Sustainable Design Research Articles

Debonding Analysis of FRP-Strengthened Concrete Beam in High-Temperature Environment: An Enhanced Understanding on Sustainable Structure

FRP (fiber-reinforced composite) is generally regarded as the repair and enhancement material for existing concrete structures in extreme service environments such as high temperatures or fire exposure. In order to reveal the effect of high temperatures (i.e., thermal load) on the interfacial debonding behavior of a FRP-strengthened concrete beam, the novel closed-form analytical model was established and validated while considering the interfacial bond-slip constitutive. Based on the analytical model, solutions to the distributions of interfacial slip, interfacial shear stress, and debonding load were derived. Moreover, the effects of temperature variations and the FRP’s bonded thickness and length on interfacial bond behavior were also evaluated. The results indicated that the increase in temperature variations accelerated the development trends of interfacial slip and shear stress, where the affected range was mainly concentrated in the bonded plate end. The relationship between temperature variations and debonding loads presented a changing linear trend, and a prediction model for the debonding load was also proposed. Meanwhile, the increase in the FRP’s bonded thickness decreased the bond performance and accelerated the degradation trend of the debonding load. However, the increase in FRP’s bonded length improved the bearing capacity of the FRP-strengthened concrete beam. This paper provides meaningful guidelines for the sustainable design and construction of FRP-strengthened concrete structures in high-temperature environments.

Green Rural Modern Architectural Design Based on Pose Recognition Algorithm of Thermal Discomfort

To reduce the energy waste of modern rural buildings caused by over-cold or over-heat supply, this paper presents a method to realize energy-saving design of modern green rural buildings by using thermal decomposition location recognition algorithm. Based on the key points of the human skeleton, the pose recognition framework is constructed, and the deep learning network is combined to detect the human thermal disturbance posture. Furthermore, an end-to-end thermal inauthentic pose recognition algorithm is proposed to establish a green intelligent building energy minimization model considering thermal comfort range. The results show that the recognition rate of 1D convolution +LSTM model is 100%, and the optimal accuracy of 16 frames of image sequence with decoder module is 92.052%. Compared to traditional algorithms, the method can save up to 10% of the total energy cost and reduce the total temperature deviation. This study is of great significance for intelligent control of indoor thermal environment and improvement of energy utilization efficiency.

Sustainable Design Factors and Solutions Analysis and Assessment for the Graphic Design Industry: A Hybrid Fuzzy AHP–Fuzzy MARCOS Approach

Within the realm of graphic design sustainability, selecting appropriate solutions has become a crucial strategic decision for organizations aiming to optimize their operations. This paper presents a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, integrating a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy measurement alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution (FMARCOS). Evaluation criteria for graphic design sustainability are determined through consultation with experts, with their judgments expressed using linguistic terms based on fuzzy numbers. Criteria weights are calculated using FAHP, and the ranking and selection of the optimal potential solution are determined using FMARCOS. Subsequently, sensitivity analysis of the criteria weights is conducted to validate the results. Findings indicate that the integrated FAHP and FMARCOS model provides a robust and adaptable assessment framework for graphic design sustainability, enabling companies to navigate complexities strategically and effectively. The key contribution of this research is its emphasis on a systematic and objective model, offering practical insights relevant to the industry. It also serves as a valuable benchmark for future research in similar fields.

Reactive vapor-phase dealloying-alloying turns oxides into sustainable bulk nano-structured porous alloys.

For millennia, alloying has been the greatest gift from metallurgy to humankind: a process of mixing elements, propelling our society from the Bronze Age to the Space Age. Dealloying, by contrast, acts like a penalty: a corrosive counteracting process of selectively removing elements from alloys or compounds, degrading their structural integrity over time. We show that when these two opposite metallurgical processes meet in a reactive vapor environment, profound sustainable alloy design opportunities become accessible, enabling bulk nanostructured porous alloys directly from oxides, with zero carbon footprint. We introduce thermodynamically well-grounded treasure maps that turn the intuitive opposition between alloying and dealloying into harmony, facilitating a quantitative approach to navigate synthesis in such an immense design space. We demonstrate this alloy design paradigm by synthesizing nanostructured Fe-Ni-N porous martensitic alloys fully from oxides in a single solid-state process step and substantiating the critical kinetic processes responsible for the desired microstructure.

Smart Materials in Green Architecture: The Role of ETFE and Phase Change Materials in Sustainable Building Design

Given the importance of energy in achieving environmental sustainability in green buildings, one of the most significant solutions is to reduce physical building consumption and instead use renewable energy to prevent the depletion of natural resources and environmental pollution. Utilizing advanced technologies and intelligent systems in architecture is one of the methods that can achieve energy management in buildings and ensure comfortable conditions for the occupants of green buildings. In the field of future-oriented architecture, it is expected that in the future, materials and technologies developed over the past century will define the different challenges ahead to elevate sustainable development in the building industry. Using solar energy, one of the latest innovations in buildings, and other measures such as ETFE panels (a green roof idea with an intelligent system) and thermochromic materials, which change color to minimize heat exchange between interior and exterior spaces of the building, show that today's world faces energy crises. The use of smart materials tailored to environmental conditions can significantly impact building design and have beneficial effects in terms of compatibility with the environment, increased lifespan of materials, and the adaptability of materials to changing weather conditions, thus aiding in achieving sustainable architecture. Therefore, this article aims to introduce intelligent materials and their applications and benefits in green building architecture based on library studies. The primary goal is to identify and highlight the most crucial aspects of using intelligent materials and their performance in buildings and how these materials behave and perform in architectural designs. The best way to leverage the benefits of these smart energy-saving materials and management for achieving sustainable architecture will be discussed.

Four or five years: An examination of the motivations for selecting undergraduate engineering program length and impacts on student wellness.

The University of Prince Edward Island’s (UPEI) Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) is unique in offering the undergraduate curriculum in both Four- and Five-Year degree plan lengths. The purpose of this study is to examine 1) the motivations for selecting and 2) impacts of degree plan length on UPEI FSDE student wellness. An anonymous, voluntary survey (REB approved) was developed and administered to approximately 200 undergraduate students during the Fall 2023 semester. Preliminary analysis found approximately 75% of undergraduate FSDE students follow the Five-Year degree plan option. Further, approximately 50% of respondents selected academic workload as the primary driver for their degree plan choice. The Five-Year degree plan length was the option of choice for UPEI FSDE students, with workload being the primary motivation for the selection. These findings help provide insight into how to better serve students and provide meaningful evidence to support curriculum design for fostering student wellness.

Vernacular Iranian housing as a sustainable model of functional and aesthetic comfort in contemporary passive dwellings

In the recent years, with global warming and the change in climatic characteristics, buildings and interior arrangements in dry and cold climates, that previously did not have cooling problems, now require built and pre-planned cooling systems as well as heating. On the other hand, the enormous increase in energy consumption and the rapid depletion of energy resources causes concern and anxiety for future generations. In this regard, utilizing natural resources and incorporating sustainable solutions into building design are critical. Vernacular technical systems and design ideas can still be accepted and applied to create sustainable solutions. In this context, design strategies for energy efficiency and provision of physical and spatial comforts could be considered based on traditional architecture. In this study, sustainable building design solutions that have been used in Iran’s vernacular houses, which has four distinct climate zones, aimed to create a paradigm for the general modern passive house designs in the global context. Traditional Iranian residential architecture incorporates architectural features for physical, spatial, and climatic needs, as well as aesthetic comfort for the user. In this manner, user needs and interior space organization in vernacular residential architecture can be considered as a sustainable housing model that meets today’s technology requirements in passive house design.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Conventional Rudder against Fish Tail and Tubercle Rudders at Various Angles of Attack

The development of maritime surface ships has become a significant topic in naval architecture due to the challenges posed by collisions and ship grounding. Special rudders, such as flaps and schilling rudders, are being developed to improve ship maneuverability and address carbon neutrality and environmental damage. Biomimicry, the study of replicating living/nature animals, aims to learn how to copy their systems, methods, forms, and structures, using them as eco-friendly and sustainable design solutions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is increasingly being used in ship hydrodynamics to simulate complex phenomena in rudder simulations. The effectiveness of rudder use is determined by analysing the drag and side force values with various angles of attack from 0° to 30° at an operational speed of 12 knots. The most effective side force-to-drag ratio was achieved when the rudder was tilted at an angle of 5°. The fishtail and tubercle models have a more stochastic distribution, with the fishtail rudder having 5.1% greater performance effectiveness than the conventional rudder. The biomimetic method can improve the performance of wing-like structures, as seen with humpback whales operating in a marine environment similar to certain designed marine systems.

Exploring the intersection of sustainable design and cultural heritage: Enhancing community enterprise through product innovation in bamboo basketry using post-harvest sugar cane leaves

This research explores the dynamic intersection of sustainable design, cultural heritage, and community enterprise, focusing on the innovative utilization of post-harvest sugar cane leaves in bamboo basketry production from various provinces in Thailand. This study aims to investigate how design anthropology principles can enhance community enterprises’ resilience and sustainability by employing a qualitative case study approach. Findings reveal that while traditional bamboo basketry reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage, a shift towards sustainable practices offers environmental benefits and economic opportunities. Design anthropology informs the development of culturally relevant products, fostering market competitiveness and preserving traditional craftsmanship. Moreover, government policies play a pivotal role in supporting or hindering the growth of community enterprises, with soft power initiatives holding promise for promoting cultural heritage and sustainability. Collaboration between policymakers, design anthropologists, and local stakeholders is essential for developing inclusive policies that empower communities and foster sustainable development. Overall, integrating sustainable design practices and cultural insights holds significant potential for enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of community enterprises, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for both the industry and the communities it serves. This study is a testament that design anthropology provides a powerful framework for addressing complex social and environmental issues through the lenses of culture and design.

Study on the Indoor Thermal Environment of Traditional Residences in Southern Jiangsu—A Case Study of Xue Fucheng’s Former Residence, Wuxi City

Traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu are residential buildings characterized by local features that embody climate adaptability principles and reflect ecological wisdom and cultural significance rooted in environmental harmony. On the basis of the inheritance of architectural culture and the development of green design, this study aims to explore the scientific and green construction practices of traditional residences, with Xue Fucheng’s Former Residence in Wuxi City as a representative case of southern Jiangsu architecture. By measurement and data analysis, this study investigates the indoor thermal environment of traditional residences, focusing on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and radiant heat. It analyzes the methods and architectural mechanisms employed by traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu to control light, wind, and heat in the living environment. The findings summarize the inheritable experience in green and ecological design of traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu, providing a prudent reference for establishing a green building construction model and technique system with distinct features of Southern Jiangsu.

Artificial Intelligence in the Sustainable Design and Manufacturing of Products in Civil Engineering in the Context of Industry 4.0

The implementation of smart technologies as well as artificial intelligence resulted in an increase in productivity and efficiency in production, optimization of costs, and automation of time-consuming processes. The situation is similar in the field of the production of construction products. Digitization and automation are challenges within Industry 4.0 (Construction 4.0), which are the subject and interest of several studies and discussions by experts in the field. The aim of the research is to analyze the relationships between digitization in the industry, artificial intelligence, and performance in the design, production, and use of construction products in the context of Industry 4.0 principles. The research uses primary and secondary data on the use of AI and its potential and impacts in the field of performance and efficiency in design, production, and use in civil engineering. Several statistical tools are used in the analysis, from descriptive statistics to the use of statistical tests and correlation and regression analysis. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was the primary tool for evaluating the dependence between variables. The research results point to the connection and dependence between the use of AI and digitization in individual design and production activities. Autonomous production machines, the production of ore products, and generative design represent areas of production in the construction industry, where the use of AI and digitization makes sense from the point of view of the performance of the results. Innovations and intelligent tools within the concept of Industry 4.0 (Construction 4.0) are, therefore, a prerequisite for an effective setting of design and production in this industry as well.

A Sustainable Hybrid Off-Grid System Design for Isolated Island Considering Techno-Economic and Frequency Stability Analysis

Electrifying remote islands presents complex challenges. Currently, most remote areas in Indonesia rely on diesel fuel for their electricity supplies, contributing to escalating generation costs and environmental degradation. Aligned with the global net-zero emission goal, this study proposes the design of a hybrid off-grid system for Kabare Village in the Raja Ampat Islands, integrating techno-economic and frequency stability analyses. HOMER Pro was employed to identify the most optimal system configuration, while DIgSILENT PowerFactory was utilized to assess the frequency stability performance of the system. This study unveils that the optimal system combines existing generators, solar panels, and batteries, with a net present cost of $1.37 million. The optimal system delivers an 11.8% reduction in levelized cost of energy to $0.269/kWh, alongside a 25.6% decrease in both fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to the existing system. Moreover, the system meets frequency stability metrics, even under extreme operational conditions. This study demonstrates that implementing a hybrid off-grid system in Kabare Village is not only technically and economically feasible but also a practical option. These findings are anticipated to assist the government in promoting the utilization of renewable energy sources, particularly in remote areas such as the islands of eastern Indonesia.

Innovating sustainable fashion design: an exploration of the sustainability of a hybrid method through the C2CAD framework

ABSTRACT Sustainability in the fashion industry is evolving, with a trend towards integrating digital technology with traditional crafts, as more eyes are on artisanal values than manufacturing benefits. Meanwhile, a hybrid design and making method merges human skills with digital tools for sustainable creation, as investigated in the design innovations of the opera costume in this study. The study applies the C2CAD framework to guide design, develop an optimised design model, and validate the sustainable impact of each design step. The design model focuses on small-scale customised pieces by the designer and highlights the stages of hybrid design and making, resulting in a sustainable design process that displays a non-linear recursive route. The research reveals the interaction between the making techniques and necessitates a balance between aesthetics and sustainability. The findings provide a valuable insight into the application of the sustainable fashion design model and making method in the design process.

A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Evidence-Based Design for Aligning Therapeutic and Sustainability Outcomes in Healthcare Facilities: A Systematic Literature Review.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to identify which aspects of evidence-based design (EBD) and sustainable design principles overlap based on evidence in the peer reviewed academic literature. By doing so, the study enables hospital infrastructure design decisions that prioritize both sustainability outcomes (sustainable hospital infrastructure design) and therapeutic (EBD) outcomes. Background: Healthcare facilities need to adapt to the future demands from a changing climate, demographic shifts, and economic restraints. Facilities need to be designed in ways that better support patients, staff, and the environment to ensure their long-term success. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through searches in SCOPUS and Web of Science. All studies in acute care settings were included in the review except those investigating EBD in the context of specific health conditions, which were excluded. Themes that overlap were identified to form a conceptual framework for sustainable EBD. Results: Sixty-five articles were included in the final analysis. Identified sustainability features were related to: Sociocultural and functional, Indoor environmental quality and wellbeing, Energy and atmosphere, Water, Materials and resources, Waste, Sustainable sites, and Facility design. EBD thematic analyses were categorized into Indoor environmental quality, Design, Sociocultural, and Functional performance and safety. Conclusions: Key areas of synergy include Indoor environmental quality and wellbeing and Energy and atmosphere. The development of the conceptual framework enables scholars and practitioners to identify design features that align both priorities and through future research, refine the framework.

Biomimicry in Malaysian Architecture: Crafting A Modular Framework for Sustainable Design

Biomimicry in Malaysian Architecture: Crafting A Modular Framework for Sustainable Design

Towards sustainable 6G: A collaborative call to action for addressing environmental challenges in (and thanks to) future mobile networks

As mobile networks evolve towards 6G, sustainability must be a central focus to address the environmental impacts of increasing energy consumption and resource use. This open letter highlights insights from the "Towards Sustainable 6G" workshop, where seven EU-funded projects - 6G4Society, BeGREEN, COALESCE, IN2CCAM, CENTRIC, 6Green, and 6G-TWIN - showcased innovative solutions for integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and ecological resilience into next-generation mobile networks. The projects emphasize AI-driven optimisation, sustainable infrastructure design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration as key strategies for reducing the ecological footprint of 6G systems. A joint statement underscores the necessity of embedding sustainability into 6G design, with follow-up activities planned to advance green telecommunications.

Eco Breakthroughs: Sustainable Materials Transforming the Future of Our Planet

Interest in the sustainable materials sector is growing and accelerated. These materials are designed to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and be recyclable or biodegradable, making them highly attractive to both academia and industry. Constantly updating on innovations in this field is essential to speed up the transition to a circular economy and significantly reduce environmental impact. The paper analyzes the current status and future trends of the scientific literature for seven sustainability-related materials categories, such as sustainable materials, green materials, biomaterials, eco-friendly materials, alternative materials, material recycling and material recovery from complex products, and sustainable applied materials. Next, it assesses the impacts, benefits, and challenges associated with sustainable materials from the scientific literature according to six research fields (impact on the environment, performance and durability, economic efficiency, health and safety, social sustainability, and implementation and use). Furthermore, the paper outlines recent advances in sustainable material design, including biomimicry, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and sustainable composite materials. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis of 545 studies on sustainable materials published between 1999 and 2023 was conducted based on eight criteria, namely trend, source, author, country, keywords, thematic, co-citation, and content. The findings show that the sustainability-related materials categories have a particular distribution among the domains. Also, the thematic map analysis outlines that biopolymers, nanocellulose, and biocomposites are critical research areas for developing sustainable materials.

Roads are partial barriers to foraging solitary bees in an urban landscape.

Understanding how animals navigate novel heterogeneous landscapes is key to predicting species responses to land-use change. Roads are pervasive features of human-altered landscapes, known to alter movement patterns and habitat connectivity of vertebrates like small mammals and amphibians. However, less is known about how roads influence movement of insects, a knowledge gap that is especially glaring in light of recent investments in habitat plantings for insect pollinators along roads verges and medians. In this study, we experimentally investigate behavioral avoidance of roads by a solitary bee and explore whether landscape factors are associated with bee movement in urban Massachusetts, USA. Using mark-recapture surveys, we tracked individual solitary bee (Agapostemon virescens) foraging movements among floral patches separated by roads or grass lawn. We found that roads acted as partial barriers to movements of foraging bees, with road crossings nearly half as likely as along-road movements (36% vs. 64%). Movement probabilities were negatively associated with distance and the proportion of roadway between patches, and positively associated with higher floral resource density at the destination patch. Importantly, our findings also suggest that while roads impede bee movement, they are not complete barriers to dispersal of bees and/or transfer of pollen in urban landscapes. In the context of green space design, our findings suggest that prioritizing contiguous habitat and ensuring higher floral densities along road edges may enhance resource access for pollinators and mitigate the risk of ecological traps.

The Use of Eye-Tracking to Explore the Relationship Between Consumers’ Gaze Behaviour and Their Choice Process

Eye-tracking technology can assist researchers in understanding motivational decision-making and choice processes by analysing consumers’ gaze behaviour. Previous studies showed that attention is related to decision, as the preferred stimulus is generally the most observed and the last visited before a decision is made. In this work, the relationship between gaze behaviour and decision-making was explored using eye-tracking technology. Images of six wardrobes incorporating different sustainable design strategies were presented to 57 subjects, who were tasked with selecting the wardrobe they intended to keep the longest. The amount of time spent looking was higher when it was the chosen version. Detailed analyses of gaze plots and heat maps derived from eye-tracking records were employed to identify different patterns of gaze behaviour during the selection process. These patterns included alternating attention between a few versions or comparing them against a reference, allowing the identification of stimuli that initially piqued interest but were ultimately not chosen, as well as potential doubts in the decision-making process. These findings suggest that doubts that arise before making a selection warrant further investigation. By identifying stimuli that attract attention but are not chosen, this study provides valuable insights into consumer behaviour and decision-making processes.

Optimal dynamic pricing and green design under carbon-reduction competition considering social influence

The concept of green design is a design idea that focuses on environmental protection and sustainability. Green design has become the core competitiveness of enterprises. So this paper explores competitive pricing and green design strategy of firms in the context of carbon reduction. In the analysis of the effect of social influence, consumer environmental awareness is also considered. And two research scenarios are examined: Price competition in single carbon reduction scenario; Competition in pricing and green level under dual carbon reduction scenario. The results indicate that social influence and consumer environmental awareness interactively and significantly affect corporate decisions; Social influence positively promotes firms’ profit and is not always disadvantageous for competitors’ profit; In equilibrium, when one firm makes a green transformation, it achieves the win-win situation of not only improving environmental performance but also maximizing economic benefits. However, the induced environmental improvements and economic benefits of competitive enterprises are not necessarily ideal. The study results provide optimal strategies for competitive and environmental actions of enterprises, and also provide management insight for the sustainable development of enterprises.