Explore the vast range of titles available.

The aim of this work is to develop a model of heat supply to buildings with almost zero energy consumption, indicating the significant importance of heat losses and gains in heating installations. The prepared model is to indicate the need for changes in the structure and topology of heating installations, resulting from the changing heat demand of buildings. The need to create a new model is heightened by changes that relate to tightening legal regulations related to energy consumption and demand, which must meet the standards of buildings in Poland from 2021. The article presents the assumptions and results of analyses of the use of energy installations in residential buildings that use renewable energy sources to balance energy consumption in various areas of its use. To achieve this goal, calculations were made using simulations of the impact of the use of installations using renewable energy sources on the energy performance of a building with different quality of partitions and improvement of energy efficiency in accordance with the Polish standard PN-EN 12831. The test results allow to choose the most advantageous, from the point of view of economic profitability, option of replacing installations in residential buildings, and they also allow to determine the possibilities of meeting national obligations in the field of final energy reduction and increasing the share of renewable energy sources in meeting its demand in accordance with the EU obligations imposed on Poland. Thermomodernization of buildings in the temperate climate zone allows for a reduction of 38% of energy demand over the entire life cycle of a building and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 99%.

Traditional building materials have some drawbacks in the construction industry, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Biomaterials derived from renewable sources are a promising alternative, significantly reducing the greenhouse effect and enhancing energy efficiency. However, traditional materials still dominate the construction sector, and there is a lack of understanding among some policymakers and developers regarding biomaterials. Here, we review building biomaterials and their policies and life cycle assessment through case studies. Bio-based materials have the potential to reduce over 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. They also exhibit advantages like decreasing water absorption by 40%, reducing energy consumption by 8.7%, enhancing acoustic absorption by 6.7%, and improving mechanical properties. We summarize recent advancements in mycelial materials, bioconcrete, natural fibers, and fiber-reinforced composites. We also explore the contributions of nanotechnology and microalgae technology in enhancing biomaterials' thermal insulation and eco-friendliness.

This article presents an analysis of the useful energy demand for heating purposes in a single-family, single-storey building with a self-supporting polystyrene structure, which is a relatively niche solution, in relation to a traditional masonry structure with similar partition thickness. The structures considered met the requirements for passive buildings. The analysis was performed on three locations in Europe with a temperate climate, i.e., Kołobrzeg in Poland, Vienna in Austria, and Essen in Germany. The research showed significant savings in the energy demand of the polystyrene structure compared to the masonry structure for each location, ranging from 38% to 52%. Similarly, the heating period was 21% to 38% shorter in individual locations. This shows that polystyrene construction allows for a significant reduction in building energy demand, leading to lower operating costs.

This paper presents the results of material tests, experimental tests and statistical analysis of the thermal performance of three types of heat accumulators containing an organic phase-change material and two materials of a higher thermal conductivity: a copper mesh and porous coke recyclate. The aim of the research was to empirically and statistically compare the increase in the PCM heat distribution through a copper conductor and coke recyclate. The research was conducted in accordance with an incomplete central compositional experimental design and using the Statistica software. The studies of the structure and chemical composition of the coke recyclate used and the empirical testing of the finished heat accumulators confirmed an improvement in the distribution and storage of heat by the accumulator with the phase-change material and coke recyclate compared to the pure phase-change material and copper-conductor accumulators, as the holding time of a temperature of 20 °C was extended by seven minutes and nine minutes, respectively. Moreover, the results of the statistical analysis provided answers as to which of the assumed input quantities—initial temperature, battery geometry, and heating temperature—were statistically significant for each of the three battery types considered. The determined approximating functions were verified in terms of the statistical validity of their use for all three types of heat accumulators tested. The results obtained are important answers to the current problems in the design and modification of phase-change heat accumulators applied in the construction industry to reduce the emissivity of structures and increase their energy efficiency.

The significant energy consumption and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by the construction sector need careful attention to explore innovative sustainable solutions for improving the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of building envelopes. The integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) into building commodities is a favorable technology for minimizing energy consumption and enhancing thermal performance. This review paper covers the impact of PCM incorporation into construction materials, such as walls, roofs, and glazing units. Additionally, it examines different embedding techniques like direct incorporation, immersion, macro and micro-encapsulation, and form and shape-stable PCM. Factors affecting the thermal performance of PCM-integrated buildings, including melting temperature, thickness, position, volumetric change, vapor pressure, density, optical properties, latent heat, thermal conductivity, chemical stability, and climate conditions, are elaborated. Furthermore, the latest experimental and numerical simulations, as well as modeling techniques, evident from case studies, are investigated. Ultimately, the advantages of PCM integration, including energy savings, peak load reduction, improvement in interior comfort, and reduced heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning dependence, are explained alongside the limitations. Finally, the recent progress and future potential of PCM-integrated construction materials are discussed, focusing on innovations in this field, addressing the status of policies in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and outlining research potential for the future.

The aim of the current research article is to provide a comprehensive review and discuss and conclude on two types of earth blocks i.e., stabilized compressed earth blocks and fire-burnt clay bricks. A direct correlation exists between the number of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount of coal used to manufacture the fire-burnt clay bricks. To address this issue, new construction materials have been developed. Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) is an enhanced earth-based masonry material as it is not burnt. CSEBs are manufactured by compressing the soil under pressure. Coal and other burning fuels are not used at any point in the manufacturing process of CSEBs. Environment-friendly and energy-efficient construction materials that encourage the sustainable development have grown significantly in the recent years, as the public have become highly conscious. Since the building materials are produced in local communities, the local resources are efficiently used, transportation costs get reduced and high-quality housing is made available to a large spectrum of people. Less time-consuming construction techniques and low labour demand results in increased strength, insulation and thermal characteristics, lower carbon emissions and embodied energy during the life cycle of the materials and exceptionally low levels of trash that can be easily disposed of. When locally-produced materials are used for building purposes, it creates jobs and is more eco-friendly, during the times of crisis. CSEB and conventional bricks require different amounts of energy and release significantly different amounts of carbon dioxide throughout the production process. A review of the construction process that utilizes clay bricks and CSEBs has been conducted using the data and reports from numerous research papers and organizations. According to this review, the Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks outperform the fire-burnt clay bricks in terms of advantages. When it comes to creating new environment-friendly construction materials, the CSEBs remain a viable option.

This research addresses energy consumption challenges in the design and construction of concrete freeform surface architecture. It proposes an integrated design approach centered on smooth poly-hypar surfaces, serving as a mediator to amalgamate architectural smoothness, structural stiffness, construction convenience, and building energy efficiency from the initial design phase. To testify the versatile functionality of smooth poly-hypar surfaces beyond structural loadbearing, they are employed in the design and construction of a Solar house—a prototype aimed at establishing an energy-efficient modular design and construction system for concrete-freeform surface buildings. This approach capitalizes on the unique structural and geometrical properties offered by smooth poly-hypar surfaces. By leveraging this special geometry, the methodology transcends individual stages, encompassing the entire integrated process and overcoming limitations associated with traditional sequential design strategies. It underscores the interconnected nature of design, construction, and sustainability considerations.

High-performance green buildings mitigate the adverse environmental effects of energy consumption and carbon emissions while simultaneously demonstrating that sustainability does not mean compromising utility, productivity, or comfort. We need to address the identified gap in the evolution of energy-efficient structures facilitated in building applications to enhance energy usage without mitigating comfort. The aim of this study was to provide a review of the current methods used to assess energy efficiency in buildings in Malta through secondary data and to supplement this with qualitative data from interviews. The study investigated the importance of certification, compulsory legislation, and regulations implemented by local authorities and the European Union to incentivise energy performance measures. The findings, supplemented with qualitative data from representatives of public entities, show that most participants agreed that the current method of assessing needs requires a complete overhaul in order to promote a proactive approach to sustainable development. Recent public awareness has highlighted the limited understanding of sustainable practices implemented in buildings to capture and conserve energy. However, it is widely recognised that the building industry has significant potential for energy savings, which applies to both new constructions and existing structures, but the current level falls short of what is necessary in Malta. The study findings emphasise the primary energy users and pinpoint the obstacles in the implementation process. In conclusion, the use of software EPRDM, which may be applied to raise the importance of energy performance in building standards, lacks a value-driven focus, resulting in its full utilisation and potential being unexplored. Future applications of this study include the categorisation of old buildings for a possible bid in energy retrofit; campaigns to promote responsiveness; and the utilisation of advanced technological tools, such as DESIGNBUILDER and related software, to enable the simulation of an optimal building envelope. While increased energy efficiency may result in elevated rental and sale prices for buildings, this knowledge, when disseminated to prospective purchasers via the energy performance certificate (EPC) system, can catalyse investments in structures that are more energy efficient for the end user.

The article raised issues related to the design and execution of low-energy objects in Polish conditions. Based on the designed single-family house, adapted to the requirements of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (“NF40” standard), the tools to assist investment decisions by investors were shown. An economic analysis and a multi-criteria analysis were performed using AHP method which had provided an answer to the question whether it is worthwhile to bear higher investment costs in order to adjust to the standards of energy-efficient buildings that fulfil a minimal energy consumption's requirements contained in Polish law. In addition, the variant of object that had optimal characteristics due to the different preferences of investors was indicated. This paper includes analysis and observations on the attempts to unify that part of the building sector, which so far is considered to be personalized, and objects in accordance with the corresponding idea are designed as “custom-made”.

Three-dimensional printing, or additive manufacturing, is one of the modern techniques emerging in the construction industry. Three-Dimensional Printed Concrete (3DPC) technology is currently evolving with high demand amongst researchers, and the integration of modular building systems with this technology would provide a sustainable solution to modern construction challenges. This work investigates and develops energy-efficient 3D-printable walls that can be implemented worldwide through energy efficiency and sustainability criteria. Numerical research and experimental investigations, bench tests with software packages, and high-precision modern equipment have been used to investigate the thermal performance of 3DPC envelopes with different types of configurations, arrangements of materials, and types of insulation. The research findings showed that an innovative energy-efficient ventilated 3DPC envelope with a low thermal conductivity coefficient was developed following the climatic zone. The annual costs of heat energy consumed for heating and carbon footprint were determined in the software package Revit Insight to assess the energy efficiency of the 3D-printed building. The thermal properties of the main wall body of the tested 3D-printed walls were calculated with on-site monitoring data. The infrared thermography technique detected heterogeneous and non-uniform temperature distributions on the exterior wall surface of the 3DPC tested envelopes.