Bioclimatic Research Articles

Does green transportation affect carbon emission efficiency? Evidence from a quasi-experimental study in China

The establishment of a low-carbon transportation system (LCTS) holds prominent importance in advancing modern transportation development and achieving green growth. Employing the LCTS pilot policy as a shock to green transportation construction in China, we investigate its influence on carbon emission efficiency (CEE) using urban panel data from 2006 to 2021. Results based on difference-in-differences (DID) show that LCTS contributes to increasing CEE following such a pilot policy. This finding still holds after we perform a propensity score matching DID method, double machine learning, instrumental variable method, heterogeneous treatment effect, and other robustness checks. Meanwhile, the mediation analysis shows that the increased CEE can be accounted for by spurring green innovation activities. Moreover, the moderation outcomes reveal that FinTech exerts a positive moderating influence on the increased impacts of LCTS on CEE. Heterogeneity analysis shows that LCTS's impact on CEE varies by region and development level. Overall, our research stresses the importance of green transportation construction in shaping CEE, which has significant practical and theoretical implications for scholars and policymakers.

Evaluation on Preparation and Performance of a Low-Carbon Alkali-Activated Recycled Concrete under Different Cementitious Material Systems.

A green, low-carbon concrete is a top way to recycle waste in construction. This study uses industrial solid waste slag powder (S95) and fly ash (FA) as binders to completely replace cement. This study used recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) instead of natural coarse aggregate (NCA). This is to prepare alkali-activated recycled concrete (AARC) with different cementitious material systems. Alkali-activated concrete (AAC) mixtures are modified for strength and performance based on the mechanical qualities and durability of AARC. Also, the time-varying effects of the environment on AARC properties are explored. The results show that with the performance enhancement of RCA, the mechanical performance of AARC is significantly improved. As RCA's quality improves, so does AARC's compressive strength. At a cementitious material content of 550 kg/m3, AARC's 28d compressive strengths using I-, II-, and III-class RCA were reduced by 2.2%, 12.7%, and 21.8%, respectively. I-class AARC has characteristics similar to natural aggregate concrete (NAC) in terms of shrinkage, resistance to chloride penetration, carbonization, and frost resistance. AARC is a new type of green building material that uses industrial solid waste to prepare alkali-activated cementitious materials. It can effectively reduce the amount of cement and alleviate energy consumption. This is conducive to the reuse of resources, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Mechanical properties and probabilistic models of wood and engineered wood products: A review of green construction materials

Wood and engineered wood products are green construction materials with excellent mechanical properties, widely utilized in various buildings and bridges. This paper reviews their short-term and long-term mechanical properties and probabilistic models. Short-term mechanical properties analysis reveals strong tensile (up to 165 MPa) and bending strengths (up to 264 MPa), contrasted by lower compressive strength (up to 103 MPa) and minimal shear/rolling strength (up to 14 MPa). These properties vary based on species type, lay-up angle, and dimensions, and are mutually influential. It also demonstrated that innovative techniques such as compression and cross-laminated lay-ups enhance the strength and sustainability of wood products, utilizing smaller logs effectively and reducing carbon emissions. For long-term mechanical properties, empirical models typically used for creep strength assessment fail to account for load duration variability, a gap partly addressed by damage accumulation models which require further development. The considerable time for long-term tests underlines the need for developing accelerated load tests to more effectively assess durability. As for probabilistic models, numerical methods and machine learning provide advanced probabilistic models by analyzing extensive data, offering significant improvements over traditional experimental methods.The global contribution of the work is mainly to enhance the understanding of wood and engineered wood products for properly design and extensive application of timber structures in civil engineering and promoting sustainable development.

Adapting Green Building Practices and Smart Technology in Developing Countries

This paper reviews the integration of green building practices and smart technologies in developing countries, focusing on the challenges and opportunities these regions face. While developed nations have advanced significantly in sustainability through green building certifications and smart systems, developing countries encounter barriers such as financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and insufficient policy frameworks. This research employs a systematic literature review to examine case studies from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, exploring how these regions can adapt sustainable practices to their unique socio-economic and environmental conditions. The findings reveal that despite significant challenges, green building and smart technologies offer long-term benefits, including improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced quality of life. Successful adaptations, such as using locally sourced materials and implementing low-cost smart systems, demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable development even in regions with limited resources. Case studies from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya showcase promising examples where sustainable construction has been successfully integrated. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing an in-depth analysis of the factors enabling or hindering the adoption of green building and smart technologies in developing nations. The research concludes that stronger governmental support, enhanced technical training, and broader awareness campaigns are essential to overcoming these barriers. Key recommendations include implementing financial incentives for developers, scaling successful green building projects, and fostering public-private partnerships to promote innovation. Additionally, the study calls for policy reforms that align with international sustainability goals while considering local challenges. In conclusion, the integration of green building practices and smart technologies presents a viable solution for sustainable urbanization in developing countries, offering a path toward environmental and economic resilience.

The Impact of Green Building Design on Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Experience

This study examines the impact of green building design on indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant experience, using Heritage Place in Ikoyi, Lagos, as a case study. Green buildings are known for incorporating sustainable practices such as the use of eco-friendly materials, advanced ventilation systems, and biophilic design elements, all aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and occupant well-being. A descriptive survey methodology was employed, with data gathered through a questionnaire administered to 50 occupants of the building to assess their perceptions of IAQ, health, comfort, and overall satisfaction. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents reported high levels of satisfaction with IAQ, attributing improvements in their health, productivity, and comfort to the building’s green design features. Specifically, low-emission materials and enhanced ventilation systems were highly praised for reducing pollutants and maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, a few respondents expressed concerns about inconsistent thermal comfort in certain areas. These results underscore the importance of sustainable design in creating healthier, more productive indoor environments. Recommendations for future green building projects include fine-tuning HVAC systems to improve thermal comfort and enhancing occupant education on the benefits of sustainable features.

Comparative Analysis of Green Building Hospitals in Karawang and Pemalang

This study aims to analyze and compare the application of the green building concept in two hospitals in Indonesia, namely Permata Keluarga Karawang Hospital and Dr. M. Ashari Pemalang Regional General Hospital (RSUD). Using descriptive qualitative methods and case study approaches, data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and measurements in the field. The results show that both hospitals have applied green building principles in various aspects such as energy efficiency, environmental management, and B3 waste management. Permata Keluarga Karawang Hospital excels in the use of energy-saving technology and waste management, while Dr. M. Ashari Pemalang Hospital stands out in staff involvement and environmental management. However, there are still several aspects that need to be improved by both hospitals, such as bicycle parking facilities and rainwater intake systems, to achieve more optimal green building standards. In conclusion, both hospitals have shown a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through the implementation of the green building concept, but further improvements are still needed to achieve more optimal results.

Carbon Footprint Assessment: Case Studies for Hemp-Based Eco-Concrete Masonry Blocks

In recent times, climate change has become more evident than ever, and measures to slow down its negative effects are imperative for the future of the world. The scientific and economic communities of countries around the world, under the force of international climate agreements, are identifying solutions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by establishing appropriate measures and developing new strategies. In the context of these objectives, the effort to identify eco-sustainable practices for the construction industry is growing significantly. Recently, much research has focused on solutions for producing green building materials, as well as applying circular economy principles to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions and absorptions by greenhouse gas absorbers. The relevant indicators of the level of achievement of these major objectives can be identified, already from the construction design phase, with the help of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis. This paper presents a series of environmental impact analyses for an eco-friendly solution of precast concrete masonry blocks. Ecological concrete is manufactured with aggregates from biological waste resulting from hemp crops. Impact assessments were performed with the SimaPro 9.5 software application. Research has shown that in the production chain, which includes the materials resulting from the recycling and reuse of hemp concrete blocks, the contribution to the effort to achieve neutrality in terms of global warming is significant. The Cradle-to-Cradle scenario revealed that the recycling of hemp concrete masonry blocks at the end of their use, for a functional unit of 0.5 m3, has a GHG emission of 33.5228 [kg CO2-eq] and CO2 uptakes can reach the negative value of −53.8397 [kg CO2-eq]. Thus, the balance of GHG emissions is negative, with values of approximately −20.3169 [kg CO2-eq]. The LCA analyses also reflect a decreased damage to human health, natural resources, and biodiversity when hemp concrete is used for masonry blocks.

Fibre-reinforced concrete as an aspect of green construction technology

Fibre-reinforced concrete as an aspect of green construction technology

Can green buildings reduce carbon dioxide emissions?

Green buildings are a pivotal strategy for realizing the low-carbon evolution within the construction industry. However, the emission reduction effect of green buildings remains unexplored. This study utilizes prefecture-level data from green building projects in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2008 to 2019, to systematically analyze the nonlinear effects, heterogeneous impacts, and mechanisms of influence that green buildings have on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The research findings are as follows: first, during the early stages of green building development, when the scale of green buildings is relatively small, green buildings lead to an increase in CO2 emissions. However, as the scale of green buildings expands, they can exhibit a significant effect on decreasing CO2 emissions. Second, green buildings have heterogeneous impacts on CO2 emissions: lower-rated green buildings (one or two-star) have an increasing impact on CO2 emissions, while the emission reduction effect of green buildings mainly comes from higher-rated green buildings (three-star). These high-rated green buildings substantially affect the advancement of low-carbon technologies, playing an essential role in achieving emission reduction. Third, the mechanisms through which green buildings influence CO2 emissions are identified: on the one hand, green buildings provide a technical effect that decreases CO2 emissions; on the other hand, by promoting the growth of the construction industry, green buildings would cause an increase in CO2 emissions. Lastly, this study proposes relevant policy implications centered around leveraging the emission reduction potential of green buildings.

Sustainable Design Methods Translated from the Thermodynamic Theory of Vernacular Architecture: Atrium Prototypes

In the context of China’s sustainable development and dual carbon goals, research on thermodynamic architecture theory and vernacular architecture increasingly aligns with international trends, developing distinct characteristics. This research addresses the challenge of rapid changes in the built environment by focusing on climate adaptability and passive technologies. However, the development of thermodynamic theory in vernacular architecture faced technical limitations in the early 21st century and was later overshadowed by the industry’s reliance on active technologies to meet green building standards, resulting in a reduced role for architects in the green building field. This article traces the origins of passive architecture, rooted in vernacular architecture, and applies thermodynamic theory to explore architectural prototypes. It examines the theoretical feasibility of architectural design in achieving low-carbon and sustainable goals, aiming to fill a gap in thermodynamic theory within the broader context of sustainable architectural development. After demonstrating the various passive prototypes inherent in vernacular architecture, this paper proposes a courtyard prototype focused on residential comfort for design translation and analysis. The research methods employed include bioclimatic charting, balance point temperature analysis in time series, and extensive computer simulations. Through the process of prototype extraction, performance analysis, validation, and optimization, the paper systematically discusses sustainable design methods within the framework of thermodynamic architecture theory. It also provides practical demonstrations of these methods across four distinct climate regions in China. By translating vernacular architectural designs, this research systematically organizes the theoretical framework for architects’ early involvement in low-carbon and green building design, offering a theoretical foundation for initiating the design process through prototype translation while guiding the generation of green ecological buildings.

Optimization Study on Stakeholder Capability Configuration in Green Construction

Green construction is considered to be a construction model that pursues high resource efficiency and the utilization of reduced environmental impacts through technological innovation and management optimization under the realization of the project’s iron triangle. The realization of its performance relies on the level of stakeholder capability configuration. To reveal the optimal capability configuration and interaction between regulators and executors, this study constructed a utility model based on a post-positivist methodology. By analyzing the optimal capability configuration and coordination levels of regulators and executors according to the practices and constraints of green construction, this study conducted a static analysis to compare the effects of marginal value on regulators’ capability input and coordination coefficients. Finally, a sensitivity analysis uncovers the changes in capability configuration interaction and coordination coefficients at different stages of green construction. The results indicate that high levels of coordination in green construction cannot be maintained in the long term; continuous capability input from regulators is required for sustained support. Only by eliminating external uncertainties, reducing the variable costs for executors in advancing green construction, and controlling their risk aversion can executors be truly motivated to promote green construction. The capability configuration of both regulators and executors adjusts with corresponding marginal values. The capability configuration of executors shows a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing as the progressive coefficient rises. The model proposed in this study ensures that the final coordination level stabilizes at a relatively high level, which is between 0.6 and 0.7. In summary, the breakthrough findings provide critical insights into green construction management, contributing to the achievement of the anticipated green construction objectives.

Exploring the antecedents of knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects: From the configuration perspective

With the rapid development of green buildings around the world, knowledge transfer among stakeholders is of great significance in promoting the innovation and application of green building technologies. However, due to the complexity and specificity of green building projects, current studies have not fully established a comprehensive understanding of how elements from various dimensions (i.e., subject, relationship, context, and activity) collectively impact knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects. Therefore, this study aims to explore the key factors that affect knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects and how these factors work together to enhance the effectiveness of knowledge transfer (EKT). Firstly, the key factors influencing knowledge transfer were pinpointed: cognitive differences, connection strength, organizational climate, information technology capability, transmit willingness, receive willingness, perceived policy support, and richness of transfer channels. Then, an examination of the collected valid samples was conducted through configuration analysis utilizing the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. The findings reveal five configurations, categorized as strong connection-driven, policy support-driven, and both-driven. Lastly, some combination strategies were outlined for different categories to assist green building companies in enhancing EKT. This study not only enhances the existing green building literature by developing a framework of factors that influence knowledge transfer among stakeholders, but also provides a reference for corporate executives to choose the best strategies to enhance EKT in green building projects.

A practical approach to promoting sustainable development in the construction industry through the use of the LOTUS-Vietnamese green-building assessment tool

In the context of global climate change mitigation, building design optimization is crucial for effective and efficient resource management throughout a project’s life cycle. This study addresses the challenge of assessing green building levels using a Vietnamese perspective. A survey of over 220 participants, including investors, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders, was conducted to identify factors influencing green building assessments. Data analysis, employing SPSS software, explored 57 factors encompassing life-cycle economic optimization, energy and water conservation, material selection, project management, and strategic market benefits. The findings highlight effective energy management as a key determinant shaping sustainable building approaches and assessments. These results offer valuable insights for life cycle cost assessments and environmental impact evaluations during project implementation. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of project developers prioritizing factors that influence the achievement of green building goals based on LOTUS green building rating standards in Vietnam. The predicted results demonstrate that governments should enforce legislation and establish clear green construction regulations to promote environmentally friendly growth, and that construction companies should use environmentally friendly materials and practices in their projects. This research contributes to the knowledge base for scholars, designers, and sustainability experts by systematically identifying factors that influence green building assessments under LOTUS standards.

Potential and Challenges in Adapting Green Behavior Towards Energy-Efficient Educational Building (Case Study: i-CELL FTUI)

Abstract The amount of energy consumption in the building sector has led to the concept of green buildings. This concept is more familiar with focusing on technical aspects, where, in fact, the factor that causes the amount of energy consumption comes from the human factor. This paper aims to examine green behavior in the consumption of electrical energy in green buildings. The case study used is the FTUI i-CELL Building, which is a green building. The method used is a literature study and a questionnaire to find the potential for behavior change, savings, and challenges or obstacles from the perspective of users and managers. Based on the study’s results, the building users’ role can provide potential savings in the coverage of cooling, lighting, and electrical equipment that is greater than that of the manager. it was found that green behavior by users of the building could save 26.60%-36.55% of the energy consumption, whereas behavior by building managers only saved 8.73%-23.67%. Even so, both of them still have to work together to achieve savings in electricity consumption through green behavior. This is because the manager has an important role, such as equipment maintenance, which can affect electricity consumption. In addition, in achieving potential savings, both users and managers experience challenges or obstacles in terms of knowledge, norms, and perceptions of control that shape green behavior in electricity consumption. Suggestions for further development are adding simulation to determine the amount of savings and identify the correlation and significance of knowledge, norms, and perceptions of control that play a role in shaping green behavior.

Awareness of Campus Building Users to Achieve Energy Efficiency in Facing the Implementation of Green Buildings (Case Study: Politeknik Negeri Pontianak Integrated Lecture Building)

Abstract Building users’ awareness is a very crucial factor in efforts to achieve efficient energy use in buildings, especially in the green building concept. However, research that examines the awareness of building users specifically in the campus environment is still very rarely conducted, especially in Indonesia. This research, which uses a case study at Politeknik Negeri Pontianak integrated lecture building, investigates the criteria for awareness of building users and their behavior in using energy in the building. This research tries to identify social parameters in achieving building energy efficiency using a quantitative approach. The series of statistical tools used includes ranking of average values. The results of this research show that the focus of improvement can be done by increasing awareness of several things, namely recognizing the problem of decreasing electrical resources, dividing resource use in order to reduce electricity consumption, and understanding efforts and making preparations in the face of reduced electrical energy sources.

The Design Strategy for Youth Center in Medan Using Combination of Green Building and Contemporary Tropical Architectural Concept

Abstract Medan currently lacks a Youth Centre, which forces young people to use inappropriate facilities. Therefore, the government should construct a facility to address the issue. The government prioritizes building facilities that are inexpensive to operate and maintain. The study investigates a youth centre concept in Medan by combining the green building concept and contemporary tropical architecture achieved through literature studies, interviews, and the distribution of a questionnaire to local experts and young people. The paper highlights the advantages of the green building concept and the design strategy that contributes to reducing negative impacts on the natural environment by using less energy, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly materials. Based on the results of interviews and questionnaires, the design should provide opportunities for young people to engage in both academic and non-academic activities that cater to their talents and interests. The research found eco-friendly technologies such as a hybrid cooler air conditioning system, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, floating boxes, and lighting devices that utilize motion sensors. Furthermore, it was combined to feature contemporary tropical architecture, with an overhanging roof, a double facade facing north and west, and the longest side facing south.

Green Compression-Cast Concrete Material and Its Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-Reinforced Concrete Structures

Concrete manufacturing is a significant contributor to carbon emission. This paper presents an extensive study on compression-casting, which is a newly developed and highly efficient concrete manufacturing technology. Compression-casting is a mechanical process that improves the properties of all types of concrete materials without using chemical additives or mineral admixtures. It is particularly suitable for producing high-quality concrete from secondary/substandard or waste/recycled aggregate materials, thereby promoting green, low-carbon, and sustainable construction. This paper introduces compression-casting and presents the experimental results of the material and relevant fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-reinforced structures. Various applications of the compression-casting technology on inferior concrete materials, including rubber, recycled aggregate, desert sand, and recycled powder concrete, have also been introduced. The behavior of FRP-reinforced structural members of compression-cast concrete (CCC) is evaluated and compared with that of normal concrete (NC). It is concluded that compared to NC, CCC has the following advantages: improved mechanical properties, microstructure, durability, cement saving, economy, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Finally, we provide recommendations for addressing CCC structure brittleness. As a result, this method can reshape the future of concrete manufacturing.

Green Tea Polyphenol Sandwich-Assisted Construction of Endothelial Biomimetic Coatings with Hyaluronic Acid Platform and Nitric Oxide Release for Hemodialysis Access Stents to Prevent Thrombosis and Restenosis

Green Tea Polyphenol Sandwich-Assisted Construction of Endothelial Biomimetic Coatings with Hyaluronic Acid Platform and Nitric Oxide Release for Hemodialysis Access Stents to Prevent Thrombosis and Restenosis

Brønsted acid catalyzed green and efficient construction of α-amino peroxides from 3-hydroxyisoindolinones and hydroperoxides

A Brønsted acid-catalyzed peroxidation of 3-hydroxyisoindolinones with hydroperoxides has been established for the first time, which constructs α-amino peroxides bearing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter in good to high yields and enantioselectivities. The transformation uses of environmentally benign solvents, and features operational simplicity, and high atom economy. The synthetic utility was demonstrated with the gram-scale reactions and further transformations of the products. Notably, preliminary bioactivity studies reveal that these valuable α-amino peroxides show potential anticancer activity.

Sustainable Maritime Transport: A Review of Intelligent Shipping Technology and Green Port Construction Applications

With the global economy’s relentless growth and heightened environmental consciousness, sustainable maritime transport emerges as a pivotal development trajectory for the shipping sector. This study systematically analyzes 478 publications searched in the Web of Science Core Collection, from 2000 to 2023, utilizing bibliometric methods to investigate the application areas in sustainable development within the shipping industry. This study begins with an analysis of annual publication trends, which reveals a substantial expansion in research endeavors within this discipline over recent years. Subsequently, a comprehensive statistical evaluation of scholarly journals and a collaborative network assessment are conducted to pinpoint the foremost productive journals, nations, organizations, and individual researchers. Furthermore, a keyword co-occurrence methodology is applied to delineate the core research themes and emerging focal points within this domain, thereby outlining potential research directions for future research. In addition, drawing on the keyword co-occurrence analysis, the advancements in intelligent shipping technologies and green port construction applications within sustainable maritime transport are discussed. Finally, the review discusses the existing challenges and opportunities of sustainable maritime transport from a theoretical and practical perspective. The research shows that, in terms of intelligent shipping technology, data security and multi-source data are the focus that people need to pay attention to in the future; a trajectory prediction for different climates and different ship types is also an area for future research. In terms of green ports, Cold Ironing (CI) is one of the key points of the green port strategy, and how to drive stakeholders to build sustainable green ports efficiently and economically is the future developmental direction. This review serves to enhance researchers’ comprehension of the current landscape and progression trajectory of intelligent shipping technologies, thereby fostering the continued advancement and exploration in this vital domain.