bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The choice of reference study period in building LCA – case-based analysis and arguments
Authors: Rasmussen F N , Zimmermann R K , Kanafani K , Andersen C , Birgisdóttir H 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction: In building LCAs, the calculations are carried out over a chosen reference study period (RSP), which is commonly set around 50-60 years. When developing the Danish LCA method for DGNB certification, and later for the preparation of the voluntary sustainability class for the building code, longer RSP’s were suggested by technical committees. Therefore, the RSP has been based on a technical approach to the lifetime of buildings, assuming 80 years for offices, 100 years for hospitals and 120 years for residential buildings. In this study, the effects and arguments of a shorter RSP are investigated. Method: LCA-based carbon profiles of 11 building cases were carried out to compare how the RSP influences the results. RSPs of 50, 80, 100 and 120 years were investigated. The building cases represent different use types, structural systems, material choices, on-site electricity generation and installation scope. Results: Results show no notable difference in ranking, the building cases in-between, at RSPs of 50 and 120 years. Further, the relationship between the best and the worst performing building stays around a three-fold difference, regardless of the RSP. Conclusion: The longer RSPs have serious drawbacks regarding the increasing uncertainties associated with the scenarios. Further, annualizing results of longer RSPs entail a fundamental ethical issue of effectively allocating environmental loads to future generations. These specific drawbacks of uncertainty and impacts distribution are reduced by using an RSP of 50 years. The RSP of 50 years thus represents a compromise between ensuring that impacts from replacements of shorter-lived building materials will be reflected in the results, and between encouraging that more emphasis can be put on the crucial material related emissions that affects the global carbon budgets here and now.
Economic, social and environmental impact assessment for off-site construction logistics: the data availability issue
Authors: Brusselaers N , Mommens K , Janné M , Fredriksson A , Venås C , Flyen C , Fufa S M , Macharis C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction. The ongoing urbanization trend makes local governments densify their built environment, hence stimulating construction and renovation works in urban areas. Construction intrinsically strongly relies on logistics activities, which in turn are the source of environmental nuisances. The latter are referred to as external costs when they are not borne by the polluter himself, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, congestion, etc. Accurate external cost calculations require accurate data to consider significant calculation-variables. However, current calculations are often based on the number of vehicles used and on transported volume rather than vehicle- or tonne-kilometres, hence not adequate to conduct external cost calculations. Methods. The MIMIC-project1 aims to reduce the impact of construction logistics. Therefore, an integrated impact assessment framework will be developed, assessing the economic and environmental influence of different off-site construction logistics solutions. The necessary data to conduct such an impact assessment are however not always available, complicating calculations. This paper highlights the current gap in accurate data on urban construction logistics flows, the considerable uncertainty about existing figures on construction transport and their methodology, and presents the data availability issue in the development of such a framework, using empirical research. Results. Logistics flows data are typically scattered amongst different actors and various in format. Harmonizing different data categories and sources to feed the framework with relevant logistics variables, this paper presents what is possible to calculate using available data in 4 pilot cases in Belgium, Sweden, Norway and Austria. The various data sources highlight the complexity to develop a framework flexible enough to cope with specific local constraints, whilst generic enough to allow comparability across the European cases, and ultimately across construction logistics globally. Furthermore, a shift is needed towards other data collection methods (GPS, digital waybills etc.). Conclusions. This paper presents the data availability issue in the development of an impact assessment framework for construction logistics, harmonizing different data sources in order to conduct external cost calculations for construction transport.
Resilient and Environmentally Efficient Residential Buildings - Assessment Method and Interim Outcomes
Authors: Volf M , Nehasil O , Malík Z , Hrabal D , Růžička J. , Lupíšek A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Historically, the fire-safety orders restricted the use of majority of the nature-based low impact materials in town buildings. Houses therefore became rigid and resilient. Today, we need to return to those materials, but the tradition and public opinion are preventing changes in building habits. This paper describes the work done within a research project, which aims to define a resilient and low impact residential building. The main goal of the research is a development of an assessment method that evaluates the building’s ability to withstand or easily overcome most important threats which may occur in the Central European area. The research team’s objective was to identify the risks, define the crisis scenarios and to provide an exemplary solution that will ensure the necessary resilience of a model building. The method includes environmental criteria with benchmarks set up to fulfil the requirements of the Paris Agreement. This leads the building design towards the low-impact materials and technologies and towards resilience at the same time. The research team developed an assessment method including 20 criteria. A set of buildings has been evaluated and favourable technical solutions have been developed. Based on the results, a design of a model building was carried out. New equipment and technologies were implemented: removable green facade, natural ventilation with solar chimneys, or a hybrid control system managing renewable sources in the building. The next step should be a test of the technology or the overall design in real conditions. The project outcomes show the possibility of reaching a sufficiently solid and robust design of a low-rise apartment building while following a sustainable design approach at the same time.
Local urban climate governance in Nepal: The interplay between national governments and aid agencies
Authors: Bhattarai-Aryal J , Hurley J , Moloney S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Multi-lateral aid come from various Bilateral–aid agencies that play a crucial role in supporting developing nations around the world to address climate change issues. Despite significant effort from aid agencies, it is not clear how aid is received and distributed at local level in recipient countries. This paper highlights some of the challenges associated with funding obtained and utilised particularly to address climate change adaptation via case study of Kathmandu, Nepal. This empirical research is funded by the Government of Australia.
This research draws on PhD research including a review of the literature and in-depth interviews with governing actors such as local planners in Kathmandu, climate experts, academics, and community members. The study focused on understanding the impacts of international and aid agency investment in climate action at the local urban scale. Key findings reveal that over the past decade significant resources were spent in capacity building programs nationally, but with limited contribution at the level of local adaptation in the urban regions. Local governing agencies and authorities have little capacity to address urban scale needs. Results of the study suggest that the process of distributing aid funding and evaluation of its impact is not transparent. This raised a number of questions around the legitimacy of governing climate change adaptation programs from the top down.
Lessons from Ostrom & Hess theory of Commons: Participatory Guarantee Systems, a new form of governance for assessing the sustainable built environment
Authors: Cazas J , Hamon V , Berchtold M , Lohe R , Küchler W , Vienot E 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Third-party certification is the mainstream method for assessing the built environment. Independent accredited external experts evaluate the built environment according to standards generally decided upon at a broad level (national, international).
Yet, assessment tools and certification methods should be contextualized to be consistent with local practices and have a broad impact among stakeholders in the local society. This is the case of Participative Guarantee Systems (PGS), which can be considered as knowledge Commons, in the sense of Hess and Ostrom (2007), proposing a new governance approach for designing, implementing and assessing the sustainable built environment.
A participative study at European level, under the direction of the CESBA (Common European Sustainable Built Environment) association, explored how the PGS principles could be applied to approaches assessing the sustainability of the built environment. A benchmark has been made of the PGS which is in use worldwide for certifying organic farming, as an alternative to third-party certification, creating a new form of local governance by the Commons.
The principles identified through the benchmark were then compared with the actual practices of envirobatBDM, association set in southern France, for certifying sustainable buildings and neighbourhoods. EnvirobatBDM approach is in many ways similar to PGS. The system gives much place to the active participation of the association’s members throughout the evaluation process: co-development of the framework and criteria, support for projects, open evaluation by peers in public events. This assessment process helps to offer a three-loop learning process to generally enhance the quality of decision making, planning, implementation and usage.
This comparison raises the question of whether, as for organic farming, this participatory evaluation could challenge third-party certification offering a path for new forms of locally responsible governance. PGS helps to involve users, raises their capacity to act (empowerment) while being totally focused on local needs. PGS initiates a learning process, diffuses and upgrades knowledge of stakeholders. Interviews with stakeholders in Europe show a rising interest. Could it be a desirable future for sustainability assessment of the built environment?
Topics: New governance approaches for a sustainable built environment
Capacity Building vs Climate Change. A laboratory for the community in transition and the resilient city in the southern suburb of Reggio Calabria
Authors: Leuzzo A , Nava C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In the climate change scenario, can active transfer of knowledge to and skills empowerment of peripheral communities trigger a locally rooted transition toward an agile periphery? The ongoing project KnowledgeVsClimateChange [1] is contributing by transferring knowledge and by building competences through an urban laboratory in the southern suburb of Reggio Calabria (Italy). The laboratory is set in line with the “knowledge city” tactic by Pensando Meridiano Association (PM)[2]. The aim is to enhance local actions of climate change adaptation; therefore, global issues are locally framed through a multi-sectoral urban approach. Accordingly, the adopted strategy focuses mainly on: Urban Sustainability, Up-cycle, Circular Economy, Citizen Transition and KETs. Actions are envisaged in congruence with the SDGs: 4, 9, 11, 12, 13. The “learning by making” method is calibrated with respect to di˙erent typologies of targets: it includes training/information seminars on topics, but also direct actions for capacity building. Although this method has been proven in the specific context shown above, it still needs to be investigated if an operative transition model can be extrapolated and recontextualized in other urban contexts. For this investigation, this paper evaluates the first social impacts of the methodology by monitoring the acquisition of knowledge and skills by makers. Based on the results of this paper, it can be concluded that this methodology can contribute in structuring urban agenda programs for the built environment transition, towards the model/prototype of “agile and resilient city”.
A systematic approach for assessing climate vulnerabilities and adaptation options in large property portfolios: influences on property owners’ transformative capacity
Authors: Hjerpe M , Glaas E , Hedenqvist R , Storbjörk S , Opach T , Navarra C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Climate change and urban densification pose major challenges to the built environment. In Swedish cities, fluvial and pluvial floods risk being aggravated, necessitating adaptation efforts to make the build environment more resilient. A recent governmental inquiry states that owners are primarily responsible for adapting their property, and that the existing built environment is particularly tricky. Property owners often lack tools and approaches to strategically adapt to climate risks. This paper presents and tests a structured approach intended for large property owners to assess and visualize flood vulnerability in both individual buildings and the property portfolio, and organizational adaptive responses. The approach was developed and tested using the municipal housing company Hyresbostäder in Norrköping, Sweden as case. The study builds on workshops with staff, a systematic flood vulnerability mapping of 575 buildings, and in-situ inspections of the 85 most vulnerable buildings. The vulnerability and need for adaptation of individual buildings were visualized on a map, and adaptive avenues were identified. The approach was found useful for identifying the most vulnerable buildings, concrete adaptation measures and five broad adaptation avenues: risk-focused adaptation investments, area-focused adaptation, regular inspection and maintenance, informed collaboration and tenant dialogues. The property owner’s transformative capacity was improved by creating a shared vision, empowerment and learning, innovation capacity, gaining overview supporting transformative leadership and external cooperation likely to contribute to meeting SDGs 13 and 11. In further studies the approach will be tested by other large property owners under limited research support.
Insights from in-situ measurement of building fabric thermal performance of three zero energy dwellings in UK
Authors: Gupta R , Gregg M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In-situ testing of actual building performance is vital to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) in reality, given the growing concern that low energy dwellings often underperform against design specifications. This paper presents the methodology and results of in-situ measurements of the building fabric thermal performance of three zero energy dwellings in the UK, using blower door test (air permeability), heat flux measurement (thermal transmittance/U-value) and thermal imaging survey (heat losses). Despite being designed to high thermal standards, air permeability tests showed that none of dwellings met the design air permeability target, with actual results of 5.4 – 7.5 m3/h/m2@50Pa. Air permeability was found to have increased after the initial test due to post-completion alteration to the fabric, although it remained within the UK Building Regulations requirements. Heat flux measurements showed poor thermal quality of the walls and roof section even for the ‘good’ sections that were measured. Thermal imaging surveys revealed where fabric performance was being compromised. Air leakage pathways were found around door/window openings, penetrations and junctions between walls and ceilings indicating poor workmanship. Insights from this study have reinforced the need to have updated as-built energy models with in-situ performance data to reduce performance gap.
Innovations for a carbon free Dutch housing stock in 2050
Authors: Visscher Henk 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In 2019 the Dutch government agreed together with all relevant stakeholder organisations on a new Climate Agreement. This agreement combines high ambitions for the reduction of CO2 emissions with policies and measures to achieve these goals. In 2030 CO2 emissions have to be reduced to 49% compared to 1990. In 2050 we should have an CO2 emission free and energy neutral built environment. The existing housing stock plays a major role in the realisation of these goals. The Dutch housing stock comprises of 7.5 million dwellings. The majority of which has to be renovated to a nearly zero energy performance. In a few years’ time we will have to speed up the renovation rate to 200,000 carbon free renovations per year, a pace that is needed to make the entire stock of 6 million homes carbon free in the 30 years up to 2050. To support these goals a large innovation program is needed.

Method: This paper will elaborate on the analyses of the current state and the needed innovations, hereby also referring to results of evaluation research of the progress in energy renovation in the recent years.

Results: The required innovations will be presented in a systemic way. Furthermore, a model is presented of how to organize the innovation (research, applications in practices, pilots etc) in a long running, broad organization incorporating many stakeholders. For this purpose, a new platform, the BTIC (Building and Technology Innovation Center) has been developed. In BTIC all relevant research and innovation parties collaborate closely, like the Technical Universities and the national applied research institute TNO. The author is the scientific director of BTIC.
Grey emission targets for municipalities based on material cadastres
Authors: Schiller Georg , Gruhler Karin , Grießbach Ulrike , Hennersdorf Jörg , Lehmann Ines 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The building stock contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Considerable progress has been made in the energy-efficient operation of buildings, thus the importance of grey emissions is increasing and will become a future field of action for municipalities as well. So far, there is poor knowledge regarding quantities, fields of actions and impacts. This paper is addressing this gap by applying a bottom-up material flow analysis (MFA) approach on the domestic building stock of Hamburg, and by calculating material-induced grey emissions of alternative building stock compositions as well as impacts of technical and social innovations. Overall, the stock induced grey emissions amount to 41.9 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent. Impact with regard to technical innovations concerning GHG reduction is rather limited. In contrast, impact achieved by ambitious social innovation is quite significant. This means that technical innovations must be considered in a more radical way and merged with social innovations.
Risk Assessments of Trees and Urban Spaces under Attacks of Typhoons: A Survey and Statistical Study in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Lin Hankun , Huang Songyi , Gu Yaning , Chen Zheng , Lu Yao , Yin Shi , Jin Haixiang , Wu Wentong , Xiao Yiqiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Typhoon, as one of the extreme climatic disasters, attacks the southeast coastal cities in China every year. To countermeasure the risk of a typhoon on urban tree safety, we established a cooperation research team including professions on urban design and city planning, wind engineering, and tree health assessment and management. This paper presents some statistical studies on the data of the damaged urban trees causing by the typhoons in Guangzhou and some other cities in Pearl River Delta (PRD), China in 2016 - 2018. The data of the damaged trees is imported in a geographic information system (GIS) database and a local climate zone (LCZ) map to analyze the distribution of damaged trees in different urban morphologies and underlying surface patterns. Results show a series of high-risk tree species such as Ficus microcarpa, Ficus virens var.sublanceolata, and Bauhinia variegate in typhoons. Then, six LCZ typologies and four main typologies of urban space are figured out basing on the statistical analysis of the damaged trees. Preliminary results reveal that some kinds of tree species and urban space are at a higher risk level during the typhoons. Current works will support the research on urban tree management, risk management and forecasting, urban planning, and landscape design.
Socio-Ecological Visual Analytics Environment “SEVA”: A novel visual analytics environment for interdisciplinary decision-making linking human biometrics and environmental data
Authors: Etman M Aly , Keena N , Dyson A 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCurrent architectural design practice is limited in its consideration and understanding of life-cycle energy flows which comprise multiple phases, from material resource extraction, construction, building occupation within the built environment, and after demolition. Furthermore, bioclimatic environmental flows interact with the buildings, particularly at the building envelope, making it a rich interface for shaping energy flows towards buildings that are energy self-sufficient with clean on-site energy resources. The buildings we inhabit directly affect the greater built environment which is an inherent part local ecosystems that compose part of larger ecologies at global scales, ultimately affecting the overall biosphere. As a result, the buildings we construct, directly and indirectly, affect our economies, the health, and well-being of our societies and our natural environments. This paper explores the development of a computational framework that allows designers to visualize, understand and evaluate their design choices in terms of their environmental implications and ecological efficacy. The framework for design analysis offers a more comprehensive ecological analysis than existing sustainability assessment tools by collecting live environmental and human biometrics towards considering the entire comfort cycle. Working with SEVA, Socio-Ecological Visual Analytics, platform a web tool designed to allow for interactive feedback in real-time. This research is proposing to investigate the visualization of human data as a metric to analyze the well-being of the environment, which is an inversion of received perspectives. This paper will use a case study, assessing a built environment unit tracking the environmental conditions, building systems performance and the user human biometrics, demonstrating the qualitative and quantitative environmental impacts of the building design on the users.