bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glare analysis of an integral daylighting and lighting control strategy for offices
Authors: Ploerer D , Wasilewski S , Grobe L O 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Complex Fenestration Systems (CFSs) can significantly impact both the visual and non-visual daylight effects on the occupants as well as the energy performance of buildings. To ensure that those impacts improve the overall situation, proper control algorithms are required if the CFS can be operated. The state of the CFS directly and immediately effects the indoor lighting situation. The thermal condition of the building is usually strongly but not directly influenced by the condition of the façade system due to thermal capacities.
In this study an experimental integral control strategy, called Integrated Lighting Module (ILM) is investigated in terms of it’s glare prevention capabilities and compared to a cut-off- and a simple rule based control logic. The ILM is an autonomous software package capable to run on building management hardware to control façade systems and artificial lighting in real buildings in an energetically optimised way. The adaptive sampling algorithm raytraverse is employed to calculate Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) values, which are used as a benchmark for the control strategy comparison. The other aspect of this comparison is the opening of the façade, which is evaluated as statistics how often each possible façade state is selected by each control strategy.
Investigating Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) as an Indicator for Overheating in a free-running building: a case of thermal comfort improvement in a child development centre in Thailand
Authors: Borisuit A , Suriyothin P 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) is widely used to assess direct sunlight exposure in the building as a proxy to detect potential visual discomfort. Even though ASE was not targeted at thermal comfort, the relationship between direct sunlight and thermal sensation has been known. The study aims to explore the associations of ASE and thermal comfort criteria through an improvement of thermal comfort in a Child Development Centre (CDC) in Thailand. An existing condition of a CDC building and a simplified version were simulated using the IESVE simulation tool. Overhangs, external shutters, and double glazing were integrated into the computer models to improve thermal comfort. CIBSE TM52 overheating criteria are used to indicate thermal comfort. We found significant correlations between ASE and the criteria of CIBSE TM52 (r=0.28-0.56; p<0.05), indicating that more thermal discomfort is significantly correlated with a higher percentage of direct sunlight area. However, ASE could not justify thermal comfort since it does not include other essential thermal comfort factors, especially sunlight intensity. Such that double glazing could improve overheating criteria but not ASE. Future studies incorporating essential factors according to different climates are needed.
Assessing views from office buildings in virtual reality
Authors: Kojima Y , Ohki C , Kawano A , Takagi N , Koga Y , Majima R , Okamoto T , Jarrin F 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In office architecture, the importance of windows providing daylight and views has been identified to make the physical environment of the workplace comfortable and healthy. This study aims to develop a window view quality index for application at the design stage of office buildings. In this paper, satisfaction with the views from window was evaluated using VR images, and it was shown that there is a high correlation between the trend in view satisfaction using VR and the trend in view satisfaction of the actual building. This suggests that VR can be used in the future to evaluate the view quality from the window.
Quantifying the impact of Covid-19 on the energy consumption in the low-income housing in Greater London
Authors: Mohajeri N , Javanroodi K , Fergouson L. , Zhou J , Nik V , Gudmundsson A , Anvari E Arab , Taylor J , Symonds P , Davies M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Covid-19 has caused great challenges to the energy sector, particularly in residential buildings with low-income households. This study investigates the impact of the confinement measures due to the Covid-19 outbreak on the energy demand of seven residential archetype buildings in Greater London. Three levels of confinement for occupant schedules are proposed and compared with the base case before Covid-19. The archetypes, their boundary conditions, and input parameters are set up according to statistics from English Housing Survey (EHS) sample data for low-income housing. The base case scenario (normal life without confinement measures) is validated against the measured data energy consumption from the National Energy Efficiency Data-Framework (NEED) statistics. The results show that electricity consumption is significantly lower than that for heating and hot water for all the archetypes. By comparing the base case scenario with the full Covid-19 lockdown scenario, the results indicate that heating and hot water consumption (kWh) for all the residential archetypes increases, on average, by 10%, and total electricity demand (kWh) increases by 13%. The study highlights the importance of introducing detailed occupancy profiles in multi-zone building energy simulation models during a pandemic that leads to a greater shift towards home working, which may increase the risk of fuel poverty in low-income housing.
Cozie Apple: An iOS mobile and smartwatch application for environmental quality satisfaction and physiological data collection
Authors: Tartarini Federico , Frei Mario , Schiavon Stefano , Chua Yun Xuan , Miller Clayton 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Collecting feedback from people in indoor and outdoor environments is traditionally challenging and complex to achieve in a reliable, longitudinal, and non-intrusive way. This paper introduces Cozie Apple, an open-source mobile and smartwatch application for iOS devices. This platform allows people to complete a watch-based micro-survey and provide real-time feedback about environmental conditions via their Apple Watch. It leverages the inbuilt sensors of the smartwatch to collect physiological (e.g., heart rate, activity) and environmental (sound level) data. This paper outlines data collected from 48 research participants who used the platform to report perceptions of urban-scale environmental comfort (noise and thermal) and contextual factors such as who they were with and what activity they were doing. The results of 2,400 micro-surveys across various urban settings are illustrated in this paper, showing the variability of noise-related distractions, thermal comfort, and associated context. The results show that participants experienced at least a little noise distraction 58% of the time, with people talking being the most common reason (46%). This effort is novel due to its focus on spatial and temporal scalability and the collection of noise, distraction, and associated contextual information. These data set the stage for larger deployments, deeper analysis, and more helpful prediction models toward better understanding the occupants’ needs and perceptions. These innovations could result in real-time control signals to building systems or nudges for people to change their behavior.
Impacts of energy saving measures on IEQ, task performance and COVID-19 contagion risk in public buildings: analysis of a case-study in Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
Authors: Albertin R , Hokayem A El , Pernigotto G , Gasparella A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The recent 2022 energy crisis has pushed several Italian public administrations to adopt solutions to reduce energy demand for space heating in public buildings. Reduction of HVAC system operation time, decrease of heating setpoint and changes to ventilation schedules are some examples of typically implemented measures. However, some of them are in direct competition with those adopted so far to limit the risk of COVID-19 contagion, such as higher ventilation rates. Furthermore, limited operation time and lower setpoints can lead to suboptimal thermal comfort conditions for workers in public buildings, with subsequent decrease of their task performances. In this framework, to assess the global efficacy of the most recent energy saving policies in public buildings, this research focuses not only on the quantification of energy savings but also on the analysis of increased COVID-19 contagion risk, as well as performance loss due to suboptimal building operation conditions. To investigate the impact of new building operation policies for energy savings, an intermediate storey of a public office building in Bolzano, Italy, was selected as a case-study.
Application of sensitivity analysis on building dynamic lifecycle assessment of GHG emissions: a French case study
Authors: Mosquini L H Neves , Delinchant B , Jusselme T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study presents a novel approach to simplify the dynamic life cycle assessment (DLCA) of buildings by identifying and prioritizing influential dynamic parameters (DPs) to improve building energy performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Current life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies lack temporal considerations, which can significantly impact a building’s environmental footprint over its multi-decade life span. We conducted an extensive literature review on DPs in DLCA, informing the creation of a multi-scenario parametric framework. A case study was then selected to apply the developed DLCA methodology and perform a global Sensitivity Analysis to pinpoint the most influential DPs on global warming potential. The DLCA framework integrates data from the French database for environmental product declarations and utilizes EnergyPlus simulations for operational emissions assessment. The study identifies ten DPs, revealing the most impactful ones to be industry and waste sector emissions reductions, building occupancy, and global warming. Additionally, we found minimal interactions between DPs, which facilitates the simplification of the DLCA process. This research enables building stakeholders to focus on a more selective set of parameters, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of building life cycle assessments. Overall, our findings contribute to the continuous improvement of LCA methodologies and promote sustainable building practices.
Life Cycle Assessment of the new Solar Thermal Power Plant SolarCAD II connected to a District Heating Network in Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Solano J , Frossard M , Lasvaux S , Duret A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the solar heat injected in a District Heating Network (DHN) by a new solar thermal power plant in Geneva. An environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted according to ISO 14040, ISO 14044 and SN EN 15804+A2:2019. The scope of the study includes the complete life cycle of the solar power plant heat generation system. The baseline GHG emissions results show that the solar heat injected is responsible of about 15 to 18 gCO2-eq per kWh depending on whether we account for the environmental impacts of the steel gratings or not. This value is mostly determined by the manufacturing and use stages. Different sensitivity analyses are then performed in order to test the robustness of the main influential parameters (e.g., lifetime, efficiency, electricity mix) and better quantify the variability of the GHG emissions. Finally, this LCA study of a solar thermal plant connected to a Swiss DHN provides a first value of the solar heat in comparison with other heat production routes for DHN already provided in LCA databases such as the Swiss KBOB 2009/1:2022 platform for LCA in the construction sector.
Decarbonisation roadmap for the building activities: LCA modelling of the renovation lever
Authors: Pellan M , Louërat M , Almeida D , Dubois F , Habert G 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Renovation of the existing building stock plays a central role in every decarbonisation scenario. Yet, its impact is rarely addressed in a life-cycle perspective, leading to potential over benefits and neglecting the cross-sectoral impacts that it generates. This article introduces the methodology developed as part of the building activities decarbonisation roadmap to quantify the effect of renovation on operational and embodied greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). It focuses on describing the modelling tools that are used to create prospective decarbonisation pathways from a georeferenced database. In particular, the macro component approach used to describe the materiality of existing buildings and renovation packages, as well as the energy simulation tool used to quantify energy saving measures are introduced. Explorative scenarios are modelled based on different renovation levels, renovation packages and targeted buildings to investigate the whole-life GHGE by 2030 and 2050. Preliminary static results underline the necessity to consider embodied GHGE and to introduce an optimisation approach to target the buildings with the highest GHGE savings potential.
Regulation on carbon emissions for buildings with special conditions: analysis, calculation model and stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Tozan B , Nielsen L H , Hoxha E , Birgisdóttir H 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Climate change enhances the focus on reducing global greenhouse gases from the construction industry since it is responsible for 37% of the emissions. Several nations are implementing regulating laws by requiring life cycle assessments and by setting a threshold of CO2e emissions. In the case of Denmark, the valid limit value of 12 kg CO2e/m2/year is based primarily on a sample of conventional buildings consisting of residential and office buildings. Initially, 90% of all new buildings are expected to comply with this value, while the remaining 10% must apply strategies for carbon reduction. Some building typologies that need to serve specific functions might not be able to reduce emissions due to special conditions, which will result in additional carbon emissions, and thus, exceed the limit value. This study identifies special conditions, such as hygiene requirements, that can lead to exceeding the limit value and recommends adaptation to handle the allowable additional carbon emissions in building regulations. The findings of the study are useful for policymakers that must decide how to handle special conditions of buildings in regulations.
LCA models in building industry practice - how do practitioners’ assumptions affect LCA results?
Authors: Andersen Camilla Ernst , Hoxha Endrit , Rasmussen Freja Nygaard , Birgisdóttir Harpa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study exemplifies uncertainties in Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) by investigating the results of nine building LCAs made by nine LCA practitioners. The study compares material quantities and Global Warming Potential (GWP) results of the nine LCAs before and after a review process. From the building LCAs before review, we identify several errors that significantly influence material quantities and GWP results. After correcting the errors, we still see notable differences in the material quantities and LCA results from the nine LCAs. The study proves a need for conducting thorough reviews to eliminate the most prominent errors in building LCAs and a need for uncertainty assessment as a standard practice.
Veggies and PV: Optimization of Building-Integrated Agriculture in an Energy Hub
Authors: Waibel Christoph , Shi Zhongming 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Building-integrated Agriculture (BIA) is the concept of utilizing façade surfaces for crop production. The potential is to reduce land-use and to increase the utility of built-up area. If outdoor building surfaces were to be used for farming, it results in a competition for sunlight between crops, solar renewable energy (such as photovoltaics, PV), and daylight access to illuminate indoor spaces. We therefore propose a coupled BIA and multi-energy systems model that can represent various energy sources (such as sunlight) and their conversion and storage (such as façade based crop production, PV, or electric batteries) in order to optimally meet demands for building energy and food. It is formulated as a mixed integer linear program (MILP) optimization model that describes the energy flows as an annual hourly time series. The model conducts a bi-objective minimization of monetary cost and carbon emissions, resulting in a Pareto front of optimal solutions. The model meets building energy demands for cooling, heating and electricity by an optimized energy technology portfolio, as well as nutritional demands for leafy vegetables of all occupants by either BIA or supermarket purchases. We apply our model to a residential case study in Singapore, which serves as an example for a high density city with already numerous community-driven and practiced BIA initiatives ongoing. Our results show that when minimizing cost, utilizing PV is more cost efficient on highly exposed surfaces such as the roof than BIA. However, for more shaded façade surfaces, crop production can be a cost and environmentally efficient addition to building design, as the annual vegetables demand of all occupants can be covered entirely by self-grown produce.
Multiscale pattern analysis of building replacements in Zurich from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Ye Jingxian , Fivet Corentin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Building replacement (BR) – i.e., the demolition of existing structures and subsequent construction of new buildings on the same site – is often understood as a necessary urban planning strategy despite significant environmental implications regarding solid waste generation, raw material depletion, and embodied greenhouse gas emissions. Besides, BR may also be considered an effective form of urban mining. Yet it has not been adequately studied in academic literature. Current studies often adopt a simplified ‘black box’ approach that overlooks the intricate internal mechanisms and fails to capture the interconnected material flows within the building stock. To address these gaps, this paper utilizes descriptive statistics and bipartite graph analysis to examine the transformation patterns of BR across three spatial scales in the city of Zurich. The analysis encompasses 1,018 replacement projects involving 6,115 building units from 2000 to 2019. By comparing the characteristics of demolished and newly constructed groups, the study reveals insights into the dynamic nature of BR. From a broader perspective, the combination of the various heterogeneous BR-related findings in this paper highlights the need to evaluate the application of circular economy principles to large building stocks with a more nuanced understanding of building stock dynamics over time.
Circular economy meets building automation
Authors: Cai Hanmin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper demonstrates the concept of reusing discarded smartphones to connect the end-of-life of e-wastes with the start-of-life of smart buildings. Two control-related and one communication-related case studies have been conducted experimentally to evaluate the applicability. Diverse controlled systems, control tasks, and algorithms have been considered. In addition, the sufficiency of communication with external agents has been quantified. The proof-of-concept experiments indicate the technical feasibility and applicability to typical tasks with satisfactory performance. As the capabilities of smartphones improve over time, higher computing performance and lower communication latency can be expected, which enhances the prospect of the proposed reuse concept.
Dynamic open-source simulation engine for generic modeling of district-scale energy systems with focus on sector coupling and complex operational strategies
Authors: Ott Etienne , Steinacker Heiner , Stickel Matthias , Kley Christian , Fisch M. Norbert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper introduces a new simulation engine for generic modeling that allows fast and efficient simulation of the energy supply of district-scale sector-coupled energy systems during their early planning stage. The engine combines rule-based control algorithms, system dynamics modeling and an agent-based approach to simulate energy systems, while providing extensive possibilities to model complex operational strategies without requiring linearisation. The simulation engine determines the energy flow and operational state of all components at each time step, providing a comprehensive understanding and evaluation of the system’s behavior. Users can select and size technologies, determine the connections between technical components, and define operational strategies individually. The underlying mathematical model is based on energy balances, with a special emphasis on the order in which the supplied, requested, and transformed energy is calculated. Additionally, the simulation engine is suitable for black box optimisation e.g. for optimal sizing of components. To demonstrate its applicability, the simulation engine is used to model an exemplary sector-coupled energy system using practice-related operational strategies, and the results show the expected behavior according to the implemented mathematical models and operational strategies. The simulation engine is released as open-source software, making it suitable for participatory development.
Exploring the potential of scaling up Smart Local Energy Systems to transform clusters of housing: Insights from a case study in Wales, UK
Authors: Tadrak W , Patterson J , Chatzivasileiadi A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The research investigates the potential of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) to transform existing small clusters of housing into aggregates of prosumers capable of sharing locally generated renewable energy in SLES located in the Swansea area, South Wales, UK. The performance of 3 SLES retrofit scenarios is compared and evaluated at a household and cluster scale. The Energy Plus software within the DesignBuilder interface is used to carry out the modelling. Results show that SLES retrofit measures at a cluster scale are advantageous in terms of economic and environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The modelling also showed that replacing photovoltaic panels with a wind turbine in a small cluster of homes in rural Wales, UK offers no benefit in terms of renewable energy generation, carbon emissions or income. Overall, this research offers insights into the potential of SLES in retrofitting small housing clusters into low-carbon aggregates, emphasising the role of PV panels as a renewable electricity source.
Decarbonising heating and cooling using temperature setback and geothermal energy
Authors: Ben Hui , Walker Sara , Brown Christopher , Kolo Isa , Falcone Gioia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The lion’s share of buildings’ energy consumption is used for maintaining a thermally comfortable indoor environment. Strategies of reducing heating and cooling demand can thus be crucial for buildings to achieve net zero. This research aims to investigate the extent to which an occupancy-based temperature setback strategy and geothermal energy supply can decarbonise an office building. The objectives include: 1) exploring the optimal setback temperature for maximum energy savings, both in present time and under the future climate scenarios, and 2) evaluating the extent to which a geothermal borehole can meet the building’s energy demand. The outcome shows that a temperature setback strategy coupled with geothermal energy supply can decarbonise heating and cooling by around half. As for overall building energy demand, temperature setback can make demand reduction by over a tenth while the geothermal energy can meet the demand by a minimum of a fifth.