bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of energy performance gap and solutions in residential buildings
Authors: Zare Niloofar , Shafaat Ali , Asadi Somayeh
Published: September 2022

The energy consumption in the world due to economic development, rising population, and technological developments is growing, which has led to an increase in global warming. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop new strategies to reduce energy consumption. Buildings account for about 40% of global energy consumption. Since occupancy time in residential buildings is longer than in commercial and office buildings, residential buildings have a more significant impact on energy consumption. Due to this issue, efforts are being made to optimize energy consumption in residential buildings. Evaluating the performance of a building through building certificates that include as-designed and in-operation is essential for improving energy efficiency. Building energy simulations must be performed before construction to ensure that energy consumption in buildings is acceptable. However, it is observed that the energy consumption of the building after construction is higher than what was designed. This difference is defined as the energy performance gap, which indicates extra energy consumption or failure to comply with energy standards in the operation of the building. There are several reasons for the increased energy consumption of an operating building compared to the designed model. So far, studies have been conducted to determine the factors affecting the energy performance gap, but it is necessary to analyze these studies comprehensively. This article investigates the causes of energy performance gaps and ways to reduce this difference through a comprehensive literature review study. In this way, it is possible to achieve solutions in the building certification criteria that minimize the difference in energy consumption between the as-designed model and the in-operation mode of the building. This article can help decision-makers select the certificate that best fits their purposes.
Assessing the performance of Positive Energy Districts: The need for innovative methods
Authors: Williams Karen , Heller Renee , Wees Mark van , Vastenhout Thomas
Published: September 2022

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are potential high-impact climate change mitigation actions towards low carbon or even climate neutral cities. This implies that the energy performance and greenhouse gas emissions of PEDs need to be assessed. To this end, an accounting methodology, metrics, supporting (accounting) tools, and reporting are necessary that capture the full energy and climate impact of PEDs. The European Commission's Building Energy Specification Table (BEST) provides a methodological approach for calculating the energy balance of PEDs. The BEST is a formal requirement of the European Commission’s proposal process, with respect to the Horizon 2020 funding program. An improved methodology for calculating the annual energy balance of a of PED, based on the international standard ISO52000, was developed by the Making City project in 2020. In this paper, we evaluate and compare accounting methods for assessing the energy performance of PEDs and conclude on their use and shortcomings. The hypothesis to be explored is that current accounting practices are based on accounting at a building level and alternative methodologies are needed to capture the full impacts at a district level. To this end, we apply the current approaches on the ATELIER project's PED pilot in Buiksloterham, Amsterdam, which will serve as a case study to illustrate the differences in outcomes and in the use of the results in evaluation and policy making. Consequently, we reflect and recommend on improved approaches and methodologies.
Measuring the discomfort of energy vulnerable elderly people. Recommendations for solutions
Authors: García Lepetit Noemí , Biard Emma , Aparisi-Cerdá Isabel , Brazzini Tommaso , Montagud Carla , Gómez-Navarro Tomás
Published: September 2022

Energy poverty remains today one of the most important problems for a truly just urban energy transition. In addition, older people living alone are one of the main target groups of this problem. In this research, 525 households have been monitored of which 155 were potentially in fuel poverty in the city of Valencia, Spain. In the latter, the presence in the dwelling, temperature and humidity were monitored throughout the year. We reviewed the literature and compared different comfort standards with the data collected. None of the 155 dwellings meet the comfort requirements on a regular basis. That is, their inhabitants are too often at risk to their health because of low or high temperatures and humidity. A survey was conducted to find the causes of the vulnerability of these families and to quantify their importance. In addition to the expected causes: low income, high energy prices and poor housing quality, we found elements related to habits, low energy literacy, the digital divide and others. Our findings can inform policy development for an inclusive urban energy transition that does not leave behind older people living alone.
Overview of occupant behaviour in modelling high-performance residential buildings
Authors: Xu L , Guerra-Santin O , Boess S U
Published: September 2022

As the goal-setting in the European Green Deal is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, great efforts have been put to improve the energy efficiency in residential buildings. As residential buildings are towards high energy efficiency, building envelopes are becoming better thermally insulated and systems are becoming more energy-efficient. Therefore, the role of occupants in the actual building performance is becoming more important. However, contradictions exist between the uncertainties caused by occupant behaviour (OB) and the over-simplified consideration of OB in building design. Therefore, this paper aims to present a state-of-the-art of how OB is represented in residential buildings. Through a literature study, this paper first reviews different occupant behaviours and how they are considered in the design and operation of high-performance residential buildings. Modelling methods are categorized by occupant activities. In addition, behavioural theories in the application of analysing building performance are reviewed. How the behavioural theories are integrated with state-of-the-art building technologies is outlined. Finally, challenges and suggestions for representing the interaction between occupants and buildings in the design and operation of residential buildings are discussed.
An Investigation of Occupants’ Energy Perceptions in Energy Efficient Retrofitted Residential Buildings: A Review Paper
Authors: Maghsoudi Nia Elham , Qian Queena , Visscher Henk
Published: September 2022

Buildings are the main sector in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Retrofitting of existing building has been identified as one of the significant strategies for reducing the impacts of buildings on energy and environment. However, recent studies have shown that low energy buildings mostly do not perform as expected. These differences are related to different factors including the interaction between occupants and building technologies. Thus, most renovation initiatives have not considered occupant behavior equally to the energy efficiency process. Many of the existing studies have been focused on technological improvements rather than behavioral-related parameters. Hence, this study aims to review the literature on the occupants’ energy perceptions and their behavioral interventions in energy efficient retrofitted residential buildings. The results of the literature review reveal that household’s energy consumption significantly differs according to the various factors including social-economic, cultural, household composition as well as individual attitudes, habits, experiences, and occupant practices. Moreover, the energy consumption in the residential sector is highly dependent on demographic parameters. The demographics factors are classified according to type of family, level of income, age of the occupants, and individuals’ educational status. The findings shows that energy perception gap formulates the energy behavior and it is related to the lack of personal interest, accurate information and individuals’ awareness about how to consume efficiently. Therefore, it is suggested that the level of occupant’s perception on energy, control, or comfort have to be considered during energy efficiency retrofits. The study contributes to understanding of occupants’ behaviors which cause energy performance gap and enlighten approaches to encourage more energy efficient behavior.
ROTUNDORO: A web-based decision support prototype for housing refurbishments considering consumer preferences
Authors: Kaltenegger J K , Ossokina I V , Röck M , Pauwels P
Published: September 2022

Insulation materials represent the first and most important improvement measure when refurbishing residential buildings. Materials, however, differ on a wide set of criteria (e.g. functional, environmental, economic). It remains difficult to find trade-offs between these criteria in collective decision-making processes about the choice of renovation materials. Together with energy collectives and construction engineers, homeowners hence seek to find solutions that balance engineering evaluation methods and consumer preferences. This problem is addressed by the platform ROTUNDORO, which introduces a prototype online platform for engineers to simulate the effects of different material choices considering multiple criteria. ROTUNDORO relies on Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Linked Building Data (LBD) to link material performances to building components, which are then assessed and visualised in design performance scenarios. To verify these design scenarios, their potential market adoption is visualised inside the platform to show the probability of acceptance by the homeowners. The calculation of this probability of acceptance is based on consumer research, backed by the results of a Stated Choice Experiment (SCE) conducted amongst 500 Dutch homeowners, to investigate preferred choices between insulation material packages. Our findings reveal a high willingness of the studied population to invest in energy refurbishment. Reducing CO2 emissions and noise levels as well as improving comfort is just as important as financial savings.3 4 5
Exergy-rational utilization of solar energy with advanced PVT systems and heat pipe technology in 100% renewable cities
Authors: Kilkis B
Published: September 2022

This paper responds to the EU goals of decarbonization with solar energy leading to fifth-generation district energy systems (5DE). The dilemma of low-exergy (low-temperature) district heating systems with renewable and waste thermal sources and the temperature-incompatibility of the current comfort heating equipment demanding higher supply temperatures is addressed. Until innovative, low-exergy equipment and higher-exergy solar photo-voltaic-heat systems are developed, various methods of optimum temperature peaking and existing equipment oversizing are presented. Central temperature peaking at the plant site and the individual prosumer buildings are compared. A case study is presented, which involves an individually optimized solar prosumer building with an optimum mix of heat pump oversizing and commercial radiator oversizing. Results show that CO2 emissions responsibility-based optimum mix compared to economy-based optimum mix reduces the responsibility by 30%. This analysis was repeated by cascading two smaller heat pumps instead of a larger one to increase the overall COP. This change further improved the solution by 4% points. Results have also been compared to a modified case where cascaded heat pumps are coupled with low-exergy heat pipe radiators. This coupling resulted in much more improvement by an additional 52% points. The paper concludes that the key is low-exergy heating and cooling equipment. Then the fifth-generation district energy systems with supply temperatures as low as 320 K (47°C) and return temperatures as low as 300 K (27°C) will be possible with renewable and waste energy sources if the one-way distance between the plant and the district is not more than 1.6x10-5 km/kW times the thermal capacity of the district raised to a power of 1.5.
Green finance in green building needs under the Paris Agreement
Authors: Debrah C , Darko A , Chan A P C , Owusu-Manu D-G , Edwards D J
Published: September 2022

Green building (GB) is a key mitigation and adaptation measure in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of Parties to the Paris Agreement. This paper explores the potential of green finance (GF) to support country efforts to shift from conventional construction to GB and to promote green renovations in existing buildings (GREB) within the context of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Through a meta-synthesis of new or updated country NDCs, we provide, first, a comprehensive qualitative overview of country perspectives on GF-in-GB needs. Second, we examine the role of domestic finance, international financial support, and fiscal policy reforms toward GB and GREB implementation. Finally, the role of financing actors in promoting GF-in-GB-and-GREB is discussed. The analysis of new or updated NDCs revealed that only 20 of the 42 countries reviewed provide clear cost estimates for proposed climate-related buildings and construction activities. Developed countries account for more than 80% of total cost estimates. The majority of developing country adaptation and mitigation efforts are contingent on international climate (green) finance. While certain domestic finance sources are mentioned, the majority of countries emphasize the need for (international or national) fiscal policy reforms to help finance climate action. The findings of the study could serve as a useful reference to Parties when developing future NDCs.
Getting to Scale for Decarbonizing Homes in the US: An Industry Survey
Authors: Casquero-Modrego N , Chan W.R. , Less B.D. , Walker I.S.
Published: September 2022

Most of the residential building stock in the US and EU was built according to the building and construction code prevailing at time of construction and have poor energy performance that contributes to higher carbon emissions. Energy and carbon reduction upgrade projects of existing residential buildings are still a niche market compared to conventional building retrofitting or renovation. We need energy saving and decarbonization projects aiming to reduce carbon emissions if we are to meet our climate goals. In order to get to scale with these projects we need to better understand what motivates and deters occupants and owners to conduct home performance upgrades. We conducted a survey to gather information from home performance contractors and stakeholders, to learn about promising approaches and technologies from the industry perspective. This survey identified limiting factors such as project complexity, high costs, perceived risks, extensive disruption, and work being unfamiliar to many contractors. The survey also identified paths to motivate homeowners, including building code simplification and emphasizing non-energy benefits such as improved health and in indoor air quality. Finally, the survey respondents highlighted potential innovations in technologies, such as heat pumps, monitoring and diagnostics. Electrification is highlighted as the fast and effective path to take on large scale decarbonization of the building stock. Finally, there is the need to develop more incentives to increase demand and business models to create the businesses and the workforce that is required to get to scale.
Addressing housing shortage through energy and space-efficient retrofitting: The case study of a Swedish Single-Family house
Authors: Sula Migena , Mahapatra Krushna , Mainali Brijesh
Published: September 2022

Sweden's shortage of affordable housing has been evolving into a major in recent years. A 2021 report by the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building, and Planning (Boverket) stated a need for 60,000 new homes by 2030. In addition, the Swedish building stock is responsible for 39% of the country's total energy consumption and 21% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, solutions to address the housing crisis should go hand in hand with the need for increased building retrofits to meet Sweden's 2045 energy and climate targets. In this context, re-densification of the existing building stock is a possible option. This study examines possible space- and energy-efficient options for densifying the housing supply in Sweden's existing single-family home (SFH) segment. Using a case study in Kronoberg, Sweden, occupied by an elderly household, options for converting the unused space into new additional dwelling units (ADUs) and reducing per capita living space are explored. Most SFHs in Sweden are old, in poor condition, and in urgent need of structural and energy retrofits. In addition, about one- third of homeowners are over 60 years old and report living in homes that are too large compared to their needs - an excellent environment to study the proposed intervention. Revenues from renting the newly created ADUs suggest that the proposal is financially attractive because it capitalizes on the high initial investment costs of energy retrofits. In addition, spatial interventions combined with energy-efficient measures result in a 40 percent lower energy use and environmental impact per capita compared to energy retrofits alone due to a reduction in per capita living space. Finally, the study aims to initiate a discussion on sufficiency, innovative energy regulations, and housing policy tools needed to transition to the low-energy single-family housing stock.
Overcome data gaps to benchmark building stocks against climate targets related to the EU taxonomy and other decarbonisation initiatives
Authors: Jakob Martin , Ostermeyer York , Nägeli Claudio , Hofer Christian
Published: September 2022

National disclosure regulation is more and more flanked by stricter requirements of climate reporting. Industry stakeholders with more than 250 employees will for example be required to report on the share of their CAPEX and OPEX that is in line with the 2050 climate targets of the EU. Financial institutions are required to declare how much of their investment is in 2050 target compatible assets. Investment in buildings is an important part of such reporting and there is need of a robust approach and method to be used. The presented project developed such an approach. With reference to the work of the EU Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance and the Climate Bond Initiative (CBI), generally applicable criteria for buildings have been determined and calculated for the example of Switzerland. They are based on a best-in-class approach. While the EU Technical Taxonomy refers to the top 15% of buildings in terms of primary energy demand, CBI uses CO2-emissions as a benchmark. To compare the current state of buildings sector with these criteria, a distributional building stock model is used, which also addresses the fact that the data availability on energy efficiency and climate compatibility of the building stock is unsatisfactory in many European countries including Switzerland. To be easily applicable in practice, the criteria are mainly based on two dimensions: on the one hand, on the requirements of codes (in Switzerland the model regulations of the Cantons, MuKEn) and widely used standards and labels (Minergie, GEAK), and on the other hand, on the energy sources used for the generation of space heat and hot water. The study shows that ecologically sustainable, climate-compatible building financing can always be assumed in Switzerland if one of the following two criteria are met for new buildings: multi-family, office or other non-residential buildings according to Minergie from 1998 on, MuKEn from 2000 on or GEAK B that use heat-pumps, wood, pellets or solar energy. Or, any building with Minergie from 2009 on label, MuKEn 2014 or GEAK A that use heat pumps, wood, pellets, solar energy or district heating based on non-fossil energy. In the context of increased pressure on resources, it is important to acknowledge the climate-compatibility of older buildings as well (and to not only consider newly which would generate a bias towards resource intensive building of new houses).
Trends in the cost-benefit analysis of energy efficiency measures as part of the renovation wave
Authors: Buchholz M , Enseling A , Lützkendorf T
Published: September 2022

The goal of sustainable development within planetary boundaries poses new challenges to the actors of the real estate industry. One task is to improve the energy performance of existing buildings by deep energy retrofit measures. The aim is not only to conserve resources and reduce emissions, but also to ensure that buildings can be rented out and marketed, and that a loss of value is avoided. In addition to technical issues and aspects of dealing with existing building fabric, questions of assessing their economic viability play a role in the selection of suitable measures. Against the background of a project in Germany to develop a methodological convention, this paper introduces basics for cost-benefit analyses of energy efficiency measures. Furthermore, the following questions will be discussed: (1) How can the introduction of carbon pricing conventions be aligned with external climate and environmental costs? (2) How can be dealt with non-monetary factors in investment appraisals? (3) How can typical perspectives of actors be classified and what are the consequences for the necessary adjustment of appraisal methods? (4) How can the general trend towards greater consideration of uncertainties be taken into account? Possible solutions are discussed and recommendations for action are presented.
Comparing the financial impact of housing retrofit policies on Dutch homeowners
Authors: Fernández Alejandro , Haffner Marietta , Elsinga Marja
Published: September 2022

The Renovation Wave is the latest addition to a series of European measures designed to incentivise investment in a low-carbon built environment. In terms of residential retrofits, research has focused on how structural measures can reduce costs through energy savings and improve affordability in the long term. However, it is less clear how retrofit policies can positively impact households with different income levels, energy costs and savings’ opportunities across time. EU Member States have provided substantial funding for retrofitting in the form of grants, subsidised loans and tax deductions. This paper addresses with the Netherlands as case study the question: how do different retrofit measures affect the finances and affordability of homeowners in the short and longer term? Our numerical analysis is mainly based on the WoON 2018 dataset, a household-level survey. By focusing on household finances under different financing schemes, this paper aims to place renovation measures in the context of the housing affordability literature. User costs are one of the most important capital-based indicators of long-term affordability. In contrast, cash flows deal with the exchange of money and indicate financial access to housing at a given point in time. In the Dutch context of rising house prices, it is crucial to measure the short and long-term economic impact of energy efficiency measures, as they are likely to have a lasting impact on affordability. Our results show that depending on policy, a majority of homes could be retrofitted with a cost-neutral margin, depending on energy prices and post-retrofit savings. The main barrier to retrofitting is the upfront cost, which threatens short-term affordability. Loans, either subsidised or private, offer an alternative to upfront costs but reduce cost-neutrality. On the other hand, from a user cost perspective, retrofitting lowers costs in the long run. Finally, a cluster analysis shows that middle and higher income groups would be most likely to benefit from retrofitting. This raises the question of the regressive nature and targeting of flat-rate subsidies and tax deductions.
A business model canvas framework for sustainable one-stop-shops
Authors: Pardalis Georgios , Mahapatra Krushna , Mainali Brijesh
Published: September 2022

The Sustainable Business Model Canvas (SBMC) offers a useful tool for business model design, as it manages to integrate all the three dimensions of sustainability without distinguishing between three different layers (economic, environmental, and social). This paper presents the application of SBMC in a real study case of a one-stop-shop (OSS) for the renovation of single-family houses operating in Kronoberg province in Sweden. The case is based on shifting from the current approach of the OSS, making interventions that will lead to the development of a "new" OSS which can reach the highest possible sustainability potential. A two-stage comprehensive assessment process for the "new" model is proposed, following a life cycle perspective. The use of SBMC and the assessment process allows both existing and under-development OSSs to gain a better understanding of different alternatives regarding their business, and how these alternatives improve or weaken their existing business model. This work also proposes the steps that should be followed to assess the impact of potential intervention in the business model on the sustainability performance of an OSS. There is a need though to acquire relevant data to make a more detailed evaluation of the economic, environmental, and social burdens and benefits of an OSS. Such an evaluation will lead to more well-informed interpretations regarding the sustainability performance of different OSSs.
What are typical levels of housing renovation? A typology based on Swedish public strategies
Authors: Femenias P , Granath K
Published: September 2022

The gap between energy policy and potential energy savings through renovation, and what is carried out in practice has been in focus of previous research. Various influencing factors such as economy, organisation, and social relations versus tenants has been studied to design guidelines to bridge this gap. There is a lack of empirical studies of how renovation is planned, and what factors will influence the renovation measures that are implemented. This paper takes the starting point in 42 on-going and planned housing renovation projects 2018 – 2021 carried out by three municipal housing companies in one major Swedish metropolitan area. Based on the character of these, three main types of housing renovation are defined. The most current type of renovation is bathroom and piping while climate envelope renovation and deep renovation are less common. Energy saving is decoupled from renovation activities which will have implications for implementation of policy for energy efficient renovation.
Approaches for energy renovation of mixed property in the Netherlands
Authors: Rutten M , Berkel F van , Oostra M , Savanović P
Published: September 2022

Over the years housing associations in the Netherlands have sold a lot of terraced houses to individual homeowners. As a result housing associations often no longer own all houses in the same block of terraced houses. This situation of variable ownership, also referred to as mixed property, represents a challenge in itself when it comes to large scale energy renovation. The goal of this study was to explore the approaches that exist in practice for energy renovation of mixed property. Based on a series of interviews, followed by a collaborative meeting with the interviewees, we suggest that current approaches for energy renovation of mixed property mainly differ in two ways. First, approaches vary in terms of leadership. Is a single organization, for example the housing association, in charge of the energy renovation? Or is leadership spread among multiple stakeholders? And second, approaches vary in terms of pace. Is the energy renovation carried out in one big leap? Or is it carried out in multiple steps over a longer period of time? Based on these differences we present a four-quadrant model of energy renovation of mixed property.
Sustainable renovation of non-profit housing in the Netherlands: from projects to programs
Authors: Meijer F M , Straub A
Published: September 2022

Dutch policies to reach a CO2 neutral housing stock in 2050 force housing associations to realise higher renovation rates at lower costs. The potential for standardisation in renovation processes of the housing stock is huge. Practice shows that an increasing number of housing associations bundle their individual maintenance and sustainable renovation projects in renovation programs for two or more years. Programs that are then implemented in strategic partnerships with maintenance contractors. This paper clarifies the rationale behind this development, sketches internal and external factors that encourage and hinder this development and presents the effects of the shift from projects to programs. The paper contributes to the scientific body of knowledge of public clients in construction collaborating with market parties. The research provides housing associations and contractors tools for the implementation of successful partnerships. The paper is based on an explorative literature review and case-studies of strategic partnerships in this field. The findings show that strategic partnering in housing renovation programs increases the renovation rates of individual housing associations. Also the tenants’ satisfaction with the renovation process is high. Trust is key in the collaboration between the strategic partners. Hindering factors are the realisation of the necessary culture and organizational changes on both the supply and demand side.
Relocation rationale – why people move in connection with renovation projects
Authors: Granath K , Femenias P
Published: September 2022

The existing housing stock is constantly in need of maintenance and renovation. Previous research has showed that renovation projects may force tenants to move involuntarily, and there is a correlation between the scale of the renovation project, the economic consequences for the tenants, and the relocation frequency. In this paper, the aim is to identify the reasons for tenants’ choice to relocate, based on both quantitative and qualitative data. This paper is based on material from a larger study of tenants’ experiences of housing renovation and their decision to relocate. From a large empirical material of 426 personal interviews with tenants living in municipally owned rental apartments within the city of Gothenburg, 117 respondents were identified, whose choice to relocate were directly linked to the renovation process. The interviews were transcribed, analyzed and coded into different categories. Preliminary results show that the majority of relocations that occur in connection to renovation projects are in fact not related to the renovation process in itself. The primary reason to move was to upsize, to move in with a partner, to move from rental to home ownership, and to live in another area. Arguments directly connected to the renovation process were to avoid the disturbances connected to living in an apartment while it was being renovated, or avoiding being evacuated and having to move several times, and avoiding the economic consequences of rent increases after the renovation. The results illustrate the vital role of the property owner in planning and organizing the renovation projects in order to minimize the disturbances for the tenants. It supports the current trend to divide renovation projects into smaller segments, applying more diverse strategies and avoiding one-size-fits-all-approaches to renovation.
Rotatable Smart TinyLab, a platform for testing integrated façades and indoor climate
Authors: Mohammadi S , Weersink A , ′t Ende J van , Struck C
Published: September 2022

The new Smart TinyLab (STL) for system integration in the building industry is a lab where building partners and construction-related companies can develop, test, validate and demonstrate their products in practice to be as energy-efficient as possible to contribute to formulated CO2 emission reduction targets. STL is located near the Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede and has been operationalized since the spring of 2021. In the lab, one can simulate and assess quantitatively the effect of building products, HVAC components, smart technologies, user-related aspects and the outdoor climate on energy consumption and indoor climate conditions. The lab allows the comparison between theoretical and practical characteristics and energy consumption figures. Together with partners from the construction industry, innovative products, devices and systems in a simulation and field test environment have been tested and validated. During STL′s start-up phase other tiny twin-labs with outdoor setups in Europe were compared. Turning the lab in its entirety to face or be averted from direct sunlight makes STL rather unique in its kind.
Future performance evaluation of PCM integrated buildings under changing climate
Authors: Tamer T , Baker D , Dino I Gursel , Meral Akgul C
Published: September 2022

The high energy consumption and associated carbon emissions due to the heating and cooling of buildings create a heavy environmental burden. One of the cost-efficient solutions to reduce the heating and cooling demands is to incorporate phase change materials (PCMs) in the building components, increasing the thermal mass of the building and providing latent heat thermal storage. However, the rising temperatures over the years will alter the effectiveness of PCM in building envelopes. In this study, four cities in Turkey with different climatic characteristics were selected. For each city, future weather files representing the climatic conditions of 2050 and 2080 were generated from the current weather data using CCWorldWeatherGen. A typical office building that utilizes gypsum wallboards was modeled with EnergyPlus as a reference case. Alternative energy models were generated by modifying the wallboard compositions (PCM melting temperature: 19-27°C). The building’s annual heating and cooling energy demands were calculated for each city, year, and wallboard alternative. Generated data were analyzed to evaluate the future efficiency of the wallboards with the changing climate over the years in order to maximize the long-term performance gains from PCM incorporating wallboards. The results showed that the selection of the optimum PCM melting temperature of a location should not only depend on thermo-physical and layer properties of the PCM wallboard as the optimum melting temperature of the PCM is subject to change with rising temperatures. The impact of climate change should be considered to fully evaluate the long-term performance of the PCM wallboard in terms of energy use and CO2 emissions.
Adaptation of circular design strategies based on historical trends and demolition patterns
Authors: Andersen R , Jensen L B , Ryberg M W
Published: September 2022

With new knowledge on current trends in construction and demolition, circular design strategies can be adapted to recent developments in construction, thereby providing knowledge about the potential for reducing global warming, resource consumption, and the amount of construction waste. By examining data from public registers on historical demolitions and building statistics, it is possible to examine the patterns in demolished buildings to uncover which building factors may influence whether buildings are demolished or renovated. In the following, data from demolitions in Denmark will be linked to data for newly built and existing buildings. The results show that factors initiating demolition are distributed differently between high- and low-population areas. Furthermore, the increase in new forms of construction means that circular design strategies such as reuse, recycling, and adaptive reuse can only cover a small proportion of the need for new construction.
Life-cycle assessment of construction errors on buildings in Greenland
Authors: Ryberg M W , Serrano T , Møller E , Lading T
Published: September 2022

Life-cycle assessments are often performed on ideal cases where errors or accidents are not taken into account. This might give a wrong indication of the potential impacts as errors and accidents do occur as part of building construction. Thus, for a specific case in Greenland on construction of an exterior wall, we evaluated the potential environmental impacts of construction errors. Both impacts related to correcting the errors and impacts if the errors were left uncorrected. We compared our results to a baseline scenario without construction errors. Results show that construction errors can have a substantial contribution to the total life-cycle impact of an exterior wall. Our results are for a specific case and cannot be generalized at this stage. Further studies are needed to evaluate if findings can be generalized. Here, errors should generally be avoided through better quality assurance during planning and execution or by using more robust designs. This study sheds light on the importance of taking into account potential construction errors and the importance of avoiding these to keep environmental impacts low.
Determining spatial characteristics for circular building design: The case of kitchen alterations
Authors: Ollár A , Femenías P , Granath K , Hagejärd S
Published: September 2022

Kitchens are frequently altered leading to unnecessary material flows. End-users’ wishes to customise their kitchen based on their changing priorities have been recognised as one cause for frequent alterations. Complementing previous research investigating kitchen alterations, this paper focuses on the spatial characteristics of the room. Spatial characteristics have been identified as determining factors for developing circular solutions for kitchen design which could reduce the extent and impact of alterations. Eleven households in Swedish villas, apartments, and terrace houses have been interviewed about their kitchen alterations to answer the research questions: What spatial alterations do they implement? and How could the spatial design of kitchens be formulated to support a circular built environment?. The outcome of the alterations has been documented through floorplan drawings and photographs. Based on the findings exemplifying end-users’ alterations, circular design strategies are recommended for the spatial design of the kitchen. These strategies have the potential of slowing the loops by enabling end-users to reshape their kitchen without extensive alterations and decreasing resource use and waste production. In conclusion, this paper urges professionals in the kitchen industry to use the formulated circular design strategies to create a building stock that is part of a circular economy.
Family social support and stability of preferences regarding place of death among older people: a 3-year longitudinal study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenjiro , Ide Kazushige , Kondo Katsunori
Published: September 2022

Background

it remains unclear how family relationships could affect stability of end-of-life care preferences.

Objective

to describe change patterns of preferred place of death (POD) among older people and to examine associations between family social support and stability of preferences regarding POD.

Methods

this longitudinal study of 1,200 noninstitutionalized independent Japanese older people aged over 65 years used panel data between 2016 and 2019 from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). Preference stability was defined as the congruence of preferred POD based on questionnaires between baseline and follow-up. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis and gender-stratified analysis to examine associations between social support (spouse, children living together and children living apart) and preference stability.

Results

only 40.9% of participants had stable preferences. For a spouse, both receiving and providing social support was associated with less stable preferences (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43–0.93; OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.38–0.80, respectively), and providing social support to children living apart was associated with more stable preferences (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.76). In gender-stratified analysis, significant associations between preference stability and providing social support to a spouse among women (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34–0.82) and providing social support to children living apart among men (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.16–2.55) were observed.

Conclusions

family social support was associated with the stability of preferences, and the associations differed by support resources and gender. Incorporating family members in the process of end-of-life care discussion may be necessary for establishing stable preferences.
Screening for thyroid dysfunction with free T4 instead of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) improves efficiency in older adults in primary care
Authors: Bosma Madeleen , Du Puy Robert S , Ballieux Bart E P B
Published: September 2022

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCHT) is defined as a consistently elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with a free T4 (fT4) within the reference range. This diagnosis may lead to additional monitoring, levothyroxine therapy and increased patient concerns, despite lack of evidence of treatment benefit in older adults. In order to avoid this diagnosis, we evaluated the efficiency of fT4-based screening for thyroid dysfunction, in older adults in primary care and compared it with TSH-based screening.

Individuals aged >65years in primary care were selected for this retrospective study when both TSH and fT4 were individually requested irrespective of the TSH value. Exclusion criteria were C-reactive protein > 10 mg/l or a history of thyroid hormone monitoring in the previous year.

Screening based on fT4 instead of TSH decreased reflex testing from 23.8% to 11.2%. The positive predictive value (PPV) for clinical hypothyroidism increased from 17.3% to 52.2%. The negative predictive value was 96.1% with TSH-based screening versus 97.8% with fT4-based screening. Elevation of the TSH cutoff value from 4.2 to 6.5 mU/l resulted in a reflex test percentage of 12.5% and a PPV of 31.0%.

Our results suggest that screening for thyroid dysfunction in older individuals in primary care can be improved by screening based on fT4 instead of TSH or by adjusting the TSH cutoff value. Adjustment of the screening strategy may be of interest to health policy makers because of potential cost reduction. From a patient perspective, medical concerns and unnecessary biochemical follow-up might be reduced by circumventing the diagnosis SCHT.
Is human labor at term an inflammatory condition?
Authors: Kyathanahalli Chandrashekara , Snedden Madeline , Hirsch Emmet
Published: September 2022

Parturition at term in normal pregnancy follows a predictable sequence of events. There is some evidence that a state of inflammation prevails in the reproductive tissues during labor at term, but it is uncertain whether this phenomenon is the initiating signal for parturition. The absence of a clear temporal sequence of inflammatory events prior to labor casts doubt on the concept that normal human labor at term is primarily the result of an inflammatory cascade. This review examines evidence linking parturition and inflammation in order to address whether inflammation is a cause of labor, a consequence of labor, or a separate but related phenomenon. Finally, we identify and suggest ways to reconcile inconsistencies regarding definitions of labor onset in published research, which may contribute to the variability in conclusions regarding the genesis and maintenance of parturition. A more thorough understanding of the processes underlying normal parturition at term may lead to novel insights regarding abnormal labor, including spontaneous preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes, and dysfunctional labor, and the role of inflammation in each.
Conventional natural killer cells control vascular remodeling in the uterus during pregnancy by acidifying the extracellular matrix with a2V
Authors: Wolf Katharine , Ibrahim Safaa A , Schneiderman Sylvia , Riehl Valerie , Dambaeva Svetlana , Beaman Kenneth
Published: September 2022

Vascular remodeling within the uterus immediately before and during early pregnancy increases blood flow in the fetus and prevents the development of gestational hypertension. Tissue-resident natural killer (trNK) cells secrete pro-angiogenic growth factors but are insufficient for uterine artery (UtA) remodeling in the absence of conventional natural killer (cNK) cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) is activated in acidic environments to promote UtA remodeling. We have previously shown that ATPase a2V plays a role in regulating the function of cNK cells during pregnancy. We studied the effect of a2V deletion on uterine cNK cell populations and pregnancy outcomes in VavCrea2Vfl/fl mice, where a2V is conditionally deleted in hematopoietic stem cells. Conventional NKcells were reduced but trNK cells were retained in implantation sites at gestational day 9.5, and UtA remodeling was inhibited despite no differences in concentrations of pro-angiogenic growth factors. The ratio of pro-MMP9 to total was significantly elevated in VavCrea2Vfl/fl mice, and MMP9 activity was significantly reduced. The pH of implantation sites was significantly elevated in VavCrea2Vfl/fl mice. We concluded that the role of cNK cells in the uterus is to acidify the extracellular matrix (ECM) using a2V, which activates MMP9 to degrade the ECM, release bound pro-angiogenic growth factors, and contribute to UtA remodeling. Our results are significant for the understanding of the development of gestational hypertension.
Date labels, food waste and supply chain implications
Authors: Rickard Bradley J , Ho Shuay-Tsyr , Livat Florine , Okrent Abigail M
Published: September 2022

We developed a survey to collect information on consumers’ intentions to discard 15 food products when exposed to different date labels. Results show that the use of certain date labels has the capacity to reduce food waste, but the reductions would happen differentially across food groups. When we examine the nutritional implications, we find that a shift from the ‘Best by’ date label to the ‘Best if Used by’ date label would increase total household purchases of energy and lead to a disproportional increase in purchases of fats, cholesterol and protein.
Poetry and the Language of Otherness: Baudelaire, Mallarmé, Ponge
Authors: Poiana Peter
Published: September 2022

The language of otherness is a discursive framework that applies to modern poetry in the way it responds to the disappearance of stable forms of legitimization. This study focuses on the writings of three poets, Baudelaire, Mallarmé and Ponge, all of whom have approached in a vexed manner the task of poetic innovation because they were all preoccupied to some degree by the question of authentication. It analyses selected writings of the poets by highlighting the affective polarities that emerge in their works, particularly through the intellectual trials to which they subject themselves, but also in their assessment of their place in a literary tradition that, as modern poets, they seek to overturn. The analysis is based on Lacan’s notion of the big Other as the site of authorization but also of the misestimation of desire inasmuch as it conveyed in language.