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Advances in Green Building Systems
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Advances in Green Building Systems

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 February 2025 | Viewed by 7398

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maryam Khoshbakht

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Guest Editor
School of Engineering & Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
Interests: thermal comfort; occupant satisfaction; energy benchmarking; evidence-based design
Dr. Haniyeh Mohammadpourkarbasi

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Guest Editor
School of Architecture, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
Interests: life cycle carbon and cost assessment; eco-refurbishment; thermal simulation modelling; post-occupancy evaluation
Dr. Majed Abuseif

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Guest Editor
The Bioclimatic and Sociotechnical Cities Lab, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
Interests: sustainability; green infrastructure; trees on buildings; green roofs; energy reduction; thermal comfort; urban climate

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Green buildings make use of designs that optimise air leakage, allow for a free flow of air, use high-performance windows and insulation techniques, and use renewable energy. These techniques are meant to increase energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality in buildings by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels, air conditioning and interior heating. The 2-Degree Scenario proposed by the Paris Agreement requires that building-related CO2 emissions drop by 85% from current levels by 2060, which requires all new buildings to be zero carbon by 2030, and existing buildings to be net zero carbon by 2050. The main aim of this Special Issue is to explore the recent advances and challenges in green buildings and topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Green building assessment and communication;
  • Green building certifications;
  • Costs and benefits;
  • Energy efficiency;
  • Indoor environmental quality and thermal comfort;
  • Measurement of building performance;
  • Construction and maintenance;
  • Innovations in green building systems;
  • Occupant health, satisfaction and productivity;
  • Green buildings and COVID-19 risk mitigations.

Dr. Maryam Khoshbakht
Dr. Haniyeh Mohammadpourkarbasi
Dr. Majed Abuseif
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • green buildings
  • green certifications
  • energy efficiency
  • thermal comfort
  • indoor environmental quality
  • green building costs
  • occupant health
  • occupant productivity
  • occupant satisfaction
  • benefits and weaknesses

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 11628 KiB  
Article
Addition of Biochar to Green Roof Substrate to Enhance Plant Performance: A Long-Term Field Study
by Cuong Ngoc Nguyen, Hing-Wah Chau and Nitin Muttil
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2775; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092775 - 4 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1103
Abstract
Green roofs (GRs) have been widely adopted as an effective Green Infrastructure (GI) practice in cities worldwide, offering ecosystem services such as stormwater management and reduction of the urban heat island effect. However, their widespread implementation is still limited by a lack of [...] Read more.
Green roofs (GRs) have been widely adopted as an effective Green Infrastructure (GI) practice in cities worldwide, offering ecosystem services such as stormwater management and reduction of the urban heat island effect. However, their widespread implementation is still limited by a lack of local research and uncertain research findings. As a result, the potential benefits of GRs often cannot justify their high investment costs. Previous studies have sought to enhance the effectiveness of GRs by evaluating new GR systems, such as integrating GRs with green walls, blue roofs, photovoltaic (PV) panels, radiant cooling systems, as well as the use of innovative materials in GR substrates. Biochar, a carbon-rich substrate additive, has been recently investigated. The addition of biochar improves water/nutrient retention of GRs, thereby increasing substrate fertility and promoting plant performance. Although studies have examined the effects of biochar on GR plant growth, long-term observational studies focusing on the impacts of various biochar-related parameters remain necessary. Therefore, this research aims to assess the performance of GR plants with different biochar parameters, namely, amendment rates, application methods, and particle sizes. A one-year-long observational data of plant height, coverage area, and dry weight from six GR test beds was collected and analyzed. Results demonstrate the positive impacts of biochar on plant growth in different biochar-GR setups and types of plant species (wallaby grass, common everlasting, and billy buttons). The GR with medium biochar particles at the amendment rate of 15% v/v had the best plant performance. This contributes to increasing the feasibility of GRs by maximizing GR benefits to buildings where they are installed while reducing GR costs of irrigation and maintenance. The conclusions were further supported by observed data indicating reduced substrate temperature, which in turn reduces building energy consumption. Since vegetation is crucial in determining the effectiveness of a GR system, this study will offer valuable insights to GR designers and urban planners for developing optimal biochar-amended GR systems. Such systems provide numerous benefits over traditional GRs, including enhanced plant growth, reduced building energy costs, a shorter payback period, and reduced structural requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Building Systems)
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21 pages, 8087 KiB  
Article
Micro-Urban Heatmapping: A Multi-Modal and Multi-Temporal Data Collection Framework
by Ming Hu, Siavash Ghorbany, Siyuan Yao and Chaoli Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2751; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092751 - 2 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1736
Abstract
Monitoring microclimate variables within cities with high resolution and accuracy is crucial for enhancing urban resilience to climate change. Assessing intra-urban characteristics is essential for ensuring satisfactory living standards. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for studying urban heat islands (UHIs) on a [...] Read more.
Monitoring microclimate variables within cities with high resolution and accuracy is crucial for enhancing urban resilience to climate change. Assessing intra-urban characteristics is essential for ensuring satisfactory living standards. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for studying urban heat islands (UHIs) on a university campus, emphasizing the importance of multi-modal and multi-temporal data collection. The methodology integrates mobile surveys, stationary sensor networks, and drone-based thermal imaging, providing a detailed analysis of temperature variations within urban microenvironments. The preliminary findings confirm the presence of a UHI on the campus and identify several hotspots. This comprehensive approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of UHI assessments, offering a cost-effective, fine-resolution approach that facilitates more effective urban planning and heat mitigation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Building Systems)
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23 pages, 5081 KiB  
Article
Circular Economy-Related Strategies to Minimise Construction and Demolition Waste Generation in Australian Construction Projects
by Yuchen She, Nilupa Udawatta, Chunlu Liu and Olubukola Tokede
Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2487; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082487 - 12 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1940
Abstract
The construction industry in Australia generates a significant amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, necessitating better waste management (WM) practices. This research addresses this issue by investigating CE strategies aimed at minimising C&D waste in Australian construction projects (CPs). Utilising a qualitative [...] Read more.
The construction industry in Australia generates a significant amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, necessitating better waste management (WM) practices. This research addresses this issue by investigating CE strategies aimed at minimising C&D waste in Australian construction projects (CPs). Utilising a qualitative approach, the study is based on 20 interviews and four case studies of commercial CPs, analysed through NVivo content analysis. The findings emphasise the need to integrate CE strategies at every CP stage. In the pre-design phase, setting sustainable objectives and engaging stakeholders early is crucial for aligning goals to reduce C&D waste. The tendering process benefits from incorporating WM into contracts, demonstrating early commitment to sustainability. The design phase, through Building Information Modelling and designing for disassembly, offers substantial waste-reduction opportunities. Modular and prefabricated components during the construction phase enhance material reuse and recycling. Operational strategies like regular maintenance and retrofitting extend material lifespan, while selective demolition and digital cataloguing at the end-of-life phase enable efficient material recovery. This highlights the essential roles of policy, technology, and stakeholder collaboration in advancing CE practices, providing practical insights for construction professionals and policymakers to implement CE-related strategies in CPs. The research concludes that adopting CE strategies can lead to significant reductions in C&D waste and improved sustainability in the construction sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Building Systems)
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22 pages, 3228 KiB  
Article
On the Performance of Solar Thermophotovoltaics (STPVs) and Wavelength-Selective Thermophotovoltaics (TPVs): Case Study of a High-Rise Residential Building in a Hot and Semi-Arid Climate
by Maryam Safavi and Maryam Khoshbakht
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010269 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1646
Abstract
Utilizing integrated solar systems and renewable energy sources has the potential to not only decrease the CO2 emissions of buildings but also provide access to more affordable energy alternatives compared to fossil fuels, especially considering the recent rise in prices. Nevertheless, many [...] Read more.
Utilizing integrated solar systems and renewable energy sources has the potential to not only decrease the CO2 emissions of buildings but also provide access to more affordable energy alternatives compared to fossil fuels, especially considering the recent rise in prices. Nevertheless, many designers and project decision makers are hesitant to embrace solar technologies due to the uncertainty surrounding the cost–benefit balance. This paper presents a case study of the design process, highlighting the energy-saving and cost–benefit aspects of a solar façade featuring solar thermophotovoltaics (STPVs) and wavelength-selective thermophotovoltaics (TPVs) in a high-rise residential building situated in the semi-arid climate of Tehran, Iran. The simulation methodology consists of EnergyPlus Engines in Rhino, along with the Ladybug and Honeybee plugins throughout the solar façade design process. The solar façade incorporating STPV yielded energy savings of 25 kWh per square meter, marking a 34% reduction compared to a standard façade. In contrast, the TPV demonstrated energy savings of 35 kWh per square meter, indicating a 48% decrease in energy consumption compared to a regular façade. This research indicates that, particularly in semi-arid climatic conditions, TPV systems exhibit a superior performance when integrated into the façades of high-rise structures; yet, due to the low electricity prices in the region, neither STPVs nor TPVs are financially viable. The study contributes to raising awareness, fostering technological innovations, influencing policy discussions, and promoting the adoption of sustainable practices in the field of energy and architecture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Building Systems)
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