bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond zero - Construction for a regenerative future
Authors: Persson U
Published: July 2024

This paper compiles a roadmap of considerations concerning zero impact, beyond zero (positive) impact of regenerative development of the construction process. This is described from a process point of view considering the whole lifecycle of a building, involved stakeholders, and the necessity of functional ecosystem services. Firstly, a review is made of the basics of regenerative development and how to adapt development through regenerative sustainability to single buildings. This follows with an important prerequisite of sustainability and regenerative buildings: the concept of a circular economy with deconstruction and disassembly in mind. Concerning the construction process, a review of the construction regenerative principles is made: the role of the client and their organisation, the stakeholder’s importance, the role of the construction site and the ecosystem services that are provided (or should be provided). Further, there are considerations of how a regenerative construction project can be managed, some important principles of regenerative design, procurement and contracting factors, regenerative issues during construction works, and the handover to the client. The construction process definition extends and continues with long-term regenerative operational management. Finally, it is how to verify all measures through the construction process and lifecycle processing of a building for regenerative development. The paper concludes with remarks regarding a road through steps of continual improvements toward a future regenerative construction process beyond zero environmental impacts promoting a living system wholeness.
Science for Policy: Insights from Supporting an EU Roadmap for the Reduction of Whole Life Carbon of Buildings
Authors: Röck M , Pristerá G , Ramon D , Van de moortel E , Mouton L , Kockat J , Toth Z , Allacker K
Published: July 2024

The European Union (EU) aims at climate-neutrality by 2050, necessitating a transformation of the entire economy, including the construction and buildings sectors. This study, initiated by the European Commission’s DG ENV, provides a basis for a roadmap to mitigate building-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a life cycle perspective. This paper presents methodological developments and findings for the baseline year 2020. The research assesses whole life cycle (WLC) GHG emissions from European buildings, covering various archetype buildings. It supports the creation of an EU roadmap to reduce WLC GHG emissions by 2050. The study employed attributional LCA and five key steps: 1) Characterization of building stock based on four climatic regions; 2) Selection of representative archetypes; 3) Modelling of building life cycle inventories; 4) life cycle assessment using the GWP indicator; 5) Upscaling of building results to the building stock level. The results emphasize the relevance of reducing both operational and embodied GHG emissions at both the individual building and building stock level. At the level of individual new buildings with advanced energy performance, embodied GHG emissions average 66% of life cycle emissions, ranging from 43% to 97%. At stock level, embodied GHG emissions make up 21% of whole life cycle GHG emissions, even though only about 1% of building stock area is newly constructed in the baseline year. The remaining 79% of WLC emissions are coming from the operation of existing buildings. Within the embodied emissions, new building production and construction process stages account for 55%, existing building’s use phase embodied contributes another 20%, and refurbishment of the existing stock makes up around 15%, while end-of-life processes contribute only 2%. The study provides a novel perspective on GHG emission in the life cycle of buildings and building stocks. It lays the groundwork for an EU roadmap to reduce WLC GHG emissions. Outcomes will aid policy formulation, target setting, and implementation of suitable GHG emission reduction strategies.
Developing a Data Infrastructure to obtain reference values, baselines, and benchmarks for the Whole Life Carbon implementation in buildings in Spain: INDICATE project.
Authors: Soust-Verdaguer B , García-Martínez A , Rey-Álvarez B , de Diego B , de la Fuente A , Fernández Gálvez M D , Castro Torres L , Röck M , García González L , Julián García M , Fernández P , Sicre Álvarez G , Cubero Cruz M , Alba Dorado J A
Published: July 2024

Currently, there is an urgent need to implement whole life carbon emissions reduction measures in Mediterranean regions. In the Spanish context, although there are several initiatives there is no national harmonised LCA method or national database of construction products with associated environmental data. This paper presents a summary of the methodology, preliminary results and lessons learnt from the INDICATE project Spain, whose focus on accelerating the data infrastructure for implementing WLC metrics in the building sector in Spain. It aims to provide a scientific-technical support to develop data of the national building stock harmonised with Level(s) framework and develop a robust national data infrastructure to conduct the WLC assessment, as well as providing agreed outcomes including reference values, baselines and benchmarks, contributing to the integration of the WLC in policy makers’ decisions, existing regulations, and market innovation, involving key actors from representative regions in Spain and creating a multi-stakeholder network. The method is based on three main pillars: co-creation, development of new data, and collection of real LCA data. Several areas for future action have been identified, including the application of data science and technologies such as AI for the analysis of synthetic and real cases and the address of specific data gaps.
Development of a Sustainable Built Environment Strategic Framework for Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung A , Kam M , Ip T , Leung MK , Chan M , Ng E , Chow B , Uppal T
Published: July 2024

In the wake of rapid urbanisation, cities around the world have increasingly faced sustainability challenges, affecting not only the natural environment, but also economic growth and social issues as well. Half of the world’s population lives in cities, and this will continue to increase. Growth without limits has become a phenomenon of big cities. The spread to outlying areas has resulted in less support for sub-urban areas in providing prevalent services. The Hong Kong Green Building Council is working with Arcadis cum Urbis on the development of a Sustainable Built Environment (SBE) Guide for Hong Kong. Through reviewing international and regional best practices, case studies, and relevant policies and initiatives; an integrated approach was adopted to identify and create synergies to generate new strategies and practices for a sustainable built environment. Knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement workshops were held to collect scholastic and professional views on those prospective strategies.
Integration of a Europe-wide public building database with retrofit strategies and a thermal inertia model into an open-source optimization framework
Authors: Hillen Maximilian , Schönfeldt Patrik , Groesdonk Philip , Hoffschmidt Bernhard
Published: July 2024

The building sector currently accounts for 40% of global energy consumption and one third of total greenhouse gas emissions, with a significant portion allocated to thermal energy supply. Achieving global climate goals requires the transition to renewables in energy supply systems. The cost efficiency first principle suggests that improving energy efficiency is a key measure on that way, which includes building envelope retrofits. Open-Source tools for optimization of building energy systems exist, e.g. the open energy system framework (oemof), a tool equipped with a comprehensive library of generic components that empowers energy system modeling and optimization. However, these tools typically lack the linkage between retrofit strategies and energy system optimization, do not consider the thermal inertia of the building in the operational optimization and require extensive input data. In this contribution, we present a new open-source feature of oemof that combines the 5RC thermal building model (based on ISO 13790) with the TABULA building database and makes them available for optimization workflows. This enables oemof to optimize the energy system design and operation, including the thermal inertia and controlling the indoor temperature within a comfort zone. The optimization is performed for three residential building retrofit states in hourly time steps with a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) approach. The chosen approach works with little input data for 20 European countries and allows the optimization of a wide range of residential buildings for three retrofit states. A case study demonstrates the applicability of the new method.
A Government Sustainable Building Rating Tool?
Authors: Gibberd J T
Published: July 2024

Some countries have significant public building backlogs. Schools, colleges, clinics, and hospitals still need to be built and existing infrastructure needs to be updated and refurbished. In addressing backlogs, there is the prospect of developing more sustainable buildings and infrastructure. However, often this opportunity is not taken, and the design and construction of public buildings continue to follow conventional unsustainable approaches. Reasons for this include the lack of a suitable sustainable building rating tool that aligns with government priorities. To address this gap, this study explores development a Government Sustainable Building Rating Tool (GSBRT). It investigates this for South Africa, a country with large public building backlogs. Government policy is analysed to establish the key development priorities and translate these into building performance criteria. These criteria are compared with criteria from an existing green building rating tool, to determine alignment. The study finds that while there is some overlap, there are also significant differences and that the conventional green building rating tool does not cater for some government sustainable development priorities. Recommendations are made for further research and development of a GSBRT as a means of addressing sustainability in government buildings.
Putting Green BIM in Practice – Optimizing the Application of Building Information Model For Green Building Assessments
Authors: Lo T , Au I , Liu P , Ng R C W , Ho M , Chin M
Published: July 2024

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and green building assessments are equally important for promoting efficiency, sustainability, and versatility in the design of new buildings. While both concepts aim to improve the management of environmental and sustainability data during building design, they are distinct and overseen by separate disciplines within a design team. Integrating both concepts and maximizing their potential in building design requires aligning data preparation processes and standardizing the business workflow. In this regard, the paper outlines the concept of Green BIM, which seeks to enhance the data management of BIM for green building assessments. The Green BIM concept comprises of several components: (i) standardization of guidelines for preparing data in BIM models for green building assessments, (ii) data conversion engine that translates BIM model data for green building assessments, (iii) assistive plugin that creates a downsized BIM model with just the appropriate amount of green building information in a common file format and (iv) capacity building activities to align practitioners’ understanding of BIM for green building assessments. The application of Green BIM was implemented in the iBEAM Unison platform and has yielded promising results. Therefore, by establishing effective coordination, the concept of Green BIM can be expanded to enhance the effectiveness of BIM in green building assessments.
Measuring Embodied Carbon of Buildings: A Review of Methodologies and Benchmarking Towards Net Zero
Authors: Tigani D , van Kan D , Tennakoon G , Geng L , Chan M
Published: July 2024

As the world strives towards achieving Net Zero emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings has become a crucial consideration in sustainable development. This research aims to review the current methodologies for measuring embodied carbon of buildings and explore benchmarking strategies towards achieving Net Zero. The literature review covers various methodologies for measuring embodied carbon, including life cycle assessment (LCA) and Whole Building LCA. It also examines the limitations of these methodologies, such as the lack of standardisation and difficulty in measuring embodied carbon for complex building systems. The report highlights the importance of benchmarking embodied carbon, which involves comparing the embodied carbon of a building to a standard industry average. This study also explores the strategies that can be used to reduce embodied carbon in buildings, including material substitution, design optimization, and construction waste reduction. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to reducing embodied carbon based on considering the entire life cycle of building materials and components. It highlights the potential benefits of implementing circular economy principles in reducing embodied carbon, as exemplified by material reuse and recycling. The study concludes that measuring embodied carbon is essential for achieving Net Zero emissions in the building industry. However, there is a need for standardisation and more robust methodologies to measure the embodied carbon of complex building systems. The study recommends the use of benchmarking as a strategy to incentivize the building industry to reduce embodied carbon. The report emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to reducing embodied carbon considering the potential benefits of implementing circular economy principles.
Digitalisation retrofitting and retro-commissioning towards carbon neutrality
Authors: Sat P , Choi D , Lo A , Chan C
Published: July 2024

The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) is committed to helping Hong Kong’s buildings to decarbonise and advance towards net zero emissions. In support of the Government’s recent announcement of striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, most of the commercial building owners are setting a long term reduction target. There are over 42,000 private buildings with about one-fifth of them are commercial that covering 66% of total energy consumption of Hong Kong, in which over 80% of them will be in existence in 2050. There is opportunity to reduce the operational carbon of existing buildings through replacement, retrofitting and retro-commissioning of existing building services installation. To understand whether the target is achievable in existing buildings, an energy performance assessment is required to be conducted by using operating data and corresponding key performance indicators (KPIs). The process of retro-commissioning, retrofitting and replacement should be digitalised by means of sensors, actuators and data management platform for assessing the change in performance before and after such improvement measures taken place in existing buildings.
Circular Building Strategies: A Categorization Framework
Authors: Wöhler A , Hollberg A , Rosado L , Wallbaum H
Published: July 2024

The concept of Circular Economy (CE) has been gaining increasing attention in the context of the built environment in recent years. Many different circular strategies for buildings, such as reusing structures, Design for Disassembly and Adaptability, have been frequently discussed in the literature, but a clear definition and framework are lacking. This study provides a categorization framework for circular strategies in new buildings laying the groundwork for a common understanding. The methodology involves an integrative review to synthesize relevant research analyzing circular building strategies in existing literature and case study reviews. The analysis revealed five key dimensions for categorizing the diverse strategies found in the publications: concept, level, approach, implementation time, and impact. Based on these findings, a framework has been proposed to help clarify the fundamental characteristics of different circular strategies. Overall, this study contributes to a common understanding of various circular strategies for new buildings. As a practical tool, the categorization framework facilitates the systematic analysis of circular strategies for both researchers and practitioners, enabling the identification of synergies and driving a holistic adoption of CE in the built environment.
Reviewing the critical factors for circular building design and construction
Authors: Motiei M , Iyer-Raniga U , Andamon M M
Published: July 2024

Buildings and associated stock have a negative environmental impact during construction and operation. The transition of the built environment to circular economy (CE) has become widely accepted due to growing concerns regarding the end of life of current building stock. This transition is highlighted as a step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for GHG emissions and decarbonisation by 2030 by the UN, and net zero targets by 2050 by peak bodies such as the World Green Building Council. To support this, focus on circular building (CB) has become paramount, especially at the building level, since circularity is associated with the dynamics of processes, materials, and stakeholders that enable optimising resources while minimizing waste throughout a building’s lifecycle. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing debate among professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector on the implementation of CE principles during the initial design phase of buildings. The uptake of CE presents challenges, primarily due to the cost and complexity associated with the design process and the absence of immediate economic value, as compared to traditional approaches. This paper presents a critical literature review of CE and examines the key design factors that contribute to the preliminary development of a framework for circular buildings to guide designers on the uptake of circularity.
Improving Circularity in Construction Through a BIM-Based Waste Management Framework
Authors: Fereydooni Eftekhari Alireza , Khodabakhshian Ania , Re Cecconi Fulvio , Daniotti Bruno
Published: July 2024

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, known for its significant resource consumption and waste production, requires a shift to a Circular Economy (CE) to address environmental challenges, focusing on reducing, recycling, and reusing materials to narrow, slow, and close material loops. The impact of CE in the AEC industry is directly associated with the existing buildings’ potential to be a source of raw materials for future construction projects. The waste management process necessitates detailed information on material composition, connections, availability, future uses, and quality. Urban Mining, facilitated by digital technologies and Industry 4.0 solutions, aims to provide answers to the abovementioned questions. This study, focusing on the Italian building sector, utilizes BIM and IFC platforms to establish a standardized procedure aligned with Italian regulations. The procedure encompasses data acquisition, transmission, integration, and application, resulting in practical and trackable measures stored in IFC files. Notably, this procedure is scalable globally. The results of this study are important from a managerial point of view to have a comprehensive and standardized procedure, improving waste management and decreasing the environmental impacts of the construction sector. Moreover, it contributes to enhancing the cost-benefit efficiency of the industry through enhancing circularity.
Estimating the Circularity of Building Elements using Building Information Modelling
Authors: Gbenga John O. , Forth K. , Theißen S. , Borrmann A.
Published: July 2024

The circular economy (CE) aims at a transformation towards a sustainable economic system whose growth is decoupled from the availability of finite resources. Due to the resource intensity of the construction sector, it is one of the main sectors where the CE concept is being applied. Central to the concept of circular buildings (CB) is to close the technical use-cycle of building components, which is influenced by their detachability. Building detachability is the extent to which building components can be deconstructed without damage. The scope of this research addresses the integration of its assessment using Building Information Modelling (BIM). This study includes an analysis of existing building circularity assessments (BCA) and their integration potential using BIM. Next, we propose a framework to automate the evaluation of building detachability using BIM. This framework entails the utilization of business process models and notations (BPMN) for delineating the detachability assessment procedure and deriving the model information requirements for the assessment by developing attribute matrices. The research process evidences that an accurate interpretation of established detachability assessment requisites facilitates enhanced integration and automation within the BIM method. Nevertheless, the need for better standardization of the conventional assessment requirements emerges as a pertinent concern. However, by leveraging project-specific ‘employer’s information requirements (EIR) and BIM execution plan (BEP), the outlined workflow can be integrated into BIM-based projects.
The repurposing of our built environment: Circular strategies in reconversion projects of office buildings to affordable housing
Authors: Beeckman P , Galle W , De Temmerman N , Lespagnard M
Published: July 2024

Belgium, like other countries, is experiencing a significant shortage of affordable housing. At the same time, our cities experience large vacancies. Reconversion of vacant office buildings to housing would be a potential strategy to deal with both problems. However, these types of projects are often complex as not all buildings facilitate such changes. Therefore, this paper aims to explore to which extent circular design qualities are applied and how this could improve the environmental impact and the (long-term) affordability. First, a long list of different reconversion projects in Belgium was created and analysed through a literature study and by checking numerous articles and permit applications. Four case studies, located in Brussels and the only found cases meant for social housing, were investigated in more detail. Through multiple interviews, the strategies applied in the projects were identified and divided into three categories: design, social and circular strategies over the different shearing layers of a building as defined by Brandt (1994) and Paduart (2012). The social strategies focus on providing quality for the inhabitants such as through the creation of common spaces.
Learning from North Americans: barriers and levers to reuse from practitioners’ experiences
Authors: Lambec Barbara , Bastien-Masse Malena , Fivet Corentin
Published: July 2024

This study delves into the intricacies of building element reuse practices in North America, spanning the genesis, current practices, and future projections of the initiatives. Using a semi-structured interview method, 35 stakeholders representing diverse domains, such as academia, industry, and government, are questioned on their professional trajectories. Their answers shed light on the changing landscape of barriers and levers at different phases of stakeholders’ careers. The study identifies and analyzes 14 key factors by aggregating 1499 interview categories into clusters, emphasizing their interconnected nature. Factors like unusualness of practice and the need for new processes emerge as persistent over time and for all stakeholders, linked with regulatory dynamics and a lack of knowledge. In a comparative analysis with existing literature, the study also reaffirms challenges such as costs, community dynamics, and the imperative for a societal shift, contextualizing them within the diachronic framework. The research also highlights how perceived barriers can transform into catalysts when establishing standards. By emphasizing phases of participants’ experiences and introducing temporal nuances, this study enhances the understanding of barriers and levers to building element reuse, providing a valuable framework for stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers.
Methods and tools to address GHG emissions in the early design stage of building renovations: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Brudal Ø , Andresen I
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a literature review of methods and tools applied in early design stages to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in renovation projects. The aim is to identify focus areas in existing research and to find potential research gaps. In the literature review, 21 papers were analysed and categorised according to four different themes. The results revealed a large difference in the choice of system boundaries within the literature, making comparison of reported emissions not comparable. Most case studies address residential buildings within the European context. There is a need for more research on GHG emissions related to the renovation of different building typologies in different locations. The article highlights the need for more standardised methods for calculating GHG emissions in early design stages, allowing for comparable results and better-informed decisions for building designers.
Industrialized Exterior Retrofit Projects: A Review
Authors: Pope H
Published: July 2024

The building stock is a large consumer of energy, and measures are being taken to reduce energy use in new construction. However, to reach the world’s net zero goals, significant changes need to be made to existing buildings. There are many different methods that can be used to renovate a building, including partial demolition and rebuilding, interior retrofit, or exterior retrofit. The focus of this review is on prefabricated exterior retrofit projects. The entire process of undergoing industrialized exterior retrofits will be explained, including Initiation and Viability, Building Capture and Imaging, Detailed Design, Manufacturing, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, and Monitoring. Past industrialized retrofit projects will be presented, and their successes and limitations will be discussed. Common issues and barriers to entry/adoption are examined to give an understanding of what is required to make prefabricated industrialized exterior retrofits work in North America.
Comparison of 16 national methods in the life cycle assessment of carbon storage in wood products in a reference building
Authors: Ouellet-Plamondon C M , Balouktsi M , Delem L , Foliente G , Francart N , Garcia-Martinez A , Hoxha E , Lützkendorf T , Nygaard Rasmussen F , Peuportier B , Butler J , Birgisdottir H , Bragança L , Dowdell D , Dixit M , Gomes V , Gomes da Silva M , Carlos Gómez J , Kjendseth Wiik M , Carmen Llatas Olivier M , Mateus R , Pulgrossi L M , Röck M , Ruschi Mendes Saade M , Passer A , Satola D , Seo S , Soust-Verdaguer B , Veselka J , Volf M , Zhang X , Frischknecht R
Published: July 2024

Wood and bio-based construction products are perceived as a way to use renewable resources, to save energy and to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG)-emissions during production and to store carbon during the entire service life of the building. This article compares the carbon footprint per kilogram of wood products (softwood beams, plywood, oriented strand board panel, and fibre board) from the perspective of the life cycle assessment methodology for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of practitioners from 16 countries participating in the IEA Annex 72. These materials are used in PAL6 softwood structure multi-residential building. This article aims at comparing the carbon footprint accounting methods from 16 countries for PAL6 multi-residential building. Each national team applied the reference study period (RSP), life cycle modules covered, modelling rules, the geographical scope of inventory data as well as the LCA database according to its specific national method. The results show that there are three types of methodology to assess a building with biogenic content (0/0, -1/+1, -1/+1*). The results were more variable plywood, oriented strand board, and fibreboard than the softwood beams due to the variability in the wood transformation processes among the countries. A net negative carbon balance was obtained for the softwood beam for the countries using -1/+1* with a clear assumption of the fraction of the carbon permanently stored at the end-of-life (EoL). The carbon storage is only possible if it is secured at the EoL. Participating countries apply different definitions of permanence and EoL scenarios. Guideline on assessing, monitoring, and legally reporting carbon storage at the EoL are needed, based on concertation between standard, life cycle assessment, wood industry, and climate experts.
Urban morphology as a key parameter for mitigating urban heat? – A literature review
Authors: Schmidt Vera
Published: July 2024

More frequent and intense heat waves, especially in urban centers, represent a growing challenge for urban designers and building planners. In the last five years, extensive research has been undertaken on the relation between urban form, including density, and urban heat phenomena. Dense urban configurations are often considered central drivers of hot microclimates. However, less dense cities easily cause other ecological (e.g. land consumption), functional (public mobility), and socioeconomic (social diversity) problems. Consequently, the current panoply of recommended heat mitigation and sustainability measures constitutes an unclear basis for strategic planning decisions. Thus, this study examines the literature on urban morphology in relation to urban heat events. Around 800 scientific articles and studies are categorized regarding the applied methodology, the studied geographic location, the observed urban form parameters, and the examined thermal parameter. Most identified literature uses traditional field measurement, remote sensing, numerical simulation, or a combination. Air temperature and land surface temperature are the most observed thermal parameters, while the growing number of studies that focus on human outdoor thermal comfort is highly relevant for effective heat mitigation and adaptation. This study suggests that from a scientific point of view, urban morphology measures do not principally carry a paramount role in heat mitigation compared to other aspects, such as vegetation or materialization. Current planning approaches for climate-resilient cities are highly case-specific, where no generally applicable rules or effective recipes regarding urban built form are available.
Urban Metabolism and Digital Twin Technologies for a Sustainable Built Environment: Towards a Framework for a Campus Application
Authors: Geremicca F , Fascetti A , Brigham J C , Bilec M M
Published: July 2024

With rapid urbanization necessitating innovative strategies for urban adaptation, combining technological advancements and holistic methodologies, this research explored the synergy between urban metabolism and digital twin technologies to foster sustainable urban development. A pilot model representing a university building, including the surrounding streetscape, was constructed using the Unreal Engine. By using available CAD design drawings and GIS technologies, the physical spaces were modelled. The physical and analytical environments were integrated into the digital twin; material flow analysis was also conducted. The developed framework aims to offer a detailed visualization of building behaviour, facilitating comparisons with urban metabolism analysis. This approach holds promise for sustainable urban design by integrating diverse data streams through digital twin technologies. The potential impact of this research extends to the tracking, mapping, and analysis of crucial resource flows, such as materials, water, energy, and waste, fostering circular economy strategies within the built environment. Understanding urban metabolism facilitates the identification of resource-efficient opportunities, promoting resource recovery and reuse to reduce the environmental impact of urban cores. Embracing digital twin technologies and urban metabolism analysis offers cities streamlined data collection processes, supporting standardization and sustainable urban practices. This study marks a critical step towards integrating diverse data streams into urban metabolism analysis, aligning with circularity objectives in the built environment. By adopting this framework, cities can better understand new production and consumption patterns that prioritize the responsible use of natural resources, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Examining daily electricity demand and indoor temperature profiles in UK social housing flats retrofitted with heat pumps
Authors: Gupta Rajat , Zahiri Sahar
Published: July 2024

The UK Government has announced decarbonisation of domestic heating thorough low carbon heat pumps. This will result in the deployment of 5 million heat pumps by 2030, and over 25 million by 2050, thereby increasing seasonal and daily peak electricity demand and putting a strain on local electricity networks. Despite this, there is limited evidence on the impact of heat pump operation on daily electricity demand profiles. This paper empirically examines the impact of retrofitted ground source heat pump (GSHP) on daily electricity demand of six social housing flats co-located in a socially deprived housing estate in Oxford (UK) to understand the changes on daily electricity demand during the evening peak period (4-7pm). Concurrent time-series monitoring of electricity use, and indoor-outdoor temperatures was undertaken for one week before and after heat pumps installation during the heating season of 2020-2021. Contextual data about the flats was gathered using householder surveys and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Pre-heat pump, electricity demand peaked during night time from 12am to 2am due to the use of night storage heaters. Post heat pump installation, mean indoor temperature and electricity demand profiles became more stable. While mean daily electricity use reduced by 42%, peak daily electricity use increased by 23%. Despite a small sample, the magnitude and timing of the peak period of electricity use varied. This reinforces the need for enabling flexible heat pump operation through time-of-use tariffs to bring value for local electricity network and householders.
Development of a post-occupancy assessment method system to evaluate the durability of external cladding of prefabricated timber panels
Authors: Scrideli L A , Oliveira R J G F , Chiletto T O , Ino A
Published: July 2024

The global environmental crisis has increased interest in sustainability within the construction sector. Timber construction is a viable option, but concerns about its short- and long-term durability still need to be addressed. This article presents a developed Assessment Method System for evaluating the durability of external cladding of prefabricated timber panels. First, an Assessment Form was created to map and catalogue the panels’ state of conservation based on on-site observations. The form includes an evaluation worksheet that lists and classifies the frequency and intensity of six defects: 1) Rotted Parts; 2) Detachments; 3) presence of Wood Knots; 4) Cracks and/or Broken Parts; 5) Wood planks; and 6) Sill Failure. On-site observations were conducted in case studies to complete the Assessment Form and document the condition of the specific building’s timber panels. The collected data were then tabulated and used as a basis for the panel’s durability diagnosis. Comparative studies were then carried out between five case studies to validate the Assessment Method System. As a result, the work highlights aspects, such as material, design, and execution, of the durability of timber wall panels built in specific conditions. In that sense, the Assessment Method was a fundamental tool to stress how these aspects were carried out. In addition, this can enhance the scientific basis of timber architecture and aid architects and researchers in making informed decisions regarding optimising future timber projects.
A survey-based mapping of the building and construction entrepreneurial ecosystem
Authors: Brozovsky J , Labonnote N , Vigren O
Published: July 2024

The architecture, engineering and construction sector has long been known for its traditional methods and slow adoption of innovations. However, technologies such as Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and robotics have led to significantly increased development and use of innovative tools and processes in the architecture, engineering and construction sector. This article presents the results of an explorative online survey of the sector’s entrepreneurial ecosystem carried out in spring 2023. It aims to identify the most promising technologies, quantify their potential, and investigate the dynamics of startups’ collaboration with academia. The results show that most startups focus on addressing the construction phase (76.1%) of the building life cycle, while only 15.9% deal with the end-of-life phase. Developed technologies most commonly include Data analytics and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. While 64% of startups consider collaboration with academia important, respondents identified several barriers and challenges of collaborating, such as bureaucracy and time-consuming processes. We conclude with a discussion on entrepreneurial ecosystems and academia-startup collaboration.
Experiences from teaching graduate students how to design net Zero Emission Buildings in Norway
Authors: Bohne R A , Rasmussen F N , Kvande T
Published: July 2024

The ambition of the Paris agreement is “carbon neutrality” by 2050. But what is “carbon neutrality”? How do we design a “carbon neutral” building? And how to teach this concept to engineering students? TBA4171 is an advanced course in Building Technology, given as the last course before the final thesis for the master students in building technology at NTNU. This paper describes how we use flipped-classroom and problem-based-learning to teach these concepts, and presents the results from the student projects. TBA4171 is targeting students specializing in building materials, building physics or fire safety in buildings. But the course also attracts students specializing in building processes and real estate management. In the course, the project of the students is to redesign five different current state-of-art Norwegian single-family houses to net Zero Emission Buildings. The students are given full access to BIM drawings, bill of quantities, EPD of materials and an LCA of each building. The students engage in an iteratively optimized design process, investigating the influence of geometry layout, material selection, energy performance, technical installations, and implementation of renewable energy sources. Life cycle based GHGe accounting are done for each design iteration to investigate where the biggest emission savings are obtained, and how the final building design complies with the Norwegian approach to net zero GHGe performance. The results show that graduate students are capable of designing net Zero Emission Buildings. They achieve this, primarily by optimizing material use (e.g. reduced use of concrete and steel) and geometrical layout (solar heat gains during winter/shading during summer and space for PVs). The results show that is possible to design net Zero Emission Buildings if provided with data on material and energy mix. The results also show that problem-based-learning is a powerful method of teaching these concepts to graduate students.
Core skills and competencies for Danish construction graduates to contribute to the 2030 Agenda
Authors: Findinge H U , Gade A N , Selman A D
Published: July 2024

The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global, ambitious framework for sustainable development. The construction sector holds great potential for contributing to achieving the goals towards 2030. Therefore, highly skilled professionals are required to solve the challenges related to sustainable construction. This study investigates which core skills construction graduates need to contribute to the SDGs efficiently and provides best-case examples of projects from the Danish construction industry contributing to the SDGs. A focus group workshop was conducted with 12 participants representing professional building owners, advisors, researchers, professional associations, demolition companies, and the United Nations Youth Association - all experts in sustainable construction. The qualitative data were collected through audio recordings and written notes and were analysed using the Gioia method. The results showed that the core skills needed from future construction graduates were 1) expert knowledge of construction, materials and sustainability, 2) skills in construction practice and sustainable adaption, and 3) competencies in social qualities and strategic processes. The best practice examples were divided into two categories: potential solutions to sustainable construction practices and business cases related to sustainable construction. The results provide insights into the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed from practitioners within the Danish construction industry and can support the future adaptation of construction education to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Co-designing educational spaces: unveiling opportunities for empowered learnings in post-apartheid secondary school in South Africa
Authors: Dion-Barbin N , Hagy S , Thuvander L
Published: July 2024

In the context of a secondary school in a township in South Africa, this study employs a participatory action research approach to engage primarily the students into co-designing a self-managed space. This approach aims at utilising the local resources to reduce the gap between students from townships to other privileged secondary schools in the city. The applied concept is based on self-management, a novel approach in the South African context, draws inspiration from global educational reforms. The methodology is developed in collaboration with the Tsako Thabo Secondary School in Mamelodi, Pretoria, South Africa, with students aged 14 to 18 years acting as co-designers and space managers. In three on-site workshops, spanning from contextual understanding, over design exercises, to the base foundation of the self-management’s concept, the workshops yield significant outcomes. Two different designs: an architectural design of the co-created space, and a design of the system regulating the space between all its members, with a funding strategy, have been developed. The design proposal includes a self-managed space with four distinct areas, and three booklets to guide future initiatives. Challenges in the field, including cultural differences and logistical issues, were navigated with adaptability and effective communication. Despite these challenges, the students’ resilience underscores the transformative potential of participatory research in fostering an empowering educational environment. This research contributes a unique perspective to the self-management discourse, emphasising a macro-level impact on students and their autonomy. The co-designed space provides a platform for experimentation and addresses resource deficiencies in the community. Overall, the study unveils novel opportunities for collaborative educational initiatives, emphasising the importance of adaptability and meticulous planning in diverse contexts.
Skin-on-a-chip technologies towards clinical translation and commercialization
Authors: Ismayilzada Nilufar , Tarar Ceren , Dabbagh Sajjad Rahmani , Tokyay Begüm Kübra , Dilmani Sara Asghari , Sokullu Emel , Abaci Hasan Erbil , Tasoglu Savas
Published: July 2024

Skin is the largest organ of the human body which plays a critical role in thermoregulation, metabolism (e.g. synthesis of vitamin D), and protection of other organs from environmental threats, such as infections, microorganisms, ultraviolet radiation, and physical damage. Even though skin diseases are considered to be less fatal, the ubiquity of skin diseases and irritation caused by them highlights the importance of skin studies. Furthermore, skin is a promising means for transdermal drug delivery, which requires a thorough understanding of human skin structure. Current animal and in vitro two/three-dimensional skin models provide a platform for disease studies and drug testing, whereas they face challenges in the complete recapitulation of the dynamic and complex structure of actual skin tissue. One of the most effective methods for testing pharmaceuticals and modeling skin diseases are skin-on-a-chip (SoC) platforms. SoC technologies provide a non-invasive approach for examining 3D skin layers and artificially creating disease models in order to develop diagnostic or therapeutic methods. In addition, SoC models enable dynamic perfusion of culture medium with nutrients and facilitate the continuous removal of cellular waste to further mimic the in vivo condition. Here, the article reviews the most recent advances in the design and applications of SoC platforms for disease modeling as well as the analysis of drugs and cosmetics. By examining the contributions of different patents to the physiological relevance of skin models, the review underscores the significant shift towards more ethical and efficient alternatives to animal testing. Furthermore, it explores the market dynamics of in vitro skin models and organ-on-a-chip platforms, discussing the impact of legislative changes and market demand on the development and adoption of these advanced research tools. This article also identifies the existing obstacles that hinder the advancement of SoC platforms, proposing directions for future improvements, particularly focusing on the journey towards clinical adoption.