bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The secret ingredient - the role of governance in green infrastructure development: through the examples of European cities
Authors: Körmöndi B , Tempfli J , Kocsis J B , Adams J , Szkordilisz F E 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The first signs of considering green infrastructure in the process of urban planning appeared long before WWII with the developments of Chicago and Paris, for example, in the late 19th century. In order to relieve the increasingly crowded centres of fast-growing cities, the afforestation of public spaces and the creation of more liveable existing spaces became increasingly important; this includes the development and renovation of parks and water surfaces to adapt to urban needs and requirements, making the development of urban green infrastructure more important than in the past. Over time, green infrastructure developments grew more detailed and complex; since the end of the 20th century, they have become one of the most important goals of urban development, focusing on the environment and healthy living conditions. In the early stages of project development, the needs of urban residents and the active utilisation of green areas are factors of growing importance; refining design and construction has also become a more intricate process. Significant changes to the original style of plans has taken place over the past decades, evolving with the needs of the era and technological advances, requiring suitable action to maintain pace with enhanced developments.
Mitigation strategies of the urban heat island intensity in Mediterranean climates: simulation studies in Rome (Italy) and Valparaiso (Chile)
Authors: Palme M , Clemente C , Cellurale M , Carrasco C , Salvati A 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The Urbanocene, a proposed new geological epoch characterized by the urban living condition, is pressing the humanity to respond shortly to important challenges. Cities are at the same time the places where we live in and the big dissipators of the final energy to the environment. The simultaneous rules of heat dissipator and place to live are quite contradictory, because of the increasing temperatures of the dissipator surfaces, phenomenon known as Urban Heat Island (UHI). Mediterranean climates should suffer, in the next years, changes in the thermal needs of buildings and in the outdoor comfort sensations. A change in the energy demand from heating to cooling is probable and overheating reduction could be a priority in the future. Many mitigation strategies of UHI are being discussed in these years, such as the city greening, the use of cool materials for roofs and soils, the reduction of automobile dependence, the shift to new urban morphologies. In this paper an evaluation of impacts of different possible strategies is done, by using computational simulations for various sectors of Rome and Valparaiso. Results show the importance of greening and traffic reduction to achieve better comfort; while to reduce building energy consumption changes in urban morphology and traffic are suggested as the best strategies.
Critical analysis of environmental benchmarks for buildings
Authors: Trigaux D , Allacker K , Debacker W 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
To reduce the environmental impact of the building sector, environmental targets should be defined considering the full life cycle of buildings. In recent years various benchmarks based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) have been developed as part of regulations, labelling systems and sustainability rating tools. This paper presents the results of a critical analysis of six existing benchmarking systems. An overview is given of the different benchmark approaches, scope, applications and communication. The strengths and weaknesses of the various systems are highlighted. Based on the analysis, recommendations are formulated for the development of future LCA benchmarks for the building sector.
The effect of insulation thickness on lifetime CO2 emissions
Authors: Totland M , Kvande T , Bohne R A 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This paper assesses the total carbon emissions of a single-family home designed and built for Norwegian conditions, according to current standards (TEK 17), using an LCA approach. Various combinations of insulation thicknesses are assessed to identify which combination is most efficient in lowering the lifetime emissions as well as in which part of the building envelope additional insulation is most efficient in reducing the lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of the building. Overall, increased insulation resulted in lower lifetime emissions; the increased embodied emissions generally being outweighed by the energy savings resulting from the increased insulation thickness. The location of the insulation is the factor that was found to have the largest impact on the lifetime emissions. When increasing the insulation thickness from 100-500 mm, changing only one component at a time, the operational emissions were most sensitive to the insulation thickness in the walls, with a 26 % decrease compared to 7% and 3% for the roof and floor respectively. The most efficient cases tended to have little insulation in the floor (100 - 150 mm) and relatively high insulation thickness in the wall (350 mm). The most variable component was the roof, varying from 150 to 400 mm.
Surface-to-volume ratio: How building geometry impacts solar energy production and heat gain through envelopes
Authors: Araji M T 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This paper explored the relationship between building geometry and renewable energy production of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Heat gain was incorporated as a conflicting constraint with respect to energy performance. The building façade was mathematically analyzed by taking into account heat transfer pertaining to site conditions along with different parameters that included shading, orientation, PV tilts (β) and surface-to-volume ratio (S/V) as a measure of building compactness. The study involved calculating the impact of each parameter on the convection, conduction and radiation components of the incoming solar energy. S/V was shown to be directly proportional to the amount of solar energy received by the façades and gained by the building in the form of heat. The positive correlation of heat gain with S/V was nearly linear with a slope of around 41.8 kWh/m2/m−1 and a mean of approximately 3.4 times more. With the most suitable geometry in terms of net energy gain, S/V of 0.14 m
−1 yielded the highest difference between energy production and heat gain. In terms of β, the results demonstrated negative slope of energy production with respect to the tilt at about 2.12 times higher than that displayed by heat gain. Accounting for inter-building effects, a shading reduction equal to d percent can be estimated to an increase of 1.37d degrees in β at a building consumption of 60 kWh/m2.
Comparison of the environmental assessment of an identical office building with national methods
Authors: Frischknecht R , Birgisdottir H , Chae C-U , Lützkendorf T , Passer A , Alsema E , Balouktsi M , Berg B , Dowdell D , García Martínez A , Habert G , Hollberg A , König H , Lasvaux S , Llatas C , Nygaard Rasmussen F , Peuportier B , Ramseier L , Röck M , Soust Verdaguer B , Szalay Z , Bohne R A , Bragança L , Cellura M , Chau C K , Dixit M , Francart N , Gomes V , Huang L , Longo S , Lupíšek A , Martel J , Mateus R , Ouellet-Plamondon C , Pomponi F , Ryklová P , Trigaux D , Yang W 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The IEA EBC Annex 72 focuses on the assessment of the primary energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts of buildings during production, construction, use (including repair and replacement) and end of life (dismantling), i.e. during the entire life cycle of buildings. In one of its activities, reference buildings (size, materialisation, operational energy demand, etc.) were defined on which the existing national assessment methods are applied using national (if available) databases and (national/regional) approaches. The “be2226” office building in Lustenau, Austria was selected as one of the reference buildings. TU Graz established a BIM model and quantified the amount of building elements as well as construction materials required and the operational energy demand. The building assessment was carried out using the same material and energy demand but applying the LCA approach used in the different countries represented by the participating Annex experts. The results of these assessments are compared in view of identifying major discrepancies. Preliminary findings show that the greenhouse gas emissions per kg of building material differ up to a factor of two and more. Major differences in the building assessments are observed in the transports to the construction site (imports) and the construction activities as well as in the greenhouse gas emissions of the operational energy demand (electricity). The experts document their practical difficulties and how they overcame them. The results of this activity are used to better target harmonisation efforts.
The BNK Assessment Tool for the sustainability performance of small residential buildings in Germany – Lessons learnt
Authors: Essig N 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Several instruments for the assessment of the sustainable building performance such as BREEAM (Great Britain), LEED (USA) and DGNB or BNB (Germany) have been developed in the last years. These methodologies have the same intent - advancement of the sustainable building performance. These systems focus mostly on commercial buildings. However the sustainability assessment of the residential sector is getting more important. Giving that around 115, 000 owner-occupied detached houses are built up per year in Germany, a new assessment method (BNK system) for small residential houses was developed on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Interior, Building and Community (BMI) in 2015. To ensure the suitability of the assessment system, the BNK method was tested in a pilot phase and from 2016 on it is available for general use and the assessment is financially supported by public funds (KfW Banking Group). To date more than 100 of small residential buildings have been certified with BNK. This paper will show the development and experience with the sustainability assessment of buildings in Germany in general, as well as the intents, indicators and real case projects of the BNK-Tool for small residential buildings (up to five dwelling units) and its further development.
Process model for BIM-based MEP design
Authors: Parti R , Hauer S , Monsberger M 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Planning quality is a key aspect for the development of sustainable buildings. This particularly applies to mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, which have a high impact on the building performance. The design of these systems considerably affects construction and operational costs. Moreover, it has a substantial impact on the consumption of resources such as energy or water and also on the building quality in terms of user satisfaction. Building information modeling (BIM) is a method capable of substantially improving the quality of MEP design. This requires adequate component models as well as processes describing the proper use of these models in a BIM project. This paper presents a Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) model which describes the required interactions between project stakeholders during the design phase of a geothermal heat pump system. It describes the roles, tasks and responsibilities of the involved stakeholders and outlines which kind of information is required from whom at which point of time. The specific activities of the stakeholders are linked by information flows. In addition to the process model, a set of parameters describing a heat pump is presented. The parameters can be used as attributes in a BIM model. Each parameter is assigned to the design phase in which it is needed for the first time. This establishes a link between the attributes in the BIM model and the process model. Both, the process model and the parameter set were evaluated by MEP experts.
The practical use of module D in a building case study: assumptions, limitations and methodological issues
Authors: Delem L , Wastiels L 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
According to the EN 15804 and EN 15978, a material or building life cycle consists of three major life cycle stages or so-called modules: Production and Construction (module A), Use (module B) and End-of-life (module C). Potential benefits and loads occurring beyond the building’s life cycle as a result of recycling, reuse or energy recovery can be declared in an additional module D. As part of the upcoming amendment of the EN 15804 a formula was developed to facilitate the calculation of module D. This paper provides a critical discussion on the practical use of module D. First of all, the development of the formula revealed specific methodological issues, such as the unequal approach to closed and open loop recycling. Secondly, the consideration of module D in a Belgian building LCA case study provided insights in the different methodological choices, interpretations, and assumptions related to the calculation of module D. This concerns for example the calculation of net output flows of secondary materials, modelling of avoided primary production, definition of the point of functional equivalence, efficiency of incineration, etc. Aspects that are not clearly specified in the standard and therefore can be open to interpretation are illustrated with concrete examples from the building case study. Where possible, recommendations for a harmonized approach are made. In any way, the results from the case study analysis reveal that the methodological choices can have a significant effect on the results and that module D results should therefore be considered with care.
Reconciling recycling at production stage and end of life stage in EN 15804: the case of metal construction products
Authors: Leroy C , Avery N , Tikana L , Grund S 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
With the current political focus on resource efficiency and circular economy, the consideration of all recycling aspects in LCA is becoming increasingly important, especially for metal products which are already recycled for many decades. For such purpose, a complementary module, the so-called Module D, was developed in EN15804 to report the additional environmental aspects resulting from the end of life stage. The metal industry and many LCA practitioners have already used this module for many years. This module D as well as module C (end of life stage) are now mandatory in the agreed amendments to EN15804 that will be published in 2019. This paper explains the methodology used by the metal industry to calculate modules A, C & D for a metal sheet in the light of the equation to be included in the amended EN15804. The calculation is then applied to 3 theoretical examples. Finally, the paper provides guidance on using LCI datasets developed by the steel and aluminium sectors. The collaborating authors have prepared this paper under the auspices of the METALS FOR BUILDINGS alliance that has been established to ensure reliable information on the sustainability of metal building products is available to policy makers and practitioners in sustainability appraisal policies and systems.
Enhancing consistency in consequential life cycle inventory through material flow analysis
Authors: Cordier S , Robichaud F , Blanchet P , Amor B 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Wood products are gaining interest in the building sector, due to their potential in sequestering greenhouse gas emissions. However, increasing wood materials use in the built market can have unforeseen changes in the material supply chains. Consequential Life Cycle Assessment (CLCA) allows the assessment of changes in material supply chain. To quantify and link those consequences, the affected physical flows need to be estimated. Material Flow Analysis (MFA) can bring to CLCA modelling more representative and quantitative information than the commonly used hypothesis in consequential modelling. Indeed, MFA considers physical constraints (technology performances and material availability), in addition to account for mass balance. The main objective of this presentation is to illustrate how such consistency is added to CLCA through an MFA of wood products in non-residential (NR) buildings in the province of Québec (Canada). Wood flows are tracked to identify their end-use markets and trends in consumption. To overcome the lack of data and bring insights on the sector’s dynamics, such as stock variations and potential discarded flows that supply recycling markets, residence time model and also extrapolation and correlation between physical and economic parameters are used. Results show how flows can increase in the market before reaching their physical constraints, such as the available wood stock in the forest. These insights will significantly enhance the data collection for CLCA. In conclusion, the MFA brings support to CLCA by proposing a framework to model changes in the construction market.
Diagnosis of uncertainty treatment in neighbourhood life cycle assessments
Authors: Zara O O C , Guimarães G D , Gomes V 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Urban areas are complex, multifunctional, long-lasting dynamic systems responsible for impressive resource consumption and environmental impacts. Assessments at the neighbourhood scale offers an important complexity compromise. This paper scrutinizes approaches for handling uncertainty analysis (UA) and sensitivity analysis (SA) in LCAs at the neighbourhood scale, aiming at identifying inconsistencies, limitations and challenges, and supporting the development of assessment guidelines. A systematic literature review was performed. Results from the final 35-paper sample show that only one-third of the papers actually performed some calculation. Two of the most recent ones used Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, whilst SA was mainly carried out through scenarios. Despite no clear trend is shown, this may indicate attempts to also apply MC at the neighbourhood scale. The basic quest in UA and SA, particularly global sensitivity analysis, is to balance quality and completeness of output information and computational force needed. Automating calculations, using lighter sampling methods and fast calculators should be further investigated. Finally, future studies could also focus on defining a minimum group of parameters to investigate and on which strategy to follow in specific data availability circumstances. Fuzzy sets seem better for environmental assessments with high degree of uncertainties and probabilistic distributions give results that are more precise. Dynamic models, future scenario uncertainty and spatial uncertainties propagation should also be further explored once the basic challenges for uncertainty assessment are overcome.
The regenerative building: A concept of total sustainability
Authors: Gambato C , Zerbi S 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The concept of building’s sustainability is progressively evolving, from the mere issues of limiting the energy needs of the building, extends to include new areas. The long-term sustainability visions (in Switzerland the “2000 W Society” by year 2100) imply not only technological changes but above all radical changes in the human behaviour. A multidisciplinary study, carried out by SUPSI and specialists, proposes a method for determining the parameters for the design of a building by year 2100. It also shows that in order to achieve long-term sustainability goals (primary energy reduction and CO2 emissions per capita, 2000 W and max 1 ton CO2), alimentation can be considered as a building need. The high potential in reducing primary energy needs in this area makes possible to compensate others energy consumptions and CO2 emissions of the building inhabitants and of the building itself. The sustainable building of the future shall therefore: - present a zero or compensated operating energy need; - present minimal energy need for construction; - allow food production (Urban Farming, Building Integrated Agriculture) through natural and regenerative agriculture (self-production); - promote and act as a shelter for local flora and fauna (regenerative); - respect the soil stratigraphy (reversible).
HYBRIDisation – a resilient strategy in times of change and transformation
Authors: Schwehr P , Schuchert C L , Winterberger F 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Our built environment consists of spaces, buildings, and cities that are subject to ever-changing social, economic, ecological and cultural demands. The demand for high quality living space is becoming ever more significant for densifying urban areas. When lifestyles, modes of working and recreational activities intertwine, new concepts on all scales must follow. Consideration of resilience of all kinds is becoming an important part of planning. It requires typologies with resilient characteristics, which can also take on new tasks perhaps not yet known of today. This paper recognises such a typology in the hybrid. Hybrids possess a variety of characteristics and benchmark parameters. A code inherent in them renders them capable of reacting to various situations and differing requirements. Depending on its constitution and purpose, the hybrid code affects a variety of architecturally relevant, environmental levels, namely district, neighbourhood, building, unit, components, infrastructure and processes. “Hybridisation” describes the process of the deliberate application of this code on all levels (“design and injection”), albeit also its decoding, i.e. activation of processes of change. In this way “new genetic alliances” are created, in which differing hybrids interact. By offering advanced adaptability through HYBRIDisation, buildings become resilient to change and allow for diverse modification and development throughout their lifespan, resulting in improved learning ability. This paper explores strategies of HYBRIDisation and the consequences for the interlinked levels to enable hybrid and resilient levels of environment.
“PET tool” – a software tool for lightweight extensive green roofs performance analyses
Authors: Arkar C , Domjan S , Majkovič D , Šumi J , Medved S 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Due to energy, environmental, and social benefits, green roofs are recognized as a bioclimatic technology and sustainable construction systems and are becoming a predominant solution in connection with urban planning and building envelope retrofitting. To support design and marketing of Urbanscape® lightweight extensive green roofs a special software tool was developed, which is presented in the paper. Performance evaluation tool (PET tool) is validated based on extensive and continuous 5-years in-situ monitoring of thermal and hydrological response of different Urbanscape green roofs. The key performance indicators of Urbanscape green roofs are evaluated based on calculated thermal and hydrological response. To emphasize the advantages of green roofs thermal response and performance indicators are determined also for non-vegetated roof for the same boundary conditions. PET tool enables i) evaluation of Urbanscape green roofs’ whole year thermal and hydrological response, ii) to search for the optimal design of the Urbanscape green roof system in terms of energy and water performance, iii) evaluation of comparative advantages compared to non-vegetated roof, iv) energy savings and CO2 emission reduction analyses for heating and cooling season. Analyses can be made for arbitrary worldwide climate conditions since meteorological parameters are gathered from Meteonorm database.