Building Energy Efficiency Research Articles

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SUPERMARKET BUILDING PERFORMANCE UNDER CURRENT AND FUTURE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL (AMAC), ABUJA-NIGERIA

This study investigates the energy performance and carbon emissions of LIDL supermarket buildings in Abuja, Nigeria, under current and future climate conditions. Using a multi-methodological approach, the research evaluates three construction models—Model P1 (steel columns with cladding panels), Model P2 (Poroton blocks), and Model P3 (precast concrete columns with glulam beams)—to understand the impacts of construction techniques and materials on building energy efficiency and sustainability. The study employs Thermal Analysis Software (TAS) v9.5.0 to simulate energy consumption and emissions under different scenarios, utilizing dynamic weather data from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for both present and future climate projections (2050s and 2080s). The methodology integrates critical building elements, including floor area, thermal properties, and heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and incorporates site-specific data from Jabi, Abuja, to analyze regional climate effects. Key simulation assumptions include construction details, U-values, and infiltration rates, while databases from ASHRAE are used to model thermal properties and heat transfer. Results highlight the energy demand changes and carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling across seasonal extremes. This research provides actionable insights into optimizing supermarket energy performance and sustainability in response to climate change, offering valuable guidance for building designs in urbanizing and climate-vulnerable regions like Nigeria.

Exploration and Future Development Direction of Electrical Engineering and Automation in Office Property Management

The application of electrical automation technology in office property management has become an important trend in the industry. This paper discusses the exploration and future development direction of electrical engineering and automation in the property management of office buildings. By using advanced sensor technology, intelligent control algorithm, and Internet of Things technology, the electrical automation system can realize intelligent monitoring, control, and management of the internal equipment and facilities of office buildings, improve the energy efficiency, safety, and comfort of office buildings, and reduce the cost of property management and human investment. With the continuous development and application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and sustainable development, the role of electrical automation technology in office property management will become increasingly important. The key development directions include strengthening technology standardization and normalization, optimizing user experience and demand customization, and strengthening talent training and technology popularization. Through continuous technological innovation and application practice, electrical automation technology will bring more opportunities and challenges to office property management, and promote the intelligent, green, and sustainable development of the industry.

Hierarchical Biogenic-Based Thermal Insulation Foam.

Biogenic-based foam, renowned for its sustainable and eco-friendly properties, is emerging as a promising thermal insulating material with the potential to significantly enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in building applications. However, its relatively high thermal conductivity, large-pore configurations, and energy-intensive manufacturing processes hinder its widespread use. Here, we report on the scalable, one-pot synthesis of biogenic foams achieved by integrating recycled paper pulp and in situ nanoporous silica formation, resulting in a hierarchical structure comprising both micropores and nanopores. Ambient solvent-exchange drying can preserve the pore structure by reducing the capillary forces during the drying process. The resulting flame-retardant and hydrophobic foam exhibits low density (0.110 g/cm3), ideal porosity (70.69%), excellent thermal conductivity (0.033 W/(m·K)), and impressive compressive strength (1.48 MPa at 80% strain). This recyclable biogenic foam, with its hierarchical pore structure and environmental durability, shows great potential for energy-efficient building applications.

Ultraviolet-Shielded Transparent Wood with Improved Interface for Insulating Windows.

Recently, transparent wood (TW) has been considered for many energy-efficient building products, such as windows and decorations. However, the existing TW still faces issues with size and thickness, as well as problems with functional fillers affecting the optical and mechanical properties of TW, which limits its wide application in the window products. In this study, a wood composite material (WCM) with good optical, mechanical, and thermal insulation and UV-shielding properties was prepared by using delignified wood (DW), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and 4-vinylphenylboric acid (VPBA). Compared with NaClO2 delignification, peracetic acid (PAA) preserves hemicellulose and a more stable pore structure, which facilitates the filling of polymers into the DW template, resulting in the preparation of more extensive and thicker TW. VPBA, as a functional raw material for UV shielding, on the one hand, improves the interfacial compatibility of the TW, thus improving the optical properties (transmittance of about 90%, haze of about 55%) and mechanical properties (64.5 MPa). On the other hand, WCM was found to effectively block UV-C, UV-B (about 100%), and UV-A (about 90%) radiation while maintaining sufficient visible light transmittance. In addition, as an insulating window, WCM has low thermal conductivity and can maintain a high temperature for a long time after the loss of solar radiation, which is an ideal thermal insulation material and is expected to become a potential substitute for conventional glass.

Biomimicry as a Pathway to Sustainable Development - An Overview

Human activities have significantly transformed Earth’s ecosystems and biodiversity, with over 75% of ice-free land altered due to habitation and land use. The 2023 planetary boundaries framework update indicates that six out of nine critical boundaries for Earth’s health have been breached, highlighting the urgent need to reduce anthropogenic environmental impacts. The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015, aim to protect the environment and promote prosperity through innovations, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable urban development. Biomimicry, a multidisciplinary field drawing inspiration from nature, offers a promising pathway to minimize environmental impacts and advance these goals. This paper provides an overview of biomimicry, highlighting its impact on various sectors including architecture, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, engineering, and technology. By emulating nature’s efficient designs and processes, biomimicry fosters sustainable innovations and practices, such as energy-efficient building design inspired by termite mounds, self-repairing concrete modeled after human bones, and healthcare innovations like microneedles and biodegradable surgical glues. To realize its full potential, it is necessary to incorporate biomimicry into educational curricula to bridge the gap between natural systems and classroom learning, foster environmental stewardship, and drive progress toward a more sustainable future.

Impact of Ecological Thermal Roof Insulation on the Energy Efficiency of Conventional Buildings in a Semi-Arid Climate

The roof is the most exposed element of a building's envelope and significantly contributes to cooling loads in hot climates. Effective thermal insulation of the roof can substantially reduce energy consumption for cooling and help achieve sustainability goals. This theoretical study focuses on the thermal and energy performance of an eco-friendly insulation material, aiming to determine the optimal thickness for the roof of a traditional residential building in the semi-arid climate. The study evaluated the effectiveness of an insulation material composed of 60% cardboard and 40% straw, with varying thicknesses. TRNSYS software was used to simulate the thermal behavior of the building. The study's results reveal that the optimal thickness is 4 cm, providing the best thermal performance by reducing maximum indoor temperatures by 2.67°C during the hottest months, leading to a 37.93% reduction in annual cooling energy demand. Furthermore, the 4 cm panels represent the best compromise between thermal performance, resource efficiency, and economic feasibility. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights for the design of more energy-efficient buildings through optimized thermal insulation. Future research should explore additional factors influencing building performance, such as the long-term durability of materials in different climates, as well as the impact of building occupancy and orientation. Although this study has certain limitations in its analysis of specific parameters and alternatives, it makes a significant contribution to understanding the performance of buildings with ecological insulation.

An Efficient and Flexible Bifunctional Dual-Band Electrochromic Device Integrating with Energy Storage

Dual-band electrochromic devices capable of the spectral-selective modulation of visible (VIS) light and near-infrared (NIR) can notably reduce the energy consumption of buildings and improve the occupants' visual and thermal comfort. However, the low optical modulation and poor durability of these devices severely limit its practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate an efficient and flexible bifunctional dual-band electrochromic device which not only shows excellent spectral-selective electrochromic performance with a high optical modulation and a long cycle life, but also displays a high capacitance and a high energy recycling efficiency of 51.4%, integrating energy-saving with energy-storage. The nanowires structure and abundant oxygen-vacancies of oxygen-deficient tungsten oxide nanowires endows it high flexibility and a high optical modulation of 73.1% and 85.3% at 633 and 1200nm respectively. The prototype device assembled can modulate the VIS light and NIR independently and effectively through three distinct modes with a long cycle life (3.3% capacity loss after 10,000 cycles) and a high energy-saving performance (8.8°C lower than the common glass). Furthermore, simulations also demonstrate that our device outperforms the commercial low-emissivity glass in terms of energy-saving in most climatic zones around the world. Such windows represent an intriguing potential technology to improve the building energy efficiency.

Enhancing building sustainability: A comprehensive review and methodological roadmap for retrofit strategies

A large body of research has been developed with the aim of assisting policymakers in setting ambitious and achievable environmental targets for the retrofit of current and future building types for energy-efficiency and in creating effective retrofit strategies to meet these targets. The aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive study to identify the relationship between building typology and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on retrofitting and try to identify research gaps in the most effective energy-saving strategies for retrofitting various types of buildings. In this regard, this study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP). Sixty relevant papers are selected and reviewed, establishing a comprehensive searching scheme. The research highlights retrofitting strategies for improving energy efficiency in buildings and discusses the limitations of current practices in terms of physical and technical developments, such as building retrofit assessment according to the typology of the building and environmental factors. To address these limitations, this study proposes a methodology for future research with a focus on in-depth building classification, developing tailored retrofitting alternatives, and establishing an adaptive solution framework. This framework aligns cohesively with diverse typologies, adapts to changing environments, and enhances long-term energy-efficient performance. It proposes detailed building categorization to understand the interconnections between a building's physical characteristics, technology, and energy needs. Additionally, it suggests tailoring retrofit solutions for diverse building types and creating an adaptable framework for changing conditions. Using qualitative research, literature review, quantitative analysis, and case studies, the methodology ensures research credibility. Prototyping is employed to refine processes, considering building types and environmental factors.

Energy Transitions in Cities: A Comparative Analysis of Policies and Strategies in Hong Kong, London, and Melbourne

This paper reports a comparative analysis of energy transition policies in Hong Kong, London, and Melbourne, highlighting their approaches to achieving carbon neutrality. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study combines desktop research and policy analysis to examine secondary data from academic literature and policy reports. A structured policy analysis was developed to compare the strategies of each city, focusing on legislative tools, regulatory mechanisms, and decarbonization goals. The findings reveal that, while all three cities aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy transition policies, they adopt different strategies shaped by their socio-economic contexts. Hong Kong emphasizes regulatory measures like the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance, London uses market-based instruments such as carbon pricing, and Melbourne prioritizes community engagement and renewable energy integration. Despite progress, challenges remain, including compliance with standards, funding, and public awareness. Recommendations include developing benchmarking strategies, fostering public–private partnerships, and investing in education. This analysis provides actionable insights for future policy development, emphasizing adaptability and innovation in combating climate change and fostering sustainable urban environments.

A Literature Survey on Advanced Insulation Material In Buildings

Insulating materials have an important role in maintaining the thermal efficiency of buildings by limiting heat transfer and energy consumption. This research explores the latest innovations in building insulation materials that can improve energy efficiency and sustainability. The aim of this research is to analyze the latest developments in building insulation materials, as well as explore the potential use of eco-friendly materials that have minimal environmental impact. The research method involved a comprehensive literature review of academic articles, research papers, and other relevant sources to gather information regarding innovative insulation materials being developed. The results show that insulating materials such as aerogels, vacuum panels, and phase change materials have high thermal performance and good durability. In addition, the use of sustainable materials such as recycled paper and natural fibers is gaining popularity among architects and developers. The application of advanced and environmentally friendly insulation materials is essential to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce environmental impact. By utilizing innovative technologies and materials, we can create a more sustainable living environment for future generations.

Data-Driven Ventilation and Energy Optimization in Smart Office Buildings: Insights from a High-Resolution Occupancy and Indoor Climate Dataset

This paper explores innovative approaches to reducing energy consumption in building ventilation systems through the implementation of adaptive control strategies. Using a publicly available high-resolution dataset spanning a full year, the study integrates real-time data on occupancy, CO2 levels, temperature, window state, and external environmental conditions. Notably, occupancy data derived from computer vision-based detection using the YOLOv5 algorithm provides an unprecedented level of granularity. The study evaluates five energy-saving strategies: Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV), occupancy-based control, time-based off-peak reduction, window-open control, and temperature-based control. Among these, the occupancy-based strategy achieved the highest energy savings, reducing power consumption by 50%, while temperature-based control yielded a significant 37.27% reduction. This paper’s originality lies in its holistic analysis of multiple dynamic control strategies, integrating diverse environmental and operational variables rarely combined in prior research. The findings highlight the transformative potential of integrating real-time environmental data and advanced control algorithms to optimize HVAC performance. This study establishes a new benchmark for energy-efficient building management through offering practical recommendations and laying the groundwork for predictive models, renewable energy integration, and occupant-centric systems.

PERSISTENCE AND REINTERPRETATION OF TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES IN KENADSA

This study explores the persistence and reinterpretation of traditional architectural principles in contemporary dwellings in Kenadsa, a Saharan city in southwestern Algeria. The problem studied is how traditional architectural elements, such as inner courtyards and the use of local materials, are maintained in modern buildings despite the influence of urbanization, industrialization, and social change. The objective is to understand how these principles are adapted to meet contemporary requirements, particularly in terms of thermal comfort, energy efficiency and respect for cultural identities. To achieve this objective, a mixed methodology was adopted. It combines a thorough review of the literature with case studies on contemporary housing incorporating traditional elements. Architectural analyses, field visits, surveys and qualitative interviews with architects, planners and residents have provided rich and varied data. These data were then analyzed in a comparative manner to assess the persistence of traditional principles. The results show that, although modernist designs are predominant, there is a significant effort to integrate traditional architectural elements into contemporary houses. For example, the move from open patios to central enclosed halls illustrates an adaptation of vernacular principles to modern needs while maintaining the energy efficiency and thermal regulation of traditional buildings. These results highlight the dynamic co-habitation between cultural heritage and innovation in Kenadsa’s architecture, demonstrating that traditional principles can evolve and adapt to contemporary contexts while maintaining their relevance.

HEAT TRANSFER IN THE CHANNELS OF THE HEAT EXCHANGER INTENDED FOR THE RECOVERY VENTILATION SYSTEM OF THE ROOM

Air exchange, or ventilation, systems are created to ensure comfortable conditions in rooms in terms of temperature, humidity, and oxygen content in the air. In energy-efficient buildings, the organization of such a system should include energy-saving measures. Among such measures, it should be noted the use of a recuperative heat exchanger, which provides partial heating of the cold outdoor air from the warm air removed from the room in the winter. This paper examines the characteristics of the heat exchanger - recuperator, which is a system of coaxial cylindrical surfaces made of copper. That is, this heat exchanger is a system of annular channels of the "tube-in-tube" type. Technical characteristics are defined for this heat exchanger, which include: thermal power, that is, the amount of heat transferred in the heat exchanger from one heat carrier to another per unit of time; consumption of heat carriers; the temperature of the air removed from the room into the environment after the recuperator; the temperature of the outside air entering the room after the recuperator. The dependence of these characteristics on the number and sizes of annular channels in the heat exchanger and on the pressure drop between the inlet and outlet cross-sections of the channels is investigated. It was determined that the dependence of the degrees of heating and cooling of air flows in the heat exchanger channels on the pressure differences between the inlet and outlet cross sections of the channels are different for heat exchangers with different number of channels and different widths.

Application of a Gyroid Structure for Thermal Insulation in Building Construction.

This paper concerns research into the use of 3D-printed gyroid structures as a modern thermal insulation material in construction. The study focuses on the analysis of open-cell gyroid structures and their effectiveness in insulating external building envelopes. Gyroid composite samples produced using DLP 3D-printing technology were tested to determine key parameters such as thermal conductivity (λ), thermal resistance (R) and heat transfer coefficient (U) according to ISO 9869-1:2014. In addition, the authors carried out a comprehensive analysis of the annual energy balance of four different residential buildings, including older and modern structures, using Arcadia software v9.0. The results showed that 100 mm-thick multi-layer gyroid structures achieve exceptionally low thermal conductivity (approximately 0.023 W/(m·K)), significantly outperforming traditional materials such as mineral wool or polystyrene foam in terms of insulation efficiency. These structures also have high mechanical strength and low density, making them both lightweight and highly durable. As a result of these properties, the structures studied represent a promising solution for designing energy-efficient buildings, effectively reducing heating energy demand and improv the overall energy balance of buildings.

Sustainable Engineering Solutions for Urban Environments: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

Urbanization presents significant environmental challenges that require sustainable and innovative engineering solutions. This article explores the critical need for sustainable engineering practices in urban environments, focusing on advances in construction, energy, waste management, and green infrastructure. We look at the most advanced construction technologies, such as modular and prefabricated building systems, which reduce waste and energy consumption. In energy, we look at the integration of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient building designs, and smart grid technologies to minimize carbon footprints. Sustainable waste management strategies, including recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy, are emphasized to mitigate the environmental impacts of waste. It also addresses the role of green infrastructure, such as green roofs, green walls and urban parks, in improving air quality, reducing stormwater and improving urban biodiversity. By addressing these key areas, sustainable engineering can contribute to resilient, environmentally friendly and equitable urban environments. However, challenges such as high initial costs, political barriers and technological limitations persist. Future research and policy initiatives should focus on addressing these barriers and promote the widespread adoption of sustainable engineering solutions.

Comparative Analysis of Energy Efficiency in Conventional, Modular, and 3D-Printing Construction Using Building Information Modeling and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

Energy efficiency has become a crucial focus with the growing attention on sustainable development and decreasing energy consumption in the built environment. Different construction methods are being applied worldwide, such as conventional, modular, and 3D-printing methods, to increase energy efficiency in buildings. This study aims to enhance the decision-making process by identifying optimal construction techniques, material selection, and ventilation window dimensions to promote sustainable energy use in buildings. A novel framework combining Building Information Modeling (BIM), computational analysis, and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches is applied to assess the energy use intensity (EUI), annual electric energy consumption, and lifecycle energy cost across multiple sequences for each type of construction. Computational analysis in this research is combined in two main tools. Minitab is utilized for experimental design to determine the number and configurations of sequences analyzed. The Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method, applied as an MCDM tool, is used to assess and rank the performance of sequences based on equally weighted criteria. Subsequently, 3D models of case study buildings are developed, and energy simulations are conducted using Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Green Building Studio, respectively, as BIM tools to compare the energy performance of various design alternatives. The results revealed that 3D printing surpassed other methods, where Sequence 7 achieved approximately 10.3% higher efficiency than modular methods and 40.5% better performance than conventional methods in the evaluated criteria. The findings underscore the higher energy efficiency of 3D printing, followed by modular construction as a competitive method, while conventional methods lagged significantly.

Development of a camera-based device for real-time indoor illuminance distribution assessment using a deep-learning model

Real-time monitoring and assessment of indoor illuminance are crucial for maintaining environmental quality, visual comfort, and building energy efficiency. Traditional systems struggle with complex layouts, but integrating real-time monitoring with smart building management enhances comfort and sustainability. This study presents an innovative method combining a CMOS camera, data processing, and deep learning algorithms. The camera captures continuous images and extracts texture features affected by lighting. A machine learning model then predicts the illuminance distribution, generating detailed light maps in real-time. This novel sensing system, validated through experiments at the University of Skikda, provides a promising solution to improve light management by optimizing daylight use, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing visual comfort. It offers architects and facility managers a tool to integrate real-time data into building management systems for more sustainable indoor environments.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Mediterranean Coastal Buildings Through PCM Integration

In this paper, the impact of phase change material (PCM) integration into building envelopes is evaluated, considering a coastal mediterranean climate. PCM integration represents an innovative technology to lower construction’s heating and cooling loads. A case study was conducted on PCM integration into a Lebanese structure’s envelope where the thermal performance and energy effectiveness were assessed. A significant reduction was observed for both cooling and heating loads. Simulations revealed that the optimal PCMs were those whose melting temperatures were between 21 °C and 24 °C under the Mediterranean weather conditions, showing the importance of selecting the appropriate PCM to enhance energy savings. The annual energy savings calculated were between 11% and 13.4%. The study also emphasized the impact of the specified heating and cooling temperatures within the comfort range on the effectiveness of PCM integration. The results show that optimal PCM selection is a function of the weather conditions and indoor temperature settings.

Calibrated models for effective clustering: Discriminating operation schedules in occupied buildings

AbstractEuropean directives advocate for end-users to be aware of their energy consumption. However, individual energy monitoring tools, such as energy meters or cost allocators, are not always affordable or technically feasible to install. Therefore, the development of virtual tools that enable the study of energy consumption in existing buildings is necessary. Virtual sensors, particularly based on white-box models, offer the opportunity to recreate these behaviours. When calibrated with measured data, white-box models, which incorporate detailed building physics, become increasingly valuable for designing energy-efficient buildings. This research explores a novel approach to identifying building’s load period directly from energy data generated by these calibrated models. The volume of data generated by white-box models can be overwhelming for visual analysis, but the hypothesis here is that analysing this data through clustering techniques can reveal patterns related to occupant behaviour and operational schedules. By feeding indoor temperature data into the calibrated model and analysing the resulting energy outputs, the research proposes a method to identify the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation schedule, free oscillation periods and non-recurrent events. Validation is achieved by comparing the identified periods with actual measured data. This methodology enables the development of a virtual sensor for cost allocation, which minimises the need for physical sensor deployment while complying with European Union directives. The research not only demonstrates high accuracy but also the potential to outperform measured schedule. This suggests the ability of the method to identify missing sensor data or other factors affecting temperature curves, enabling fault detection and diagnostics (FDD). Consequently, this opens doors for setting optimised operation schedules that balance energy efficiency with occupant comfort.

Thermal and Mechanical Performances Optimization of Plaster–Polystyrene Bio-Composites for Building Applications

Polystyrene is renowned for its excellent thermal insulation due to its closed-cell structure that traps air and reduces heat conduction. This study aims to develop sustainable, energy-efficient building materials by enhancing the thermal and mechanical properties of plaster–polystyrene bio-composites. By incorporating varying amounts of polystyrene (5% to 25%) into plaster, our research investigates changes in thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and maximum stress. Meticulous preparation of composite samples ensures consistency, with thermal and mechanical properties assessed using a thermal chamber and four-point bending and tensile tests. The results show that increasing the polystyrene content significantly improved thermal insulation and stiffness, though maximum stress decreased, indicating a trade-off between insulation and mechanical strength.