## 2 Construction Aspects for Energy Performance Improvement
### Greenhouse Construction
#### 2.2.2. Covering and Insulation Material for Greenhouses
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt}} \hline \hline
**Study Title** & **Purpose of the Study** & **Methodology Used** & **Main Results** \\ \hline Estimation of Thermal Performance and Heat Loss in Plastic Greenhouses with and without Thermal Curtains [110] & To evaluate the thermal insulation performance of thermal curtains in plastic greenhouses in Korea during winter. & Analysis of changes in covering surface temperature and heat transfer coefficients (U-values). & It has been shown that using thermal curtains at night in winter results in energy savings of about 28.7\%. \\ \hline Environmental Sustainability of Greenhouse Materials [95] & Exploring the Ecological Sustainability of Greenhouse Covering Materials & Systematic literary review. & Roofing materials, including polymers and silica glass, have advantages such as customization and recyclability. Polymers are tunable for functions such as UV protection, while glass is chosen for its beneficial light transmission. \\ \hline Environmental and nanomechanical testing of an alternative nanocomposite nanocomposite covering material [111] & To evaluate the environmental and nanomechanical performance of an alternative Polymeric nanocomposite covering material [111] & Environmental performance tests and nanomechanical analysis. & The alternative polymer nanocomposite presents a performance that allows its application for temperature-tolerant crops and crops in colder environments, standing out as a promising option for sustainable greenhouse coverings. \\ \hline Energy saving techniques for reducing the heating cost of conventional greenhouses [40] & Review energy saving techniques to reduce heating costs in greenhouses & Systematic literary review. & Energy-saving techniques and alternative energy sources for greenhouses are important. The importance of balancing these savings with plants’ agronomic needs and economic viability. An integrated approach can lead to sustainable and energy-efficient operations. \\ \hline Plant Responses to UV Blocking Greenhouse Covering Materials [94] & Review effects of UV-blocking covering materials on plant growth & Systematic literary review. & UV-blocking materials have mainly positive effects on plant development. These beneficial effects include improvements in vital physiological functions such as photosynthesis and transpiration rate, as well as growth traits. \\ \hline Performance of novel internal insulation in Chinese solar greenhouse for the cleaner and energy-saving production in high latitudes and cold regions [107] & Evaluate internal insulation in solar greenhouses & Mathematical modeling and experiments & 13.67\% reduction in front cover heat loss, 8.75\% total energy savings, 2.01 K average internal temperature increase. \\ \hline Sustainable Greenhouse Covering Materials with Nano- and Micro-Particle Additives for Enhanced Radimometric and Thermal Performance [90] & Investigate how nano- and microparticle additives incorporated into coating materials can improve the radiometric and thermal properties of these structures. & Inclusion of nano and microparticles in greenhouse covering materials can significantly improve thermal insulation and light transmission, contributing to more efficient control of the microclimate and enhancing the sustainability and energy efficiency of agricultural operations. \\ \hline Do Greenhouse Cover Materials Affect Cannabis Performance? [108] & Experimental greenhouse study comparing the performance of ben under five different polyethylene cover films. & Numerical simulation & The insertion of PCMs on roofs can be beneficial, reducing energy consumption in a way that depends on the types of PCMs used and the desired internal temperature. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 6: Recent investigations into the influence of coverage/insulation in Agricultural Greenhouses on Energy Performance.