Development Of Sustainable Buildings Research Articles

Application of Renewable Energy in Green Buildings and Energy Consumption Optimization

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing global awareness of sustainable development and environmental protection, green building has become one of the important development directions in the construction industry. The application of sustainable type energy in the construction industry is of great significance in reducing building energy consumption and environmental pollution. This study aims to explore the application of sustainable types of energy and conduct research on energy consumption optimization. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the current situation of the application of sustainable types of energy in the construction industry, to explore its impact on the energy consumption of buildings, and to propose corresponding optimization strategies in order to achieve the goal of sustainable development of green buildings in China. METHODS: This study adopts a combination of literature review and case study; firstly, a literature review on the application of sustainable types of energy, sorting out its technical characteristics and application effects; then, several typical cases are selected to analyze its energy application and energy consumption in buildings; finally, relevant strategies and suggestions for optimizing the energy consumption are put forward by combining the results of the literature review and the case study. RESULTS: Through the literature review and case analysis, it is found that sustainable types of energy, such as solar energy and wind energy, have been widely used in buildings and achieved certain energy-saving effects. However, there are also some problems, such as inefficient energy utilization and high cost. To address these problems, this study proposes a series of optimization strategies, including suggestions for optimizing energy system design, improving energy utilization efficiency, and reducing energy costs. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the application of sustainable types of energy in green buildings is an important way to optimize building energy consumption and sustainable development. Through measures such as optimizing energy system design and improving energy utilization efficiency, building energy consumption can be further reduced, environmental pollution can be reduced, and the development of the construction industry can be promoted. However, further research and practice are still needed to continuously improve relevant technologies and policies to promote the application and development of sustainable types of energy in buildings. 

Construction Technology of Steel Structures in Large Public Buildings

With the continuous development of the Chinese economy and the rapid development of large public buildings, the application of steel structures in large buildings is gradually increasing. The use of steel structures is crucial for meeting the needs of large-span, super high-rise buildings, rapid construction, and achieving sustainable development of buildings. Therefore, studying and analyzing the construction technology of large-scale building steel structures has important practical significance. This study is based on a library construction project, focusing on the installation of embedded bolts, steel columns, steel beams, and high-strength bolts in the construction of large building steel structures, as well as the technical schemes and construction processes of welding, anti-corrosion coatings, and fireproof coatings. I hope to provide reference and suggestions for actual construction.

Performance optimization of phase change energy storage combined cooling, heating and power system based on GA + BP neural network algorithm

Combined cooling, heating, and power systems present a promising solution for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing costs, and lowering emissions. This study focuses on improving operational stability by optimizing system design using the GA + BP neural network algorithm. By integrating phase change energy storage, specifically a box-type heat bank, the system effectively addresses load imbalance issues by aligning building thermoelectric demand with system output. This approach increases energy storage density, improves space utilization efficiency, and streamlines maintenance. The study evaluates the system's implementation in residential buildings across five climate zones, leveraging the GA + BP neural network algorithm to optimize energy, economic, and environmental aspects. The proposed full-load operation strategy, rather than the traditional hybrid operation strategy, reduces the need for frequent system adjustments, enhancing stability and efficiency. Results show a significant reduction in primary energy consumption, ranging from 7.74 × 103 to 2.08 × 106 kWh across the five cities studied. Energy optimization indexes improve by 0.27 %–3.78 % compared to electricity load operation and 1.94 %–8.58 % compared to thermal load operation. Comprehensive optimization indexes also demonstrate enhancements ranging from 5.78 % to 27.68 % and 2.67 % to 28.22 %, respectively. The full-load operation strategy proves highly effective for energy savings in residential buildings, offering innovative contributions to optimizing combined cooling, heating, and power systems, developing distributed energy systems, and promoting sustainable building development.

Impact of Retrofitting Strategies for Sustainability of Building

In response to the urgent need for sustainability, the modernization of existing buildings has become a key strategy to improve the environmental protection of the built environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the multifaceted impact of modernization strategies on enhancing sustainability through a comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature. Combining empirical findings and theoretical insights, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, economic and social impacts associated with modernization. The study begins by identifying the general goals and motivations that drive modernization efforts, including the need to reduce carbon emissions, optimize resource use and promote resilience in the face of climate change. Next, the study explores the various renovation methods and technologies available, from energy-efficient renovations to passive design strategies and renewable energy integration. Through a systematic review of empirical studies and case studies, the effectiveness of these measures in mitigating environmental impacts, improving user comfort and achieving long-term cost savings is identified. In addition, the research seeks to unravel the complex interaction between modernization strategies and broader socio-economic dynamics, including equity, affordability and community engagement. Critically assessing the impact of the proliferation of renovation projects, the research aims to identify potential barriers to equal access and participation, thus promoting inclusive and inclusive approaches to sustainable building development. In conclusion, this study contributes to the evolving debate on sustainable building practices by providing nuanced insights into the opportunities and challenges of renovation strategies. By synthesizing existing knowledge and highlighting critical gaps in understanding, research aims to inform policy. actors, actors and stakeholders in the field of the built environment, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and promoting the transition to a more sustainable built environment.

Energy consumption and thermal comfort assessment using CFD in a naturally ventilated indoor environment under different ventilations

The rising energy demands of modern buildings necessitate the proper balance between occupant comfort and energy efficiency. This study numerically evaluates the effect of different inlet and exhaust vent profiles on indoor IEQ and energy consumption in well-validated, occupied office buildings for a cold climate conditions. Using ANSYS products, the research evaluates the impact of different ventilation configurations on occupant comfort using different comfort parameters such as, PMV, PPD, air temperature, temperature gradient, fluid flow velocity. The study also analyze how different ventilation configurations affect the thermal load on the radiator for indoor thermal comfort. The findings reveal a significant effect of ventilation profiles on both IEQ and energy consumption. Inadequate ventilation configuration selection can lead to a significant increase in radiator heat load, potentially increase up to 117.3%. Conversely, the adoption of an optimized ventilation strategy can simultaneously reduce energy consumption and improve indoor occupant thermal comfort. Indoor occupant comfort with minimal radiator heat load can be achieved using vertically oriented, rectangular inlet and exhaust vents with a perimeter ratio of 0.611. This research contributes to the development of sustainable buildings and describes indoor comfort design for cold climate conditions.

Driving forces behind the adoption of IEQ principles in building design: evidence from Nigerian quantity surveying firms

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to evaluate the driving forces behind the adoption of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles in building designs from the perspectives of Nigerian quantity surveying firms.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was used which involved administering a well-structured questionnaire to a sample of 114 quantity surveyors. The collected data were analyzed using various statistical methods, including frequencies, percentages, mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis test and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsThe top five ranked drivers were climate change mitigation, conservation of natural resources, reduction of waste and pollution, use of sustainable building materials and development of new materials and building systems. Based on the factor analysis, the study identified five clusters of drivers: (1) health and well-being drivers (2) economic drivers (3) environmental drivers (4) innovation and technology drivers and (5) regulatory drivers.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study suggest that to effectively integrate IEQ principles, quantity surveying firms should consider developing comprehensive guidelines and checklists that align with the identified drivers and clustered categories. These resources can serve as practical tools for project teams, facilitating a structured and holistic approach to the incorporation of IEQ factors throughout the project lifecycle.Originality/valueThe study’s identification of the top drivers and the subsequent clustering of these drivers into five distinct categories contributes to the existing body of knowledge on IEQ. This approach provides a structured framework for comprehensively understanding the factors influencing IEQ adoption, offering a valuable tool for researchers, policymakers and industry practitioners.

Fire-Spread Characteristics and Evacuation Plan Optimization of Old Style Multi-Story Student Apartments

Fire is a major disaster event that can have a significant effect on public safety and social development. In a college or university, fire can seriously threaten the safety, lives, and property of those there due to the compact layout of apartment buildings and high population density. The ecological safety and sustainable development of buildings are also affected. In this study, PyroSim and Pathfinder software (version 2019) were used to simulate and analyze fire-spreading characteristics based on a multi-story university student apartment building. Additionally, the most effective safe evacuation plan from four fire evacuation drill schemes was identified by analyzing and comparing their performance. Results show that the spreading of fire smoke on different floors is significantly affected by the roof structure and the vertical and horizontal diffusion characteristics of smoke. While the smoke layer at the evacuation stairways has little effect on a safe evacuation, poor visibility due to smoke and ceiling temperatures has a significant effect. Safe evacuation becomes progressively more difficult at different floor levels from the top to the bottom of the building. The optimal safety scheme involves orderly evacuation through two open emergency exits. The number of emergency exits has a significant impact on the evacuation effectiveness. Measures and suggestions have been proposed to deal with apartment fires that address pre-event prevention, emergency loss reduction during the event, and post-event report-back. These proposals form an important theoretical reference for emergency evacuation and student apartment fire safety, providing important guidance for ecological safety protection of buildings and sustainable development.

Influence of Particle Size on Compressed Earth Blocks Properties and Strategies for Enhanced Performance

In the context of sustainable building development, Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) have garnered increasing attention in recent years owing to their minimal environmental and economic impact. However, owing to the inherent diversity of raw soil and the production process’s reliance on expertise, the properties of these blocks are subjected to multifaceted influences. Among these, the significance of soil particle size variation often remains overlooked, leaving its impact ambiguous. This study endeavours to address this gap in existing research by delving into this aspect. Two distinct batches of CEBs were produced by adjusting the grain size curve of a single type of sieved soil with different maximum mesh openings: 2 mm for R1 CEBs and 12.5 mm for R2 CEBs. Experimental results reveal significant differences in thermophysical characteristics: on average, R1 blocks show superior thermal performance, boasting a 23% reduction in thermal conductivity compared to R2 blocks, and are lighter, with an 8% decrease in dry bulk density. Although no significant changes in mechanical parameters were observed, finer-structured R1 blocks showed a 25% greater tendency to absorb water due to changes in their porous structure. This study sheds light on the sensitivity of thermal parameters to changes in soil particle size and shows that blocks with finer particles exhibit poorer heat conduction and heat diffusion. Besides providing new insights into the literature, this research also provides a strategic approach to optimise the thermophysical properties of CEBs. By understanding the influence of particle size, researchers and practitioners can now develop strategies to enhance these properties and improve the overall performance of CEBs.

Exploring effective incentive policies for sustainable development of green buildings in China: based on evolutionary game theory and numerical simulation analysis

PurposeThis study reveals the green building development path and analyzes the optimal government subsidy equilibrium through evolutionary game theory and numerical simulation. This was done to explore the feasible measures and optimal incentives to achieve higher levels of green building in China.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the practice of green building in China was analyzed, and the specific influencing factors and incentive measures for green building development were extracted. Second, China-specific evolutionary game models were constructed between developers and homebuyers under the market regulation and government incentive mechanism scenarios, and the evolutionary paths were analyzed. Finally, real-case numerical simulations were conducted, subsidy impacts were mainly analyzed and optimal subsidy equilibriums were solved.Findings(1) Simultaneously subsidizing developers and homebuyers proved to be the most effective measure to promote the sustainability of green buildings. (2) The sensitivity of developers and homebuyers to subsidies varied across scenarios, and the optimal subsidy level diminished marginally as building greenness and public awareness increased. (3) The optimal subsidy level for developers was intricately tied to the building greenness benchmark. A higher benchmark intensified the developer’s responsiveness to losses, at which point increasing subsidies were justified. Conversely, a reduction in subsidy might have been appropriate when the benchmark was set at a lower level.Practical implicationsThe expeditious advancement of green buildings holds paramount importance for the high-quality development of the construction industry. Nevertheless, the pace of green building expansion in China has experienced a recent deceleration. Drawing insights from the practices of green building in China, the exploration of viable strategies and the determination of optimal government subsidies stand as imperative initiatives. These endeavors aim to propel the acceleration of green building proliferation and materialize high-quality development at the earliest juncture possible.Originality/valueThe model is grounded in China’s green building practices, which makes the conclusions drawn more specific. Furthermore, research results provide practical references for governments to formulate green building incentive policies.

Research on indoor thermal environment evaluation and thermal adaptation in winter of Japanese wood-framed detached houses

Indoor space is the place where human beings live, and how to meet people's indoor thermal comfort needs in the context of energy scarcity is one of the important issues for sustainable development of buildings, and the evaluation of the indoor thermal environment has become the key to it. In the case of Japanese wood-framed detached houses, which contain different types of space forms, it is difficult to accurately apply the existing thermal environment evaluation results. In this study, detached houses in Kitakyushu City, Japan, were selected as the research object, and continuous measurements and subjective questionnaires of the indoor thermal environments were conducted based on three modes of no heating, continuous heating, and intermittent heating, in order to grasp the current information of the thermal comfort in detached houses. The results showed that: 1. The average indoor temperatures in both Washitsu and Yoshitsu were lower than the human thermal comfort range; 2. The thermally neutral temperature of 15.9 °C in Washitsu was lower than that of 17.7 °C in Yoshitsu, and the acceptable temperature zones were (14.3–17.5 °C) and (15.6–18.9 °C), respectively; 3. Develop modified models (PMVe) and adaptive predicted mean vote (aPMV) model suitable for thermal comfort evaluation of detached houses in Japan. The results of this study will help to improve the indoor thermal environment and thermal comfort evaluation system of Japanese detached houses, and provide a useful reference for the study of the renewal and renovation of houses in this area.

The Impact of Sustainable Development and Spatial Rationality Planning of Urban Buildings Under the Guidance of Local Government Policies: Environmental Policy and Green Building Design Principles

In order to explore the relationship between the sustainable development of urban buildings and spatial rationality planning under the guidance of local government policies, this paper takes Beijing, Shanghai, and other regions as examples to conduct a questionnaire survey literature, analyzes environmental policies and green building principles, and puts forward several hypotheses based on relevant literature. Spatial rationality planning has an impact on the sustainable development of cities. Environmental policies and green building design principles have a constraining effect on the sustainable development of cities. Government policies can ensure the sustainability of urban building development and promote the rational distribution of space. The results show that there is an inevitable relationship between the rational spatial layout and the sustainable development of urban buildings, and environmental policy and green building design principles can promote the rational planning of space. Government policies can guide the rational layout of space and improve the sustainable development of cities. Therefore, spatial rationality planning is the main factor for the sustainable development of the city, government policy is the external factor, and environmental policy and green building design are the constraints. From the perspective of environmental policies and green building principles, local governments should guide spatial rationality planning to improve the sustainable development of buildings.

Automated Mapping Methodology and Case Study of Healthcare User Activities and Spaces from a Sustainable Perspective

Operational inefficiencies in healthcare buildings and sustainability issues have become increasingly prominent. The root cause of this phenomenon is the irregular and incomplete structured data related to hospital user activities and spaces that are difficult to resolve using traditional manual methods. In order to solve this problem, an automated mapping approach is presented for hospital user activity and space. Using the Revit API technology and the C# language on the Visual Studio platform, a program for automated mapping is developed. It achieves the automatic mapping of hospital user activities and spaces, along with automatic calculation of utilization rates. An illustrative case study is conducted, focusing on the activity data and building space utilization of healthcare users at Shanghai Renji Hospital. The results indicate that (1) This method can realize the automatic combination of hospital user activities and hospital spaces, and hospital administrators can optimize the utilization rate of hospital spaces quickly and accurately. (2) This approach is highly adaptable, especially to changes in hospital user activities and hospital spatial data. (3) This method promotes the sustainable development of healthcare buildings and has great practical application value.

Green Building Techniques: Under The Umbrella of the Climate Framework Agreement

Various green building rating systems have been devised to assess the sustainability levels of buildings, offering a standardized approach to evaluate their environmental impact. However, adapting these existing methods to diverse regions requires addressing additional considerations, such as distinct climatic conditions and regional variations. This study delves into a comprehensive exploration of widely utilized environmental building assessment methodologies, including BREEAM, LEED, SB-Tool, CASBEE, GRIHA, and Eco-housing. A new building environmental assessment scheme tailored to the global landscape is needed due to limitations of existing assessment schemes. A framework based on principal component analysis is introduced to develop this new scheme. PCA applied to a dataset of many responses on building sustainability revealed nine key components, including site selection, environmental impact, building resources and re-use, building services and management, innovative construction techniques, environmental health and safety, mechanical systems, indoor air quality, and economic considerations. A framework for sustainable building development in world is proposed. The study provides insights for designers and developers in developing countries, offering a roadmap for achieving green development. The framework prioritizes key components for a nuanced evaluation of sustainability in building projects, contributing to the global discourse on environmentally responsible construction practices.

Integrating building services in the early stages of Architectural design: A primer for Architects and Architectural students

This paper delves into the pivotal role of building services in the initial stages of architectural design, with a primary focus on architects and architecture students. Recognizing the critical interplay between architectural design and building services, this study aims to guide professionals and aspiring architects toward the development of functional and sustainable buildings. In the contemporary architectural landscape, the integration of building services is increasingly recognized as fundamental to the success of any construction project. As buildings become more complex and sustainability gains precedence, architects must adeptly incorporate building services considerations from the project's inception. The paper begins by highlighting the key building services involved in the early stages of design, encompassing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other essential systems. Emphasis is placed on the synergy between architectural aesthetics and the seamless integration of these services, promoting an interdisciplinary approach that optimizes both form and function. The educational dimension of this paper is tailored to architecture students, addressing the gap in curricula that often neglects the intricate relationship between architectural design and building services. By incorporating real-world examples and interactive learning exercises, the paper seeks to empower the next generation of architects with the knowledge and skills needed to create spaces that are not only visually compelling but also functionally efficient and environmentally sustainable. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a paradigm shift in the architectural design process, where building services are not treated as mere appendages but as integral components shaping the very essence of architectural creations. Through a collaborative and informed approach, architects and students alike can contribute to the realization of buildings that stand as testaments to both visionary design and responsible, sustainable construction practices. Key Words: Building services, architectural design, HVAC, lighting, plumbing, fire safety.

Hierarchically structured composite with superhydrophobicity and radiative cooling for energy-saving buildings

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) with zero energy consumption and green is regarded as one of the most feasible solutions to replace conventional electrical cooling by reflecting sunlight spontaneously and radiating excess heat through atmospheric transparency windows to universe natural heat sink. However, traditional cool building materials are still very limited in practical applications due to contamination by dust, rain, etc., which reduces the cooling capacity in outdoor environments. Herein, we fabricate a hierarchically designed superhydrophobic daytime radiative composite (Al2O3-PDMS/Al2O3-PDMS@Ag/Al2O3-PDMS/SiO2) via facile bladeing film and electroless Ag plating methods, which have strong visible light reflectivity ∼91 % and high mid-infrared emissivity ∼97 %, effectively producing an ambient temperature drop of 13.8 °C on sunny days in direct outdoor sunlight. What's more, the composite has satisfactory superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 154°, making the composite self-cleaning so that the composite is not contaminated and effectively maintains splendid radiative cooling properties. Meanwhile, after prolonged immersion in hydrochloric acid and water shock, the composite retains superhydrophobicity and significant radiative cooling properties, which are of great significance for the sustainable development of energy-saving buildings.

Performance analysis and sustainability assessment of a building integrated solar PV system

The two key pillars of sustainability are the environment and the economy. This study examines the economic viability, environmental impact, and energy assessment of solar photovoltaic (PV) for the climate of Gwalior, India. This PV system study is based on the system's 30-year lifespan and annual performance. This study aims to calculate the reduction in CO2 emissions caused by the production of electrical energy, embodied energy and energy payback time (EPBT) are also examined. The solar PV system has a payback period of about 5.10 years for the climatic condition of Gwalior Madhya Pradesh, which is extremely low compared to its life. The above study is done for the faculty rooms of Madhav Institute of Technology and Science (MITS), Gwalior, India during working hours from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (8 hrs). The illumination in the faculty rooms is also calculated at different locations and found better on the table of faculty members. The PV system will reduce 89.095 tons of CO2 throughout its lifespan, demonstrating its viability from a sustainable perspective. This study aims to delve into the ‘Sustainable Development of Buildings’ by incorporating various solar-powered technologies to transform a structure into an environmentally sustainable.

The Development of Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Buildings: A Case Study in Vietnam

This paper reports on collaborative activities to promote energy- and resource-efficient construction practices in Vietnam. First, the governance framework was introduced, including government decrees and technical standards. Then, a laboratory with building physics measurement technology was designed and partly set up at the local partner, the Vietnam Institute for Building Materials (VIBM). This can be used to determine the essential characteristic values required for the implementation of energy standards. The requirements of the national technical regulation on energy-efficient buildings of Vietnam—QCVN09:2017/BXD—form the basis for the prioritization of characteristic values. Furthermore, the description of basic characteristic values from international standards can also be used for calculations to optimize the energy consumption of buildings. To carry out transient hygrothermal computer simulations, special characteristic values are also included. These are particularly useful for the research and development of new building materials and the evaluation of entire buildings in terms of thermal and moisture protection. In this way, the practical means for implementing governance instruments are provided, and the associated technical applications are supported. Based on the example of Vietnam, this paper indicates how a developing country can develop a road map for improving its systems for testing, rating, and labeling building materials for energy performance towards sustainable development.

Research on green building design methods in cold regions

In response to the growing severity of the energy crisis, buildings in cold regions are faced with many challenges due to their unique geographical limitations and characteristics. This paper focuses on the design method of Green Buildings in cold climate, aiming to solve the poor thermal insulation performance, high energy consumption and environmental pollution. Firstly, the definition and background of Green Building in cold areas are introduced. The practical application effect of Green Building design in cold regions is discussed from different angles, and the development trend and suggestions of Green Building design in cold regions are put forward. In addition, in order to ensure that these measures achieve the desired effect, there is also a need for a sound evaluation system to monitor and evaluate the sustainability and practical effects of Green Buildings. The paper concludes with a summary of the future trend of Green Building design development in cold areas and suggestions. The research findings in this paper are of great importance in promoting sustainable building development in cold regions.

Analysis of Influencing Factors of Rural Residential Carbon Emissions Under the Background of Dual Carbon Target

This paper studies the carbon emission of rural residential buildings under the background of ' double carbon target '. Based on the characteristics of rural residential buildings and the current situation of carbon emission, the literature research method is used to identify the residential characteristics, enclosure structure, family situation, lifestyle, energy consumption equipment, renewable energy utilization and agricultural production function. The carbon emission influencing factors of 21 rural residential buildings in the use stage of rural residential buildings are helpful to evaluate the carbon emission of buildings more accurately, provide the basis for formulating carbon emission reduction strategies, and promote the sustainable development of rural residential buildings. It is of great significance.

How to improve the integrity and sustainability of historic architectural complexes and their environments in modern urban planning--an example from the "Wenming Street" historic district renovation project in Kunming

Historic buildings are the bearers of human civilization. Kunming, a famous historical and cultural city in China, has numerous historical and cultural heritages and a diverse and prosperous historical and cultural background. This study takes the renovation project of the historic district of Wenming Street in Kunming as the research object and proposes a holistic, multi-dimensional, and multi-factor planning and renovation method that should focus on the district in the conservation and renovation of historic buildings through the hierarchical analysis method. Through expert scoring and weighting analysis, questionnaires, and index scores, it is found that there is a lack of "spirit of place" and insufficient expression of non-material elements in the renovation of the historic district. This study aims to realize the integration of the historic environment with the needs of modern life using a monistic logic and to provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for the conservation, renovation, and sustainable development of historic buildings and the historic environment.