bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Archetype selection process for the development of a building stock model
Authors: Pristerà G , Allacker K , Rock M , Sala S 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The building sector accounts for 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, and is therefore a hotspot for mitigation efforts. Stock modelling is a powerful tool to support the assessment of the impact of the building sector and to test policy interventions to reduce it. A common approach to developing a stock model is through the identification of representative building archetypes. The goal of this paper is to propose a new selection process for archetypes in order to improve the modelling of the residential building stock, and to assess its robustness. The methodology is based on data obtained from the AmBIENCe project. Archetypes are selected for three EU regions, to represent existing buildings in two building categories (detached and multifamily houses). Member State-level archetypes are used as a basis for the identification of regional archetypes, which are selected in order to reduce the number of buildings on which the stock model is developed, while still ensuring its representativeness. A regional average building is defined using a statistical approach to identify its characteristics, considering two sets of parameters related to the building envelope: U-values and materialisation factors (factors indicating the main construction material of a building element). The total useful floor area is used to weigh these parameters among the various Member States. The building types with the smallest overall variation with respect to the regional average are selected as archetypes for the stock model. In a sensitivity analysis, the same process is re-applied, accounting for the relative importance of each envelope element in the selection of the best-representing archetype at regional level by using first their area and then their volume as additional weighting factors. As these methodological changes lead to a different archetype selection, the new and old archetypes are assessed against each other. The analysis provides an understanding of the importance of selection process of archetypes for stock modelling, and therefore contributes to correctly framing the interpretation of any results obtained through the use of a specific model.
Nature-based solutions for urban stormwater management: an overview
Authors: Palermo S A , Turco M , Pirouz B , Presta L , Falco S , De Stefano A , Frega F , Piro P 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The coupled effect of urbanization and climate change led to several environmental and socioeconomic impacts, such as the impoverishment of ecosystems, flooding risk, water quality deterioration, air pollution, urban heat island effect, and other socio-environmental. From a hydraulic perspective, the constant loss of natural areas was reflected in a drastic alteration of the hydrological cycle that, combined with the growth of extreme rainfall frequency, increased the city’s vulnerability to flooding risk, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional urban drainage systems. In this context, a transition towards sustainable and resilient urban drainage systems becomes essential. Thus, this paper aims to present an overview of Nature-based solutions, which, due to their capacity to reduce surface runoff and increase evapotranspiration and infiltration rates, represent valuable options for stormwater management and hydrological cycle restoration in urban areas. In this regard, the paper is conceived and structured by considering first a general introduction to nature-based solutions. The general design features of some nature-based solutions (green roofs, green walls, rain gardens, and permeable pavements) are shown, and finally, the hydrological effectiveness of these systems is discussed by considering the results found in the literature.
On the main methods to estimate the soil hydraulic properties of the Nature-based solutions
Authors: Turco M , Palermo S A , Pirouz B , Presta L , Brusco A C , Ferrante A P , Becciu G , Sanfilippo U , Raimondi A , Piro P 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NBS) are very popular techniques to solve several problems in urban areas. These techniques proved several benefits such as stormwater management, heat island reduction, air and water quality improvement, and biodiversity enhancements. Among these techniques, are green roofs, green walls, grid permeable pavement, bio-retention basins, constructed wetlands, and infiltration trenches. Although the benefits of these techniques are significant, their use is still limited and not widespread because the hydraulic characteristics of the materials involved in their construction are often unknown. Most of these NBS has the soil, or any porous media, as the main layer. In this way, the definition of the hydraulic properties of the porous media involved in the construction will help designers, researchers, and practitioners to choose the best materials for the purpose. In this way, this study will explore the main methods to define the hydraulic properties of a porous media, both in situ and in the laboratory, comparing the accuracy of the results achieved, time-consumg, data measurement, and boundary conditions.
Mitigation strategies in densely urbanized contexts: the case study of a historical district in Naples
Authors: Mastellone M , Ascione F , Bianco N , Iovane T , Manniti G , Mauro G M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The design of our cities, their planning, and management must be increasingly oriented towards sustainability, identifying solutions that can systemically address problems on a city scale, namely urban heat islands, rainwater runoff, storms, and acoustic issues. This study begins by evaluating the impact of a green area on pedestrian comfort in the historical center of Naples, employing an experimental and numerical approach. Temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration were measured at three significant points in a historical quarter in “Chiaia” district (Naples): a) in the center of the square “Piazza del Martiri” in the sun, b) in the center of the same square in the shade, and c) in the shade of the vegetation, under the effect of transpiration of deep trees. Then, these measures are used for the calibration of a numerical model developed in an environmental analysis software. The numerical approach has been used to predict the impact of possible mitigation scenarios, by increasing the vegetation and varying the density of the canopy, using non-white cool materials for the urban surfaces and for the facades and roofs of the surrounding historical buildings, and adding fountains. These strategies have a positive effect on urban temperatures and outdoor comfort, in densely urbanized contexts. The findings are finally used to identify the best design solutions, to improve pedestrian comfort and reduce the urban heat, without affecting the historical value of the urban district.
Analysis of the legislative and regulatory framework of CO2 capture, transport and storage systems in targeted European countries
Authors: Polyzou O , Oikonomou Th I , Karytsas S , Karytsas C , Martelli E , Wakaa A , Garbal V , Amro K , Casaban J , Güner M S , Türk S , De Weireld G 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The installation and operation of infrastructures for carbon capture, transport and storage of CO2 to reduce CO2 emissions from power plants and carbon-intensive industries, is of major importance to fulfil the targets for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. The industrial sector is considered a major contributor to CO2 emissions. Carbon dioxide Capture and geological Storage (CCS) is currently the only technology considered to be able to directly decarbonise industrial facilities such as cement, petrochemical, and steel industries, without requiring a complete rethinking of the industrial sectors. Although CCS technologies contribute to climate change mitigation, the number of CCS installations constructed in Europe is weaker than expected, among others, due to several aspects of the CCS legal framework implementation and legal gaps. For this purpose, the MOF4AIR European project performed an overall assessment of the legislative and regulatory framework in the EU on the capture, transport and storage systems of CO2. This paper presents the results of the assessment; an analysis of the legislative and regulatory conditions in MOF4AIR participating countries; a comparison between the examined countries on the legislative framework and a set of recommendations for the improvement of the legal framework.
Towards the digitalization and automation of circular and sustainable construction and demolition waste management – project RECONMATIC
Authors: Koroxenidis E , Karanafti A , Tsikaloudaki K , Theodosiou T 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The construction sector is responsible for a large part of CO2 emissions, consumption of resources and generation of waste globally. Although the importance of construction and demolition waste management in a circular and sustainable way has been acknowledged on an academic and policy level, there are still steps needed to be taken both in terms of expanding the use of such principles in waste management frameworks but also in terms of increasing their efficiency through the digitalization and automation of their processes. This article provides a presentation of the RECONMATIC project, a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action project, that aims to develop novel tools, technologies and methodologies that can contribute in such a manner in multiple construction phases and project types or material and product life cycle stages.
Sustainable practices and green policies in airports: the case of airport of Thessaloniki Makedonia
Authors: Andreopoulou Z , Gkantalidou S 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The research examines the green practices and sustainable policy actions in airports. The case study, the airport of Thessaloniki, is located by the seashore of Thermaikos Gulf and has been upgraded with a new terminal recently. We study how sustainable practices, eco friendly actions and green policies are accomplished in this airport. Other green airports and their practices are discussed. Further, we register polluting factors and activities aiming to reduce footprint in the airport Makedonia. At the end, we provide a model description of the “green route” of a passenger with the green points in the airport.
Hygrothermal Performance of Adobe Structures
Authors: Heracleous C , Panagiotou R , Ioannou I , Michael A , Philokyprou M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Vernacular architecture incorporates many cooling and heating passive design strategies related to the structural envelope, the different architectural arrangements and the way of living of the inhabitants. Adobe walls are considered to be high thermal mass masonries, as they have the ability to store thermal energy. The high thermal inertia of these materials regulates indoor temperature variations through considerable time lags, thus contributing to the improvement of thermal comfort conditions. This study deals with the environmental behaviour of an adobe historic building in the rural area of Nicosia, Cyprus. The aim of this study is the investigation of the hygrothermal performance of the external adobe masonry walls of the structure under study. For this purpose, in-situ long-term monitoring is currently being carried out, focusing on the indoor and outdoor environmental conditions of a south wall of a room which has two exposed surfaces, the north towards the street and the south towards a courtyard. The south wall is being monitored with temperature/moisture sensors, installed at various locations along its thickness and height. In situ monitoring is complemented with laboratory measurements of the thermophysical (thermal conductivity, porosity, and sorptivity) properties of the main masonry material (adobes). Rising damp height, time of wetness, thermal inertia and decrement factor have all been calculated based on the laboratory and in-situ measurements. The results are analysed in terms of existing standards and analytical equations. The findings of this research may be used to evaluate the overall thermal performance of historic adobe buildings and the effectiveness of adobe walls in the improvement of indoor comfort conditions.
An environmental quality assessment of office buildings: The impact of glass façade on internal and external users
Authors: Muraj Iva , Ostojić Stanka , Veršić Zoran 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
People are spending an increasing amount of time inside buildings. Working spaces have a very strong influence on peoples’ activities and well-being. Therefore, the quality of indoor environment is important for all occupants, as it can contribute to illness and lack of productivity. An increasing number of office buildings with glass facades impact not only internal occupants, but also external users who spend time around those buildings. This paper aims to assess the interaction of internal and external users and the glass façades of office buildings in Zagreb, Croatia. The focus of this research is not only physical parameters of glass facade: materials, proportions, colours, thermal and acoustic characteristics, airtightness, and its impact on occupants. Also, the relationship between inside and outside is essential for spatial awareness. Having access to views of the outside and providing natural light are important for occupants’ well-being. Solar shading system, anti-glare protection, the tint of the glass, transparency and translucency of glass façade also significantly affect external users and their perception of the building. The graduate course ‘Architecture and Technology 1’ at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb, aims to educate master students on assessing the environmental performance of existing buildings. Analysing examples of built office buildings with glass facades and the results of student survey of internal and external users of those buildings, this paper discusses working conditions, indoor and outdoor atmosphere, technical solutions, as well as architectural approaches in accordance with implementation of principles of sustainable development. The results of this research should provide useful information on users’ satisfaction, well-being, and requirements for future application in glass facade design for office buildings.
Challenges to upscale earth block masonry in Western Europe from a life cycle perspective
Authors: Pelicaen E , Novais Passarelli R , Knapen E 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Earth block masonry (EBM) has the potential to be reintegrated as an environmentally sound alternative to conventional masonry systems. However, applications with EBM are rare in highly industrialised contexts. Therefore, overcoming the obstacles impeding its entrance into mainstream construction is critical to enable upscaling. This study aims to identify the priority challenges of EBM in Western Europe. Literature on the barriers to upscale earth construction and EBM was reviewed and verified by interviewing earth block manufacturers in Belgium, France, Germany, and Switzerland. The challenges were grouped into six categories: technical, environmental, economic, sociological, political, and organisational. The data were analysed from a life cycle perspective in light of the transition to a circular built environment. The results show a discrepancy between research and practice to meet the current needs and ambitions of the manufacturers. Despite being largely unexplored, knowledge of end-of-life (EOL) scenarios may catalyse the upscaling of EBM. This outcome implies the importance of integrating the EOL phase in future studies on the barriers of EBM and matching research topics with the demands from practice following a multidisciplinary approach.
Assessing the sustainability of traditional building materials incorporating industrial by-products using LCA
Authors: Liapis A , Stefanidou M , Konstantinidis G 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The sustainable character of traditional building materials (lime, pozzolan) is usually considered self-evident due to their local character and proved durability. However, since there is a growing interest for validation of sustainability claims (through market tools such as EPDs), the comprehensive quantification of the sustainable character of a product is a priority for the construction sector, especially for products that combine traditional materials with alternative additions (such as industrial by-products). In this study, lime-based binding systems that incorporate industrial by-products of perlite production, are being assessed in terms of their sustainability potential. More specifically, the environmental aspect is considered and calculated by following the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment. To depict as accurately as possible the local conditions of production and application, an effort was made for data to be obtained mainly from Greek construction industry and from either experimental or on-site applications from the Laboratory of Building Materials of AUTH. Results are really promising regarding the environmental profile of combined systems, rendering them a viable and efficient solution for sustainable construction design.
Follow the shade: detection of optimally shaded pedestrian paths within the historic city center of Thessaloniki
Authors: Vartholomaios Aristotelis 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Both the EU Green Deal and the UN SDGs consider the transition to sustainable urban mobility a key priority. Designing cities and public spaces to accommodate pedestrians and not cars has been a core strategy of sustainable urban mobility since the 1990s. Yet, the quality of pedestrian traffic is highly dependent on outdoor meteorological conditions which may encourage or discourage walking. The ongoing global climate change and the local Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect have a combined adverse effect on pedestrian heat stress and associated health risks. Increased heat stress is a significant disincentive to walking and can threaten urban life, especially during summer in hot climates, such as the Mediterranean. Humans have the capacity to adapt to hot weather through physiological responses and changes in clothing, activity and behavior. Pedestrians walking during a hot day will likely pick a comfortable route, i.e. one that it is shaded and easily traversable. This is identified visually at the street level, which makes planning longer comfortable routes in the urban environment a challenging task. The paper presents an easily reproducible methodology for generating optimal pedestrian paths with respect to shading and terrain slope. The methodology is applied on the historic city center of Thessaloniki, Greece. The study utilizes QGIS and the UMEP plugin to generate time series of urban shadow raster data and then calculate the least cost path from any starting point to any destination within the city center. The results are then compared to routes generated by conventional shortest path algorithms.
A holistic analysis of sustainability metrics at an urban district scale
Authors: Ehlers N , Schulze K , Zong C , Vollmer M , Schroeter B , Lang W 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The presented work provides an overview of sustainability dimensions relevant to urban planning at an urban district level along multiple ressource axis. An analysis of innovative urban development projects and a literature review on city district sustainability were coupled with city grading schemes. Interviews with municipal stakeholders allowed to determine the extent to which these dimensions are already integrated into planning practices, and if not, what the barriers to the implementation of sustainable solutions are, and what the requirements for the development of new tools and methods to enable a holistically approach to sustainable planning are. Based to this, current planning practices prioritize a reduction of building energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the use phase, with limited or no consideration of dimensions such as GHG from building construction, rainwater retention or urban green for optimizing urban microclimates. However, awareness for such dimensions is rising: this can be seen in pilot projects where the scope of assessment was expanded to include for instance aspects of mobility and rainwater management. It furthermore shows that an approach to optimise planning procedures along multiple dimensions is still absent from many urban planning processes, even though mindsets seem to be shifting gradually.
Key Performance Indicators for Sustainable Mediterranean Buildings and Cities
Authors: Droutsa Kalliopi G. , Balaras Constantinos A. , Dascalaki Elena G. , Kontoyiannidis Simon , Moro Andrea , Bazzan Elena 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Cities have emerged to become a major challenge and at the same time can evolve to an instrument for supporting the global sustainability efforts. Cities consume 78% of the world’s energy and produce more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of global waste. In the Mediterranean region, two thirds of the population live in urban areas and urban population it is expected to increase to about 170 million in the countries on the northern shore and to over 300 million to the south and east by 2050. Thus, urban sustainability has become increasingly mainstream in policymaking towards a competitive, secure and decarbonized built environment. In order to promote sustainability efforts, local governments must have the capacity to measure it. Various sustainability methodologies and rating systems have been developed including different performance indicators, like the energy use intensity, carbon emissions, smart readiness, potable water consumption and recycled materials. However, most of them are following a building scale approach, which does not fully exploit the potential for synergies that groups of buildings might offer. The Sustainable MED Cities project, is an on-going effort aiming to provide an easy to use, harmonized methodology and an open-source software to support the assessment, planning and overall and monitoring effective measures to improve sustainability of the built environment at city scale. The work is a collaborative work in the Mediterranean basin among Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Spain, and Tunisia and capitalizes CESBAMED, an existing transnational methodology and assessment tool for buildings and neighbourhoods in European Mediterranean countries. This work reviews the common method and tools for the assessment and the final sustainability rating score. Emphasis is given on the proposed key performance indicators that cover all fields of sustainability, at building, neighbourhood and city scale.