bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Students’ Perceptions of acoustic comfort in traditional and flexible learning environments: a study in Chile
Authors: Ipinza-Olatte Constanza , Piderit-Moreno María Beatriz , Bluyssen Philomena , Trebilcock-Kelly Maureen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The acoustic quality of educational spaces has an important impact on well-being and occupant performance. This study investigates noise perception and hearing ability among primary students in traditional learning environments (TLE) and flexible learning environments (FLE). A survey was conducted in Santiago de Chile, involving 21 teachers and 315 children from 13 schools, to gather responses on acoustic comfort. Additionally, a checklist was used to inspect the physical spaces. The analysis of students’ responses revealed that self-reported complaints related to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) predominantly focused on noise discomfort in both types of learning environments. A significant relationship was found between the type of space and children’s perception of noise from their peers. Although students in TLE reported greater annoyance with noise, those in FLE experienced slightly more listening problems. Interestingly, in FLE, students with an occupancy density greater than 2.1 m2 per student did not feel bothered by the noise produced by their classmates speaking. Although further research is needed, these findings highlight the crucial role of acoustic conditions in ensuring the comfort and hearing abilities of young students. Adequate acoustic treatment and enough space per student are important to mitigate potential indoor noise issues.
Enhancing personalised thermal comfort models with Active Learning for improved HVAC controls
Authors: Tekler Zeynep Duygu , Lei Yue , Dai Xilei , Chong Adrian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Developing personalised thermal comfort models to inform occupant-centric controls (OCC) in buildings requires collecting large amounts of real-time occupant preference data. This process can be highly intrusive and labour-intensive for large-scale implementations, limiting the practicality of real-world OCC implementations. To address this issue, this study proposes a thermal preference-based HVAC control framework enhanced with Active Learning (AL) to address the data challenges related to real-world implementations of such OCC systems. The proposed AL approach proactively identifies the most informative thermal conditions for human annotation and iteratively updates a supervised thermal comfort model. The resulting model is subsequently used to predict the occupants’ thermal preferences under different thermal conditions, which are integrated into the building’s HVAC controls. The feasibility of our proposed AL-enabled OCC was demonstrated in an EnergyPlus simulation of a real-world testbed supplemented with the thermal preference data of 58 study occupants. The preliminary results indicated a significant reduction in overall labelling effort (i.e., 31.0%) between our AL-enabled OCC and conventional OCC while still achieving a slight increase in energy savings (i.e., 1.3%) and thermal satisfaction levels above 98%. This result demonstrates the potential for deploying such systems in future real-world implementations, enabling personalised comfort and energy-efficient building operations.
Scalable decarbonisation using automated operation optimisation
Authors: Baranski M , Bode G , Nienaber F , Bruhn B , Grant P , Ziegeldorf H 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
One of the biggest challenges in facing the climate crisis is the decarbonization of the large and diverse building stock. A reduction of carbon dioxide emissions can be achieved by technical measures and engaging the building occupants to adapt their behaviour. Among the technical measures, implementing predictive control as an upgrade of the existing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling system is especially promising as it allows reductions at potentially low running cost. However, the effort for adapting, implementing and deploying these methods to fit specific buildings and scenarios is high and requires special domain knowledge, hindering the wide-spread application. In this paper, we present a highly automated and data-driven implementation process utilizing an open-source container orchestration system, and the results from real-life case studies in existing buildings in which predictive control was retrofitted. Additionally, occupant information systems were installed in the buildings for increasing transparency about the building performance and the effect of the occupants’ behaviour. The shown method is useful for reducing the time required and manual effort for implementing new control strategies, and thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions while simultaneously increasing thermal comfort and air quality.
Automated data labeling of building automation systems using time series data and conditional probabilities
Authors: Maghnie M , Stinner F , Kümpel A , Müller D 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As energy efficiency demands increase, buildings get smarter, and the amount of data to analyze grows, where each building device may generate multiple data streams. These extensive quantities of monitoring data serve as a great opportunity for detecting anomalies in building automation systems and for optimizing their control. However, each building usually uses a custom format for data labels, therefore requiring an individual data label analysis per building. This makes the conceptually manageable task of detecting energy systems from the raw data increasingly complex and error-prone, which is a further hurdle that any building operation optimizer must resolve. This paper presents a methodology for automatically categorizing and labeling raw monitoring data from building automation systems. Using statistical features of the data, the method checks which data streams follow which known building operation rules and patterns. Therefore, an initial labeling of the data streams takes place. Furthermore, examining the correlation between the data streams indicates possible related system components using the concept of conditional probability. As a use case for the methodology, unlabeled data from a real building automation system are examined. The results show that, using unlabeled time series, data types from certain sensors and actuators can be reliably identified. The proposed methodology could therefore simplify the implementation of energy applications such as operation optimization and fault detection of building automation systems
Greenery, sun exposure and ventilation of public spaces in residential units in Tirana
Authors: Tashi P. , Tola A. , Tashi A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
When referring to residential units, well-ventilated and lit green spaces are considerable contributors to increasing the quality of life of its residents. This research aims to analyse the transformation of the spaces between the buildings in the context of Tirana, by simultaneously stressing the key distinctions between their original design and their current situation. A typical residential complex close to Tirana’s centre is used as a case study to further illustrate this topic. The research starts with a qualitative morphological analysis of greenery, lighting, and ventilation condition of public space between residential units. It expands with a quantitative-comparative analysis, based on questionnaires conducted with residents, as well as by-passers of the selected residential area. The apparent reduction of greenery in spaces between residential units was one of the study’s most obvious findings. Originally intended as green spaces, public spaces between residential units have since been used for a variety of purposes, including being occupied by extensions of buildings or open parking lots. These interventions have resulted in a shift of usage to the inner streets of the residential block, which are now used for vehicles and are no longer either quiet or exclusively dedicated to pedestrians. The overall value of this space has been transferred from a straightforward recreational area to an economic space. Consequently, designers and urban planners have a responsibility to re-evaluate the significance of green surfaces, in addition to the shape and orientation of the residential unit as a foundation of sustainable urban development.
Inequalities in exposure to indoor environmental hazards across England and Wales – can more energy efficient homes help?
Authors: Ferguson L , Mavrogianni A , Symonds P , Davies M , Ruyssevelt P 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Housing is an important modifier of outdoor environmental hazards due to features such as the amount of passive and active ventilation a dwelling receives, the proportion of the façade that is glazed and the building’s thermal insulation levels. Using Artificial Neural Networks based on an indoor building physics model, we simulate indoor temperature and air pollution concentrations in ~15 million English and Welsh dwellings and assess how exposure to indoor hazards varies for different population groups. The model is derived using simulations from the dynamic thermal modelling tool EnergyPlus, taking a spatially-distributed housing stock as input. Results are linked to the latest 2021 Census data on area-measures of population demographics to assess if vulnerable subgroups bear a disproportionate risk from indoor environmental hazards. We find neighbourhoods in England and Wales with a higher proportion of infants, ethnic minorities and income-deprived populations experience higher two-day maximum indoor temperatures in summertime; whilst more ethnically diverse areas have elevated annual average indoor concentrations of outdoor-sourced PM2.5. Areas with a higher proportion of those aged 65+ had a lower standardised indoor temperature (SIT) in winter, increasing the risk of fuel poverty. We then implement a stock-wide, home energy retrofit, in line with national decarbonisation targets. Results suggest energy-efficient building interventions may exacerbate heat inequalities without the provision of external shading, but improve population exposure to winter indoor temperatures and indoor concentrations of ambient-sourced PM2.5.
People flow management in a healthcare facility through crowd simulation and agent-based modeling methods
Authors: Locatelli M , Pellegrini L , Accardo D , Sulis E , Tagliabue L C , Giuda G M Di 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The study investigates the optimization of user flow and space management in a hospital located in Turin by simulating activities and patient flows of the blood drawing center. The simulation aims to verify the maximum number of people allowed to occupy the spaces simultaneously, manage user flows, and verify compliance with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Pedestrian Dynamics, supported by Building Information Modeling (BIM) methods, and NetLogo are used to simulate and optimize user flow and space management relying on crowd simulation and Agent-Based Modeling. Patients’ movements and hospital activities are modeled to identify bottlenecks, crowded situations, and other issues. The methodology also allows the comparison of the two selected tools via the two simulations that are set with equal parameters. The results of the simulations enabled the analysis of current conditions and the testing of scenarios and hypotheses without inconveniencing users and interrupting hospital activities. Some improvements in space and people flow management could be proposed, e.g., distributing patients’ entries over the center opening times via an online booking system and modifying room functions. The proposed improvements support the facility managers to avoid, or at least minimize, crowded situations during which is not possible for patients to comply with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, while minimizing layout changes and consequently the costs and efforts of implementing the changes. The proposed methodology will enable better management of future emergencies in healthcare facilities. The tool comparison will support future studies on simulation tool selection according to simulation and stakeholder needs.
Embodied net-zero compatible buildings? They already exist!
Authors: Priore Y D , Jusselme T , Habert G 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper identifies buildings on pathway to meet carbon targets for embodied emissions aligned with global carbon budgets and mitigation pathways. A simplified bottom-up model is used, assessing multiple variations of a new construction archetype to identify the main strategies to achieve the targets. The model estimates the quantities of the main components with a few input geometry parameters. Life cycle emissions are then computed based on predefined building components. The reference building is representative of a typical new construction with standard operational values and massive construction. Strategies evaluate design optimization measures, construction techniques, and materials variations. Results show that (1) characteristics and volume of the building play a determining role. The existence and size of underground floors can determine the achievement of todays and future targets. (2) Construction choices can half emissions just by switching from concrete to wood and using natural insulation. (3) Future improvements in the supply chain of materials do not follow the required reduction pathway determined by the Swiss climate strategy. Net-zero compatible buildings are already possible, it is just a matter of making the right choices.
To renovate or to reconstruct – A comparative life-cycle assessment study over an existing building in Fribourg, Switzerland
Authors: Nault E , Cattin E 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study presents a simple and agile yet holistic comparative assessment of the impact, in terms of non-renewable cumulative energy demand (nrCED) and global warming potential (GWP), of two envisioned scenarios for the future of an existing administrative building located in Fribourg, Switzerland: its demolition and reconstruction versus its in-depth renovation. Based on our set of hypotheses, results show that over all life-cycle phases (construction and operation) and the building’s lifetime, the renovation scenario’s GWP is 540 kgCO2-eq/m2 lower than that of the reconstruction scenario, corresponding to a 50% savings. In terms of nrCED, the difference is of about 2 MWh/m2, a 45% savings in the renovation scenario. Both scenarios are found to comply with the SIA 2040 target values. These results, including findings on the most impactful elements, provide useful quantitative information for the decision-making and design team in their next steps toward defining the project.
The role of LCA in the renovation’s early decision-making for the design of a multifunctional, modular building envelope system
Authors: Konstantinou T , Moya T Armijos , Cetin M Yuksel , Tsikos M , Eguiarte O , Arregi B 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The renovation of buildings has a high capacity to influence the environmental impacts and global objectives of climate change mitigation. In the context of designing low-energy buildings with minimized environmental impacts, the life cycle assessment (LCA) has been proven a straightforward method, to evaluate the direct and indirect environmental impacts of a building concept. Even though it is the most energy-intensive element, the use phase is not only a source of environmental concern but also the whole life cycle of the building and its components. However, energy-efficient renovation decisions tend to be financially motivated events, subject to exogenous constraints or barriers, that do not integrate whole life cycle thinking. This study aims to identify how the LCA information can be considered in comparing renovation options. compare renovation options, taking into account the modular envelope system developed as part of the European research project ENSNARE (ENvelope meSh aNd digitAl framework for building Renovation) case study. The study analysed different renovation scenarios, generated according to combinations of renewable energy sources and compare them to the base case and typical renovation scenario. Such information can support the design team in making decisions that consider the whole building and its components’ life cycles.
The carbon dioxide storage potential of building materials: a systematic literature review
Authors: Maierhofer D , Zögl I , Saade M Ruschi Mendes , Passer A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study assesses the carbon dioxide storage ranges within new and innovative building materials. We conduct a Systematic Literature Review and gather data for carbon dioxide storage in building materials from 27 studies. The obtained values are classified into derived Eurostat categories ‘biomass - fast growing’, ‘biomass - slow growing’, ‘non-metallic minerals - industrial’ and ‘non-metallic minerals - natural’ and harmonized to the unit of gram carbon dioxide storage per kilogram of material (gCO2/kg). Based on the systematic review, the mean value of carbon dioxide storage for the category ‘biomass - fast growing’ results in 1758.0 gCO2/kg and for the category ‘biomass - slow growing’ in 1787.0 gCO2/kg, while the mean value for ‘non-metallic minerals - industrial’ results in 137.7 gCO2/kg and for ‘non-metallic minerals - natural’ in 574.1 gCO2/kg. The obtained statistical summaries provide a basis for future research on the path towards a net-zero carbon built environment.
Carbon and craft: Lessons from the deconstruction, relocation, and reuse of a traditional Japanese house’s timber structure
Authors: Fang D , Berglund-Brown J , Iwakuni D , Mueller C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents and analyses the Chair Laboratory in Kawaguchiko, Japan as a case study of structural reuse. An inventory analysis is conducted from collected data, followed by a life-cycle-cost analysis of deconstruction, transporting, and reassembling the structure. The results are compared to two alternative schemes (timber non-reuse and steel) to benchmark the savings associated with reuse. The material quantity take-down and life-cycle-cost analysis indicate a 46%-71% reduction in GWP due to reuse (on the order of 17-20 kg CO2e/m2 of savings), at the expense of a 39% increase in cost. The cost increase is dominated by additional labour-hours for disassembly and adjustments. This data presented in this reuse case study gives realistic quantitative and qualitative insights on the feasibility, benefits, and barriers to reuse. Policy-makers and designers can use these insights to inform policies and make design decisions that encourage structural reuse and, consequently, a lower-carbon built environment.
Low-tech methods for the reuse of reinforced concrete structural elements
Authors: Devènes J , Bastien-Masse M , Widmer N , Fivet C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Most of existing buildings are made of concrete, new buildings are being built with it and others are demolished when still in good structural condition. This drives increased demands for raw materials, greenhouse gas emissions, and an accumulation of demolition waste. When in-situ rehabilitation or transformation is deemed unfeasible, a promising circular economy strategy to reduce these impacts is to reuse reinforced concrete (RC) load-bearing elements from obsolete donor structures into new receiving structures. Consequently, there is a need to adapt methods and processes to the specificities of RC element reuse by integrating knowledge on existing structures, deconstruction and construction techniques and structural optimization. To facilitate the supply chain of reclaimed RC components, the planning and execution of the deconstruction of an obsolete donor structure must be linked to the planning and execution of the construction of a new receiving structure. Using three recent case studies in Switzerland, this paper highlights how low-tech methods and procedures can be used to plan RC element reuse. A complete set of tools is introduced to evaluate an existing donor structure, plan its optimal deconstruction, and design the new receiving building. They include a reusability assessment method, a reuse-driven design process, and a data validation procedure. The case studies confirm that, depending on transport distances, reusing RC elements in a new structure can save up to 75% of CO2-eq emissions compared to standard RC construction techniques.
A framework for semi-automated creation of Building Information Models for existing buildings
Authors: Triantafyllidis G , Huang L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The environmental impact of the building sector can be significantly mitigated by reusing materials and components from the existing building stock. Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology can serve as a potent tool for the documentation, management of existing buildings, and foster effective collaboration among different stakeholders in the value chain of the building sector. In addition, by providing information about the building’s structure, materials, and systems, BIM enables more informed decision-making regarding potential renovations, retrofits, and repurposing. However, developing BIM models for existing buildings is a labour and time-intensive task. There is therefore the need to investigate possible ways to automate the data acquisition and the creation of BIM models. By using the extracted alphanumerical information from two databases in a BIM and Visual Programming Language environment, we develop a workflow that can read and transform this information, which is given as input, into a parametric BIM model. We then discuss the data availability and accessibility from those databases and what data requirements are still needed to achieve higher granularity for the BIM models. Finally, we develop a workflow, and we provide suggestions for further research and data integration. A shift into a circular economy model in the building sector could support reducing the environmental impact that the sector is causing. Developing BIM models by using a simpler method, could potentially facilitate informed decision-making for the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of building-materials and elements.
Reuse of concrete for the construction of a retaining wall: a case study
Authors: Collaud A , Mongillo M , Niederhäuser E L , Pathé J , Redaelli D , Buri H 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A promising strategy to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry is the reuse of structural elements resulting from the deconstruction of existing buildings. However, despite a growing interest from the academic and industrial communities, practical examples of the reuse of structural elements remain very scarce at present, especially in the case of reinforced concrete buildings, which generally consist of a monolithic load-bearing skeleton that has not been designed for dismantling or reuse. This paper presents the results of a study on the reuse of concrete blocks from the deconstruction of an existing building as components for the in-situ construction of a new retaining wall. A real case study is considered. It consists of a building constructed in the 1970s. The developer of the new building wishes to reuse parts of the old building to create a new retaining wall on the boundary of the plot, with a length of 105 metres and a variable height between 60 and 250 cm. The dimensions and shape of the concrete blocks can vary considerably depending on the deconstruction technique used. In order to take into account this aspect, as well as the variable height and the mechanical support of the retaining wall, alternative solutions have been analysed. This paper presents the conceptual design and preliminary dimensioning of these solutions, as well as a discussion of their ability to meet all the technical and normative requirements.