Sustainable Building Research Articles

Understanding Divergent Views on Nearly Zero- Energy Buildings between Developers and Procurers in Romania

This study investigates the awareness, perceptions, and preparedness of Romanian construction developers and public procurement specialists in relation to nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEBs), focusing on factors that influence their adoption. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes 193 validated questionnaire responses and insights from interviews with four industry experts. The findings reveal a significant disparity in familiarity with nZEB, with developers exhibiting greater awareness than procurers. Compliance with regulations emerges as the primary driver for nZEB adoption, while high upfront costs and a scarcity of qualified workforce are major barriers. Additionally, the complexity and fragmentation of Romanian legislation on nZEB standards creates ambiguities and further hinders effective implementation. Despite these challenges, developers express moderate optimism about Romanian construction companies' adaptability to future nZEB demands, whereas procurers remain less confident. The study underscores the critical role of proactive policy interventions, clear public procurement criteria, and collaborative strategies in aligning government-funded projects with energy efficiency goals. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering innovation, this research provides policymakers and stakeholders with actionable insights to facilitate a smooth transition to sustainable building practices in Romania.

Enhancing environmental sustainability in concrete buildings with zeolite and reduced graphene oxide additives

Enhancing environmental sustainability in concrete buildings with zeolite and reduced graphene oxide additives

Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Concrete using Recycled Plastic and Glass Waste

This study explores using recycled waste glass and plastic fibers as substitutes for fine aggregates in concrete to meet the growing need for sustainable building materials. The basic materials consist of OPC 43 grade and locally obtained river sand. The research incorporates glass powder from crushed beer bottles and plastic fibers from recycled plastic bottles into the concrete mixture. Various tests, including slump, compressive strength (CS), and split tensile strength (STS) assessments, are performed to ascertain the characteristics of the modified concrete in both its fresh and hardened states. The findings demonstrate a significant enhancement in the ease of handling when glass powder is used, exhibiting a surge of 170% and 270% for mixtures, including 15% and 25% glass powder, respectively, compared to conventional OPC concrete. Although including these recycled materials reduces compressive strength (19.95% for SP15 and 21.39% for SP25); tensile strength is significantly improved, with gains of 35% for SP15 and 53.75% for SP25. This research emphasizes the feasibility of integrating waste glass and plastic fibers into concrete as a practical method for sustainable building.

A Proposed School for Traditional Building Arts & Crafts in Kalongo, Uganda

Uganda is headed for exponential growth both in its population and in its building stock. The buildings of small Ugandan market communities such as Kalongo, a remote village in the north, reflect two distinct construction systems, as contemporary building practices have turned their back on tradition. Interventions by foreign NGOs in the area have contributed to the stigmatization of local building traditions as representing underdevelopment. This proposed design project for a School for Traditional Building Arts & Crafts in Kalongo seeks to bridge the disconnect between building traditions and the growing requirement for durable, sustainable buildings. The proposal sets out the concept of an innovative way of building through the elevation of local materials and traditions on a new scale.

Green building adoption: Emphasizing energy efficiency and water conservation

Acceleration of development in Indonesia requires the adoption of Green Building that prioritizes efficiency, energy and water conservation. Previous studies have shown that perception, policy, regulation, and knowledge influence the adoption of green buildings for energy efficiency and sustainability. This study offers a step to explore the implementation of Green Building in East Java, assessing the cost, perception, and government policy for the success of green buildings. This study analyzes the influence of individual attitudes, perceived ease, and social support on the intention to adopt green technology. This study uses an interactive questionnaire to collect valid data, analyze Green Building adoption factors, and provide strategic recommendations with a sample size of 111 that have contributed to green buildings in East Java. This study reveals that attitude (R² = 0.924) and intention (R² = 0.933) contribute significantly to the adoption of green buildings in East Java. Meanwhile, funding variables and government policies do not show a significant impact. Simultaneous tests show a significant influence of attitude with an F value of 13.938.

The impact of board gender diversity on green building practices: Moving beyond traditional linear and logistic specifications

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between sustainability and gender equality by analyzing how the percentage of women on the board of directors (still less than 50% in most cases) influences a company's commitment to green building practices. For this analysis, we estimate 30 competing multivariate pooled and panel data logistic specifications, including the gender diversity factor in both its traditional and polynomial forms. This methodological innovation (the polynomial form) allows for the examination of gender diversity's relationship with other variables beyond conventional models that assume constant effects, thus enabling a more realistic depiction of impacts that vary with the degree of diversity. Our dataset includes companies listed on the Euro Stoxx 300 and Standard & Poor's 500 for the period 2010–2021. The findings indicate that, in both indices, an increased percentage of women on the board (and a higher Blau diversity index) correlates with a greater propensity for sustainable building practices, up to a threshold nearing parity. The impacts are more significant in Europe than in the U.S., where board gender diversity appears to have a lesser influence on green building initiatives. The specification that best models the relationship between sustainable building practices and gender diversity, along with other relevant factors, is a multivariate panel data logistic model with the gender diversity factor included as a cubic polynomial for companies listed on the Euro Stoxx 300. A similar model, but with the gender factor in a quadratic polynomial form, was selected for companies listed on the Standard & Poor's 500. Therefore, the impact function of gender diversity on sustainable building practices is not constant but depends on the existing degree of board gender diversity, with the shape of the impact function differing between Europe and the U.S. Additionally, the study finds that other board characteristics—larger boards, longer tenures of directors, and higher compensation for senior executives—are associated with an increased propensity towards green practices in both the European and U.S. contexts. Conversely, linking CEO compensation to shareholder returns reduces this propensity. Moreover, the number of non‐executive directors and the overlap between the Chairperson and CEO positions do not significantly impact this propensity.

How action learning broke down silos, built referent power, and created sustainable capability building

This paper presents a case study of how technology support moved from being a just in time (JIT) help service to developing capability and capacity building through a process of building digital self-efficacy (DSE). By active membership of the UNSW Online Learning and Innovation Community of Practice (OLI CoP) a process of action learning cycles was undertaken in partnership to focus on pedagogy ahead of technology. By doing so, a scalable change process was initiated that brings the coalition of the willing into being core university influencers. As a result, the academics see technology become embedded into their pedagogical practice rather than a tool alone. This case provides insights from the key learnings which have, in turn, enabled a new model of technology support delivery. This model has also provided career growth opportunities for both academics and the educational technology services (ETS) team, while also supporting student learning.

Research and development of wood-cement composites as sustainable building materials based on secondary resources

Research and development of wood-cement composites as sustainable building materials based on secondary resources

From Waste to Power: Developing Structural Supercapacitors with Red Mud and Jute Stick.

Developing effective, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly energy storage solutions is crucial for sustainable building structures. Red mud, a waste material, was used as the electrolyte and separator in supercapacitors, alongside activated carbon derived from jute sticks coated on steel mesh electrodes. Tests on RM-enhanced supercapacitors showed that 20% by weight of RM was the best amount. This increased the modulus of elasticity by 33%, the tensile strength by 3%, and the compressive strength by 10%. Durability was largely unaffected, with minimal additional water absorption and slight shrinkage variation. The supercapacitor cell had an extended cell potential of 1.5 V and a maximum specific capacitance of 62.3 F g-1 at 0.4 A g-1, as shown by electrochemical tests. This improved energy density to 19.5 Wh kg-1, with a power density of 301.8 W kg-1 at 0.4 A g-1 and a maximum power density of 605.8 W kg-1 at 0.8 A g-1. The cell retained 77% of its initial capacitance after 450 continuous GCD cycles, demonstrating notable stability. This stability is due to the solid electrolyte and the synergy between JC and RM, indicating promising advancements for future energy storage devices.

Historical Evolution and Current Developments in Building Thermal Insulation Materials—A Review

The European Climate Law mandates a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, intending to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To meet these targets, there is a strong focus on reducing energy consumption in buildings, particularly for heating and cooling, which are the primary drivers of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings is increasing, and thermal insulation plays a crucial role in minimizing energy consumption for both winter heating and summer cooling. This review explores the historical development of thermal insulation materials, beginning with natural options such as straw, wool, and clay, progressing to materials like cork, asbestos, and mineral wool, and culminating in synthetic insulators such as fiberglass and polystyrene. The review also examines innovative materials like polyurethane foam, vacuum insulation panels, and cement foams enhanced with phase change materials. Additionally, it highlights the renewed interest in environmentally friendly materials like cellulose, hemp, and sheep wool. The current challenges in developing sustainable, high-performance building solutions are discussed, including the implementation of the 6R principles for insulating materials. Finally, the review not only traces the historical evolution of insulation materials but also provides various classifications and summarizes emerging aspects in the field.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF DOUBLE SKIN FACADES IN WINTER CLIMATES

The presented study reveals the analysis of the thermal behaviour of double skin facades (DSF) in winter conditions, using numerical simulation tools. The aim of the study is the development of a 3D simulation model, capable to evaluate the thermal behaviour of the modular elements in the DSF systems. This is essential requirement in the prediction and visualization of the facade’s thermal behaviour in the design stage and in the assessment of the real behaviour of such facade, when the specified modular elements are changed by the customer. The presented numerical simulation model aims to adequately reproduce the resulting set of thermal characteristics of the modular elements, to determine with sufficient accuracy their distribution in the real objects, implemented inthe models in DSF systems. An algorithm is developed in the study and graphical visualization of three models of double facade systems with and without DSF are analysed under winter conditions, using data from a meteorological station located in North-Eastern Bulgaria. A software product was used to represent the processes of heat and mass transfer, in which the corresponding boundary and initial conditions were set, based on which the results and analyses were obtained. The use of such numerical modelling is effective enough to predict the expected thermal behaviour of DSF systems. Thus, when selecting a DSF facade system, awareness of the thermal behaviour is ensured, and the financial efficiency of the project is more easily determined. Such a customized approach not only improves the sustainability and efficiency of buildings, but also satisfies the unique preferences and requirements of the customers.

Identifying the agile project management implementation barriers for sustainable residential buildings

Identifying the agile project management implementation barriers for sustainable residential buildings

The Properties of Bricks Made from Recycled HDPE

Plastic waste, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE), poses significant environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature. Recycling HDPE into building materials, such as bricks, offers a sustainable solution to mitigate these impacts. This study investigates the properties of bricks made from recycled HDPE, focusing on their compressive strength, water absorption, and durability. The results indicate that HDPE bricks exhibit superior mechanical properties, including higher compressive strength and lower water absorption compared to traditional clay bricks. These bricks are lightweight, cost-effective, and demonstrate excellent durability, making them a viable alternative for sustainable construction. The research highlights the potential of recycled HDPE bricks in reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability. The intensifying generation of plastic waste presents a significant environmental challenge worldwide. Plastic waste, due to its non-biodegradable nature, contributes to land and water pollution, requiring the exploration of sustainable waste management solutions. Recycling plastic waste into building materials, such as bricks, offers a potential solution to mitigate environmental impacts. This research aimed to investigate the integration of plastic waste into building materials through a comprehensive study using experimental testing, software analysis, and structural design. The ETAB analysis demonstrated that the HDPE model exhibited lower bending moments and axial loads compared to the concrete model, suggesting superior mechanical properties and load-carrying capacity. This research contributes to the understanding of the behaviour and performance of plastic bricks in structural applications, enabling the development of sustainable and efficient building designs that incorporate plastic waste materials. Key Words: Plastic Waste, Environmental Challenge, Non-Biodegradable, Sustainable Solutions, Experimental Study, Plastic Bricks, Alternative Building Materials, Methodology, Comparable Strength, Plastic Waste Crisis.

Innovative development of high-performance aerogel-phosphogypsum thermal insulation mortars: Optimization of composition and enhanced mechanical properties

This study investigates the effects of various components on the performance of aerogel-phosphogypsum (APG) thermal insulation mortar. This study investigates the effects of various components on the performance of aerogel-phosphogypsum (APG) thermal insulation mortar, with a special focus on optimizing the composition to enhance mechanical properties. The parametric range explored included phosphogypsum content from 10 to 30 wt%, hollow glass microspheres (HGS) from 5 to 15 wt%, and aerogel slurry from 40 to 80 wt%. Our findings reveal that the optimal composition, which provided the best balance between thermal insulation and mechanical strength, consisted of 20 wt% phosphogypsum, 10 wt% HGS, and 60 wt% aerogel slurry. Notably, the introduction of 0.14 % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and 1.89 % re-dispersible polymer powder (RPP) significantly enhanced the compressive strength of the mortars. Specifically, compressive strength increased from an initial 0.05 MPa–0.27 MPa post-enhancement with HPMC and RPP. This research provides a detailed understanding of how individual components influence the formulation of APG and offers insights for optimizing the overall performance of aerogel-phosphogypsum composites, contributing to advancements in sustainable building materials.

Energy Management System for Polygeneration Microgrids, Including Battery Degradation and Curtailment Costs

Recent advancements in sensor technologies have significantly improved the monitoring and control of various energy parameters, enabling more precise and adaptive management strategies for smart microgrids. This work presents a novel model of an energy management system (EMS) for grid-connected polygeneration microgrids that allows optimizing the management of electrical storage systems, electric vehicles, and other deferrable loads such as heat pumps. The main novelty of this model is that it incorporates both climate comfort variables and the consideration of the degradation of the energy storage capacity in the control strategy, as well as a penalty for the dumping of surpluses. The model has been applied to a smart, sustainable building as a case study. The results show that the proposed model is highly adaptable to diverse weather conditions, minimizing renewable energy losses while satisfying the energy demand and providing comfort to the building’s users. The study shows (i) that EVs’ dynamic charging schedules play a crucial role, (ii) that it is possible to minimize a battery’s degradation by optimizing its cycling, averaging one cycle per day, and (iii) the critical impact of seasonal weather patterns on microgrid energy management and the strategic role of EVs and storage systems in maintaining energy balance and efficiency.

Critical Perspectives on the Adoption of Circular Design Strategies in the Built Environment for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Adopting circular design strategies (CDS) in building development presents a transformative approach toward sustainability by promoting resource efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. This paper examined the current landscape of CDS adoption, focusing on barriers, enablers, benefits, and critical success factors within the built environment (BE) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on a comprehensive review of global contexts literature, the study identifies and categorizes 185 factors, subsequently pruning them to 121 pertinent to the design stage. Barriers such as low awareness, regulatory gaps, and economic constraints are explored alongside enablers like leadership commitment, technological innovation, and supportive policies. The paper underscores the pivotal role of these factors in shaping sustainable building practices, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to overcome local socio-cultural, economic, and technological challenges in the BE of Sub-Saharan Africa. This research contributes a nuanced understanding of how CDS can be effectively integrated into the BE, offering practical implications for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers striving to embrace sustainable practices.

Implementation of thermoelectric wall systems for sustainable indoor environment regulation in buildings through numerical and experimental performance analysis

With buildings representing a substantial portion of global energy consumption, exploring alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems is critical. Thermoelectricity offers a promising solution by converting temperature differentials into electrical voltage or vice versa, enabling efficient indoor thermal regulation. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the integration of thermoelectric wall systems for sustainable building climate control through numerical simulations and experimental analyses. Numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques were conducted to model fluid flow and heat transfer within the thermoelectric wall systems under various operating conditions. These simulations provided insights into the system’s thermal behavior, which were validated through experimental setups designed to measure temperature differentials, airflow rates, and power consumption. The results showed that power consumption is directly correlated with electrical current, ranging from 0.19 W to 77.4 W as the current increased from 0.1 A to 2 A. Additionally, the heat absorbed by the system increased significantly with electrical current, by 706–1044%, depending on the air velocity. The thermal energy released from the hot side of the thermoelectric modules also rose substantially, ranging from 9850 to 5285% with increasing electrical current, and from 275 to 51% with higher air velocities. Moreover, increasing air velocity led to a 6.78–9.37% reduction in power consumption for currents between 0.1 A and 2 A. The coefficient of performance (COP) analysis revealed that optimizing both electrical current and air velocity is essential for maximizing system efficiency. While fan power consumption reduces COP at higher air velocities, neglecting fan power consumption results in COP improvements ranging from 6.5 × 10⁻⁴ to 49.0%. These findings highlight the potential of thermoelectric wall systems to enhance indoor comfort and energy efficiency in buildings.

Pre-Planning and Post-Evaluation Approaches to Sustainable Vernacular Architectural Practice: A Research-by-Design Study to Building Renovation in Shangri-La’s Shanpian House, China

The renovation and revitalization of vernacular architecture are pivotal in sustainable rural development. In regions like Shangri-La, traditional structures not only safeguard cultural heritage but also provide a foundation for enhancing local communities’ living conditions. However, these villages face growing challenges, including infrastructure decay, cultural erosion, and inadequate adaptation to modern living standards. Addressing these issues requires innovative research approaches that combine heritage preservation with the integration of contemporary functionality. This study employs a research-by-design approach, focusing on the Shanpian House as a case study, to explore how pre-planning and post-evaluation methods can revitalize traditional vernacular architecture. The pre-planning phase utilizes field surveys and archival research to assess spatial, cultural, and environmental conditions, framing a design strategy informed by field theory. In doing so, it evaluates how traditional architectural elements can be preserved while introducing modern construction techniques that meet current living standards. The post-evaluation phase, conducted through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, assesses user satisfaction, focusing on the impact of architectural esthetics, structural stability, and material choices. Key findings from an OLS regression highlight the strong positive correlation between architectural style, structural choices, and cultural relevance with resident satisfaction. The research emphasizes that design elements such as structural details, materials, and infrastructure upgrades are critical in shaping perceptions of both functionality and cultural identity. Interestingly, the model reveals that improving architectural esthetics, alongside modern indoor features such as network connectivity, has a significant impact on enhancing overall resident satisfaction (significance level: 0.181). This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable building renovation by demonstrating how traditional architecture can be thoughtfully adapted for contemporary use and also proposes a paradigm shift in the renovation of historic buildings, advocating for a balance between preservation and modernization. The application of sustainable materials, digital modeling, and innovative construction techniques further ensures that these traditional structures meet the demands of modern civilization while maintaining their cultural integrity.

Sustainable commercially-scaled greenhouse building cooling solution: Integrating PCM storage, desiccant wheels, and absorption chillers powered by dual-source solar/biomass energy

This research aims to address the critical need for sustainable cooling systems in greenhouses, particularly relevant in mitigating global warming impacts and enhancing food security worldwide. The urgency becomes more pronounced in locations experiencing high ambient temperature and humidity. The study introduces an innovative cooling system integrating Phase Change Material, a desiccant wheel, and an absorption chiller, powered by solar and biomass energy. This novel system aims to efficiently regulate temperature and humidity in greenhouse environments. The performance of this system is examined in Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh during the summer months, utilizing TRNSYS software for a medium-scale greenhouse model. Additionally, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment is carried out to quantify the environmental impacts of the proposed system. Results indicate that in Abu Dhabi, the system yields a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 1.108, effectively maintaining indoor climate conditions. Similarly, Doha and Riyadh exhibit COPs of 1.015 and 0.827, respectively. In terms of solar energy utilization, Abu Dhabi demonstrates a solar fraction of 40.4, corresponding to the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) at 0.106 kg CO2eq per 1 kW of provided cooling capacity. Conversely, Riyadh records the highest GWP at 0.149 kg CO2eq, followed by Doha at 0.118 kg CO2eq. The Energy Payback Time (EPBT) for the system in Abu Dhabi is calculated to be 3.96 years, the shortest among the examined cities. In comparison, Doha and Riyadh present longer EPBTs of 4.48 and 5.83 years, respectively. These findings suggest that the proposed system offers a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional greenhouse cooling approaches.

Building performance optimization through sensitivity Analysis, and economic insights using AI

Optimizing building designs for energy efficiency and occupant comfort presents significant challenges due to the complex and often conflicting requirements of various stakeholders. Consequently, this study conducts a multifaceted sensitivity and economic impact analysis that aims to improve building performance in terms of energy efficiency and occupant comfort by implementing machine learning techniques. Using a broad dataset comprising of 12,000 energy simulation runs for Tvedestrand Upper Secondary School in Norway, several machine learning models were employed with Multi-Layer Perceptron outperforming the others. In addition, several sensitivity analysis methods were used to explore the influence of individual parameters on building performance. The analysis reveals that ventilation rate, room depth, U-value of the facade, and heat gains significantly affect energy consumption. Economic impact analysis was also carried out to compare the cost-effectiveness of traditional HVAC systems with Building Management System (BMS) HVAC solutions. The BMS HVAC system shows significantly lower operational costs over time, with investment costs averaging around 1200 Norwegian kroner (NOK)/m2 and operational costs of approximately 150 NOK/m2 per year. Sensitivity analysis under different economic scenarios highlights the economic viability of the BMS HVAC system. This study identifies optimal building parameters that balance energy efficiency and thermal comfort, achieving total energy consumption between 11.05 and 22.51 kWh/m2 and zero discomfort hours (h > 26 °C). In sum, the findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders, enabling informed decisions about sustainable building design and energy efficiency improvements, ensuring both technical soundness and financial viability under a wide range of conditions, while using the tested tools.