bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging the gap between assessment and action: recommendations for the effective use of LCA in the building process
Authors: Beemsterboer Sjouke , Baumann Henrikke , Wallbaum Holger
Published: November 2020

Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) witnesses increasing popularity in the built environment. LCA stimulates among others an efficient use of natural resources and a reduction of carbon emissions through quantification of material and energy inputs and emissions in the building life cycle. Thereby, LCA aspires to contribute to SDG12 on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Despite high ambitions, the actual influence of LCA in construction projects is often modest. The mere application of LCA methodology in a building project is insufficient to produce a more environmentally friendly building. To better understand the practical conditions under which an LCA may induce change in a building project, we propose to analyse the use of LCA from a processual perspective. This paper presents a case study of a building product development project in which a processual perspective is applied on LCA. Using a longitudinal ethnographic methodology, key actors are followed through environmentally relevant episodes as the building project matures. A progressive LCA quantifies the potential environmental impact of the project as it progresses through different stages of the building process. Based on the learnings from this study, recommendations are presented to support the effective use of LCA in sustainable building practices, and contribute to SDG12 on sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Implications of using systematic decomposition structures to organize building LCA information: A comparative analysis of national standards and guidelines- IEA EBC ANNEX 72
Authors: Soust-Verdaguer B , García Martínez A , Llatas C , Gómez de Cózar J.C. , Allacker K , Trigaux D , Alsema E , Berg B , Dowdell D , Debacker W , Frischknecht R , Ramseier L , Veselka J , Volf M , Hajek P , Lupíšek A , Malik Z , Habert G , Hollberg A , Lasvaux S , Peuportier B , Pomponi F , Wastiel L , Gomes V , Zara O , Gomes M , Gusson Baiocchi A , Pulgrossi L , Ouellet-Plamondon C , Moncaster A , Di Bari R , Horn R , Lenz K , Balouktsi M , Lützkendorf T , Röck M , Hoxha E , Passer A
Published: November 2020

Introduction:The application of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique to a building requires the collection and organization of a large amount of data over its life cycle. The systematic decomposition method can be used to classify building components, elements and materials, overcome specific difficulties that are encountered when attempting to complete the life cycle inventory and increase the reliability and transparency of results. In this paper, which was developed in the context of the research project IEA EBC Annex 72, we demonstrate the implications of taking such approach and describe the results of a comparison among different national standards/guidelines that are used to conduct LCA for building decomposition.Methods:We initially identified the main characteristics of the standards/guidelines used by Annex participant countries. The “be2226” reference office building was used as a reference to apply the different national standards/guidelines related to building decomposition. It served as a basis of comparison, allowing us to identify the implications of using different systems/standards in the LCA practice, in terms of how these differences affect the LCI structures, LCA databases and the methods used to communicate results. We also analyzed the implications of integrating these standards/guidelines into Building Information Modelling (BIM) to support LCA.Results:Twelve national classification systems/standards/guidelines for the building decomposition were compared. Differences were identified among the levels of decomposition and grouping principles, as well as the consequences of these differences that were related to the LCI organization. In addition, differences were observed among the LCA databases and the structures of the results.Conclusions:The findings of this study summarize and provide an overview of the most relevant aspects of using a standardized building decomposition structure to conduct LCA. Recommendations are formulated on the basis of these findings.
Management system for building materials as a basis for closed loop material flow analysis considering material efficiency and climate change mitigation
Authors: Schiller G , Lützkendorf T , Lehmann I , Mörmann K , Gruhler K , Knappe F
Published: November 2020

Resource management is becoming increasingly important in the construction sector. In order to support the recycling of materials, it is necessary to determine the quantities in the building stock and those caused by construction activities. At present, a large number of different actors use different categories for construction materials and the raw materials they consist of as well as for waste categories, depending on their field of activity. This results in imprecisions that make it difficult to consistently track and influence mass flows and hinder targeted resource management. This is the starting point of this paper as it discusses possibilities to establish a consistent allocation of materials to context-typical groups following the approach of continuous material flow analysis. On the input-side, aspects of mineral planning and on the output-side aspects of waste and secondary raw material management are being considered and references to grey emissions are established along the entire process chain. In this way, cross-departmental planning relating to recycling management and climate protection will be supported. With regard to the object of consideration and the level of action, a distinction is made between two different spatial scale levels: on the one hand, the individual building level, where the material inventory approach is used to provide detailed information on the building’s material composition, and on the other hand the regional level, for which more aggregated information on building material groups is provided in the form of material cadastres. Current results of a research project in Germany are presented.
Research for energy use of high environmental performance building in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi H , Takaguchi H
Published: November 2020

Recently, the increase in energy consumption of commercial building is remarkable, and energy-saving is continuously required. Therefore, the government is promoting high environmental performance building. In this situation DECC (Database for Energy Consumption of Commercial building) committee collected the data of the energy consumption and published them as a database. However, analysis about High environmental Performance Building (HPB) has not been conducted in DECC database. So, I extract HPB from DECC database and analyze the consumption.
Circular Economy Performance Contracting: the contract that does not exist …yet
Authors: Bougrain Frédéric
Published: November 2020

In 2017, construction and demolition waste were again the heaviest waste stream in France with 227.5 million tonnes (42.2 million tonnes for the building sector). To achieve a 70% (by weight) recycling target by 2020 for non-hazardous CDW various policies have been launched by the French government. However, public procurement has been neglected. In the field of energy saving, energy performance contracting has been widely used to guaranty energy efficiency improvement after building refurbishments. The paper shows how this approach could be duplicated to building deconstruction projects. Circular Economy Performance Contracting (CEPC) would encourage creativity of the deconstruction contractors and the value-chain and maximise circularity. It would lead to significant environmental benefits (e.g. increase of reused products and materials, reduction of CO2 emissions).
Applied SBTOOL to the Research on Performance Evaluation of Green Buildings in Southern Taiwan - A Case Study of the Residential Building Designed for Pingtung County Self-Government Ordinance for Green Buildings
Authors: Chang Kuei-Feng , Chou Po-Cheng
Published: November 2020

The global climate change and the lack of environmental resources, the issue of sustainable development have been emphasized by global. In response to the development of a sustainable environment, in recent years, ‘green buildings’ have sprung up in large numbers, and the aspect of architectural technology are constantly making breakthroughs and innovations. Whether it is a library, a school building, or even a residential office building, it emphasizes to make a step towards ‘green’. The Pingtung County Government has established the Pingtung County Self-Government Ordinance for Green Buildings in 2016 to regulate the new constructions’ designs in a certain scale must according to thermal insulation, energy conservation, health, and sustainability. This study is to explore the applicability of SBTOOL to green buildings in southern Taiwan, accordingly choosing new-built residential cases in Pingtung County. Pingtung County is located in the south of the Tropic of Cancer. The local climate is hot and enough sunshine, there are many typhoons and rainstorms in summer. The residential planning is according to the ‘Self-Government Ordinance for Green Buildings’ of the Pingtung County Government. Both cases are designed by different construction companies and are the traditional southern Taiwan street house style. The planning concept also considers the current aging of the population in Taiwan and barrier-free environment design. After the evaluation, the scores obtained are between Acceptable Practice and Good Practice, only the barrier-free environment and universal design cannot clearly include in the assessment. On the whole, it is applicable to evaluate the ‘Green Building Residential Case in Pingtung’ by SBTOOL. This study hopes to make the residential cases whose designs are conforming to the Pingtung County Self-Government Ordinance for Green Buildings can provide a reference for the architectural design of the similar climatic environment and geographical features in the global, through the evaluations and analyses of SBTOOL.
Felleshus and Paradiset in Vallastaden – care for social sustainability in a new neighbourhood
Authors: Eidenskog Maria , Glad Wiktoria
Published: November 2020

In recent years, the development of new neighbourhoods in Sweden has included social sustainability as an overarching aim. This research project focuses on Vallastaden (development of which began in 2017 and is still ongoing), host of Sweden’s largest built environment exhibition. The research explores how social sustainability was interpreted during the different phases of the project and how the built environment was constructed in relation to defining social sustainability. The results show that the planning process included a wide variety of stakeholders, and that social sustainability was defined broadly, with some versions being foregrounded and others backgrounded. Notably, some elements for residents, such as the so-called “felleshus” – large greenhouses with communal social spaces – and Paradiset – land designed for permaculture and urban gardening – were brought to the fore. Felleshus and Paradiset have been studied in greater detail: How have these communal spaces been developed over the last two years? Specific attention was paid to socio-material relationships. The empirical material shows various tensions between residents, activities, practices and the built environment. To deepen our understanding of the results, theoretical approaches relating to “matters of care” and ethico-political dimensions of care have guided our analyses. With these approaches, the work performed to achieve what was expected from felleshus is acknowledged, as are the effects of the work and relationship-building involved in felleshus and Paradiset. The conclusion is that social sustainability involves many processes, which might take time and evolve in unexpected directions. Openness to these processes must be taken into account when planning and constructing similar neighbourhoods.
Development of the Local SDGs Platform for information sharing to contribute to achieving the SDGs
Authors: Kawakubo Shun , Murakami Shuzo
Published: November 2020

Think Globally, Act Locally: Working toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level while taking global trends into accounts is key to transforming our world. Many cities and communities are now incorporating the SDGs into their visions, strategies, policies and measures. The current situation surrounding the SDGs is shifting from the understanding phase to the practice and follow-up phase. Cities and communities working toward the SDGs are expected to conduct Voluntary Local Reviews and to share their experiences worldwide. The paper introduces an outline and the development methodology of an online “Local SDGs Platform” that enables stakeholders to register, search and share their efforts and best practices toward achieving the SDGs. Platform users can understand the actual situation of cities and communities using local SDG indicators, which were specifically developed to reflect the local context in Japan. Although the platform and local SDG indicators were initially developed for Japan, the framework and its development methodology are universally applicable and relevant in any region or country. Effective utilization of the platform together with local SDG indicators is expected to support connecting stakeholders, understanding their actual local situations and sharing information, which will lead to achievement of the SDGs.
Guidelines with routines and documentation for handling energy requirements within the building process
Authors: Wahlström Åsa , Hagnell Andreas , Govén Birgitta , Edenhofer Victoria
Published: November 2020

As a result of the energy performance of the buildings directive (EPBD 2010), the requirements have been gradually tightened in the Swedish building regulations. For the purpose of the directive to be realized, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that buildings actually live up to the minimum rules laid down in the Swedish Building Regulations (BBR) or more ambitious requirements imposed directly by the clients. To gain more insight into these questions, today´s building process has been studied through interviews and workshops with regional actors in seven regions around Sweden. A guideline is proposed with new routines and documentation for the building process, i.e. handling of starting clearance, designing of inspection plan and follow-up for final clearance.
Concept for next generation of technical energy regulations in buildings
Authors: Sulzer Matthias , Orehounig Kristina , Knoeri Christof , Niffeler Mathias
Published: November 2020

The research project EnTeR analysed the role of technical energy regulations (TERs) in the transformation of the building stock and their integration into the future energy system. The main task was to identify effective measures which can guide stakeholders to achieve CO2-emission targets by means of TER. Based on this, recommendations for future energy legislation are derived. The international analysis revealed that TERs, despite their previous success in increasing the energy efficiency of the building stock, seem to be reaching their limits. Particularly when it concerns the decarbonisation of the building sector. The literature lists therefore the following five challenges: (i) Further increase in energy efficiency, (ii) consider “grey energy”, (iii) increase the share of renewable energies, (iv) close the “performance gap”, and (v) accelerate the renovation rate. Through technical and economic optimizations (Energy Hub optimization, Pareto Front), it was possible to identify solutions for the Swiss building stock which achieve specific CO2-emissions below 10 kgCO2/m2 - typically at CO2 avoidance costs of 200-400 CHF/tCO2 compared to cost-optimal solutions. In order to provide the best possible regulatory environment for the building stock to develop in the intended direction, a TER concept was developed based the three main life-cycle phases of a property (construction, operation and decommissioning): 1. The TER «Capacity Limit» is proposed for the construction phase (planning and building). The limitation of capacities (electricity, heating and cooling) forces energy-efficient buildings by reducing grid loads and providing incentives for installations of renewable production and/or storage systems. 2. For operation phase (usage), the TER «Energy Mix» is proposed. The proposed TER limits the amount of allowed CO2-emissions during the operating phase. Enforced by Smart Meters and Digital Data Platforms. 3. For the decommissioning phase (material) the TER «Material Cycle» is proposed. The proposed TER aims to reduce this ‘grey’ share by imposing a deposit/pledge system on building materials
Assessing the energy efficiency of a district’s existing building stock glazing – Case Study TU Dresden
Authors: Roosmalen Maartje Van , Weller Bernhard
Published: November 2020

Restoration of existing buildings becomes inevitable due to urbanization, population growth, conservation laws and scarcity of resources. Upgrading existing glazing could reduce building heating demand by 10% and reduce the TUD emissions by 573.4 tco2-eq/a. However, renovations are often postponed due to unknown energetic glazing quality. Traditional measures such as removing the glazing to a test-lab to identify the ug-value are often not permitted nor practical for existing (heritage-listed) occupied buildings. In this article, methods suitable for the assessment of the energetic quality of existing glazing without removing the glazing from the building, i.e. (a) the use of literature values per building age classification, (b) glazing built up measurement with ug-value calculations per standard and (c) direct ug-value measurement using a portable tool, are tested on the existing window stock of the TUD campus, compared and evaluated in terms of accuracy and easiness of application. Results show that the energetic quality can range widely from a ug-value of 0.5 to 3.5W/m2K within a single building, and that method (a) is not accurate and method (b) is as accurate as method (c), but 20 minutes faster per glazing which, extrapolated to a district like TUD, can save months of work and significantly increases the chances of glazing renovations being carried out.
Transnational common sustainability indicators for harmonising built environment assessment systems in relation to SDGs
Authors: Moro Andrea
Published: November 2020

Common Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) have been set by the 2030 Agenda of United Nations in 2015. The European Commission committed to implement the SDGs and now Member States are preparing National Sustainable Development Strategies for contributing in the SDGs achievement. At a lower government level, regions and cities are also implementing their local strategies. Concerning the SDGs dealing with the built environment, how would it be possible to connect the global and local level strategies? To measure the progress towards SDGs and relative targets, a global framework of indicators has been set by UN. Many UN indicators have been adopted by the European Commission. The value of global indicators depends on the results achieved at local level, consequently quality and reliable local disaggregated data are necessary for the measurement of the progress towards the common goals. In the building sector, rating and assessment systems at building, urban and territorial scale can play a key role in this sense. The implementation and adoption of a core set of key performance indicators (KPIs), based on common metrics, in the existing and future assessment systems would allow to aggregate the information from the single building to the global level connecting the indicators trough the spatial scales. Common KPIs would also allow to compare the performance reached by buildings certified with different systems in relation to SDGs. The paper will illustrate the core sets of indicators elaborated and tested in 10 European countries by CESBA (Common European Sustainable Built Environment Assessment) in collaboration with iiSBE (international initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment) through two European Interreg projects at building, urban and territorial scale, in the form of a built environment Passport for the harmonization of assessment systems in relation to SDGs.
Knowledge management of sustainable construction processes
Authors: Jonasson Jonas , Mikaelsson Lars-Åke , Persson Urban
Published: November 2020

As the building construction industry accounts for a large part of the ecological burden, sustainable construction processes are very important for achieving sustainable communities. Construction is often a linear process, where different actors act at different stages of the process. In this process there are critical borderlines where the information is to be transferred from one actor to another. Over the years, the construction industry has developed a well-functioning and standardized arrangement for how this happens. However, this has proven to be problematic when sustainability is to be introduced in construction projects. Sustainability goals can often be perceived as diffuse and difficult to interpret. Different actors with different values and knowledge level regarding sustainability also interpret the goals differently. A common way is to set environmental goals as checklists with criteria to be met. In this process, it is common for certain aspects to be sub-optimized while other important aspects fall outside the scope. It is therefore very important to simplify the sustainability parameters without sacrificing complexity. The goals must be clearly formulated initially and followed up continuously throughout the process. The purpose of this paper is to study and analyze good examples of sustainable construction processes with regard to clear goal formulation and continuous follow-up. The result end up in a proposal for a model for knowledge management of sustainable construction processes.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ENGINEERING BY BLENDED LEARNING
Authors: Mikaelsson Lars-Åke , Hermansson Fredrik , Jonasson Jonas , Danielski Itai , Lindström Susanne
Published: November 2020

The sustainable building engineering education at Mid Sweden University has since it started 1994 a strong focus on sustainable building. It is also committed to be a pilot case for blended learning. All courses in the building engineering program were from the autumn 2012 adapted to a blended learning concept. That means that all courses are available in an integrated mix of ordinary campus and online distance education in real time.

Blended learning is a way of taking in account different needs concerning student study situation. Adult students, bound with house and families, often prefer more distance education while younger students need more campus education.

The results of the case study show that blended learning attracts more students, and allows students with different backgrounds to study and gives a more solid base of students for the program. It also allows a more flexible way of allocating resources by integrating two previous modes of delivery for the same program. This provides an education with a well thought through quality assurance. Another strength of blended learning is the possibility to connect individual students to a larger collective of students, making it possible for them to relate to and learn with and from others by social interactions that are difficult to achieve in solely online education.

The pilot case is so far limited to the sustainable building engineering program but in a next stage the concept is planned to be spread to other engineering programs and other education programs at Mid Sweden University.
Concepts and type building for carbon neutral construction in arctic Finland based on tradition
Authors: Vares S , Savolainen P , Häkkinen T , Shemeikka J , Huttunen M , Zubillaga L.
Published: November 2020

This paper discusses traditional solutions for carbon neutral construction in arctic conditions. We consider that vernacular architecture forms an important source of knowledge to resource-wise, energy-efficient and sustainable ways to organize human dwellings and settlements. The key tasks of our research were to (1) identify the factors of traditional arctic construction that have an impact to sustainability and carbon-neutrality of arctic building and to (2) develop and assess a type building for arctic districts (Finland), based on traditional solutions, that fulfills the functional prerequisites for modern living comfort and energy requirements. The study is based on literature, fieldwork and Life Cycle Assessment calculations for the theoretical case. The life cycle assessment includes greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage in timber and bio-based materials. Energy usage follows the principles of carbon neutrality. Wooden products used in the construction store biogenic carbon from the product stage to the building demolition stage. The case study calculations showed that operational energy demand could be fulfilled with the use of solar PV, solar collectors, ground source energy and district-scale wind energy supply. Results show that the biogenic carbon content is more than enough to offset the emissions from building materials and renewable energy technologies needed for operating the building. The research was funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Barriers, drivers and prospects of the energy efficiency code in the Lagos real estate market
Authors: Oyalowo Basirat , Ohiro Yetunde , Oginni Adeyemi
Published: November 2020

This paper explores potential bariers and drivers to the uptake of new regulations for energy efficiency currently being introduced into the Lagos real estate market and how professionals percieve this, and then discusses how these might impact on achieveing SDG 7.2. An online survey of thirty real estate professionals involved in property development sector was carried out to ascertain this. The sampled real estate professionals are those listed in directories of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, as well as professionals who had taken part in a federal government sponsored energy efficiency training in Lagos. Analysis of the close-ended questionaire was carried out using simple descriptive statistics, while open ended questions were analysed using ATLAS.ti 8, a computer aided qualitative data analysis software.

There is a very positive outlook for the adoption of the energy efficiency code in Lagos, although professionals believed most of the prescriptions of the code are achievable only in the long term (that is not before the next five years). In reality, this signifies a risk to the process as policy push-backs from change in government has been experienced in recent times. Actions towards promoting policy entrenchment of the code in planning agencies, voluntary adoption of the code by professionals and their clients and engagement of a wider range of built environment professionals are recommended to ensure that Lagos attains a sigificant level of energy efficiency in its real estate development sector in the short to medium term.
Effective usage of solar power generation and storage battery combined system
Authors: Sase Takeshi , Kuwasawa Yasuo
Published: November 2020

Solar power is very useful renewable energy, got anywhere. But it is got only in the daytime on sunny days. On the other hand, sometime the grid cannot receive overflowed solar power when electric demand is small. Recently storage battery is utilized in the grid, in the household, combined with solar power generator for accumulating overpowered electricity and emitting it after sunset. It is very useful to utilize solar power effectively and efficiently. It is also useful on the power failure. But we have very little information of technical traits of storage battery, such as energy loss with accumulating and emitting electricity. Building Research Institute in Japan has a demonstration house, which has solar power generator and storage battery combined system. The authors have measured generated solar power, accumulated and emitted overpowered electricity of solar power generation and storage battery combined system for a year. Lots of traits of solar power and storage battery combined system are got. The authors have made modeling and formulation solar power and storage battery combined system, incorporating these traits. In this way, efficiency and effectiveness of solar power generator and storage battery combined system with any generation, storage capacity, can be evaluated with this formulation.
Solar power based heating systems with electrical storage as alternative to fossil based systems for small residential buildings
Authors: Sase Takeshi , Kuwasawa Yasuo
Published: November 2020

Renewable energy is expected to replace thermal power by fossil fuel for reduction of green gas emission, air pollution and energy-security. Especially solar power generation is expected because it is got anywhere and its cost has reduced recently. But it is got only in the daytime on sunny days. Furthermore the amount, the time period it can get depends on seasons, weathers. Storage battery is essential for accumulating overpowered electricity and emitting it after sunset. The peak electricity demand is important factor to design electricity power plants. There are large electricity demands in summer and winter by air-conditioning. It is important to replace them by solar power with storage battery Building Research Institute in Japan has a demonstration house, which has solar power generator and storage battery combined system. The authors have measured how this system worked with air-conditioning electricity demand in summer and winter. And the authors applied these results to the actual electricity demand in Tokyo Metropolitan area. If solar power generator is combined with storage battery, it could cover air-conditioning cooling demand completely. In winter, peak electricity is high in morning and evening. So solar power could not mitigate electricity supplying demand in winter directly. But it is expected to supply electricity for a whole day, combined with storage battery.
Review and Potential Development of Solar Window Technology and Feasibility Study in Urban Area, Hong Kong as Case Study
Authors: Chan Ka Yan , Lee Hei Yan , Lam Tony Ngan Tung
Published: November 2020

Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) has been a rising topic in recent years, the route to achieve NZEB through renewable energy generation with the adaptation of solar window is explored. Literature review with current market research on the technology are studied and consolidated. Transformation from the current semi-transparent to future visibly transparent solar window is observed. Potential development of modular design with Wireless Power transfer is suggested for wide application of solar window. In the light of the large potential of solar window, feasibility study is conducted to analysis the application of the technology in Hong Kong context in term of the climate and installation criteria due to the Feed-In-Tariff (FiT). Solar analysis of solar resource availability and electricity generation are evaluated and simulated by Radiance using the morphologies of Central, Hong Kong as case study. Equations are developed for setting up selection criteria and estimating the suitable area for installation. 40.1% of solar insolation on an unobstructed horizontal plane was identified as threshold for installation in Hong Kong and the minimum installation is estimated to be 50 m2 in order to be cost effective
A closer look at constraints, stakeholders and boundary definitions in Energy (Master) Planning between neighbourhood and district
Authors: Haase Matthias , Baer Daniela
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzes and contrasts the framing goals and limitations that must be considered when energy master planning is conducted for communities in six different countries. The analyses will be based on findings from countries participating in the International Energy Agency’s “Energy in Buildings and Communities Program Annex 73”. The paper covers design constraints such as emissions, sustainability and resilience goals, regulations and directives, and regional and local limitations such as available energy types, local conditions and different levels of stakeholders as well as community objectives. We illustrate how a comprehensive consideration of these constraints can be used to guide the planner toward design options that will lead to an optimum solution for an energy master plan. An analysis of the different constraints on different planning levels was done and the key stakeholders were identified characterized by different governance structures and thereby stakeholder constellations.
Inhabitable Infrastructures: A scenario towards sustainable energy in Berlin
Authors: Gailard Couston Carolyne Maria , Auda Jasmin , Caçar Cansu , Hwang Jijyun , Karl Moritz Maria , Bunschoten Raoul
Published: November 2020

Following the pattern of several megacities and European large cities, Berlin grows and changes at a fast rate. The fast transformations that cities are undergoing can no more be considered only a local phenomenon, since they have global implications: large agglomerations and megacities are drivers of climate change. Nevertheless, the increased tempo of transformations and technological innovation also triggers the city to regenerate its systems, opening a path for the emergence of new sustainable models. If these models succeed, their impact can be bold and effective on the reduction of global CO2 emissions and climate change, aiming to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure and sustainable cities and communities.

The fast growth has overloaded Berlin’s housing stock. In order for it to keep pace and relieve the real-estate market, the senate released the development plan “Berlin-2030”, which aims to create 200.000 new dwellings on the affordable housing sector by then.

Cities consume 80% of the energy produced worldwide and produce approximately 85% of global emissions of greenhouse gases. According to the Energy and Climate Protection Program developed by the Senate, Berlin aims to become climate neutral by 2050. By now the city is far behind in its tempo for achieving its ambitious goals.

This paper investigates a scenario for Berlin involving housing co-operatives and stakeholders from the energy sector joining efforts. It explores a system that operates with a building kit for housing developments with optimized elements for energy generation in order to increase production of new socially sustainable affordable housing and a energetic production – consumption simulation. This scenario explores the creation of the housing co-operatives 4.0 and simultaneously the establishment on a long-term basis of an ecologically sustainable virtual-power-plant grid driven by renewable energy sources and a pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) system.
Development and evaluation of occupancy-aware model predictive control for residential building energy efficiency and occupant comfort
Authors: Turley C , Jacoby M , Henze G , Pavlak G
Published: November 2020

The residential sector accounts for 25% of global primary energy consumption. Two methods have previously been proposed to reduce residential energy use associated with the provision of occupant thermal comfort: 1. Occupancy-based HVAC control, operating systems only during confirmed occupancy, and 2. model predictive control (MPC), harnessing a mathematical model and forecasts to find optimal operating strategies. Previous studies estimate the average energy savings of the two methods individually in the range of 21% and 16%, respectively. The research presented herein was carried out to evaluate the energy savings potential in residential buildings by combining both approaches across different climates, house vintages, and occupancy patterns. Occupancy and eight different physical modalities (e.g. CO2 and VOC) data were collected from five homes for time periods of 4–9 weeks. Collected data sets were used to train occupancy prediction models suggested by an extensive literature survey of occupancy model types. The trained prediction models were combined with MPC and detailed EnergyPlus building simulation models to evaluate residential building performance in terms of annual energy savings and thermal comfort, along with discomfort exceedance metrics. Multiple home types and regions were analyzed to understand regional and climate-dependent potential. Based on actual field data, the occupancy models had a prediction inaccuracy between 8% and 35% across the investigated homes. Average occupancy for the collected data ranged from 56% to 86%, a typical range reported in the literature. Building simulations were conducted for three control scenarios: conventional thermostatic control, occupancy-based, and occupancy-based MPC. The results indicate that all advanced strategies improve upon the conventional control, with some scenarios cutting energy use in half with only occasional incurrence of discomfort. The findings indicate that occupancy-aware model predictive residential building control has the potential to drastically reduce energy use and associated emissions while maintaining occupant comfort for both new and existing buildings.
Beyond Building Energy Simulation Tools
Authors: Delzendeh E , Alaaeddine R , Al-Adhami M , Wu S
Published: November 2020

Various energy simulation tools are used to predict energy consumption in buildings at different stages from design to post-occupancy and maintenance. The inaccuracy and insufficiency of inputs used for building energy simulation (BES) often cause a discrepancy between the predicted and actual energy consumption. Inaccurate energy consumption estimations affect the accomplishment of the sustainability goals and reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions in buildings. The review of the existing literature suggests that the potential causes of the aforementioned uncertainty in building energy predictions are divided into 2 categories: human error (in design, construction, energy modelling, etc.) and the inaccuracy and insufficiency of inputs in BES. This research proposes the way forward for BES tools to improve their accuracy by enhancing the precision of various energy simulation inputs, integration of real-time data and use of machine learning and other emerging technologies.
Pathways to Universal Electricity Access for Rural Communities in Africa
Authors: Bahaj A S , Alam M , Blunden L S , James P A B , Kiva I
Published: November 2020

This paper presents results covering the efficiency of appliances to support reduce power needs in both mini grids and upgradeable solar home systems. In addition the research has compared the efficacy of DC vs AC mini grids at different scales. In general, the results indicated that DC mini grids could compete well at sites with a smaller geographical footprint, providing efficient appliances are integrated at system implementation. At the higher ‘tiers’ of electrification, we also present results and experiences from the five e4D solar photovoltaics (PV) mini-grid projects in Kenya and Uganda. The work includes analysis of community engagement, electrical load characterisation, and system operation of the mini grids in rural settings. The results indicate that energy consumption varies significantly between the sites, associated with socio-economic factors, whilst all the villages’ trading centres have experienced varying levels of business growth. Overall outcomes from this research provide clear indications that mini-grid interventions not only invigorate rural communities by enhancing education and health provisions, but are also associated with growth in existing businesses and the creation of new businesses. Therefore, it is recommended that where needed, rural electrification policies be amended to give priority to facilitate and attract investment in decentralized mini grids.
Open Smart Energy Eco-System for the Future
Authors: Haghgoo Maliheh , Dognini Alberto , Storek Thomas , Plamanescu Radu , Rahe Ulrike , Gheorghe Stefan , Albu Mihaela , Monti Antonello , Dirk Muller
Published: November 2020

Due to the increasing complexity of the global energy system and the amount of data transmitted by smart devices, there is an urgent need to unlock smart technologies and sendees with investments on the scalability of computational resources. This objective can be achieved by means of a standardized software platform that can support interoperability and behave as the main vehicle for the rapid implementation of innovative energy sendees. One possibility to enhance computational power on demand is cloud computing, which forms the Internet of Things (IoT). In this work, a customizable open-source IoT platform setup using the FIWARE framework is deployed, which exploits the advantages for a smart energy domain. The term platform comprehends a set of software tools that allow quick integration of various devices. This study presents the implemented platform and analyses its functionality in different use cases on the European level.
Development of reference building models based on statistical data for the analysis of the building heat demand
Authors: Barton M , Schwan L , Hahn J , Anders R , Schweigler C
Published: November 2020

For the transition of the energy system from the status quo to a point where the political targets are achieved, the largest potentials for energy and CO2 savings are in the building sector, especially due to older unrenovated buildings. For the state of Bavaria, preliminary investigations have shown that approximately 27 % of the total final energy demand is provided for space heating and domestic hot water preparation of the residential building stock. Extensive measures must be taken in this sector for a successful energy transition.

To make the best use of available resources, investigations with realistic reference building models are essential. Previous studies have shown that a significant classification of the building stock can performed and large parts of it can be represented with a limited number of reference buildings models. In this study, it is shown that the representativity can be further increased by selective grouping of the categories while keeping the number of necessary models as small as possible. In addition, a method is presented to model reference buildings using statistical data. The methods of grouping and modelling as well as possible applications and outputs of the generated models are shown for a realistic example.
Towards zero life cycle GHG emissions apartment buildings in Lebanon
Authors: Stephan A , Stephan L
Published: November 2020

Buildings are one of the main drivers of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their life cycle emissions need to be significantly reduced in order to address the unprecedented climate emergency. While there are numerous studies on zero operational energy and GHG emissions buildings, very few studies exist on buildings that aim to reach zero life cycle GHG emissions buildings. The apartment building typology is particularly challenging due to the very small roof area per apartment and the limited capacity for renewable energy generation. This study investigates a four-storey apartment building in Sehaileh, Lebanon and modifies it to reach zero life cycle GHG emissions through a series of measures targeting embodied and/or operational GHG emissions. Both a life cycle GHG emissions analysis and a life cycle cost analysis are conducted on all measures their combination, including the installation of a 50kWp photovoltaic array for the building. Results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve zero life cycle GHG emissions for that building typology and number of storeys, in a Lebanese Mediterranean climate, but at a net life cycle cost of ∼43 kUSD2020 over 50 years, compared to the base case guilding. Implications in terms of policy and further research are discussed.
The third-country effects of CO2emissions in BRI countries: A verification on China’s impacts by spatial Durbin panel data model
Authors: Song Z G
Published: November 2020

Since the WTO accession in 2001, China’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and foreign trade have been leaping forward, especially reflected as the “One Belt & One Road” initiative (BRI), proposed in 2013, which has been its largest public product for international community thus far. On that basis, this study focuses on the third-country effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in BRI related countries, and delves into its spatial interaction from rising impacts of China’s global economic cooperation activities, with the economic & political distance from China as institutional factors, using spatial econometric method in a panel data of 60 BRI countries from 2007 to 2016. Accordingly, the empirical results first significantly reveal the existence of spatial autocorrelation for CO2 emissions per capita in BRI countries by Moran’s I test. Furthermore, according to the main estimated results of the spatial Durbin model with spatial fixed effects, China’s OFDI and imports to BRI countries exert third-country effects or spatial spillover effects; from the perspective of sustainability and emission reduction during BRI, China is required to launch more economic cooperation in emerging and low carbon industries with limited political claims. In response, BRI countries are supposed to develop its high tech and low carbon complementary industries with surrounding countries, so as to keep the CO2 emissions at a low level.
Data quality as an antecedent for commercial viability of circular economy business models: a case study
Authors: Argus K , Iyer-Raniga U , Van Bueren B , Mulherin P
Published: November 2020

Introduction - The aim of this paper is to explore data quality as an antecedent of commercially viable business models within the circular economy. Australian state governments are developing policies to enable a circular economy. However, in the building industry most data systems rely on self-reporting, which has compromised the accuracy, objectivity, transparency and integrity of data reported on raw materials within components and products.

Method - This paper uses a case study to demonstrate how digital data systems that independently track, trace and verify the provenance of inputs of raw materials, components and products, can accurately inform the value of circularity in the built environment. Interviews were conducted with an office furniture supplier who developed a digital system to inform circularity. Also interviewed was a sustainability consultant who assisted, and has since prototyped a digital system designed to accurately enable circular value to be identified in the built environment. Feedback on the design and protype of this proposed system was provided by building industry value-chain stakeholders though a series of seminars and design thinking workshops.

Results - Commercial viability of a circular economy model was reliant on a framework of data quality that recorded raw materials, traceability and verification to establish trust: 1) data capturing raw materials within components of products (e.g. metals, melamine and plastics), 2) data tracking of products throughout their life-cycle, and 3) data verifying the authenticity of raw materials and products. This framework of data quality was critical to delivering circularity outcomes for reuse of products, repurposing components, recycling and minimising landfill.

Conclusion - This study proposes that data quality is integral to the commercial viability of circular economy business models in the built environment. Data quality in a circular economy means having the digital capability to objectively track, trace and verify the integrity and composition of building materials, products and assemblies throughout their lifecycle.