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Timber is arguably the oldest construction materials that human have used since the dawn of civilization. Since the last few centuries, the invention of concrete and steel materials has limited timber uses to small and medium structural applications. The renaissance of timber construction has been felt recently due to the emergence of engineered massive timber elements that can perform similar structurally to that of concrete. The main objective of this paper is to study feasibility using massive timber element in building to be constructed in the futuristic city LINE-NEOM, Saudi Arabia. The main motivation of this study is the sustainability aspect of timber that can contribute to zero carbon emission for buildings, which will be one of the major environmentally friendly goals for LINE. Literature survey was conducted to demonstrate that timber is promising construction material for future building. A comparative case study of multi-story building constructed using traditional reinforced concrete and massive timber elements was performed. One particular type of massive timber element called Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) was used in this study. Key structural performance of building was compared using applicable design code criteria. Furthermore, carbon emission of buildings constructed with reinforced concrete and CLT was analyzed and compared. The structural analysis and design results indicated that the CLT building was acceptable in term of lateral deformation or drift under critical combination of lateral and gravity loads. The carbon emission comparison showed that CLT building outperformed the reinforced concrete building significantly. As was anticipated, the CLT building stored significant amount of carbon making it an excellent alternative materials for buildings in LINE that has goal to be zero-net carbon's city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation abstract Life cycle assessment in structural and façade designThe following article describes the implementation of life cycle assessment methods as a design and decision‐making tool in the planning processes of an engineering practice. The application is explained using practical project examples in structural and facade engineering. Specific design scenarios are shown. It is described which design decisions were supported and influenced by corresponding analyses and how they developed during the project. Specific calculation examples serve as a practical illustration and are intended to provide inspiration for structural and facade planners. The current building and planning legal framework is briefly explained in order to evaluate the methods presented in terms of their effect on the ecological footprint of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explore how expertise and responsibility are discursively intertwined in professional media. Based on quotations from building and real-estate industry professionals in news texts concerning sustainable building and housing, we identified three responsibility-related discourses: responsibility as a strategic professional vision, responsibility as techno-material expertise, and responsibility as a communal and societal orientation. These discourses of responsible expertise are important for voicing professional perspectives and emphasizing corporate social responsibility (CSR). In the sustainability transition, industry professionals are balancing between organizational and industry-level motives, between utility perspectives for "us" and "others," and between managing impressions of doing good for the industry and for citizens or society at large. Through and with journalism, these professionals disseminate both individual and organizational expertise to the public in order to "make the industry and the whole society better and more sustainable." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have often identified and ranked the most frequently reported barriers to green building (GB) implementation in a limited geographical scope. This study aims to address this gap by identifying critical GB barriers in developing countries, based on a comprehensive review in 30 countries worldwide. In addition, this research specifies which of these barriers are weightier and have a greater impact on GB implementation. On the other hand, using a PESTEL framework, this study analyzes the macro-environmental features that should be taken into account by the construction industry when making decisions to set out long-term GB strategies. To achieve this aim, 27 barriers were identified and categorized into the PESTEL framework. Likert scale- and AHP-based questionnaire surveys were completed by experienced experts in both green and conventional buildings. Results indicated that economic barriers are ranked as the most significant barriers hindering GB adoption. It also confirmed that the perceptions of the barriers criticality from a different group of respondents were significantly dissimilar. Furthermore, comparing the results with studies in China, India, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Ghana highlights the need for such studies to better understand the critical barriers to GB adoption in countries that decided to expand GB practices. The results of this study contribute to bridging the gap in knowledge on GB barriers in developing countries as well as helping industry practitioners and policymakers to develop suitable strategies to remove the barriers and promote the widespread GB for more sustainable built environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the diverging timber architecture in Japan and South Korea, by means of a cross-country comparative study. The significance of this research lies in its examination of the different trajectories of timber architecture between Japan and South Korea. The novelty and contribution of this research are underscored by its provision of a novel cross-cultural perspective. The research methodology incorporates sophisticated techniques, such as Means-End Chain and Extended Association Pattern Technique (EAPT) respectively. The high degree of respondent agreement, as measured by Fleiss’ kappa coefficient (κ = 0.86), lends robustness to the examination of consumer preferences and perceptions. Key findings of the study reveal that Japanese consumers place a high priority on “energy efficiency,” and seeking a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design elements. In contrast, South Korean consumers prioritize “modern and aesthetic” aspects, favor contemporary and innovative designs. Furthermore, the study finds that younger Japanese consumers strongly value sustainability, while older consumers demonstrate a similar level of engagement with wooden multistory housing. Additionally, urban residents in both Japan and South Korea prioritize practicality and modern aesthetics, whereas rural residents in both countries show a preference for traditional aesthetics. The practical applications underscore diverse preferences and guide culturally tailored housing policies.

First-year engineering students are often introduced to the engineering design process through project-based learning situated in a concrete design context. Design contexts like mechanical engineering are commonly used, but students and teachers may need more options. In this article, we show how sustainable building design can serve as an alternative for students of diverse backgrounds and with various interests. The proposed Net Zero Energy Challenge is an engineering design project in which students practice the full engineering design cycle to create a virtual house that generates renewable energy on-site, with the goal to achieve net zero energy consumption. Such a design challenge is made possible by Aladdin, an integrated tool that supports building design, simulation, and analysis within a single package. A pilot study of the Net Zero Energy Challenge at a university in Mid-Atlantic United States suggests that around half of the students were able to achieve the design goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The importance of lean and sustainability integration in sustainable construction (SC) has been extensively studied. However, a practical and thorough implementation methodology addressing the project life cycle phases is still inadequate. The present study has developed a novel phase-wise sustainable–lean implementation methodology for high-rise residential projects. Design/methodology/approach: The current study has identified the 50 direct conceptual interactions between 11 lean principles and 11 sustainability criteria encompassing 44 different attributes covering 174 sustainability actions. A panel of nine experts validated these interactions, and 50 integration vectors were proposed addressing different phases of the project life cycle of high-rise residential buildings. The experts also analysed the identified integration vectors for their current and likely future implementation in high-rise residential projects. Findings: The interactions between lean and sustainability principles led to the development of a phase-wise implementation methodology. The experts' survey responses on the current level of implementation revealed that 40, 32 and 28% of integration vectors were implemented rarely, sometimes, and frequently, respectively. For likely future implementation, 28 and 72% integration vectors were reported as very likely and extremely likely to implement, respectively. This survey response highlighted the usefulness of identified integration vectors for enhancing the sustainability of high-rise residential projects. Originality/value: The proposed sustainable–lean implementation methodology acts as a comprehensive guideline for implementing a lean approach to achieve the objectives of SC in high-rise residential projects. This may facilitate the transition from conventional to sustainable building practices using a lean approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the urgent need for energy-efficient retrofitting in rural residential buildings across China, where older construction methods compromise energy performance and sustainability. Conducting a systematic review of studies from 2021 to 2023, the research examines current retrofitting practices. It identifies significant gaps in the adoption of sustainable materials, passive design elements, and their local adaptability. This review period reflects heightened policy initiatives under China's Dual-Carbon Goals, aiming to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, which accelerated efforts in sustainable retrofitting across rural areas. Key findings indicate a gradual adoption of advanced retrofitting methods, yet significant obstacles remain, such as financial limitations, insufficient policy support, and lack of technical expertise. A closer examination highlights innovations like advanced insulation materials, photovoltaic systems, and simulation models as dual-benefit tools for energy efficiency and cultural preservation. Despite advancements, integrating policy support frameworks, financial incentives, and community-based strategies are crucial to overcoming existing barriers. This study emphasizes the importance of culturally adaptive retrofitting solutions tailored to rural contexts, suggesting that these strategies are essential to encourage wider acceptance and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, this review provides a comprehensive overview of effective retrofitting practices and underscores the need for holistic policy mechanisms and economic models to advance China's sustainability objectives in rural housing.

In Saudi Arabia, where the majority of regions receive a minimum incident shortwave solar energy exceeding 4 kWh/(m2. year), there is a high potential for electricity generation and simultaneously, a challenge in building cooling. In this study, by adding photovoltaic (PV) on the roof and wall, as well as using phase change material (PCM) inside the walls, electricity production and energy consumption of Saudi residential buildings were investigated. Taking into account the effects of radiation on vertical and horizontal envelopes as well as phase change in PCM, the energy equation was solved using DesignBuilder to specify hourly energy consumption and electricity generation. When installing PV cells at the optimal tilt, incoming radiation to the cells increases. However, creating shadows on subsequent rows of cells diminishes the effective PV surface area. Surprisingly, calculations revealed that if PV cells are installed at zero angle, owing to installing more PV cells, up to 31 % extra electricity is produced than when installed at the optimal tilt. As a side effect, the cooling load decreases by 5.1 % due to reduced radiation intensity on the roof. The orientation of the walls significantly impacts both phase change material (PCM) and PV-associated electricity generation. Placing PCM on the east wall optimizes its performance, while walls containing PV panels perform best when facing south. To further enhance cooling and reduce electricity demand, phase change material was incorporated into both the roof and wall, resulting in a 2 % reduction in overall electricity demand. Notably, in eight major populated areas across Saudi Arabia, under the constraint of the constant PV cell area, installing PV cells on the roof proves three times more advantageous than placing them on the walls.

Implementing Circular Economy principles in the built environment is of utmost importance to reduce raw material extraction and generated waste. A transition is essential, especially as it is responsible for about 40% - 60% of global raw material extraction and 33% of total waste in the European Union. This paper shows the methodological approach to generate a digital Building model to enable Circular Economy in the early design stage, by coupling Generative Design methods, enabling automated variant generation of Digital building models, to Building Information Modelling-objects, and assessment-algorithms to evaluate the environmental impact and circularity. By visualizing the assessments of the generated variants of (so-called) Circular Twins in a Virtual Reality environment, including user interaction with a voice-controlled virtual Agent, the digital Circular Twin ecosystem enables the early implementation of the goals of the circular economy and sustainability in Architecture, Engineering and Construction.

Green building’s development reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and reduces the total negative environmental effect. The main objective of this research is to develop a model for the implementation of green practises in the public sector constructions in India. We aimed to assess local construction professionals' knowledge and comprehension of green building construction in the public sector by distributing an empirical questionnaire to them. Participants were asked to rate their knowledge, understanding, and importance of the eight withholding factors and six contributing factors identified in the seminal literature. We use analysis techniques like descriptive and factor analysis such as descriptive and factor analyses to analyse the survey responses. A comprehensive model proposed to facilitate the purpose of promoting the successful adoption of green building practises within India's public sector construction projects was primarily based on the insights gained from factor analysis. Based on the findings of this study, the author suggests a model for implementing green building techniques in Indian public sector constructions. The model discusses obstacles to green building initiatives, considers implementation variables, and offers suggestions such as policy ease, and green building promotion.

In urban areas facing water stress, rainwater harvesting is essential. This paper proposes a passive rainwater harvesting system as a viable alternative for ensuring a clean water supply. The study introduces an innovative and original design for rainwater harvest. The presentation of the system is performed by analysis of efficiency and reliability of the system analytically. The optimal storage volume is determined through a 22-year precipitation data analysis using the mass balance method, ensuring high efficiency. Payback periods for various consumptions and tank sizes are calculated, showing shorter periods compared to active systems since the proposed system does not use electrical energy. The results demonstrate that 350 m3 of storage volume can assure 99% efficiency when potable water consumption is 0.01 m3/person/day. The payback period of the system was calculated to be between 5 and 10 years. The proposed system can be considered as an appropriate rainwater harvest alternative for existing buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable buildings contribute significantly to achieving sustainable development and provide many benefits. However, sustainable building construction projects are riskier than traditional construction projects. Thus, this research aimed to identify and assess the risks in sustainable construction projects in Jordan based on their probabilities of occurrence and impacts on time and cost. For this purpose, a literature review and structured interviews were performed to identify the risks. Additionally, questionnaire surveys were conducted, and the relative relevance index and analytic hierarchy process were utilized to assess the probabilities and impacts of these risks on time and cost. After that, a focus group discussion was conducted. According to the the risks' probability and impacts on time and cost, the top-scoring risks include changes to the original design, budgeting inaccuracies owing to a lack of experience with sustainable building projects, additional costs incurred as a result of the use of sustainable building construction materials and equipment, inadequate or inaccurate sustainable design information, insufficient funds from clients, inadequate project planning for a sustainable building project, a tight project schedule for a sustainable building project, and insufficient identification of sustainable construction's scope. This research contributes to the body of knowledge and practice by providing a novel integrated method for assessing risks in sustainable building construction projects in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing circular economy principles in the built environment significantly reduces raw material extraction and generated waste. A transition is essential, especially as it accounts for 40-60% of global raw material extraction and 33% of total waste in the European Union. This paper shows the methodological approach to generating a digital Building model to enable circular economy in the early design stage by coupling Generative Design methods, enabling automated variant generation of Digital building models, Building Information Modelling objects, and assessment algorithms to evaluate the environmental impact and circularity. By visualising the assessments of the generated variants of (so-called) Circular Twins in a Virtual Reality environment, including user interaction with a voice-controlled Virtual Agent, the digital Circular Twin ecosystem enables the early implementation of the goals of the circular economy and sustainability in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building sector contributes significantly to global final energy consumption and energy-related CO2 emissions. The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient passive buildings with a minimal ecological footprint has increased due to the global energy crisis, climate change, and environmental concerns. This need can be met by constructing passive buildings. However, to develop a building that is truly passive, it is required to meet many passive house conditions, negligible for typical buildings, which increase the project complexity and pose challenges and risks threatening its successful completion. The aim of this work is to present the findings from a quantitative risk analysis in passive construction based on the results of expert surveys that were carried out using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview. Feedback from expert surveys covering the experience of 748 passive buildings projects from seven countries (Poland, Germany, Great Britain, the United States, Australia, Spain, and Austria) allowed us to access the frequency of occurrence, severity, detectability, and Risk Priority Numbers of the 32 risk factors identified in passive buildings projects. Those risk factors were identified based on literature research, risk interviews, scenario analysis, brainstorm sessions with passive buildings specialists, and our own observations of passive buildings projects. This study revealed that incorrect costing was the most frequent issue; complicated, non-compact building shapes with an unfavorable area-to-volume ratio had the highest severity of effects; the wrong interpretation of correctly prepared drawings and details obtained from the designer had the lowest detectability; and incorrect costing had the highest Risk Priority Number. In addition, this study allowed us to identify a narrow group of critical risk factors that are the most significant (have the highest RPN) and to which special attention should be paid in the risk-management process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The situation of depopulation that rural Spain has been experiencing for more than half a century has led to the progressive abandonment and loss of traditional architecture in agroforestry environments. In the current context, where sustainability criteria set a paradigm, the rescue and reuse of these traditional constructions (farmhouses, farmhouses, inns, corrals, etc.) represents in itself a sustainable action. Implementing low environmental impact and economically viable architectural solutions that contribute to the revitalisation of rural heritage is a very good opportunity to develop and apply new methodologies and materials in sustainable construction processes and systems, as set out in the European Green Pact and, specifically, in the European Bioeconomy Strategy and the Energy Efficiency Directive. Under these principles, this work proposes an intervention methodology that allows the integration of the pre-existing architecture with prefabricated elements made of wood and cork as ecological materials. As an example of the application of this methodology, the intervention for the rehabilitation of a rural building in ruins is presented in order to be used for public use, specifically as an interpretation centre for an Iberian archaeological site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings plays a pivotal role in realizing the ambitious objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal. Roofs represent the technical element most affected by energy phenomena related to heat transfer: in winter, roofing can lose up to 35% of heat, and the summer heat flux can even be higher. This paper provides a catalogue of optimized and sustainable solutions, with a specific focus on standardization and prefabrication principles, for enhancing the energy efficiency of the most prevalent types of roofs that characterize the national residential building heritage. The methodological approach that guided the research presented in this article was based on the identification and study of the most common roofings in the diverse national residential building heritage, followed by their classification according to their construction era. In the context of essential energy retrofitting of deteriorated residential building stock, 21 optimized standardized solutions have been identified. The outcome of performance evaluations of the proposed solutions allowed the implementation of a matrix that can be a valuable support for designers in selecting the most efficient precalculated and prefabricated solutions for the national residential building heritage based on energy performance and sustainability criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable flood protection in two respects The coastline of the island of Sylt is known to be subject to erosion, particularly in the area of the Westerland seawall. In order to prevent the progressive erosion of the coastline, the existing seawall, originally built in 1912 and reinforced in 1923, had to be preserved in its protective function. This was also decisive and had to be taken into account in the construction of the new building. The entire flood protection system was in a poor condition, so there was an acute need for action. In addition to remedying the poor condition of the existing seawall, an increase in the height of the coastal protection system was planned and implemented, taking future climate change into account. The current wall height no longer met the technical standard to ward off storm surge events. The new flood protection system has a protection level of +6.95 m above sea level according to the current technical standard. In the future, the wall can be raised to NHN +7.45 m with relatively little effort and thus already takes account of the expected climate change. Sustainable construction in two respects, preserving the existing building and taking into account future adaptation to climate change. The construction company Gebr. Echterhoff GmbH & Co. KG – Hamburg branch – successfully carried out the construction of five sections out of a total of nine, with a length of approx. 355 m and a total length of approx. 665 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work is dedicated to enhancing sustainability through improved energy efficiency in buildings, with a specific focus on heating and cooling control and the optimization of thermal comfort of occupants. With an energy consumption of more than 60% in buildings, HVAC systems are the biggest energy users. By integrating advanced technology, data algorithms, and digital twins, our study aims to optimize energy performance effectively. We have developed a Neural Network-based Model Predictive Control (NNMPC) to achieve this goal. Leveraging technologies such as MQTT communication, Wi-Fi modules, and field-programmable gate arrays will enhance scalability and flexibility. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of the NNMPC system deployed on the PYNQ board for reducing sensible thermal energy usage for both cooling and heating purposes. Compared to traditional On/Off control systems, the NNMPC achieved an impressive 40.8% reduction in heating energy consumption and a 37.8% decrease in cooling energy consumption in 2006. In comparison to the On/Off technique, the NNMPC demonstrated a 25.6% reduction in annual heating energy consumption and a 28.8% drop in annual cooling energy consumption in the simulated year of 2017. We observed that, across all strategies and platforms, there were no instances where the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) fell below − 0.5 . However, a significant proportion of PMV values (ranging from 65% to 83%) were observed between − 0.5 and 0.5, signifying a high level of occupant comfort. Additionally, for PMV values between 0.5 and 1.0, percentages ranged from 16% to 33% for both years. Importantly, the NNMPC exhibited notable efficiency in maintaining occupants' comfort within this range, requiring less energy while ensuring highly satisfactory environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the development of new eco-friendly building materials for the production of lightweight partitions has become a challenge in order to advance towards the industrialization of the building sector. This work aims to design, characterize, and analyze the possibilities of applying innovative ecological gypsum composites lightened with hemp. To achieve this, samples have been prepared with partial replacement of 15% and 30% in volume of the original gypsum material by adding hemp both in the form of powder and fiber. The results show how the replacement of 15% of gypsum by hemp fiber with a length between 8 and 12 mm improves the flexural strength of the composites. Likewise, all the dosages prepared for this study have met the minimum requirements for mechanical strength required by current regulations, while also improving the water resistance behavior of gypsum composites. However, the main advantage derived from the use of these hemp-lightened gypsum-based materials lies in their reduced thermal conductivity, being up to 50% lower than that obtained for traditional materials. These results suggest the possible application of these materials to produce prefabricated boards and panels for a more sustainable construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accounting for the embodied carbon in construction materials and calculating the carbon footprint of entire construction projects in life-cycle assessments is a rapidly developing area in the construction industry. Carbon emission accounting relies on inventories that claim to represent the values of carbon contained in materials. However, these values vary between different carbon inventories. This scoping review identifies academic research on the carbon inventories used in Australia, as well as the methods used to compare these inventories. The study was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We identified 182 papers and narrowed these down to 11 that complied with the objectives of this study. Data for a range of construction materials were compared in these papers, as were the methods used to calculate the values. While some carbon inventories were used frequently, no clear preference for the method of calculating carbon values was apparent. The system boundaries also varied between publications, and a range of functional units was used. There was agreement that the variables involved in calculating carbon values for building materials are compounded by the practical issues of extracting and manufacturing materials in different regional or local conditions, cultures, and technological situations. It is therefore understandable that different inventories store different values when so many factors need to be considered. There is thus a clear need for agreement to be reached about standardisation of the processes involved. If the trustworthiness of the data stored in carbon inventories is questionable, so too are the outcomes of subsequent activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing is an essential component of the living environment, and it has a substantial effect on physical and mental well-being. Multiple housing factors, including inadequate ventilation, overcrowding, construction materials, and exposure to allergens and pollutants, have been linked to a variety of diseases, such as respiratory ailments and dermatologic, rheumatologic, and cardiovascular disorders. The present narrative review shows the current state of knowledge in the field by centralizing and evaluating scientific publications with a focus on this linkage, detailing the implications for health status and the benefits of using natural materials in construction, implementing green building concepts, and applying technological transfer, where various decision factors can contribute to improving quality of life. Therefore, it is achievable to enhance the indoor air quality (IAQ) by promoting ventilation and air filtration, decreasing mold and moisture, and employing low-emitting materials in building construction and development. Overall, promoting healthy housing environments through an enhanced IAQ and using sustainable building practices can have a substantial positive effect on public health. To reduce the risk of housing-related diseases, future research should concentrate on identifying the most effective interventions to improve the living environment–health condition axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of global industrialization and urbanization has led to the excessive use of non-renewable energy sources and the alarming release of greenhouse gases within the construction industry. In response, adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials has emerged as a vital solution for achieving the international sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. This review discusses the potential benefits of incorporating biochar-based bricks and insulation materials, focusing on their preparation methods, material properties, emission reduction capabilities, effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing thermal insulation, and promising economic prospects. The major points are: (1) Biochar-based materials offer significant potential for reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and enhancing their thermal insulation properties. (2) With a thermal conductivity ranging from 0.08 to 0.2 W/(m·K), biochar insulation materials contribute to reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. (3) Replacing one ton of cement with biochar in brick production can substantially reduce 1351–1505 kg CO2-eq over the entire life cycle. (4) Using biochar as part of concrete insulation saves about 59–65 kg of carbon dioxide per ton while offering clear economic benefits. Although biochar insulation is comparatively more expensive than traditional insulation materials like fiberglass and foam, its energy-saving advantages can balance the extra cost. (5) Biochar insulation is derived from organic waste, contributing to improved recyclability, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Graha Amarilis inpatient building has high Energy, Water, and material consumption because it operates 24 hours daily. The building's performance must be evaluated based on green building standards to ensure the sustainability of the building and the environment surrounding it. This study aims to determine the performance of green buildings and optimize the Graha Amarilis inpatient building. A combined strategy of case studies with simulations is used as research methodology. Field surveys and measurements were carried out on research cases and digitally modeled using Autodesk REVIT. Then, building performance analysis calculations are carried out using the EDGE Building application simulation method, which presents data on green rating of Energy, Water, and Material saving in buildings. The results of this study were obtained on energy and water items that had not reached green building rating in EDGE Building by 20%. So, optimizing energy items at points EEM 18, EEM 07, and EEM 33 and Water at points WEM 01, WEM 02, WEM 14, and WEM 15 is necessary. Finally, after several simulations on that item, Energy saving consumption becomes 20.07 %, Water 34.69%, and Material 23.00%. With these adjustments, the Graha Amarilis inpatient Building can reach the green building standards and become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the challenges that mineral and metallic resources represent for the building sector, there is a need to propose decision-support tools to building stakeholders. One of the possibilities could be to integrate an indicator of pressure on mineral resources in an absolute environmental sustainability assessment (AESA) approach, using life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. This paper will analyze the existing LCIA indicators that can be used to represent the impact on mineral resources of new constructions, with a case study on new buildings in France in 2015. This analysis aims to find out whether the existing LCIA methods dealing with mineral and metallic resources issues are adapted to the specific stakes of the building sector in an AESA approach. The AESA approach considered is the one proposed by Bjørn and Hauschild. Several steps are detailed in this paper. Firstly, bibliographic research was carried out to identify existing LCIA methods related to the mineral resources. Secondly, selection criteria were defined in order to select those LCIA methods relevant for the building sector. Thirdly, the scope of the case study was defined and its inventory analysis was conducted using the Ecoinvent 3.5 database, selecting only the mineral and metallic input flows. Finally, the comparison between the inventory of mineral and metallic flows issued from the inventory analysis and the substances considered in the selected LCIA methods was effected. The results show that none of the existing LCIA methods are compatible with the aim of developing an LCIA indicator for mineral and metallic resources that is compatible with an AESA approach, in particular for the building sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual production of plastic waste worldwide has doubled in just two decades, with approximately 390 million tonnes of plastic waste now being generated. In this context, the construction industry must move towards the development of new, more sustainable materials made under circular economy criteria. In this work, a physico-mechanical characterisation of gypsum composites with the incorporation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste, replacing 2–4–6–8–10% by volume of the original raw material, has been conducted. The results show how the incorporation of these plastic wastes improves the water resistance of the gypsum material without additions, as well as producing a decrease in thermal conductivity and greater resistance to impact. On the other hand, it has been found that, as the percentage of recycled raw material added increases, the mechanical resistance to bending and compression decreases, leading to fracture due to a lack of cohesion between the matrix and the waste. Nevertheless, in all the cases studied, mechanical strengths higher than those established by the EN 13279-2 standard were obtained. Thus, the results confirm the viability of these secondary raw materials to be used in the development of new products for sustainable building, especially in the design of prefabricated panels for false ceilings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chile, an Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA) has been developed to reduce concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in cities deemed "saturated" with these particles. The plan includes various measures, such as the thermal insulation of homes and the replacement of heaters. This study presents an analysis of the indices of four indoor air quality variables (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and PM 2.5) in different types of homes with varying levels of PDA implementation in the city of Temuco, Chile. Regarding the temperature variable, only one type of home was found to be within comfort limits, with an average of 20.6 °C and a variation of ±3.52 °C (SD). Concerning humidity, independently owned homes with complete and moderate ADP implementation had average humidity levels between 64.82% ± 7.19% and 55.6% ± 6.11%, respectively. For CO2, only homes with moderate implementation showed averages slightly below (average 991 ppm) the maximum allowed (1000 ppm). As for PM 2.5, all homes exceeded the standard, ranging from 44.4 µg/m3 to 130 µg/m3, with very high variations. This demonstrates that PM 2.5 concentrations consistently exceeded the limits established by the World Health Organization (15 µg/m3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased focus on sustainability in response to climate change has given rise to many new initiatives to meet the rise in building load demand. The concept of distributed energy resources (DER) and optimal control of supply to meet power demands in buildings have resulted in growing interest to adopt microgrids for a precinct or a university campus. In this paper, a model for an actual physical microgrid has been constructed in OPAL-RT for real-time simulation studies. The load demands for SIT@NYP campus and its weather data are collected to serve as input to run on the digital twin model of DERs of the microgrid. The dynamic response of the microgrid model in response to fluctuations in power generation due to intermittent solar PV generation and load demands are examined via real-time simulation studies and compared with the response of the physical assets. It is observed that the simulation results match closely to the performance of the actual physical asset. As such, the developed microgrid model offers plug-and-play capability, which will allow power providers to better plan for on-site deployment of renewable energy sources and energy storage to match the expected building energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable building production could be achieved through better economic efficiency, reduced site waste, and a safe working environment. The identification of the creation phase for each element in the building information model (BIM) is manually done by experienced engineers able to integrate technical construction constraints and an appropriate workflow of construction activities. It is a difficult and complex task to be done. Experienced engineers iterate this operation several times until an adequate solution is achieved without real possibility of optimization. The development of an assistance tool to optimize phase identification of BIM elements included in the repetitive floor plan considering varied evaluation criteria and technical construction constraints should lead to significant economic and environmental profits: reduction of needed construction resources and related waste, improvement of construction quality, and better conditions of site safety. The optimization tool presented in this paper provides better solutions for repetitive floor plans specifically through balanced quantities of work hours and a lower quantity of needed formworks. A reduction of around 10% of labour and 25% of non-used formwork is achieved, which significantly improves site safety, productivity, and profitability. The validity of the presented results is substantiated by multiple examples from real construction sites that have been analyzed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In response to escalating environmental challenges, this research underscores the pivotal role of sustainable construction practices, particularly focusing on bioclimatic design as a foundational element within the realm of sustainable architecture and environmental upgrading of buildings, within the broader context of sustainable urban planning. The study delves into the perspectives of residents in Cyprus concerning bioclimatic building design. Employing a quantitative methodology, the investigation aims to comprehensively assess homeowner views on the benefits, motivations, concerns, and preferred techniques associated with bioclimatic design. By comprehending these perspectives and contextual factors, this study identifies obstacles hindering broader implementation and illuminates why adoption remains limited, despite the potential for substantial energy and emissions reductions. The research also examines the background of respondents, such as heating/cooling systems, energy expenses, and upgrade preferences, to provide essential context for the findings. A structured questionnaire was administered to a stratified sample of 150 pedestrians in the Pafos area, ensuring a representative cross-section of the local population. This method allowed for a robust examination of demographic influences on opinions and an in-depth analysis of the impact of residential characteristics. The findings reveal a substantial influence of cost considerations in shaping decisions related to residential property development and the renovation of existing structures, contributing to the limitation of widespread adoption across the island. This influence persists even as a majority of respondents express a readiness to undertake building energy upgrades, among which, the most popular actions include the installation of specialized glass, the replacement of traditional air conditioning units with inverters, and the adoption of energy-efficient lighting. The research culminates in the proposal that introducing financial incentives has the potential to enhance homeowner participation in bioclimatic and energy upgrades. This recommendation is particularly salient in the climatic context of Cyprus, where the implementation of solar control measures emerges as a promising avenue for bolstering energy efficiency. In considering the socio-economic dimensions implicit in these findings, it becomes evident that the interplay between financial considerations and sustainable construction practices is a critical aspect. The identified barriers underscore the necessity for nuanced strategies and policy frameworks that address the socio-economic dimensions of bioclimatic design adoption. In this context, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the intricate relationship between financial factors and sustainable architectural practices, offering implications for future research endeavors and potential avenues for policy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst upcoming innovations on digital technology and renewable energy can have a significant impact on the reduction of operational carbon emissions in the construction industry, readily available fast-growing building materials like bamboo are already proving reductions in the embodied carbon of dwellings above 60% when compared to traditional brickwork in Colombia. This paper presents a like-by-like comparison of the environmental impact of a conventional clay brick house (CBH) and a bamboo house for social housing in Colombia, which was built using adapted vernacular technologies. The bamboo house uses bamboo species Guadua angustifolia Kunth as the main structural support for the light cement bamboo frame (LCBF) system, a.k.a. 'cemented bahareque', whilst the CBH combines clay bricks and steel for the load-bearing walls. Traditionally built Guadua angustifolia Kunth bahareque (GaKB) houses are a key part of the vernacular architecture in the 'coffee cultural landscape of Colombia' (CCLC) recognised by UNESCO. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to calculate the carbon footprint of the houses following four phases: (1) definition of objective and scope; (2) inventory analysis; (3) impact assessment; and (4) interpretation of results. The results show that the carbon footprint of the GaKB house accounts for about 40% of the CBH, i.e., the GaKB generates a carbon footprint of 107.17 CO2-eq/m2 whilst the CBH results in a carbon footprint of 298.44 kg CO2-eq/m2. Furthermore, from a carbon balance calculation, the carbon footprint of the GaKB house is further reduced to about 36% of the CSB house. LCA results for the built GaKB house demonstrate that vernacular housing projects that preserve cultural heritage can also be resilient and climate-neutral. This paper sets a precedent for the establishment of targeted government policies and industry practices that preserve the cultural heritage and vernacular technologies in the CCLC region and in other emergent economies worldwide whilst promoting future-proof and net-zero carbon construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern economic, social and environmental challenges require a new type of construction that ensures resilience, low construction costs and ease of maintenance. Material production, manufacturing of structural elements and final assembly should minimise the environmental impacts, such as greenhouse emissions and waste production. This review aims to identify the key routes of research and development required to address the environmental challenges the construction industry faces. It outlines recent advances and highlights the rising opportunities. The strategies with great perspectives include 3D concrete printing, prefabrication and modular construction, mortarless construction, development and utilization of sustainable, smart and composite materials, renewable energy systems and automation technologies including the Digital Twin technology. Hybrid approaches that combine traditional and novel construction methods present the greatest potential. Overall, collaboration between stakeholders is crucial in driving innovation and successfully implementing these advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]