bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydromorphic analysis of urban areas transformations: the case study of the Matera city
Authors: Ermini R , Albano R 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The paper analyzes the urban context of Matera city, adopting an approach based on the concept of watershed, interpreted in its dynamic meaning. This approach exceeds the classical urban planning analysis by focusing on the interaction between the morphological characteristics of the territory, the land uses and their human-made changes and the consequent hydrological response and surface runoff. The morphological description combined with the classic urban representation that looks at the types of intervention implemented (permeable, impervious, green, land uses) drive into the understanding of the urban and territorial transformation processes responses. Furthermore the urban evolution analysis for different time period can provide a time-based interpretation of the transformations impacts providing useful information for future planning of the entire area of Matera.
Sustainable and aesthetic improvement of highways through multisensory landscape design: the case of the urban part of P.A.TH.E. in the Prefecture of Attica
Authors: Sinou M , Skalkou K , Nourentini I , Roubaki M , Lampropoulos S 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The sustainable improvement of motor highways that drive through or surround the big cities are considered as a step towards the reinforcement of the green network of a city. This improvement can have an impact in several aspects of the issue such as the aesthetic improvement of the roads, environmental benefits that include noise and air pollution reduction and improvement of the microclimate. Finally, generally design principles are addressed such as visual perception of highways. The study methodology focuses on two main aspects, literature review of the subsect matter of sustainable improvement of highways and the design proposal of a case study. The latter consists of a landscape, mainly vegetation design study undertaken in the urban section of the P.A.TH.E. Motorway from the section after the Metamorfosi A/C junction and up to the Aphidnon Toll Station in the Prefecture of Attica.
Experiments on Microclimatically adapt a courtyard to climate change
Authors: Naboni Emanuele , Siani Rossella , Turrini Marcello , Touloupaki Elefteria , Gherri Barbara , Luca Francesco De 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Climate change impacts biodiversity, the use of public spaces, as well as building energy demand, and health in Mediterranean cities. The courtyard is a common typology of private/public open space in the area, which, according to previous research, is substantially affected by climate change. The main reasons are to be found in limited ventilation and the significant amount of radiation received by upper surfaces. A preliminary microclimate, simulation-based evaluation of mitigation strategies to adapt and capitalize on climate changes is here performed through the assessment of a series of analyses using reference year 2020 and 2080. The study addresses a representative courtyard, San Sepolcro cloister (Parma, Italy). One mitigation strategy is explored, limiting direct solar radiation. The shading system, which reduces solar radiation, arises from a process of morphogenesis based on solar parameters and exploits a strategy with vertical structures typical of some cacti, following the biomimicry approach of imitating natural strategies. In this case, the imitation regards both form and function, as well as the generative process. The research was conducted through parametric and generative design in Rhino-Grasshopper and environmental analysis in ENVI-Met. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was the reference index for the assessment of thermal comfort. The shading system allows for improving thermal comfort, through protection from the sun’s rays and the non-obstruction of the vertical ventilation of the courtyard.
Energy Retrofit of Public Educational Buildings and Sustainable Mobility: Case study in Crete
Authors: Heracleous C , Kyriakidis A , Stavrakakis G M. , Tziritas D , Bakirtzis D , Zografakis N , Pantelakis G , Drosou Z , Petrakis E , Savvaki P , Vitorou Z 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The European Union, through the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive, has been establishing requirements and expectations regarding energy savings and efficiency in buildings. Educational buildings comprise a significant part of public buildings that should lead the way in the energy retrofitting of existing building stock. The present study aims to create intelligent school complexes that will be energy upgraded to meet the need for reduced energy consumption in the public sector in order to comply with EU guidelines, optimize the sense of comfort, introduce the renewable energy and enhance sustainable mobility by creating electric charging stations for vehicles. Retrofitting approaches consider thermal insulation of the building envelope, replacement of heating and lighting system with more efficient ones and installation of building management system for the creation of an electronic application that will monitor the energy status of the building in real time and will train users in the proper use of new energy management technologies from RES. The overall objective of the project is to create Intelligent Buildings Standards of Nearly Zero Consumption which promote an overall ecological character of public buildings demonstrating their social role.
Connecting building density and vegetation to investigate synergies and trade-offs between thermal comfort and energy demand – a parametric study in the temperate climate of Germany
Authors: Reitberger R , Theilig K , Vollmer M , Takser I , Lang W 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Climate change and increasing urbanization call for combined mitigation and adaptation measures. Therefore, this work shows a method to investigate affected aspects of urban space for their synergies and trade-offs. The focus lies on the interaction between building density and urban trees, as these are essential parameters for possible solutions. The combined, parametric simulation of indoor and outdoor spaces provides a more complete picture of the behavior of individual assessment aspects (e.g. indoor and outdoor thermal comfort, building energy demand). Overlaying the results allows us to identify interactions and to conclude on the effect of interventions such as building refurbishment. In this study, we apply the workflow to a generic neighborhood in Germany. Our results demonstrate a simultaneous behavior of indoor and outdoor thermal comfort, whereas there is a trade-off for heating energy demand. Increasing energy efficiency mitigated this trade-off in some density-green-space configurations. Our case study suggests the combination of green and gray interventions for achieving synergies that contribute to the sustainable transformation of the urban building stock. We conclude that during early planning phases, synergy potentials and trade-offs are already identifiable but context-specific, giving perspectives for further research in this area.
Adapting for shared use – evaluating the lifecycle carbon impact
Authors: Lundgren Rebecka , Kyrö Riikka , Olander Stefan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Vast amounts of resources extracted through the times are in today’s built environment, with only an estimated 20-30% of building material recycled or reused and the sector accounting for over 35% of the EU’s total waste generation. Buildings are also responsible for 25-40% of all global carbon dioxide emissions. Circular Economy (CE) refers to the better management of resources and waste by closing material and energy loops, as well as minimizing the material that enters the system to begin with. In the built environment context, adaptive reuse reduces the need for new construction through adapting existing buildings to new uses. Another way is to use existing space more efficiently, e.g., through co-location, sharing and flexible workspaces which all lead to higher utilisation rates. This study will assess the lifecycle carbon impact of an adaptive reuse project which aims for space efficiency through reconfiguring the spaces and upgrading and increasing the dimensions and accessibility of services. Three different lifecycle analyses (LCAs) are made using typical and conservative data manually, as well as one LCA tool, to compare how the choice of method impacts the LCA results. The main sources of impact within the system boundaries will also be explored, in order to understand the relationship between different lifecycle phases in an adaptive reuse project. The results can form a baseline for similar renovation projects which include space efficiency measures, as this project did in terms of sharing spaces. Future research will include comparing the results of this project with a minor renovation scenario for the same building, where space efficiency was not included. Less building work would lead to a lower impact per m2, however not necessarily per person as less people would be able to utilise the space.
The use and re-use of timber structure elements, within a waste hierarchy concept, as a tool towards circular economy for buildings
Authors: Psilovikos T A 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Wood is the only natural renewable building material, produced by photosynthesis. It has the ability to preserve the stored carbon in its molecular structure as long as it remains within a structure. Timber dwellings are re-gaining recognition worldwide, especially in remote areas due to their aesthetic superiority, durability and harmony with the natural landscape. Research findings, as well as industrial operations indicate that timber buildings present beneficial environmental impacts, compared to other common building materials. Specifically, timber has substantial strength characteristics, low embodied energy, less CO2 emissions and also an easy and fast construction, combined with minimum disruption to the environment. Moreover, timber buildings have a high potential to reduce waste at site and ability for re-use, when designed for future ease of deconstruction, providing the repeated utilization of the used material, known as, the cascading concept. It is already recognized that successful waste management is a measure towards the containment of climate change. Using timber structures enhances the chances to accomplish the contemporary waste hierarchy concept, which can be implemented according to the application of Design for Deconstruction and Reuse (DfDR) concept, at an early stage. These waste management techniques are strongly related to circular economy, but can only be achieved through the aim of a long-lasting design. Finally, in most countries, the existing building codes should be revised in order to overcome the imposed limitations on the re-use of building materials.
The CO2NSTRUCT European project: Modelling the role of Circular Economy in construction value chains for a carbon-neutral Europe
Authors: Oikonomou Th I , Karytsas Sp , Karytsas C , Simoes S G , Seco Calvo O , Sánchez Egido M N , Soutullo Castro S , Zerbino P , Aloini D , Genovese A , Bimpizas-Pinis M , Slabik S , Lima A T 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Linear climate mitigation models look into aggregated economic sectors and model greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions disregarding downstream value chains, making particular sectors accountable for downstream (or upstream) GHG emissions. Hence, the present climate mitigation models inconsistently account for indirect GHG emissions; underrepresent upstream and downstream value chains; do not address Circular Economy (CE) practices; do not cover resource consumption, thus not considering materials’ circularity. To provide curated policy support for decision-making for carbon neutrality and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), models need to shift from linear to circular. To achieve this, a link between energy-climate mitigation modelling and cradle-to-cradle assessment CE analytical tools must be established. This is the core issue covered in the CO2NSTRUCT Horizon project (2022-2026). CO2NSTRUCT proposes a framework to supplement the well-established JRC-EU-TIMES model, using a highly comprehensive technological representation with CE measures. The framework will apply CE measures to the value chain of six carbon-intensive construction materials (i.e., cement, steel, brick, glass, wood, and insulation materials) and will provide new components to the JRC-EU-TIMES model, including citizen behaviour; societal impacts; rebound effects; supply and value chains. The results will be used for policy approaches integrating CE into climate change mitigation actions.
Toward zero-emission buildings: a case study on a non-residential building in Germany using life cycle assessment and carbon sequestration of green infrastructure
Authors: Theilig K , Takser I , Reitberger R , Vollmer M , Lang W 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and further environmental impacts, such as acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), and pollutants, the building sector plays an essential role in the global transformation toward a climate and environmentally friendly industry. In this paper, a non-residential building in Germany is analyzed regarding various emissions (GHG, AP, EP, pollutants, acoustic, light, and radiation) and the primary energy demand (PERT, PENRT) during its life cycle of 70 years. Life cycle assessment (LCA) according to DIN EN ISO 14040/14044 and DIN EN 15978 is used to determine and allocate the environmental impacts of the building. Building emissions are compared to the compensation potential of the green infrastructure onsite. Based on scenario analysis, recommendations to reduce the building emissions are given. The results show that there are emissions in every life cycle stage of the building. Using green instead of conventional electricity for operational energy reduces GHG emissions, AP, and EP by more than 90%. Emissions that already occurred can only be reduced or compensated slightly: the carbon sequestration of the building’s green infrastructure and its outdoor facilities can compensate nearly 6% of the total GHG emissions. Therefore, the authors claim that strategies to avoid, reduce and compensate emissions should take place in early planning phases to realize zero-emission buildings.
Environmental performance of districts: results of a French national assessment campaign
Authors: Robert Axelle , Frapin Marie , Dubois Felix , Schiopu Nicoleta , Paron Emilien , Colombert Morgane 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In 2020, France’s carbon footprint is estimated at 552 Mt CO2 eq, which means 8.2 t CO2eq per person. Half of these emissions are due to local activities, especially at district scale. Thus, the built area are key systems to reach the goal set at 2t CO2eq per person in 2050. To meet this goal, improvement of the knowledge on the environmental performances of build area is necessary. The aim of this paper is to share the results of a national environmental assessment performance campaign, carried out in France from 2020 on thirty districts. The performance is measured based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. Supported by ADEME, a joint LCA method for district environmental assessment has been published in 2021. It’s implementation in an assessment software (i.e. UrbanPrint) allowed to quicky deploy it. The input data necessary for the assessment are the master plan and the main characteristics of the project. Different scenarios can be compared with a reference or a “business as usual” one. The analysis allows to obtain quantified results, to identify the main hotspots and each activated lever effect. A Shapley analysis proposes new levers to reach the best environmental performances specific for each district.
Approaches for assessing embodied environmental effects during the building design process
Authors: Prideaux F , Crawford R H , Allacker K , Stephan A 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Buildings and construction are among the leading contributors towards global greenhouse gas emissions, resource demands, waste, and pollution, placing a massive strain on our natural environment. Until recently, mitigation strategies have primarily concentrated on reductions in operational energy, failing to account for embodied effects; those associated with the manufacture of construction goods, construction activities, and end of life considerations. In recent years, there has been an increased recognition of the growing significance of embodied effects, and the opportunity to reduce these during the building design process. However, life cycle assessment (LCA) tools used to quantify environmental flows are often perceived as being too time-consuming or complicated to incorporate into prevalent building design workflows. The aim of this study was to review approaches for assessing embodied environmental effects during the building design process, including the LCA tools and environmental data used to achieve this. A systematic review was conducted of academic and grey literature. The study identified three main approaches for incorporating LCA into the building design process: simplified LCA, detailed LCA and incremental LCA. Further analysis of these approaches was conducted, based on case studies. General attributes and design considerations were identified, and mapped against the early design, and detailed design stages. A wide variety of LCA approaches were reviewed, responding to various challenges for incorporating LCA into the building design process, with no singular approach able to completely satisfy all requirements. Findings highlight the lack of incremental LCA approaches, and the need for further research to understand how LCA approaches can be better used to improve the embodied environmental performance of buildings during the design process.
Beyond the building scale: addressing energy related issues in urban areas’ environmental performance assessment methods
Authors: Litsa A , Giarma C 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Built environment’s sustainability enhancement imposes the consideration of all its scales and dimensions, ranging from the materials-to the city scale. Several methods and tools have been developed for the environmental performance assessment of larger than the building entities of the built environment. In this paper, the analysis evolves around the way environmental performance assessment tools for urban development address energy-related factors. In the first part of this work, widely known urban sustainability assessment tools at the neighbourhood scale (BREEAM Communities, LEED for Neighborhood Development, CASBEE for Urban Development, DGNB for Urban Districts) are systematically reviewed; some of their basic features are presented. This review includes elements regarding these tools’ development and application field, as well as parameters related to their structure and methodological basis. The second part of the analysis focuses on the examination of the reviewed systems regarding the inclusion of energy-related issues (e.g., energy consumption and production) into their structure and assessment process. Specifically, the way the related parameters are integrated within each method’s framework and the basis for their assessment (e.g., approaches, criteria, indicators) are detected. Similarities/differences among the presented methods and the examined methodological aspects can be identified both regarding the general features and approaches, and, where possible, at a more detailed level.
Preliminary environmental benchmarks for a new Photonic Meta-Concrete based on state of the art radiative cooling materials
Authors: Adams N , Allacker K 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The usage of conventional air-conditioners increased due to global warming and the urban heat-island-effect in cities. These systems are responsible for 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 10% of the total energy consumption. Radiative Cooling is a passive cooling strategy which tries to mitigate global warming and the urban heat-island-effect by emitting heat through the atmosphere, into outer space. These materials are already studied for several decades, but for the first time a radiative cooling material is under development based on conventional concrete. In order to evaluate the environmental performance of this newly developed material compared to existing cooling materials, environmental benchmarks need to be defined. To determine such benchmark, existing, state of the art, daytime radiative cooling materials are assessed in this paper. Information on these materials is collected through a literature review. The radiative cooling materials are modelled using the generic Ecoinvent v3.6 database and the environmental impact is assessed using the Belgian LCA method for buildings, i.e. the MMG method. This method is in line with the EN15804:A2 and covers 16 environmental impact categories, such as global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, water scarcity and toxicity. The results show that the production process of the materials, i.e. thin film deposition techniques, are poorly represented in the Ecoinvent database. Assumptions and adaptations are made based on literature and experts’ feedback. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to gain insight in the uncertainty of the assumptions made. Based on the results, preliminary environmental benchmarks are generated and the environmental impact of the first composition of the photonic meta-concrete is assessed against these benchmarks.
Evaluation of a strengthening approach for existing RC buildings in terms of resilience and cost efficiency
Authors: Tzavidis A D , Nikolaidis Th N , Baniotopoulos C C 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The aim of the present study is to assess the performance of a reinforced concrete (RC) building been retrofitted with a new precast insulated steel and concrete composite sandwich wall. The applied retrofitting method, as well as the selection of the performance level for design have been studied with reference to their impact on the retrofit cost and the estimated cost due to possible earthquake losses. As a case study an existing 8-story RC building has been selected that is strengthened with inverted-V steel bracings as well as with the application of the proposed insulated composite walls, respectively. By applying inelastic dynamic analyses with artificial accelerograms scaled to represent earthquake scenarios with specific probabilities of recurrence, the seismic response of the strengthened structure is defined for each scenario. The results of the aforementioned analyses are being correlated with the earthquake losses based on an established methodology. Eventually, the performance of each retrofit method is determined and then compared with the respective performance of the existing building. The most efficient method is defined by considering both the construction cost and the earthquake losses cost of each earthquake scenario.