Sustainable and Clean Buildings

Experimental Investigation of Internal Aerogel Insulation Towards Low/Zero Carbon Buildings: A Comprehensive Thermal Analysis for a UK Building

Erdem Cuce — 2024-02-07

Buildings are responsible for about 40% of total energy consumption in the UK. Decisive measures are taken to mitigate building-oriented energy consumption figures and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient retrofitting of buildings is such an attempt to both reduce energy consumed in the building sector and make them adaptive to the latest low/zero carbon building requirements. Thermal superinsulation is now more than a necessity towards low/zero emission buildings, and in this respect, it is of vital importance to reinforce building envelopes with thermal superinsulation materials like aerogel at optimum insulation thickness for thermally comfortable indoor environments with a cost-effective energy-saving strategy. Therefore, in this research, a traditional 1930s house in the UK has been internally retrofitted with a specially designed aerogel blanket and a complete and thorough co-heating test methodology has been applied to the whole house. Heat loss coefficient (HLC) and overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of each room and building element have been determined at pre and post-retrofit cases, respectively. The results have revealed that the HLC of the test bedroom has been reduced from 17.15 to 6.29 W/K after aerogel insulation. These findings have been achieved to reveal the changes in resistance value and heat transfer coefficient. Thermal bridging effects in the test bedroom have also been resolved after aerogel retrofit, which is verified through thermal camera images.

Building Performance Simulation of Near Zero Energy Building Design in Indonesia

Anisah Andika Fajar — 2024-09-14

Indonesia aims to improve building performance by increasing energy efficiency to address energy issues and carbon emissions. One of the concepts for realizing building energy efficiency is a Near-Zero Energy Building (NZEB), defined as a building with significantly reduced energy demand, and renewable energy resources provide the remaining energy offset. The application of NZEB could be a feasible solution for energy savings strategies. However, the climate conditions in Indonesia, which are tropical, hot, and humid, might require a different design approach than in other regions. Therefore, this study determines whether the NZEB design suits Indonesia’s conditions. A hypothetical office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, is modeled as a reference building. Then, this reference model is further evaluated by applying several Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) to reduce energy use. The EEM selection is based on the NZEB design parameters: passive design, active design, and renewable power technologies. The evaluation uses a building performance simulation tool called DesignBuilder. The simulation results show a total percentage energy saving of 46.9% from the reference model or the Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 120.18 kWh/m2/year. Although the energy reduction is significant, the current result still needs near-zero energy performance. Therefore, a further study investigating more EEMs is recommended, and the goal of the expected EUI is to be reconsidered for high-rise office buildings.

The Potential and Challenges of Bim in Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings: A Comprehensive Review

Emre Alvur — 2024-08-02

Issues such as sustainable living, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and increasing energy usage remain critical in the construction industry, as buildings account for approximately 40% of global energy consumption. The shift towards energy-efficient building designs is essential; however, there is a pressing need to reinforce existing structures rather than demolish them, re-emphasising the concept of energy efficiency. The increasing adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes contributes significantly to the development of predictive design and energy analysis capabilities. This study comprehensively examines the integration of BIM in the existing building stock. Firstly, the information structure used in the assessment of the existing building stock is detailed, including geometric information, semantic information, and energy-related information. The content, criteria, and scope of this information network are explained, and the BIM tools that facilitate the integration and evaluation of this information are compared. Finally, the methodologies of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), Information Delivery Manual (IDM), and Model View Definition (MVD), which enable information sharing for energy analysis, are detailed, and their use in energy efficiency analysis is examined. Through a literature review, BIM-integrated energy analysis programs are evaluated, file-sharing processes are examined, and the challenges in this area are identified. The findings emphasise BIM’s crucial role in future energy analyses. They highlight its potential to save time and financial burdens while ensuring precise outcomes.

Implementation of Passive Design Strategies in Coworking Spaces in Providing a Healthy Workplace for the Occupants

Ahmad Khatib Bin Khairuddin — 2024-11-19

This study explores sustainable wellness approaches through the implementation of passive design strategies in coworking spaces, aiming to provide a healthy workplace for occupants. Focusing on qualitative approach on three existing coworking spaces in Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, the research employs a comparative study to evaluate the effectiveness of these design strategies in enhancing occupant well-being, utilizing checklist and observation as the main instruments. Coworking space, shared work environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses, operate independently while sharing resources and networking opportunities, known to blend flexible, dynamic work environments with a focus on community, health, and well-being. It has been perceived as ideal selection of workspaces as it often incorporates sustainable design principles and environmental wellness, in line with passive design strategies, which leverage natural environmental elements such as lighting, ventilation, noise, and thermal comfort, in creating sustainable and health-promoting indoor environments. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable workplace design by highlighting the importance of passive design strategies in working environments and how these strategies are integrated into coworking spaces to benefit the occupants of the space. It provides practical insights on the implementation of these strategies through the recommendations on creating healthier and more sustainable workplaces, especially in the post-pandemic era.

A Novel Moist Airflow Heating System for Low/Zero Carbon Buildings: a Numerical Study

Pinar Mert Cuce — 2024-06-13

As people spend a significant portion of their day indoors, ensuring comfortable interior environments has become an unavoidable reality. Heating assumes paramount significance in regions characterised by prolonged exposure to cold climates, notably in European countries. However, the traditional heating systems currently employed for indoor heating often contribute to adverse environmental effects. This study introduces a newly devised passive heating system aimed at mitigating or potentially replacing prevailing traditional heating methods. This proposed system is theoretically researched and interpreted by integrating it within a building. Three different drive fluids (water, moist air, and air) are considered, with each fluid’s components analysed separately in accordance with the thermodynamic principles. Through these assessments, the proposed system emerges as environmentally sustainable and highly adaptable to contemporary building contexts. Furthermore, its cost-effectiveness surpasses that of conventional heating systems, marking a significant advancement in heating technology. While the coefficient of performance (COP) of the proposed system stands at approximately 1.307 when powered by electrical energy, it can surge up to 13.878 when powered by renewable energy systems such as solar collector and photovoltaic (PV).

Construction and Demolition Waste as Coarse Aggregate in Structural Beam: An Analysis of Physical, Mechanical, and Environmental Impacts

Nelson de Almeida Africano — 2024-09-25

The substitution of natural coarse aggregate with recycled coarse aggregate from construction and demolition (RCD) waste has been demonstrated as feasible for structural concrete applications. This research is crucial because it addresses both performance and sustainability aspects, ensuring that concrete with recycled aggregates meets strength and durability requirements while supporting quality assurance and regulatory compliance. By showcasing that up to 100% substitution is viable, the study highlights a significant reduction in environmental impacts, such as reduced aggregate extraction and minimized RCD waste disposal issues. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) further emphasizes the environmental benefits, showing that using 100% recycled aggregates generates fewer emissions, consumes less energy, and utilizes fewer non-renewable resources. This underscores the potential of recycled materials to lower the environmental footprint of construction practices. However, the research also identifies the importance of considering transportation distances, which affect environmental impact categories, suggesting that future studies should address this variable to optimize the benefits of using recycled aggregates.

Effect of Boron Minerals Colemanite and Ulexite on Physical, Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Cement

Ilker Ustabas — 2024-08-13

This study investigated how the boron minerals colemanite and ulexite affect the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of cement. The radioactive permeability of the mortars with added colemanite and ulexite is also studied. The initial and final setting times, volume stability, and compressive and flexural strengths are determined. Chemical and micro-structural examinations are also performed on the cements. The linear attenuation coefficients of the mortars added to colemanite and ulexite are measured. It is concluded that colemanite and ulexite can be used as an additive in the production of cement to delay initial setting time and to reduce expansion. Also, it has been determined that colemanite reduces the hydration heat of cement. The linear attenuation coefficients of the mortars added colemanite and ulexite are also increased.

Enhancing Thermal Comfort Through Leading-Edge Design, Monitoring, and Optimization Technologies: A Review

Nitin Liladhar Rane — 2024-09-20

The study reviewed thermal comfort enhancing strategies in built environments through the utilization of advanced design, monitoring, and optimization technologies. This research is driven by increasing challenges arising from climate change and the need for sustainable, energy-efficient building solutions. These passive design strategies work best with optimum building orientation, natural shading, and a means of enabling natural ventilation to reduce the dependency on energy-intensive Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Technologies that help realize real-time monitoring, powered by sensors, data analytics, and Building Information Modeling, will provide a precise understanding of indoor environmental conditions. This allows adaptation to dynamic conditions and improves occupant comfort. It also elaborates on the contribution of wearable devices and related occupant feedback systems for capturing subjective thermal experiences, thereby enhancing fine-grained analysis. Lastly, it explains optimization technologies, mainly the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to predict thermal comfort and optimize the operation of the HVAC to reduce energy use, increasing building sustainability. It shows the potential of these technologies to yield more resilient built environments and to focus on energy efficiency and well-being principles toward human-centered approaches.

Enhancing Sustainable Construction Materials Through the Integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence, Such as ChatGPT

Nitin Liladhar Rane — 2024-09-13

This study examines the potential transformation brought about by the integration of ChatGPT in advancing cutting-edge sustainable construction materials. Encompassing a diverse range of eco-friendly options, the investigation spans recycled materials, renewable resources, low-carbon concrete alternatives, energy-efficient materials, water-conserving compounds, green roofing materials, sustainable steel and metal, and lightweight construction materials. The utilization of recycled materials plays a pivotal role in sustainable construction, reducing environmental impact by repurposing discarded resources. Similarly, the incorporation of renewable materials aligns with sustainability principles, advocating for the use of resources that can naturally replenish. Low-carbon concrete alternatives address the carbon footprint associated with traditional concrete production, providing a more environmentally conscious choice in construction materials. The research explores energy-efficient materials that contribute to resource conservation and diminished energy consumption throughout buildings’ lifecycle. Water-conserving materials are scrutinized for their potential in addressing water scarcity concerns, promoting responsible water usage in construction processes. Green roofing materials, renowned for insulation properties and environmental benefits, are studied for their role in sustainable construction practices. Additionally, the study examines sustainable steel and metal options, seeking alternatives with reduced environmental impact in production and usage. Lightweight construction materials are investigated for their potential to enhance energy efficiency and diminish transportation-related emissions. An integral aspect of this exploration involves evaluating how these materials collectively contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research investigates the multifaceted ways in which sustainable construction materials align with and propel these globally recognized goals. To guide the implementation of these advancements, the study proposes a comprehensive framework. This framework outlines strategies for integrating ChatGPT into research and development processes, leveraging artificial intelligence capabilities to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of sustainable construction material development. By merging technological innovation with sustainable practices, this research aims to drive the construction industry toward a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.