## 2 Construction Aspects for Energy Performance Improvement
### Location and Orientation  
Careful selection of the location and orientation of greenhouses are key to optimizing their thermal, energy, and agricultural performance. This segment addresses the importance of considering climatic and geographic variables in the choice of location and orientation, aiming to maximize sun exposure and minimize costs with heating and cooling systems. The application of advanced methodologies, such as Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), assists in identifying the most suitable sites, emphasizing the need for an integrated and informed approach to building efficient greenhouses. Figure 1: Integrative model of a greenhouse: illustrates the interconnection between site selection, construction, water resource management, and climate management, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to maximizing production efficiency and environmental sustainability in modern greenhouses. 2.1.1. Choosing the Location and Orientation of Greenhouses  
The effectiveness of greenhouses, both in terms of agricultural productivity and thermal and energy efficiency, is highly influenced by their location and orientation. The proper choice of these factors is essential to optimize sunlight harvesting and offer protection against wind, directly impacting the thermal balance of the structure [13; 14]. Climatic factors such as temperature, humidity and solar radiation are determinants in the energy operation of greenhouses. A strategic location, taking these factors into account, can significantly reduce the need for additional heating and cooling systems [15; 16]. When choosing the ideal location for greenhouses, several technologies offer significant benefits, but they also have limitations. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) perform detailed spatial analysis when collecting, storing, processing, and visualizing geographic data. This process involves integrating information on topography, water resources, and other relevant environmental factors from a variety of sources. Using mapping and spatial analysis tools, GIS allows users to examine the physical characteristics of an area and assess potential locations for greenhouses, thereby identifying the most suitable locations. However, the effectiveness of this process may be affected by the availability and timeliness of geographic data, limiting its accuracy and applicability [17; 18; 19]. Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is a process that involves defining relevant criteria (e.g., cost, environmental impact) and assigning weights to those criteria to reflect their relative importance. The location options are then evaluated and compared based on these weighted criteria. Using mathematical and statistical methods, MCDA makes it easy to identify the most balanced or advantageous option, allowing for informed decision-making that considers multiple aspects simultaneously. However, the selection of criteria and the assignment of weights can introduce an element of subjectivity into the process, affecting the objectivity of the analysis [20]. Digital Elevation Data Modeling (DEM) is performed by collecting and analyzing data on the terrain elevations of a specific area, creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the earth's surface. This process involves the use of remote sensing techniques, such as satellites or aerial surveys, to measure the height of the terrain at various points, which are then interpolated to generate a continuous representation of the topography. The resulting model allows for detailed topography analyses, which are key to determining the optimal orientation and sun exposure for a greenhouse. However, the accuracy of the DEM depends on the spatial resolution of the data collected, which may not be sufficient to identify minor topographic variations affecting the microclimate within the greenhouse [18]. The process of Remote Sensing and the use of Satellite Imagery involves the capture of images of the Earth's surface by satellites equipped with remote sensors.