisation. The environmental impact of olive husk pellet production was improved by more than 85% in selected impact categories when RES were incorporated in the manufacturing stage. The comparison of centralised and decentralised scenarios for olive husk management has indicated the latter to be the most environment-friendly solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the sustainability assessment of building materials and buildings. The introduction of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), the development of Level(s), and the release of relevant series of standards have helped to improve the sustainability of buildings. However, a research question that remains unresolved is the lack of information related to the comparison of the sustainability performance of building units across Europe and the significance of conducting such research. This study addressed this question by implementing a comparative whole-building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) across buildings in Europe. The study emphasizes the necessity of considering typical building geometries and thermal performance of buildings across Europe and introduces six typical building geometries for three different European clusters (northern-western, central-eastern, southern cluster). The results of this study revealed that the sustainability performance of buildings is not similar across the EU and that cost-optimal minimum thermal performance requirements for building structures have a significant impact on their environmental performance. Particularly, single-family houses in Central and Eastern Europe are responsible for 324.42 kgCO 2 e/m2. Contrary to this, Northern and Western European single-family buildings have the lowest environmental impact with 268.97 kgCO 2 e/m2. Multifamily houses in Southern Europe are responsible for 321.82 kgCO 2 e/m2, in Northern and Western Europe the environmental impact is 275.37 kgCO 2 e/m2. The outcome of this study is significant for the scientific community involved in assessing the sustainability of buildings in Europe, as it provides valuable insights into their environmental performance, considering the energy efficiency and sustainability aspects of buildings. The study's findings should be considered when setting minimum LCA-related requirements, in view of the provisions of the new EU policies expressed in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast for defining the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of new buildings. • Six typical building geometries developed for three European building clusters. • A comprehensive LCA analysis of representative buildings across Europe. • The impact of minimum thermal performance requirements on a building's carbon footprint is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive resulted in an immense increasing quantity of sewage sludge produced from wastewater treatment plants. With most up to date the "Ex-post evaluation of certain waste stream directives", various legislation and strategies were derived from fulfilling the requirements resulting from this directive appropriately, in an economical and environmentally acceptable way. This paper intends to assess and compare the environmental impact of exploiting the sewage sludge in open windrow facilities for compost production versus using an anaerobic digester for the production of biogas. The two alternative post-processing pathways' environmental assessment is conducted with the use of the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. The investigation presented that the energy savings for managing sewage sludge for biogas production than producing compost are estimated at 27060 MJ per 1 t of input (SS), and the avoided carbon dioxide emissions are 697 kg/t of digested sludge. The scientific value of this study is that it provides a justified answer to the compost versus biogas dilemma, based on a quantified assessment of both methods' environmental aspects. Life Cycle Assessment's employment brings forth in-depth information regarding the energy embodied in compost and biogas production. The selection among the most ecological method relevant to sewage sludge exploitation is provided by thoroughly sophisticated decision-making. The life cycle stages of the analyzed mechanisms that have the most damaging consequences on the ecosystem include the composting and anaerobic digestion stage, whereas the least energy-consuming stages are the thickening, and drying process, in both scenarios. The Life Cycle Assessment outcomes indicated that the environmental impact of the anaerobic digestion process is lower than the composting process, in the range between 6.5% and 7.5%, across all environment effect levels. The exploitation of waste materials to produce useful products such as compost and biogas gives the final product added environmental value. • Comparison of sewage sludge treatment for biogas and composting with Life Cycle Assessment. • Study results provide insight for decision making for sewage sludge treatment. • Anaerobic digestion presents a better environmental performance compared to composting. • Composting and anaerobic digestion phases are the most detrimental LCA stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe, regions in the Mediterranean area share common characteristics in terms of high sensitivity to climate change impacts. Does this translate into specificities regarding climate action that could arise from these Mediterranean characteristics? This paper sheds light on regional and local climate mitigation actions of the Mediterranean Europe, focusing on the plans to reduce greenhouse gases emissions in a representative sample of 51 regions and 73 cities across 9 Mediterranean countries (Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain). The study investigates: (i) the availability of local and regional mitigation plans, (ii) their goals in term of greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets on the short and medium-long term, and (iii) the impact of transnational climate networks on such local and regional climate mitigation planning. Results of this study indicate an uneven and fragmented planning, that shows a Mediterranean West-East divide, and a link with population size. However, overall, both regional and city action seem insufficiently ambitious with regards to meeting the Paris Agreement, at least at city level. While national frameworks are currently weak in influencing regional and local actions, transnational networks seem to be engaging factors for commitment (at city level) and ambitiousness (at regional level). The uneven and fragmented progress revealed by this study, does not align with the characteristics shared by investigated regions and cities in terms of environmental, socio-political, climatic and economic conditions. The results support the call of a common green deal at the Mediterranean level to further address specific Mediterranean challenges and related needs. This will allow to capitalise on available resources, generate local-specific knowledge, build capacities, and support Mediterranean regions and cities in preparing the next generation of more ambitious mitigation plans. [Display omitted] • Analysis of mitigation plans of 51 regions and 73 cities in Mediterranean Europe. • Uneven progress, with West-East divide and a generally modest short-term ambition. • Bigger size Mediterranean regions and cities show higher climate action. • Mitigation planning is affected by national regulation and transnational networks. • There is a case for cross-border cooperation among Mediterranean regions and cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building Information Modelling (BIM) constitutes the state of the art in the digital design techniques, and represents one of the main streams of the Industry 4.0 era. The integration of BIM into processes related to buildings design, construction and operation is a practice in line with the sustainability aspects of the built environment, and which gains more interest in the recent years in the field of research development. This study aspires to present the main advancements in the field of building integration modelling in the field of smart buildings. Emphasis is given on the integration of IoT applications into buildings smart operations. The study is structured in four sections, concerning the use of BIM in pre-, during- and post-construction life cycles of the project, as well as for other significant aspects. In the pre-construction stage, research trends in the field of building design and optimization, as well as for the environmental assessment of buildings' design with the use of BIM and LCA tools is presented. Issues related to the use of BIM for monitoring and coordination during construction, as well as for health and safety topics in the construction site are also analysed. An overview of recent studies in the area of applications for buildings smart operation with the use of IoT technologies, as well as for renovation projects, are considered in the analysis of the post-construction applications of BIM. Interoperability issues concerning data sharing between BIM related applications is presented, according to the recent advancements in standardization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Probability density functions of temperature distribution in buildings are presented. • The optimal position for phase change material- enhanced building elements is the interior edge. • The optimal type of phase change material for application depends on geographic location. • Energy payback time of phase change material-enhanced building elements is less than 7 days per m 2. The increasing popularity of phase change materials (PCM)-enhanced building products has initiated a scientific discussion concerning specific aspects of their applicability. This study aspires to provide justified answers to the research question of the optimal position of PCM into the building envelope, with emphasis on vernacular buildings, as well as to enlighten aspects of the appropriate melting behaviour of PCM materials. Parameters directly affecting the operation of the PCMs, namely their position within the building envelope, the external environmental conditions and the prevailing interior environmental conditions, have been investigated under diverse climatic conditions with the use of finite element method (FEM). The probability density function (PDF) of the temperature distribution at specific locations within the building envelope, at which realistically PCM layers can exist were derived, revealing the fact that in the case of non-conditioned indoor spaces, the PCM layer should actually be incorporated into the inner surface of the wall. The analysis was also conducted for different orientations and locations of the European continent, providing sufficient answers concerning the appropriate melting temperature of PCMs in the case of non-conditioned buildings. The environmental assessment of building envelopes incorporating PCM building products has also been examined, delivering the energy pay-back time of the PCM-enhanced building products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a simulation tool for the design optimization of Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) solar water heaters using a prototype solar device as reference. The prototype is a commercially available ICS with Compound Parabolic Concentrating (CPC) reflector, installed in the island of Crete, Greece. The aim of this study is to evaluate the optimal sizing of the CPC reflector, aiming at the highest performance of the system, the lowest environmental impacts and the minimization of the production cost. For the environmental profile of the model, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was employed. The implemented multi objective nonlinear optimum design of the ICS systems based on the results of the LCA. The environmental parameters in operation mode were evaluated using additional subroutines and functions of the code, which based on RETScreen Expert software examples. The analysis was implemented for different reflector configurations and storage types. The investigated configurations were compared with previous ICS models, in order to define the design specifications for the fabrication of new solar devices. The results imply that the redesigned models improve the energy and environmental performance of the original systems whilst at the same time the total production cost was minimized. • Life Cycle Assessment as a methodological tool for the optimization of ICS. • Multi-objective algorithm for the energy-environment-cost optimization of the ICS. • The optimized ICS models exhibit increased energy efficiency (up to 9%). • The optimized ICS models exhibit reduced annual emissions (up to 20%). • The optimized ICS models exhibit reduced production cost (up to 23%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building physics research community is facing a challenge in evaluating the sustainability of modern buildings using digital tools and methods. Achieving carbon neutrality, the primary objective of the building industry, requires incorporating Industry 4.0 tools into current building evaluation procedures. To address this need, this research presents an Application Programming Interface (API) designed to facilitate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for entire buildings using information from Building Information Modelling (BIM) files. The study outlines the steps involved in developing a BIM-LCA API, including code development and validation with commercial software. The research identifies challenges in creating a uniform database platform for BIM-LCA, and the need for region-specific databases to provide automated material classification for measuring potential environmental consequences. The study also emphasizes the importance of establishing market-level sustainability standards through the development of relevant tools, training techniques, and procedures, and the need for national rating systems to align with these standards to achieve European climate adaptation and circularity goals. The assessment also identifies future challenges in the field and highlights the expected role of the European Union (EU) Level(s) sustainability scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities across Mediterranean Europe face common climatic threats. They are highly vulnerable and very likely to suffer losses and damages due to heat waves, droughts, wildfires, landslides, and extreme coastal events. To this date, however, there is no systematic understanding of how cities in Mediterranean Europe are preparing to adapt to these impacts. To address this question, we analyse local adaptation plans in 73 cities located in 51 regions across 9 European countries along the Mediterranean Sea (France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta). We also investigate upper levels of planning to understand the influence of policy environments. Across the sample, 67 % of regions have adopted a plan, but only 30 % of the cities. The most common climate-related hazards these cities prepare for are extreme temperatures and rainfall, followed by drought and water scarcity, as well as floods and landslides. Without legal obligations, neither regional nor national adaptation policy frameworks seem to influence the development of urban plans. In some cases, cities are ahead of national policy. This paper sheds light on the progress of local adaptation planning in Mediterranean Europe and paves the way for further research in this climate-threatened geographical area. [Display omitted] • ME faces severe climate hazards, faster and stronger than global averages. • We analyse adaptation plans in 73 cities across 51 regions and 9 ME countries. • 30 % of cities and 67 % of regions in Mediterranean Europe have adaptation plans. • Regions plan more for adaptation when action plans from national governments are in place. • Common concerns are urban temperature and rainfall, drought, and water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classification of the energy efficiency of buildings with the use of the energy performance certificate, constitutes a common practice for the building energy assessment performance community. The main stream in the field is the so-called asset rating, that is the calculation of the energy performance of buildings, whereas another option for the definition of the energy class of a building relies on its measured performance, named operational rating. Despite the fact that significant progress has been achieved in the field of smart sensors and smart buildings, effective solutions related to the employment of Industry 4.0 practices, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) or digital twins are not employed for the operational rating of buildings energy performance. This study aspires to introduce a comprehensive framework for the operational assessment of buildings energy performance, with the use of advanced tools and practices for building digitization. For the purpose of this study, a relevant set of operational indicators was employed, with the purpose to provide information, both to the landlords and the tenants, related to the actual energy performance of the building. The novelty of this study relies on the fact that for the extraction of the operational rating, a digital twin environment was used, employing smart sensors, real time measurements and a BIM environment. Within this study, the proposed concepts are demonstrated in a case study building of mixed used. This study aims to shed light to the development of practices for the remote and smart real time energy assessment of building units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Case study for testing mock target IR Thermography technique under transient conditions. • Mock target IR Thermography was proven in concept for non intrusive measurement of stratification. • Results reveal good reponse of the technique under transient conditions with average time lag of 15 min. • Results confirmed with validated numerical model, and extend the scope of the assessment under diverse conditions. Mock Target IR Thermography for indoor air temperature measurement has been proven as an effective methodology for steady-state conditions. This method uses vertical poles of known emissivity placed in a space to measure air temperature by employing IR thermography. Compared to thermocouple / point-by-point measurement, this technique allows obtaining air temperature values in a continuous line. Several poles can be installed in a space ensuring the collection of a large amount of air temperature data entries by taking a single IR image, whereas measurements in large spaces with hundreds of thermocouples would require complicated wiring and data collection hardware. However, for this approach to be more widely considered, such measurement techniques should be adaptable for transient conditions as well, as air temperature can fluctuate and change due to external climatic conditions, occupancy or faults in HVAC equipment. This work aims to investigate if IR Thermography which was only tested in steady-state conditions can be applied to conditions of transient variation of indoor air temperature. For this purpose, measurements under lab conditions and numerical analysis with the use of finite element modelling (FEM) were performed. Specifically, measurements were carried out by using both Mock Target IR thermography and thermocouples, to investigate the precision of IR-obtained transient data. The experiments were conducted in the environmental chamber under controlled conditions. Three types of heating systems (underfloor heating, radiator heating, and ventilation heating) were investigated to ensure that the method is tested under conditions of different heat-emitting devices, as well as different convection and radiation ratios. Validated numerical models were developed using the FEM Multiphysics approach, to extend the scope of the assessment under various conditions and to observe the difference between the mock target pole temperature and air temperature. It was concluded that the mock target IR Thermography performance was accurate for the case of transient air temperature, as well as for different rates of temperature change, with an average temperature deviation of 0.4 [%] according to the experimental measurements and 1.74 [%] based on the numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigation of post-constructive use of different PCM coatings under diverse environmental conditions. • Use of a validated finite elements numerical model is utilized, as well as Life Cycle Assessment. • Holistic determination of the optimal application conditions of PCM coatings. • The overall environmental performance of the investigated structural elements is defined. • PCM results to energy savings from 0.24 up to 29,84 [kWh/m2a] and energy payback periods from 0.81 to 19.40 years. In recent years, the post-constructive application of phase changing materials (PCMs) as coating to improve the thermal behavior of buildings, is gaining more ground. The question that arises concerns the required properties that these materials should have under different environmental conditions, in order to achieve optimal energy savings. Another issue concerns the overall evaluation of PCMs, considering sustainability assessment practices, a fact which is often neglected in PCM studies. This work investigates the post-constructive use of different PCM coatings under diverse environmental conditions, as well as for different structural elements. In the context of this work, a validated finite elements numerical model is utilized, as well as Life Cycle Assessment practices, for the holistic determination of the optimal application conditions of PCM coatings. The work examines the application of PCM coatings in 8 different structural elements, for diverse meteorological conditions in Europe, for all major buildings' orientations. Life Cycle Assessment is also employed to determine the overall environmental performance of the investigated structural elements. In certain cases, the study revealed that PCM implementation can contribute to energy savings, varying from 0.24 up to 29,84 [kWh/m2a] and energy payback periods from 0.81 to 19.40 years. The purpose of this study is to provide informed answers with regard to the post-constructive application of PCM in existing structures for the energy upgrade of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities across the globe recognise their role in climate mitigation and are acting to reduce carbon emissions. Knowing whether cities set ambitious climate and energy targets is critical for determining their contribution towards the global 1.5 °C target, partly because it helps to identify areas where further action is necessary. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the mitigation targets of 327 European cities, as declared in their local climate plans. The sample encompasses over 25% of the EU population and includes cities of all sizes across all Member States, plus the UK. The study analyses whether the type of plan, city size, membership of climate networks, and its regional location are associated with different levels of mitigation ambition. Results reveal that 78% of the cities have a GHG emissions reduction target. However, with an average target of 47%, European cities are not on track to reach the Paris Agreement: they need to roughly double their ambitions and efforts. Some cities are ambitious, e.g. 25% of our sample (81) aim to reach carbon neutrality, with the earliest target date being 2020.90% of these cities are members of the Climate Alliance and 75% of the Covenant of Mayors. City size is the strongest predictor for carbon neutrality, whilst climate network(s) membership, combining adaptation and mitigation into a single strategy, and local motivation also play a role. The methods, data, results and analysis of this study can serve as a reference and baseline for tracking climate mitigation ambitions across European and global cities. • 78% of cities have a mitigation plan with targets (avg. 47% GHG reduction). • Only 25% of cities strive for carbon neutrality, most by 2050, avg. By 2045. • 90% of cities striving for carbon neutrality are members of a climate network. • Ambition is driven by city size, climate networks, M-A combination, local motivation. • European cities must double their ambitions to meet the aims set by the Paris Agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural waste mapping is an indispensable tool for the development and adoption of sustainable waste management practises in the agricultural sector. Current practices of agricultural plastic waste (APW) management in countries with large agricultural areas and thus high generation volumes of APW include uncontrollable disposal in fields or near water sources, or uncontrolled burning of the waste. These practices lead to irreversible deterioration of the natural environment through land and soil contamination, contamination of freshwater resources, air pollution and also pose public health issues. Given these negative effects on the environment, spatial prediction of APW generation becomes significant in sustainable agriculture. This dataset consists of the coordinates of the agricultural plots identified in the Republic of Cyprus and the area in square meters covered by agricultural greenhouses. The dataset has been used to perform APW generation mapping and predict the national generation quantities of waste low- density polyethylene (LDPE). The collection of the data is included in sixteen tables separated per geographical area-cluster. The agricultural plastic waste (APW) generation mapping was conducted with the use of up-to-date statistics from Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organization (CAPO), geographic information system (GIS) and satellite imagery., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships which have, or could be perceived to have, influenced the work reported in this article., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.)