## 1 Introduction
### PCM Contribution to Sustainability  
PCMs have been proven to have remarkable potential in different heat transfer and energy storage applications. Studies have investigated the potential of PCMs as thermal storage media in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems [25], heat storage tanks [26], solar distills [27], and solar cookers [28]. They are often used as heat sink media in electronic devices [29] and photovoltaic modules [30]. Furthermore, PCMs are utilized as insulation materials in shipping containers [31], for heat dissipation in electrical distribution transformers [32], and efficiently incorporated with buildings' envelope as thermal mass storage. The integration of PCMs into construction materials enhances thermal regulation, promoting energy efficiency and comfort in buildings, as shown in Figure 8. This sustainable approach aligns with the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development. In the social realm, PCMs reduce heating and cooling demands, ensuring prolonged indoor comfort. Environmentally, they harness solar energy, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources and decreasing pollutant emissions. Economically, PCMs cut energy expenses, showcasing potential in optimizing energy consumption, enhancing comfort, and supporting sustainable development goals [33]. Several studies highlight the potential of PCMs to moderate indoor temperature fluctuations by storing and releasing latent heat. In [34], a comprehensive review considered thermo-physical properties and applications of PCMs in buildings. [PERSON] and [PERSON] extensively analyzed PCM benefits in building envelopes, emphasizing reduced energy consumption and enhanced comfort [10]. Combining PCMs with materials like aerogels, as explored in [35], offers a promising retrofitting solution for existing building envelopes. This research underscores the significance of PCM integration in sustainable building design, providing insights into material and configuration optimization for effective thermal management. [PERSON] et al. [36] explored an innovative approach by integrating macro-encapsulated PCMs into a 3D-printed geopolymer paste (GPP) derived from fly ash, revealing its effectiveness in building envelopes for optimal thermal performance. Studies demonstrate concentrated applications of PCMs in regions with diverse climate conditions, capitalizing on their energy-saving potential. [PERSON] et al. conducted comprehensive evaluations of PCM integration in building wall construction, emphasizing its impact on energy efficiency across various climatic zones [37]. [PERSON] et al. presented an optimization-based method for designing passive latent energy storage using PCMs with different melting temperatures, emphasizing the importance of aligning PCM melting temperature with indoor thermal comfort [38]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] assessed the performance of a building envelope constructed with PCMs concerning orientation in different climatic regions. They find that increasing PCM thickness gradually decreases energy loads,  
Figure 8: Incorporation of PCMs in buildings and its contribution to sustainability [33]. and PCM performance varies based on facade orientation, with superior performance on western and eastern facades [39]. A review by [PERSON] et al. advocated biobased PCMs as promising alternatives to paraffin PCMs due to their derivation from renewable sources, like plants and animal fats, coupled with excellent heat storage properties [40]. [PERSON] et al. conducted a multi-factor analysis on thermal comfort and energy-saving potential in PCM-integrated buildings, achieving a notable 34.8% energy reduction using BioPCM23 in external walls [41]. [PERSON] et al. demonstrated a 15.6% energy saving with WinCo Enerciel PCM, highlighting the efficiency of PCMs with lower thermal conductivity, higher latent heat of fusion, and phase change temperatures closer to room temperature [42]. [PERSON] et al.