bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of energy performance gap and solutions in residential buildings
Authors: Zare Niloofar , Shafaat Ali , Asadi Somayeh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The energy consumption in the world due to economic development, rising population, and technological developments is growing, which has led to an increase in global warming. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop new strategies to reduce energy consumption. Buildings account for about 40% of global energy consumption. Since occupancy time in residential buildings is longer than in commercial and office buildings, residential buildings have a more significant impact on energy consumption. Due to this issue, efforts are being made to optimize energy consumption in residential buildings. Evaluating the performance of a building through building certificates that include as-designed and in-operation is essential for improving energy efficiency. Building energy simulations must be performed before construction to ensure that energy consumption in buildings is acceptable. However, it is observed that the energy consumption of the building after construction is higher than what was designed. This difference is defined as the energy performance gap, which indicates extra energy consumption or failure to comply with energy standards in the operation of the building. There are several reasons for the increased energy consumption of an operating building compared to the designed model. So far, studies have been conducted to determine the factors affecting the energy performance gap, but it is necessary to analyze these studies comprehensively. This article investigates the causes of energy performance gaps and ways to reduce this difference through a comprehensive literature review study. In this way, it is possible to achieve solutions in the building certification criteria that minimize the difference in energy consumption between the as-designed model and the in-operation mode of the building. This article can help decision-makers select the certificate that best fits their purposes.
Assessing the performance of Positive Energy Districts: The need for innovative methods
Authors: Williams Karen , Heller Renee , Wees Mark van , Vastenhout Thomas 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are potential high-impact climate change mitigation actions towards low carbon or even climate neutral cities. This implies that the energy performance and greenhouse gas emissions of PEDs need to be assessed. To this end, an accounting methodology, metrics, supporting (accounting) tools, and reporting are necessary that capture the full energy and climate impact of PEDs. The European Commission's Building Energy Specification Table (BEST) provides a methodological approach for calculating the energy balance of PEDs. The BEST is a formal requirement of the European Commission’s proposal process, with respect to the Horizon 2020 funding program. An improved methodology for calculating the annual energy balance of a of PED, based on the international standard ISO52000, was developed by the Making City project in 2020. In this paper, we evaluate and compare accounting methods for assessing the energy performance of PEDs and conclude on their use and shortcomings. The hypothesis to be explored is that current accounting practices are based on accounting at a building level and alternative methodologies are needed to capture the full impacts at a district level. To this end, we apply the current approaches on the ATELIER project's PED pilot in Buiksloterham, Amsterdam, which will serve as a case study to illustrate the differences in outcomes and in the use of the results in evaluation and policy making. Consequently, we reflect and recommend on improved approaches and methodologies.
Measuring the discomfort of energy vulnerable elderly people. Recommendations for solutions
Authors: García Lepetit Noemí , Biard Emma , Aparisi-Cerdá Isabel , Brazzini Tommaso , Montagud Carla , Gómez-Navarro Tomás 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Energy poverty remains today one of the most important problems for a truly just urban energy transition. In addition, older people living alone are one of the main target groups of this problem. In this research, 525 households have been monitored of which 155 were potentially in fuel poverty in the city of Valencia, Spain. In the latter, the presence in the dwelling, temperature and humidity were monitored throughout the year. We reviewed the literature and compared different comfort standards with the data collected. None of the 155 dwellings meet the comfort requirements on a regular basis. That is, their inhabitants are too often at risk to their health because of low or high temperatures and humidity. A survey was conducted to find the causes of the vulnerability of these families and to quantify their importance. In addition to the expected causes: low income, high energy prices and poor housing quality, we found elements related to habits, low energy literacy, the digital divide and others. Our findings can inform policy development for an inclusive urban energy transition that does not leave behind older people living alone.
Overview of occupant behaviour in modelling high-performance residential buildings
Authors: Xu L , Guerra-Santin O , Boess S U 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
As the goal-setting in the European Green Deal is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, great efforts have been put to improve the energy efficiency in residential buildings. As residential buildings are towards high energy efficiency, building envelopes are becoming better thermally insulated and systems are becoming more energy-efficient. Therefore, the role of occupants in the actual building performance is becoming more important. However, contradictions exist between the uncertainties caused by occupant behaviour (OB) and the over-simplified consideration of OB in building design. Therefore, this paper aims to present a state-of-the-art of how OB is represented in residential buildings. Through a literature study, this paper first reviews different occupant behaviours and how they are considered in the design and operation of high-performance residential buildings. Modelling methods are categorized by occupant activities. In addition, behavioural theories in the application of analysing building performance are reviewed. How the behavioural theories are integrated with state-of-the-art building technologies is outlined. Finally, challenges and suggestions for representing the interaction between occupants and buildings in the design and operation of residential buildings are discussed.
An Investigation of Occupants’ Energy Perceptions in Energy Efficient Retrofitted Residential Buildings: A Review Paper
Authors: Maghsoudi Nia Elham , Qian Queena , Visscher Henk 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Buildings are the main sector in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Retrofitting of existing building has been identified as one of the significant strategies for reducing the impacts of buildings on energy and environment. However, recent studies have shown that low energy buildings mostly do not perform as expected. These differences are related to different factors including the interaction between occupants and building technologies. Thus, most renovation initiatives have not considered occupant behavior equally to the energy efficiency process. Many of the existing studies have been focused on technological improvements rather than behavioral-related parameters. Hence, this study aims to review the literature on the occupants’ energy perceptions and their behavioral interventions in energy efficient retrofitted residential buildings. The results of the literature review reveal that household’s energy consumption significantly differs according to the various factors including social-economic, cultural, household composition as well as individual attitudes, habits, experiences, and occupant practices. Moreover, the energy consumption in the residential sector is highly dependent on demographic parameters. The demographics factors are classified according to type of family, level of income, age of the occupants, and individuals’ educational status. The findings shows that energy perception gap formulates the energy behavior and it is related to the lack of personal interest, accurate information and individuals’ awareness about how to consume efficiently. Therefore, it is suggested that the level of occupant’s perception on energy, control, or comfort have to be considered during energy efficiency retrofits. The study contributes to understanding of occupants’ behaviors which cause energy performance gap and enlighten approaches to encourage more energy efficient behavior.
ROTUNDORO: A web-based decision support prototype for housing refurbishments considering consumer preferences
Authors: Kaltenegger J K , Ossokina I V , Röck M , Pauwels P 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Insulation materials represent the first and most important improvement measure when refurbishing residential buildings. Materials, however, differ on a wide set of criteria (e.g. functional, environmental, economic). It remains difficult to find trade-offs between these criteria in collective decision-making processes about the choice of renovation materials. Together with energy collectives and construction engineers, homeowners hence seek to find solutions that balance engineering evaluation methods and consumer preferences. This problem is addressed by the platform ROTUNDORO, which introduces a prototype online platform for engineers to simulate the effects of different material choices considering multiple criteria. ROTUNDORO relies on Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Linked Building Data (LBD) to link material performances to building components, which are then assessed and visualised in design performance scenarios. To verify these design scenarios, their potential market adoption is visualised inside the platform to show the probability of acceptance by the homeowners. The calculation of this probability of acceptance is based on consumer research, backed by the results of a Stated Choice Experiment (SCE) conducted amongst 500 Dutch homeowners, to investigate preferred choices between insulation material packages. Our findings reveal a high willingness of the studied population to invest in energy refurbishment. Reducing CO2 emissions and noise levels as well as improving comfort is just as important as financial savings.3 4 5
Exergy-rational utilization of solar energy with advanced PVT systems and heat pipe technology in 100% renewable cities
Authors: Kilkis B 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This paper responds to the EU goals of decarbonization with solar energy leading to fifth-generation district energy systems (5DE). The dilemma of low-exergy (low-temperature) district heating systems with renewable and waste thermal sources and the temperature-incompatibility of the current comfort heating equipment demanding higher supply temperatures is addressed. Until innovative, low-exergy equipment and higher-exergy solar photo-voltaic-heat systems are developed, various methods of optimum temperature peaking and existing equipment oversizing are presented. Central temperature peaking at the plant site and the individual prosumer buildings are compared. A case study is presented, which involves an individually optimized solar prosumer building with an optimum mix of heat pump oversizing and commercial radiator oversizing. Results show that CO2 emissions responsibility-based optimum mix compared to economy-based optimum mix reduces the responsibility by 30%. This analysis was repeated by cascading two smaller heat pumps instead of a larger one to increase the overall COP. This change further improved the solution by 4% points. Results have also been compared to a modified case where cascaded heat pumps are coupled with low-exergy heat pipe radiators. This coupling resulted in much more improvement by an additional 52% points. The paper concludes that the key is low-exergy heating and cooling equipment. Then the fifth-generation district energy systems with supply temperatures as low as 320 K (47°C) and return temperatures as low as 300 K (27°C) will be possible with renewable and waste energy sources if the one-way distance between the plant and the district is not more than 1.6x10-5 km/kW times the thermal capacity of the district raised to a power of 1.5.
Green finance in green building needs under the Paris Agreement
Authors: Debrah C , Darko A , Chan A P C , Owusu-Manu D-G , Edwards D J 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Green building (GB) is a key mitigation and adaptation measure in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of Parties to the Paris Agreement. This paper explores the potential of green finance (GF) to support country efforts to shift from conventional construction to GB and to promote green renovations in existing buildings (GREB) within the context of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Through a meta-synthesis of new or updated country NDCs, we provide, first, a comprehensive qualitative overview of country perspectives on GF-in-GB needs. Second, we examine the role of domestic finance, international financial support, and fiscal policy reforms toward GB and GREB implementation. Finally, the role of financing actors in promoting GF-in-GB-and-GREB is discussed. The analysis of new or updated NDCs revealed that only 20 of the 42 countries reviewed provide clear cost estimates for proposed climate-related buildings and construction activities. Developed countries account for more than 80% of total cost estimates. The majority of developing country adaptation and mitigation efforts are contingent on international climate (green) finance. While certain domestic finance sources are mentioned, the majority of countries emphasize the need for (international or national) fiscal policy reforms to help finance climate action. The findings of the study could serve as a useful reference to Parties when developing future NDCs.
Getting to Scale for Decarbonizing Homes in the US: An Industry Survey
Authors: Casquero-Modrego N , Chan W.R. , Less B.D. , Walker I.S. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Most of the residential building stock in the US and EU was built according to the building and construction code prevailing at time of construction and have poor energy performance that contributes to higher carbon emissions. Energy and carbon reduction upgrade projects of existing residential buildings are still a niche market compared to conventional building retrofitting or renovation. We need energy saving and decarbonization projects aiming to reduce carbon emissions if we are to meet our climate goals. In order to get to scale with these projects we need to better understand what motivates and deters occupants and owners to conduct home performance upgrades. We conducted a survey to gather information from home performance contractors and stakeholders, to learn about promising approaches and technologies from the industry perspective. This survey identified limiting factors such as project complexity, high costs, perceived risks, extensive disruption, and work being unfamiliar to many contractors. The survey also identified paths to motivate homeowners, including building code simplification and emphasizing non-energy benefits such as improved health and in indoor air quality. Finally, the survey respondents highlighted potential innovations in technologies, such as heat pumps, monitoring and diagnostics. Electrification is highlighted as the fast and effective path to take on large scale decarbonization of the building stock. Finally, there is the need to develop more incentives to increase demand and business models to create the businesses and the workforce that is required to get to scale.
Addressing housing shortage through energy and space-efficient retrofitting: The case study of a Swedish Single-Family house
Authors: Sula Migena , Mahapatra Krushna , Mainali Brijesh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Sweden's shortage of affordable housing has been evolving into a major in recent years. A 2021 report by the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building, and Planning (Boverket) stated a need for 60,000 new homes by 2030. In addition, the Swedish building stock is responsible for 39% of the country's total energy consumption and 21% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, solutions to address the housing crisis should go hand in hand with the need for increased building retrofits to meet Sweden's 2045 energy and climate targets. In this context, re-densification of the existing building stock is a possible option. This study examines possible space- and energy-efficient options for densifying the housing supply in Sweden's existing single-family home (SFH) segment. Using a case study in Kronoberg, Sweden, occupied by an elderly household, options for converting the unused space into new additional dwelling units (ADUs) and reducing per capita living space are explored. Most SFHs in Sweden are old, in poor condition, and in urgent need of structural and energy retrofits. In addition, about one- third of homeowners are over 60 years old and report living in homes that are too large compared to their needs - an excellent environment to study the proposed intervention. Revenues from renting the newly created ADUs suggest that the proposal is financially attractive because it capitalizes on the high initial investment costs of energy retrofits. In addition, spatial interventions combined with energy-efficient measures result in a 40 percent lower energy use and environmental impact per capita compared to energy retrofits alone due to a reduction in per capita living space. Finally, the study aims to initiate a discussion on sufficiency, innovative energy regulations, and housing policy tools needed to transition to the low-energy single-family housing stock.
Overcome data gaps to benchmark building stocks against climate targets related to the EU taxonomy and other decarbonisation initiatives
Authors: Jakob Martin , Ostermeyer York , Nägeli Claudio , Hofer Christian 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
National disclosure regulation is more and more flanked by stricter requirements of climate reporting. Industry stakeholders with more than 250 employees will for example be required to report on the share of their CAPEX and OPEX that is in line with the 2050 climate targets of the EU. Financial institutions are required to declare how much of their investment is in 2050 target compatible assets. Investment in buildings is an important part of such reporting and there is need of a robust approach and method to be used. The presented project developed such an approach. With reference to the work of the EU Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance and the Climate Bond Initiative (CBI), generally applicable criteria for buildings have been determined and calculated for the example of Switzerland. They are based on a best-in-class approach. While the EU Technical Taxonomy refers to the top 15% of buildings in terms of primary energy demand, CBI uses CO2-emissions as a benchmark. To compare the current state of buildings sector with these criteria, a distributional building stock model is used, which also addresses the fact that the data availability on energy efficiency and climate compatibility of the building stock is unsatisfactory in many European countries including Switzerland. To be easily applicable in practice, the criteria are mainly based on two dimensions: on the one hand, on the requirements of codes (in Switzerland the model regulations of the Cantons, MuKEn) and widely used standards and labels (Minergie, GEAK), and on the other hand, on the energy sources used for the generation of space heat and hot water. The study shows that ecologically sustainable, climate-compatible building financing can always be assumed in Switzerland if one of the following two criteria are met for new buildings: multi-family, office or other non-residential buildings according to Minergie from 1998 on, MuKEn from 2000 on or GEAK B that use heat-pumps, wood, pellets or solar energy. Or, any building with Minergie from 2009 on label, MuKEn 2014 or GEAK A that use heat pumps, wood, pellets, solar energy or district heating based on non-fossil energy. In the context of increased pressure on resources, it is important to acknowledge the climate-compatibility of older buildings as well (and to not only consider newly which would generate a bias towards resource intensive building of new houses).
Trends in the cost-benefit analysis of energy efficiency measures as part of the renovation wave
Authors: Buchholz M , Enseling A , Lützkendorf T 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The goal of sustainable development within planetary boundaries poses new challenges to the actors of the real estate industry. One task is to improve the energy performance of existing buildings by deep energy retrofit measures. The aim is not only to conserve resources and reduce emissions, but also to ensure that buildings can be rented out and marketed, and that a loss of value is avoided. In addition to technical issues and aspects of dealing with existing building fabric, questions of assessing their economic viability play a role in the selection of suitable measures. Against the background of a project in Germany to develop a methodological convention, this paper introduces basics for cost-benefit analyses of energy efficiency measures. Furthermore, the following questions will be discussed: (1) How can the introduction of carbon pricing conventions be aligned with external climate and environmental costs? (2) How can be dealt with non-monetary factors in investment appraisals? (3) How can typical perspectives of actors be classified and what are the consequences for the necessary adjustment of appraisal methods? (4) How can the general trend towards greater consideration of uncertainties be taken into account? Possible solutions are discussed and recommendations for action are presented.