bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital Design and Fabrication Strategy of a Hybrid Timber-Earth Floor Slab
Authors: Trummer J , Schneider M , Lechner M , Jarmer T , Demoulin T , Landrou G , Nagler F , Winter S , Dörfler K 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The production of floor slabs with their high requirements for fire protection, thermal mass, and sound insulation is a central challenge in multi-storey timber construction. The research presented in this paper explores the possibilities of a timber-earth slab (T.E.S.) that can meet such high demands while being fully recyclable. T.E.S. comprises a hybrid structure, which aims to combine the strong tensile properties of wood with the beneficial properties of earth in terms of thermal mass, thermal activation capabilities, fire resistance, and sound insulation. It integrates a novel material technology capable of casting earth with low water content and combines it with robotic technology that enables the bespoke fabrication of a filigree wooden structure tailored to mechanically interlock with the earth infill. The proposed method makes it possible to place the earth infill in the lower part of the floor slab and thus expose it to the interior space, whereby its storage mass and component activation can be fully utilized. This paper presents the concept and design principles, initial findings on the system’s loadbearing behaviour, as well as the experimental validation of the novel fabrication process in 1:4 and 1:1-scale demonstrators, in which the general feasibility of the system in assessed. The paper finally discusses the proposed methods and results of the experiments and outlines further steps for transferring the system into building practice.
Wood in buildings: the right answer to the wrong question
Authors: Göswein V , Arehart J , Pittau F , Pomponi F , Lamb S , Zea Escamilla E , Freire F , Silvestre J D , Habert G 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Reducing the embodied emissions of materials for new construction and renovation of buildings is a key challenge for climate change mitigation around the world. However, as simply reducing emissions is not sufficient to meet the climate targets, using bio-based materials seems the only feasible choice as it permits carbon storage in buildings. Various studies have shown that bio-based materials allow turning overall life cycle impacts negative, therefore, having a cooling effect on the climate. In recent years, scholars and policy makers have focused almost exclusively on the advancement of wooden buildings. Timber structures stand out as they can be prefabricated and used for high-rise buildings. Yet, one important aspect seems to be overlooked: the consideration of supply and demand. Large forest areas that allow sustainable sourcing of woody biomass only exist in the Northern hemisphere, notably in North America and Europe. In these regions, though, urbanization rates are mostly stagnating, meaning new construction rates are low. The largest amount of material requirements in these regions are derived from the refurbishment of the existing stock. Moreover, in areas where structural material is needed for new construction, in Asia, Africa and South America, rain forests need to be protected. Therefore, we need to rethink the desire to find one solution and carelessly implement it everywhere. Instead, we need to consider locally available material and know-how for grounded material choices. This paper explores the supply of a range of bio-based materials and matches it against the material demand of global building stocks. It is based on various previous studies by the authors, of South Africa, China, Portugal, and more. The analysis divides between structural materials for new construction, such as wood and bamboo, and thermal insulation materials for the refurbishment of existing buildings, such as straw and hemp. The results emphasize the need for diversifying bio-based material solutions.
The voices of vulnerable tenants in renovation
Authors: Femenias P , Punzi E , Granath K 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This paper focuses on the intersection between agendas for housing renovation and social politics for ageing-in-place and social integration of people with psycologial disabilities. The aim is to understand how elderly tenants and people on a longer sick leave are affected by a renovation. In a sample of 79 interviews, 34 tenants decided to permanently relocate as a results of a renovation. When the renovation is a driver for permanent relocation, tenants do so to avoid disturbances and temporal evacuation. If the home is subjet to a comprehensive or deep renovation, rent increases is another reinforcing factor to relocate. While tenants that move prior to a renovation worry about how the renovation will affect their daily life and their economy, tenants that move after the renovation do so because they are dissatisfied with the results of the renovation. The findings calls for awareness for how housing renovation will affect vulnerable tenants and highlights the need for the design or appropriate communication strategies.
Tool characterisation framework for parametric building LCA
Authors: Säwén T , Magnusson E , Sasic Kalagasidis A , Hollberg Alexander 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Connecting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to parametric design has been suggested as a way of facilitating performing environmental assessments in early design stages. However, no overviews of potential approaches and tools are available within recent research. Also, no characterisation frameworks adapted for parametric LCA tools are present. In order to guide the development of workflows for environmental analysis aimed at the early design stage of buildings, the goal of this paper is to provide such a framework, and to demonstrate its use by characterising a number of available LCA plug-ins for the commonly used parametric design framework Grasshopper® (GH). First, a framework for classification and characterisation of tools based on workflow, adaptability, and required user knowledge was developed. Second, a tool inventory was performed, identifying 13 parametric LCA plug-ins for GH. Finally, four of these plug-ins were further investigated using the developed evaluation framework, a user persona approach, and a simplified test case. It was found that the characterisation framework was able to differentiate tools based on the level of LCA expertise integrated in the tools, and the allocation of responsibility for data entry and interpretation. A contrast was found between streamlined tools, and tools which provide more versatility. The characterisation framework, and the resulting overview of approaches can be used to guide the future development of parametric environmental analysis frameworks.
Buildings LCA and digitalization: Designers’ toolbox based on a survey
Authors: Di Bari R , Horn R , Bruhn S , Alaux N , Ruschi Mendes Saade M , Soust-Verdaguer B , Potrč Obrecht T , Hollberg A , Birgisdottír H , Passer A , Frischknecht R 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In a context of digitalization and increasing quality requirements, the building sector is facing an increasing level of complexity regarding its design process. This results in a growing number of involved actors from different domains, a multitude of tasks to be completed and a higher degree of needed expertise. New buildings are also required to reach higher performances in terms of environmental quality. To that regard, the exploitation of the full potential of digital tools can facilitate the integration of environmental aspects in the planning process, limit productivity shortcomings and reduce environmental impacts, which can result from an unaware decision making. Building environmental assessment can be performed through several Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-based tools. “Pure calculation” tools quantify final buildings’ environmental potential, while “complex tools” additionally support decision making during the planning process. It is often difficult to choose the best suitable tool, which strongly depends on the user’s needs. Within the IEA EBC Annex 72, a survey was realized with the main objective of creating a comprehensive overview of the existing tools dedicated to buildings LCA. The questionnaire included the usability, functionality, compliance, data reliability and interoperability of the analysed tools. Lastly, based on the survey outcomes and their critical assessment, a procedure for the identification and selection of a tool has been proposed based on user’s needs. As a result, this work outlines main features of currently available building LCA tools, for which there is a harmonized status in terms of usability and overall applied LCA methodology. Despite the need for more automatized workflows, tools’ embedding is mostly not yet applicable in system chains or limited to a restricted number of tools.
What is the impact of a basement on a building LCA and what role does the functional unit play?
Authors: Hartmann C , Özdemir Ö , Hafner A 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The goal of reaching nearly zero emissions in the construction sector by 2045 is important and at the same time ambitious. Therefore, emissions from operation and structural design of a building play an important role. Life cycle assessment is an established method for determining the environmental impact of a building throughout its life cycle. The implementation of an LCA follows in general the standards ISO 14040 / 14044, and on building level the standard EN 15978. It requires, among other things, the definition of the goal, the system boundaries and the functional unit. For buildings with basements, there are certain discrepancies in the definitions of goals, system boundaries, and functional units. When the production, construction and maintenance phases of a building are included in the system boundaries of the LCA, the whole building is considered and is for example related to the functional unit gross external area or others as net external area or heated area. The set goal, system boundaries and selection of the functional unit has a direct influence to the LCA results. In this paper, the effects of a basement on the LCA results of the operational and structural design of a building are presented as a function of different functional units. Therefore, a comparative LCA on residential buildings in two different energy standards (level 40, level 55) and additionally for conventional and future-oriented construction were calculated.
A carbon-focus parametric study on building insulation materials and thicknesses for different heating systems: A Swiss case study
Authors: Neves Mosquini L H , Tappy V , Jusselme T 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
To tackle the problem of climate change, Swiss energy strategies aim to reach the carbon neutrality by 2050. However, this challenge cannot simply be solved by focusing on the operational energy performance and instead, on a lifecycle evaluation. Thus, in order to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint, building stakeholders need to consider embodied GHG emissions of construction materials. In this study, a parametric method was developed to balance operational and embodied impacts of insulation strategies on GHG emissions according to the material and heating system choices. The methodology is split into two for the computation of the overall carbon emissions of the heating plus insulation system. Firstly, the calculation of the embodied emissions, which relies on Environmental Product Declarations of different construction materials. Secondly, the calculation of the operational emissions, which is the product between the thermal energy needs and the energy carbon content of the respective heating system. Thereafter, the methodology was applied to two case studies: an existing building and a brand-new building. The first main finding was that, for high-carbon insulation materials, there was clearly an optimal thickness after which, adding insulation would only increase the lifecycle impact of the system. For instance, in the heat-pump equipped case study, installing 35 cm of extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) is more harmful towards global warming than installing 17 cm of XPS. This trend was not present for low-carbon materials whatsoever. The building’s carbon emissions benefitted from their addition of insulation up to the maximum thicknesses studied. To conclude, it is also important to highlight that aimlessly targeting energy efficiency can be a step back towards the goal of carbon neutrality. Indeed, it is possible to claim that for energy efficient buildings, fossil fuel-based insulation should be carefully used. This study allowed the development and application of a method that identifies optimal insulation thickness and material for a given heating system and hopefully, highlight the importance of considering both embodied and operational emissions of construction materials and systems.
Development of an advanced methodology for assessing the environmental impacts of refurbishments
Authors: Obrecht T P , Jordan S , Legat A , Saade M R M , Passer A 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The refurbishment of the building stock is one of the key tasks for reducing the future environmental emissions in building sector. The assessment of the environmental impacts (EI) of refurbishments with LCA methodology remains a challenge. In the current practice, the refurbishment is threated as the beginning of the new lifecycle and all the impacts associated with the previous life cycle are generally neglected. The exclusion of materials and components used prior to the refurbishment produces a data gap at the end-of-life since information about materials that remained in the building after the refurbishment are missing. Furthermore, no information about what impacts have already been considered in the past bears the risk that some of the impacts are double-counted. In order to overcome these problems, an advanced methodology for the assessment of the embodied impacts in the case of refurbishment was developed that combines two sub-methodologies that can also be used separately. The first sub-methodology is used for remodelling the input data in order to make them time corresponding. The second sub-methodology is used for the assessment of the EI in the residual value of building materials and components and is including the allocation of EI between the life cycle before and after the refurbishment. The combination of the two sub-methodologies enables a more realistic and accurate assessment of the environmental impacts. The methodology is illustrated on the case on the case of a façade refurbishment. Five different allocation approaches are investigated and the residual value is calculated after a selected time period before and after the refurbishment. For all the inputs time-corresponding data is modelled and used. The study showed that for the life cycle before the refurbishment the EI and the residual value are generally higher if time-corresponding data is used since the EI of the electricity mix are higher. It turned out that the use of different allocation approaches is favouring either the use of recycled or reused materials or the recycling of the materials at the end. The PEF and the cut-off approach with module D are both enhancing the circular economy. It can be assumed that they are likely to prevail in the future.
Management and communication of HVAC-specific life cycle-related information - filling the gaps for sustainability assessment of buildings
Authors: Rochlitzer D , Lützkendorf T 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Assessing the contribution of buildings to sustainable development is no longer just a matter of scientific investigation. Increasingly, such considerations are becoming a prerequisite for the award of subsidies or the fulfillment of legal requirements. One aspect is the evaluation of the environmental performance, based on a life cycle assessment of the complete building in its life cycle. This requires corresponding data on all installed products (materials, components, systems) on a consistent methodological basis and suitable communication forms. To that, information is required on technical characteristics and the life cycle assessment results of construction products. Thereby the following problems are occurring: (1) there are not enough environmental product declarations according to EN 15804 A2 available in the field of building services systems (e.g. HVAC) and (2) the data contained in EPDs do not fully cover the information needs of designers and decision-makers. This complicates the work of involved actors and endangers the competitiveness of product suppliers. In response, a proposal for a product information system for building services is presented. It is adapted to the specifics of HVAC systems and the information needs of related actors. The background is the situation in Germany, but results can be transferred to other countries / markets.
Social innovations for supporting regenerative lifestyles: exploration of three pioneering co-housing projects in Austria.
Authors: Hirschberg R , Ruderer J , Röck M 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
“Limiting global temperature increase needs demand-side actions and lifestyle changes”, stated the IPCC in their Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5. Social innovation in the form of alternative models for spatial production and ownership can support such regenerative lifestyles and emission reductions in the emissions-heavy building sector. However, today’s real estate market hardly supports the development and realization of alternative housing models. In response, practice shows that innovative models of housing are often driven by the initiative of the (future) inhabitants. In this study, we investigate and analyze different models of social innovation in housing based on three recently completed building case studies in Austria. The case studies are situated in a broad range of spatial contexts: re-activating the countryside, vitalizing a newly developed neighborhood, or bringing new life to abandoned, existing buildings. They are showcasing strategies such as: innovative models of (co-)financing and (co-)ownership to provide affordable housing; the shared use of spaces, functions and resources for reducing environmental footprints. We provide insights as to how alternative housing projects are being established successfully, what models groups are exploring for governance, financing and ownership, and which other social innovation practices may support or enable the implementation of regenerative lifestyles.
Assessing the multi-layered value of urban development policy The case of developing a ‘creative’ and ‘circular’ district in the city of Utrecht
Authors: Velzing E-J , Vrijhoef R , Mens J 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In recent years circular economy has become more important for the development of many places including cities. Traditionally, urban development policies have mainly been aiming to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of neighbourhoods. However, technical and ecologic aspects have their effects too and need to go hand in hand. This paper is based on an urban area experiment in the Dutch city of Utrecht. In order to assess urban area developments, typically rather straight-forward quantitative indicators have been used. However, it has proved more complicated to assess multifaceted developments of the area studied in this paper. With the City Model Canvas a multi-layered model is being used to better assess the impact of the urban development being studied. Key findings include that the project studied resulted in more space for companies from the creative industry and the settlement of local ‘circular’ entrepreneurs and start-ups, although it remains unclear to what extent these benefit from each other’s presence. The increase in business activity resulted in more jobs, but it is again unclear whether this led to more social inclusion. From an environmental point of view the project activities resulted in less raw materials being used, although activities and public events bring nuisance to the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Future proof real estate companies through sustainable development of institutional building stocks – Basics and tools
Authors: Worschech T , Lützkendorf T 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The stakeholders and companies in the real estate industry are facing new challenges. They must react to megatrends such as climate change, resource depletion, shift in social values, demographic change and digitalization and at the same time comply with their responsibility to society and environment. In order to contribute to sustainable development and thereby ensure the future viability of the company, it is necessary to consider the social, environmental and economic impact of any business activities and decisions. Referring to the German market, a discussion will be based on the example of housing companies to show how sustainability aspects can be integrated into the instrument of portfolio analysis. The interactions between sustainability aspects resulting of the external business environment, the respective location characteristics, the building performance and the rentability and marketability as a success factor will be discussed. In this context, it will be explained how to react dynamically to a changing environment by using adaptable weighting factors and to local location and market requirements. As a conclusion, it will be discussed how the concerns of society, the cities (housing districts) and the tenants can be taken into account in addition to the economic interests of the housing companies.
The Paris Climate Agreement as Benchmark for Buildings and Companies
Authors: Piazolo D 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The real estate market has a high obligation, but also many opportunities, to tackle climate change. The real estate sector is responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in the EU. The global temperature must not rise by more than 1.5° Celsius compared to pre-industrial times in order to avert serious consequences of climate change. 195 countries agreed on this target by signing the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 and thus also set the legislative framework and the desired direction of development for societies, companies and buildings. The Paris Climate Agreement can be used to establish a benchmark by showing which development routes are necessary to be compliant with the Agreement. It can be examined which adjustments are necessary to limit maximum global warming to 1.5° Celsius. By matching specific properties against such a benchmark, it can be worked out which properties are at risk of no longer being usable/rentable because they cannot meet the expected increases in environmental regulations, CO2 pricing, building standards and market expectations. This can be used to address transitory climate change risks.