bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual Impression of urban waterways in shrinking cities: Case study of Matsue canal network around the castle
Authors: Nguyen Tran YK , Nguyen Tran THN , Kouno R , Loh JH 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Matsue City in Japan, known as the “City of Water,” has historically celebrated its urban waterways for their scenic beauty. However, due to factors like rapid urbanization, an aging population, and recent isolation challenges, these waterways have lost their prominence. This research aims to understand the visual impression of Matsue City’s waterways and their connection to the city. Our approach involves a mixed data collection method. We mapped physical elements along the waterways, categorized them, and analysed the results. We also captured photos of the sceneries, examining their composition using photo segmentation. Additionally, a photographic questionnaire was conducted with respondents familiar with these areas, cross-referencing their responses with interviews that included renderings of the sceneries. The outcomes reveal insights into the visual appeal of urban waterways and their impact on inhabitants. By identifying elements that resonate and understanding shortcomings in the current landscape, our research contributes to revitalization efforts. The findings emphasize the potential of Matsue City’s historical waterways for sustainable development strategies, highlighting the importance of preserving and enhancing these natural assets for the benefit of residents and the city’s overall development.
Review of urban water thermal environment cooling
Authors: Qiu Y F F , He B J 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The urban underlying surface undergoes constant changes due to the acceleration of urbanization. The increasingly prominent heat island phenomenon has led to higher energy consumption and worsened thermal conditions, significantly impacting people’s daily outdoor activities and health. Water bodies, as a unique form of underlying surface, play a crucial role in enhancing the urban microclimate through their large heat capacity, high latent heat of evaporation, and low reflectivity.
Previous research on the thermal comfort effect of water bodies primarily focuses on meteorology, environmental science, and landscape architecture. While quantitative studies have been conducted at both macro-scale city regions and micro-scale field domains to investigate the mechanisms behind these effects, there is a lack of translation from data into practical application strategies. In this study, we aim to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to review previous research achievements comprehensively. Firstly, we will examine the mechanisms and influencing factors involved in water body thermal regulation. Secondly, we will explore major methods and techniques for cooling urban water bodies while establishing an interactive model that considers landscape elements alongside physical factors affecting microclimate conditions. By developing a climate-adaptive design framework that addresses human thermal comfort requirements effectively, our goal is to create more livable and sustainable urban environments through scientifically sound strategies for cooling urban water bodies.
Use of Crash Data Repositories: Combining Digital Tools with Analog Built Environment Assessments to Promote Physical Activity
Authors: Bjerke W 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Among promising instruments and evaluation systems for neighborhood development are digital crash data repositories including the UConn Connecticut Crash Data Repository (CTCDR) combined with Built Environment (BE) assessments and walkability audits (WA). Users of these tools include transportation authorities, community planners, and community-centered commissions established to promote safety and physical activity. The Norwalk Bike Walk Commission (NBWC) was created in 2017 to promote walking, biking, and related BE policies in Norwalk, Connecticut (CT). NBWC projects include compliance with the Complete Streets Law, and bicycle/pedestrian plans for Norwalk. The NBWC works directly with city officials associated with transportation and city planning. A top priority of the NBWC is to examine high-risk areas of pedestrian and bike fatalities and injuries in the city using digital and analog tools as well as identifying ways to merge the information gained from these distinct tools. The CTCDR was created in 2015 to permit public access to all crash data in CT. By identifying the highest risk areas of a community (Norwalk), future projects of the NBWC can be prioritized and coordinated. The CTCDR was used to generate broad and specific data in CT that involve pedestrians and bicycles. The number, type, and severity of crashes were specified. Subsequently, the specific locations of these crashes are identified. Specific locations were further assessed using Google Maps combined with BE and WA tools. In aggregate, these details identify high-risk and high-priority areas. In Norwalk, there are an average of 43 crashes involving pedestrians and 16 related to cyclists per year. Specific locations were identified and assessed using BE and WA tools. Combined approaches identified the highest priority locations. Combining digital and analog tools may optimize built environment policies and promote physical activity in communities.
A review of the contribution of nature-based solutions to the urban metabolism of the informal settlements
Authors: Nalumu D J , Perrotti D 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The role of nature-based solutions (NBS) in improving access to resources is growing across research, particularly within the urban metabolism literature. However, research on NBS towards material flow stock in the informal settlements (IS) of the Global South is limited, despite an increasing focus across social and environmental sciences on the capacity of NBS to address the needs of vulnerable communities. This study uses the social-ecological analytical framework to analyse the role of NBS in the contribution of material flow stocks in the IS. A Boolean search methodology was adopted to obtain relevant literature from the Scopus preview database. The results show that NBS play multiple roles in providing basic needs in the IS. Additionally, the IS dependence on NBS is due to the exclusion from the municipal provisioning services. However, residents of the IS contribute immensely to the sustainable development of most cities. This study recommends a bottom-up social-ecological system approach to understand human and nature interaction at the intra-urban scale, particularly in the IS to achieve sustainable and inclusive cities.
From Material Cadastres to a Materiality Informed City Information Modelling
Authors: Schiller G , Gruhler K , Zhang N , Blum A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Urbanization and built environment significantly impact resource consumption, posing sustainability challenges, especially regionally, due to bulk material dominance. Circular practices, like closing, slowing, and narrowing offer solutions. However, effective circularity management requires understanding built environment material stock comprehensively. Material cadastres model city and regional materiality using typology approaches and GIS Modelling, offering insights into circularity potential and supporting strategic circular city management. Conversely, urban planning digitalization introduced City Information Modelling, linking GIS for urban structure mapping with Building Information Modelling systems for digital building integration and thus support urban planning. Yet, empirically, materiality and circularity issues lack systematic and comprehensive integration in such approaches. To this end, this paper discusses the potential of developing digital material cadastre concepts towards materiality-based urban information modelling using case study results that reveal strengths and limitations of existing cadastre concepts. We present a methodological overview covering a general approach to built environment material cadastres and the main components of the underlying bottom up Material Flow approach: material composition indicators and GIS based building stock modelling and a dynamization approach. To discuss circularity potentials of the built environment in a larger urban regional development context, we furthermore designed material cadastres for two case study cities and calculated exemplary circularity potentials for closing, slowing and narrowing approaches. The findings and drafted conclusions were then reflected with urban planning and development actors in workshops and group discussions. As a result, we present consolidated propositions with respect to bridging the methodological gap between strategic and operational materiality informed urban and regional planning in the transition of the built environment towards circularity.
Analyzing the environmental impact of conventional wooden and modern reinforced concrete construction systems
Authors: Keles Cagla , Cruz Rios Fernanda , Hoque Simi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Anatolia is a homeland for many traditional construction techniques due to its rich historical background. One such technique is the hımış system, which involves filling a wooden frame with masonry material (brick, stone, and adobe). This construction method, commonly found in Anatolia, represents one of the most prevalent types of traditional houses. However, with the increasing adoption of reinforced concrete systems in modern construction, Anatolia’s buildings are now being constructed with concrete systems. This paper aims at comparing the embody energy use and carbon emissions of the traditional hımış system, compared to modern reinforced concrete systems. The findings of the study suggest that the total embodied energy per m2 of wall space in modern structures spans from 3000 to 1700 MJ/m2, in contrast to traditional structures where it ranges between 1200 and 300 MJ/m2. Furthermore, the range of total embodied carbon emissions in modern buildings is observed to be between 320 and 120 CO2kg-eq/m2, while in modern structure systems, it varies from 150 to 20 CO2kg-eq/m2. This inconsistency underscores the environmental advantages of traditional building techniques over their modern counterparts in terms of both embodied energy and carbon emissions. The relative share of concrete significantly affected the results for modern systems, while the presence of lime plaster increased the environmental impacts of the hımış systems.
Carbon-storing Prefabricated Retrofit Panel Designs
Authors: Pope H , Carver M , Conley B 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
There is a need for proven, resilient, scalable building envelope assemblies and construction systems for rapidly decarbonizing and adapting existing Canadian houses and buildings to changing climatic conditions. NRCan’s Prefabricated Exterior Energy Retrofit (PEER) project developed and demonstrated a methodology for mass, deep building retrofit using prefabricated panels. In 2023, CanmetENERGY launched a new project to incorporate promising carbon-storing, but unproven materials into prefabricated retrofit panels. In this paper, carbon-storing materials were evaluated and selected according to a variety of criteria including lifecycle carbon, hygric and thermal properties, constructability, cost, and Canadian availability. The most promising materials were selected and integrated into a panel concept. A panel concept and associated construction details were developed and modelled for embodied carbon and thermal performance. Finally, prototypes were fabricated, and a pilot project was conducted to assess constructability. The modelled thermal resistance of the panel design ranged from RSI 4.65 to 5.04 (depending on insulation material), sufficient to achieve net-zero or passive house performance for typical, existing Canadian homes. Carbon storage potential ranged from 7.6 to 34 kg CO2e/m2. If deployed at scale, such solutions could help to offset the embodied carbon associated with construction of new homes/buildings in Canada each year.
Material evaluation of earth block masonry in the context of Belgium: a survey
Authors: Vries N de , Novais Passarelli R , Nuyts E , Knapen E 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEarth block masonry (EBM) has a low embodied energy and a high circular potential, making it an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional building materials in Belgian mainstream construction. Additionally, its similarity with conventional equivalents makes EBM suitable to substitute large volumes of carbon-intensive building materials without drastic changes in the industry. Despite its potential, the application of EBM scarcely occurs in contemporary construction. While current research on EBM mainly focuses on technical properties and product development, insufficient research has been conducted on material evaluation, perception and experience by potential (end-) users. To understand which factors are important during the process of material evaluation, literature in this field is discussed, and a framework for material evaluation is formulated. Through a survey, this framework is employed to map the material evaluation of potential users, using five mock-up walls of EBM with various earth block (EB) types, earth mortars and jointing techniques. The results show that the most mentioned sensory attributes are the colour and roughness of the material. From an experiential point of view, respondents experience the walls as being (technically) trustworthy but often also as traditional or unstylish. Finally, most respondents indicate having a positive attitude towards potential implementation, even though plastering of the walls is preferred. These results are a first step in understanding users’ perceptions and experiences and help identify aspects that need extra attention when further developing, commercialising, and communicating with regard to EBM in Belgium.
Environmental assessment of materials in preparing alkali-activated materials using bauxite residue
Authors: Guha R , Bambier P , Ouellet-Plamondon C M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Aluminum is a highly produced metal globally. In the built environments alone, aluminum is known for its light weight and anti-corrosive properties and is a common choice of material in window frames, curtain walls, and light fixtures. The metal is processed from its oxide, alumina, the production of which releases a caustic byproduct known as bauxite residue (BR). BR is stored in massive reservoirs, however, due to the sheer volume of production, industries handling the material are reaching their storage limits. It is of high importance to research methods to valorize BR. Researchers have proposed a multitude of valorization methods, which include metal recovery from the byproduct, and using BR as raw material in production of another material. However, it is counterproductive to expend considerable amounts of energy and use excessive raw materials to manage utilization of BR. This study compared a method of valorization of bauxite residue with clay bricks. The method of preparing alkali-activated materials (AAM) with bauxite residue as a precursor was semi-quantitatively analyzed to compare the raw materials in the AAM with clay bricks. The materials were analyzed for climate change, ozone depletion, human toxicity, and aquatic ecotoxicity using OpenLCA software and the ecoinvent version 3.4 database. While the alkali activators possessed high values of the environmental impact when measured by the kilogram, the impacts were greatly reduced due to their small percentage in weight contained in the AAM. This study is the first stage of analyzing the environmental costs of valorizing bauxite residue. The AAM showed low environmental impact in material use when impacts of toxicity are considered. However, it displayed a higher climate change impact than that of clay bricks. Transport of raw materials to the preparation site played a significant role in the analysis. The next step is to compare the energy used in preparing AAMs.
Review of the environmental effects of deploying small wind turbines in cities
Authors: Tsionas I , Llaguno-Munitxa M , Stephan A , Gambale Alessandro , Kumar Raghunathan Srikumar Sampath , Mosca Gabriele 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
As the uptake of renewable energy systems increases in cities, attention is drawn to urban Small Urban Wind Turbine (SUWT) implementations. Their installation in cities and replacement of current energy sources can contribute to the mitigation of climate change through reduced local emissions and fewer energy losses, and to resilience through energy independence. These benefits can be directly linked to the UN Sustainability Goals. However, the exploitation of the wind potential using SUWTs in urban areas poses challenges given the variability in the urban morphology and materiality, and their effect on wind patterns. In addition, SUWTs may pose challenges in terms of noise, aesthetics, or safety amongst others. The understanding of the potential environmental effects of urban wind energy harvesting is still limited. Therefore, examining the environmental effect of SUWTs could contribute to establishing necessary regulations and gaining social acceptance, ultimately accelerating deployment. In this paper, we review the recent literature in four databases to identify the potential environmental effects of SUWTs. These effects are classified across two scales: the macro-scale for global effects, and the micro-scale for local effects. The review of the literature shows that the effects are strongly related to the technology of the turbines and the installation location, among other factors.…
A Tri-party Collaboration Empowering Tenants and Employees to Strive Towards Sustainability Goals – The Industry-first ESG Partnership Programme
Authors: Wong Y T , Chan C W 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
With the global aspiration for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it has become common practice in building design to strive for the implementation of smart and innovative technologies in development projects. This is done to achieve excellent energy and environmental performance while minimizing carbon emissions. However, despite the adoption of various sustainable strategies during the design and construction phases, it should be acknowledged that operational carbon can still contribute significantly to the total carbon emissions over the building’s lifecycle. To effectively work towards the carbon net zero target in building development, a suggested approach is the implementation of a Landlord-Individual-Tenant (LIT) ESG Partnership Programme. This program aims to realize the potential for carbon reduction during the operational phase. In the case study of The Henderson, which is Henderson Land Development Company Limited’s upcoming flagship commercial development in Central Hong Kong, an industry-first Landlord-Individual-Tenant (LIT) ESG Partnership Programme is set to be launched. The LIT ESG Partnership Programme involves a three-way collaboration that includes not only corporate tenants of the commercial development but also their individual employees, all working together to pursue ambitious, data-driven sustainability goals. The ultimate goal of the program is to reshape the current ESG landscape in the property sector by showcasing that an effective ESG partnership program can create synergy between the developer, tenants, and individual occupants to achieve carbon reduction targets.
Building passports in their role as building information systems - background, framework, implications
Authors: Buchholz M , Lützkendorf T 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Building-related information is essential for performing tasks and making decisions in the design, construction, and management of buildings as well as in transactions. This is increasingly recognized by actors of the real estate industry and by policy makers. As a result, there is a renewed interest in information management solutions and, in particular, building information systems (BISs) with an interface character for multiple tools, such as building passports (BPs) and digital building logbooks (DBLs). Gradually, a better understanding of their main goals and functionalities is evolving due to initiatives in politics, academia, and the real estate industry. However, for wider adoption, a sufficient level of common characteristics regarding the functions, covered data categories, and technical foundations is crucial. Therefore, an information system architecture (ISA) for BPs is proposed that builds upon basics of research on building-related information management and BISs. In addition, selected references are made to insights from business informatics, as this has only marginally been done in traditional approaches of the real estate industry. The ISA provides a holistic view on the relevant elements of a BP and thus serves as a basis for further developments, standardization, and harmonization. The findings are used to discuss practical implications not only for BP design, but also for their use. The authors conclude that the foundation is laid for BPs to become a very useful tool for the transformation of the building stock to support a sustainable development.
A study on rent burden of private rental housings in Japan
Authors: Konno A , Utsumi K , Hasegawa H 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In Japan, there is a lack of adequate consideration of “appropriate rent burden” that is essential for appropriate promoting of housing safety net measures. Therefore, we intended to obtain basic data to examine the appropriate rent burden. Specifically, using the latest findings of the National Survey of Family Income, Consumption and Wealth that provides the most detailed picture of household finances, we analyzed the rent burden and expenditure elasticity, thereby obtaining the following findings. Rents do not differ significantly according to life stage and annual household income. With regard to expenditure elasticity, the expenditure elasticity of rent is remarkably low compared with other expenditure items. Consequently, Rent is therefore an expense that is difficult to cut even for low-income earners, and the burden is greater among low-income earners. Furthermore, the characteristics of rent burden also differ depending on the household size, also there are clear differences in rent between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. Therefore, it was suggested that in promoting the housing safety net measures, it is necessary to study the future of the rent burden in consideration of the household size, and examine the level as a regional minimum in addition to the level as a national one.
Office environment and workers’ productivity in the era of hybrid work: analysis considering office environment and home environment
Authors: Arata Shiro , Sugiuchi Masaki , Kawakubo Shun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers now work both at the office and at home. Although this hybrid workstyle reduces energy consumption and enables businesses to function during natural disasters and pandemics, it is not without controversy. Differences in worker productivity between the office and home are reported to be due to personal attributes such as gender and occupation. Worker productivity may also be affected by the office and home environments. Determining the relationship between worker productivity and the work environment would make it possible to assess the value of offices in the era of hybrid work. This study compared differences in worker productivity between the office and home environments. A survey was conducted of workers in 61 offices in Tokyo, Japan, and productivity was found to be 9.1% higher on average when working at the office than at home. Productivity tended to be higher at the office among workers with high levels of job satisfaction. The probability of increased worker productivity was about 1.46 times higher when the total office environmental performance was superior than when it was inferior. The results suggest that improvements in office environments are needed even in the era of hybrid work.