bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Office to housing conversion: estimating life cycle environmental and financial performance
Authors: Stiernon D , Böhlke A , Stephan A , Bos M , Marino G 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Renovating existing building is often touted as having an improved environmental performance as compared to demolition and construction. However, very few studies have quantified the life cycle environmental benefits resulting from such renovations. The aim of this research is to provide a benchmark based on a real and representative case study building to estimate life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and financial costs of redeveloping an office building by considering different scenarios: (1) renovation as an office building; (2) conversion as a residential building; (3) demolition and construction of an office building and (4): demolition and construction of a residential building. Results show that the demolition-construction scenarios are undoubtedly the most environmentally impactful, but the difference between offices and housing is less significant and depends greatly on the assumptions made. On the other hand, from a tax point of view, the demolition-construction scenario is favoured by the real estate industry because it allows for the recovery of VAT in the operation and thus maximizes the value of the real estate asset as well as the financial return. There is also a significant difference between the profitability of a housing and an office project. The latter is favoured by market values. The tendency to favour offices in the European district could be reversed in the current post covid situation and solutions exist to encourage the development of housing projects through office conversion.
Public buildings: Life-cycle GHG emission scenarios and reduction trajectories by 2050
Authors: Alaux N , Truger B , Lackner T , Nabernegg S , Röck M , Steininger K W , Passer A 
Published: December 2023

AbstractResponsible for 37% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the construction and operation of buildings involves substantial potential to mitigate climate change. Although they represent only a small part of the building stock, publicly-owned buildings can lead by example and stimulate emission reductions through public procurement processes that are aligned with existing climate goals. In this paper, possible GHG emission reduction pathways for public office buildings in Austria are explored. A building stock model for Austria’s publicly-owned office buildings is developed, which projects operational and embodied GHG emissions from new construction, renovation and demolition until 2050. Findings show that phasing out fossil fuel use in building operations by 2050 enables GHG emission pathways that are compatible with the Carbon Law but still exceed Austria’s available carbon budget for public office buildings. A higher renovation rate can facilitate the fossil fuel phase-out by reducing energy demand. Embodied GHG emissions are becoming increasingly important and the main source of GHG emissions when phasing out fossil fuels in space heating. More research and policies are therefore needed to accelerate reductions of embodied GHG emissions towards net zero.
A Community-based Whole Life Carbon Assessment: Case study of a London estate community plan
Authors: Nava S , Chalabi Z , Bell S , Burman E 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the attempt to adhere to the UK’s 2050 Net-Zero Strategy, more attention has been given to energy-centric decision-making over the regeneration of housing estates. Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) is the methodology used for the evaluation of the overall carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions of building projects over their lifecycle. The WLCA studies are mostly not understood by different stakeholders and are less effective in reducing the Global Warming Potential (GWP) impacts in the development of regeneration scenarios. This paper is part of a larger study on a multistakeholder lifecycle-based sustainability assessment framework and aims to further explore whether retrofitting can outperform the existing and new build scenarios for lower GWP impacts, and intends to examine the use of WLCA for the development of a regeneration scenario. The research consists of a single-case case study employing co-design workshops, surveys, and WLCA experiments. The community’s preferred regeneration scenario has been developed through knowledge mobility and co-design workshops with the members of the community and a UCL team of designers and researchers. The WLCA of different regeneration scenarios (existing building, different refurbishment scenarios, and a previously approved redevelopment scheme) has been conducted using the data from desk-based research, site surveys, building regulations, retrofit case studies and guidelines, and the planning documents of the council’s previously approved new build scheme. The results of the WLCA support the current studies in favour of the refurbishment scenarios over the demolition and rebuilding of the estate, and make a case for the necessity of understanding the GWP in design development to reduce the GWP of regeneration scenarios.
Geospatial assessment of water footprints for hyperscale data centers in the United States
Authors: Lei Nuoa , Lu Jun , Cheng Zhu , Cao Zhi , Shehabi Arman , Masanet Eric 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The sustainability of water usage in data centers is of growing importance considering rapid digitalization and environmental constraints on freshwater resources. However, the water footprint of data centers remains understudied, posing challenges to achieving sustainable data center operations. In this study, we assessed the water footprint of hyperscale data centers in the U.S. and identified major drivers of water use in data centers. Our findings offer valuable insights for designing water-efficient data centers, implementing sustainable practices, and formulating effective policies and technology incentives.
Blockchain for regenerative built environment governance
Authors: Wang Hongyang , Hunhevicz Jens , Hall Daniel , Meier Gregor , Wolf Catherine De 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Regenerative approaches have gained attention in the built environment, but remain highly conceptual. This position paper argues for new regenerative governance structures that consider data governance, reassess complex stakeholder interactions, and ensure the inclusivity of diverse values and ownership. It then presents early ideas on how blockchain technology could facilitate scalable socio-economic-ecologic interactions along three inquiries, giving practical examples. Overall, the paper aims to inspire and guide further research into the development of modern digital governance tools fostering a regenerative built environment.
Closing the gap to sufficiency-based absolute climate targets for wood buildings
Authors: Hansen R N , Hoxha E , Andersen C E , Rasmussen F N , Ryberg M W , Birgisdottir H 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This research investigated the distribution of the global climate planetary boundary (PB) on a national scale. Then it was distributed to a sector-specific carrying capacity by the principles of acquired rights (grandfathering) and sufficientarianism. Then, four wood dwellings were compared against these carrying capacities using the life cycle assessment methodology. The climate safe operating space for new dwellings is about three times larger when using the principle of sufficiency compared to acquired rights. The rationale for the sufficiency perspective is that it considers the fundamentals of a society leading to a fulfilling life. The concept disregards the current surplus elements in society, which gives more space for emissions for the remaining elements in a fulfilling society. The acquired rights reflect the current society as optimal but require systemic changes in the different sectors to reduce their total impacts to remain within climate PB while keeping the sector’s current share of impacts. However, building with wood cannot alone contribute to society staying within the climate target. The end of life contributes most to the impact due to biogenic carbon release, and energy consumption follows next. Reduction of the average yearly built area shows considerable potential to close the target gap. In addition, improving and implementing circularity, carbon capture, and material efficiency would reduce biogenic carbon’s end of life impacts. Combined with energy-positive buildings and low-carbon materials, this could be a viable mitigation pathway to explore further.
Case Study K.118 – The Reuse of Building Components in Winterthur, Switzerland
Authors: Stricker E , Angst M , Brandi G , Buser B , Sonderegger A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The K.118 building on Winterthur’s Lagerplatz, completed in March 2021, has been widely recognised and awarded as an outstanding example for applying the principles of the circular economy to architecture. Commissioned by the Swiss pension fund Stiftung Abendrot, the architects Baubüro in situ planned and constructed a building using reclaimed components wherever possible. The planning and construction process was analysed by the Institute of Constructive Design (IKE) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in cooperation with the architects. The study shows that the reuse of building components has great potential for saving resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions during the construction phase of buildings. In order to use this potential, economic and procedural obstacles created by the framework conditions of today’s construction industry must be tackled.
A Shingled Glass Envelope System Constructed from Reclaimed Insulated Glass
Authors: Marshall D , Kennedy S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a new approach to the design and construction of glazed building envelopes using salvaged insulated glazing units from demolition sites or surplus supply. Typically, Insulated Glazing Units (IGUs) are sent to landfill. Contemporary Architectural glazing is floated using virgin sand melted at 1700°C, a high energy extractive process. Obsolete architectural glass sent to recycling plants is not fed back into new float glass, rather it is downcycled to products such as glass bottles. This paper introduces a pathway for reusing obsolete and irregular Insulated Glazing Units into new curtainwalls; a pathway that currently does not exist. We demonstrate that the carbon footprint of glazed curtainwall could be halved by utilizing reclaimed IGUs. The system is a high-performance enclosure with weather tight compression gaskets and overlapping IGUs for thermal insulation and operational energy advantages over typical curtainwall systems. The system involves a computational configuration process for determining the best fit assembly of salvaged glass from a digitized inventory. The shingled glass façade system could be used in various applications, ranging from corporate offices to storefronts. This paper presents a one-to-one proof of concept, made from reclaimed IGUs of irregular size, collected in Lewes (UK).
Digital information management to increase the reuse of building materials
Authors: Foyn Thomas Berge , Fahlstedt Oskar , Bohne Rolf André 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The construction industry contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and extraction of primary resources. The linear economy models used in building development projects are unsustainable. Hence, implementing circular economy models in the building development process is necessary. This paper aims to increase reuse in building projects. The study utilized a literature study, 18 interviews with construction industry professionals, and two case studies. The focus of the study was the role of digital information management in achieving a circular economy and a narrowed scope on the reuse of building materials and components. The results show six challenges for increasing the reuse of building materials in construction projects. The most central challenges are profitability, human willingness to action and change, and storage of reusable building materials. Based on the findings in this paper, a framework is developed for how digital information of construction resources can be utilized and managed throughout the lifetime of buildings. The suggested solutions will enhance the ability of property owners and developers to achieve circularity in their building projects and existing building stocks. In this respect, this paper contributes to the emergence of new profitable business models and markets within a circular value chain for building materials in the construction industry.
Circular building design: a case study in Pakistan
Authors: Talpur B D , Rubino C , Liuzzi S , Martellotta F 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A major transformation from the current, linear practice to a closed-loop system, linked with a circular economy, is required to transform the negative effects of buildings on the environment. Pakistan has one of the fastest growing populations, and conventional building construction is increasing in urban areas due to urban sprawl. This research aims to demonstrate the possible shift to a circular construction industry in Pakistan by comparing the linear design components with the circular design components of exterior walls of a case study taking advantage of life cycle assessment. The results of life cycle assessment applied to the external walls of a house in Karachi show that finding the solution with the lowest impacts is not obvious and that use of apparently “green” solutions may turn out to have higher impacts. Study suggests that building components can be gradually replaced with more circular ones to create a circular built environment.
From certificate to physics - Paths to net-zero compatible buildings
Authors: Bagemihl J , Jakob M , Frost S Banfi , Sprecher F 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The role of heat pumps in a decarbonised (thermal) energy system is pivotal. This technology is often in competition with other technologies such as district heating or boilers. When comparing different heating technologies in respect to their CO2 footprint and their costs, the calculation method of future greenhouse gas emission factors of the different energy carriers and energy prices is decisive. Emission factors need to be based on technical and physical fundamentals as (international) green certificates are not a satisfactory proxy for physical emissions, especially for the case of electricity. Currently the Swiss electricity generation system is mostly decarbonised with its high share of hydropower and nuclear energy. However, Switzerland, located in the heart of Europe, has the highest relative shares of cross border capacities, which are relevant for energy trading. In a still fossil dominated European power system, the high volatility of wholesale power prices is entailing a high (temporal) volatility of power related emissions. Thus, the overall carbon footprint of consumed electricity changes significantly over time. Heating demand also shows a dynamic behaviour. It is therefore likely, that a CO2 footprint based on annual averages in heating demand and emission factors could lead to significant errors. The aim of the research was to draw a comparison of the resulting annual CO2 emissions applying different time step aggregation levels (yearly, monthly, typical days) with the results calculated based on a complete year in hourly resolution. The aim was to determine the relative error made through aggregation.
Thermal performance of residential and non-residential sectors: describing differences and understanding underlying reasons
Authors: Sasso Francesco , Patel Martin K 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a comparative analysis of thermal performance and heating demand for selected residential (single-family houses, SFHs and multi-family houses, MFHs) and non-residential sectors (Offices and Schools). The thermal performance and space heating demand of the Swiss building stock were analysed by a bottom-up element-based archetypal model. SFHs are characterised by the best envelope thermal performance (average envelope U-value = 0.62 W/(m2K)), followed by MFH (0.73 W/(m2K)), Schools (0.75 W/(m2K)), and Offices (0.84 W/(m2K). Results show significant differences regarding architectural features between building sectors: SFHs are characterised by the highest envelope factor (median value = 2.00), defined as the ratio between external surfaces and heated area, followed by Schools (1.50), MFH (1.30), and Offices (1.25). As a consequence of the above-mentioned differences, SFHs show higher specific final energy demand for space heating (on average 148 kWh/(m2year)), followed by Schools (117 kWh/(m2year)), Offices (100 kWh/(m2year)), and MFH (93 kWh/(m2year)). Moreover, a high potential for decarbonisation of heating systems in the Swiss building stock was identified: more than 70% of the ERA is heated by fossil fuel-based heating systems, with some differences amongst the studied sectors. This analysis serves as an important starting point to examine possible retrofit pathways and policies across sectors.
A new heat and cold storage system to enhance the thermal autonomy of residential buildings
Authors: Robadey J , Richard R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We integrated 18 kg of PCM in 80 cells of a plate heat exchanger which were placed between a water charge and an air discharge circuit fed by the air renewal. The 0.1 m3 thermal battery can replace radiators to heat and cool, store heat and cold and perform air renewal independently for each room. The narrow PCM cells and the relatively large temperature difference between the PCM with fusion temperature of 25°C and the renewed air allowed to achieve average discharge powers of 300W and 440W for heating and cooling respectively. The integrated total heat and cold storage capacities were found to be 1.5 kWh and 1.8 kWh respectively. By replacing each radiator of a house with such a battery substantial thermal storage can be achieved. The liquid thermal battery, cooled with outdoor air of 17°C, completely solidified in less than 7h. This means that cool summer nights can charge the PCM to cool the room the following day.
Potential-estimation of thermal micro-grids in urban areas based on heat load and building clustering
Authors: Hall Monika , Bereuter Pia , Geissler Achim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As a result of climate change, fossil heating systems must be replaced with renewable systems. The question arises whether it makes sense for each building to have its own new heating system or whether a thermal micro-grid is possible. In this paper a model is presented which allows to aggregate buildings into thermal micro-grid clusters. All gas-heated residential buildings of Basel (Switzerland) are marked via geo-data. The heat demand of each building is determined depending on the year of construction and is then converted into the heat load. Each building then is grouped into thermal micro-grids according to a given grid load limit. The thermal micro-grids generated in this way are marked in color, so that the potential of any given city district can be easily and quickly identified. If the grid load limit is increased, the number of possible micro-grids increases, also.
Heat pumps on exhaust air for space heating and domestic hot water, in very high energy performance multifamily building (Geneva, Switzerland): feedback in actual condition of use
Authors: Callegari S , Hollmuller P 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper, which is based on a monitored case study, analyses the issues and potential of heat recovery on exhaust air in new multi-family buildings, for combined DHW and SH production by way of heat pumps, in combination with a gas boiler for peak loads. Analysis of the hydraulic diagram, as well as readings of heat and energy meters, allows to point out the causes of an actual HP share (38%) much lower than the projected value (61%), while bringing up the necessity to elaborate standard schemes and sizing rules for such systems.
Applicability of a heat-pump-driven liquid-desiccant air-conditioning system in energy-efficient buildings
Authors: Lee J H , Kim B J , Joung J W , Jeong J W 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Building trend is toward energy-efficiency by reducing building sensible load, while neglecting latent load. A heat-pump-driven liquid-desiccant (HPLD) air-conditioning system has emerged for effectively handling building latent load in energy-efficient buildings with low indoor sensible heat ratio. However, previous studies only investigated one building type, failing to account for the increase in building energy-efficiency. This study estimates building thermal loads of four different energy-efficient high latent load buildings, simulating building trend. Then, as energy-efficiency of buildings increases, the changes in indoor thermal comfort and energy consumption of the HPLD air-conditioning system and reference vapour compression system are compared. Simulation results show that in building with the highest energy-efficiency, the reference system can only maintain thermal comfort for 43.3% and 24% of summer operating hours when primarily meeting supply-air target temperature and humidity, respectively. Contrastingly, the proposed system can maintain thermal comfort in all building types for almost 100% of summer operating hours due to decoupled control of air temperature and humidity. Additionally, the proposed system saves up to 33.2% of operating energy when both systems achieve the same thermal comfort satisfaction. In conclusion, the HPLD air-conditioning system with decoupled control is more applicable as energy-efficiency of buildings increases.
The Building Data Genome Directory – An open, comprehensive data sharing platform for building performance research
Authors: Jin Xiaoyu , Fu Chun , Kazmi Hussain , Balint Atilla , Canaydin Ada , Quintana Matias , Biljecki Filip , Xiao Fu , Miller Clayton 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The building sector plays a crucial role in the worldwide decarbonization effort, accounting for significant portions of energy consumption and environmental effects. However, the scarcity of open data sources is a continuous challenge for built environment researchers and practitioners. Although several efforts have been made to consolidate existing open datasets, no database currently offers a comprehensive collection of building data types with all subcategories and time granularities (e.g., year, month, and sub-hour). This paper presents the Building Data Genome Directory, an open data-sharing platform serving as a one-stop shop for the data necessary for vital categories of building energy research. The data directory is an online portal (buildingdatadirectory.org/) that allows filtering and discovering valuable datasets. The directory covers meter, building-level, and aggregated community-level data at the spatial scale and year-to-minute level at the temporal scale. The datasets were consolidated from a comprehensive exploration of sources, including governments, research institutes, and online energy dashboards. The results of this effort include the aggregation of 60 datasets pertaining to building energy ontologies, building energy models, building energy and water data, electric vehicle data, weather data, building information data, text-mining-based research data, image data of buildings, fault detection diagnosis data and occupant data. A crowdsourcing mechanism in the platform allows users to submit datasets they suggest for inclusion by filling out an online form. This directory can fuel research and applications on building energy efficiency, which is an essential step toward addressing the world’s energy and environmental challenges.