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Building Energy: Economics and Environment
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Building Energy: Economics and Environment

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A: Sustainable Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2021) | Viewed by 20819

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Janusz Adamczyk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Management and Quality, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Zielona Góra, ul. Podgórna 50, 65-246 Zielona Góra, Poland
Interests: energy efficiency; LCA analysis; sustainable construction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Robert Dylewski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Econometrics, University of Zielona Góra, ul. Licealna 9, 65-417 Zielona Góra, Poland
Interests: investment; energy; energy economics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Thermal modernization investments in the building sector can have a great impact on the improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings and the reduction of use of final energy in this sector. For example, thermal insulation of the external vertical walls of a building can be considered as an investment for both economic and ecological reasons. This kind of investment is one of the most effective ways of saving energy used for heating and cooling buildings.

The main aim of this Special Issue is to present methods of the assessment of the economic and ecological effects for the investment based on the thermal modernization of the building.

Topics of interest of this Special Issue include but are not limited to:

  • Methods or indicators for thermal modernization investments;
  • Economic and environmental benefits of thermal modernization of buildings;
  • Practical methods to reduce building pressure on the environment;
  • Environmental impact of the construction sector;
  • Improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings.

Dr. Janusz Adamczyk
Dr. Robert Dylewski
Guest Editors

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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

  • Thermal modernization of buildings
  • Thermal insulation investment
  • Life cycle assessment
  • Sustainable buildings
  • Economic indicators and benefits
  • Environmental indicators and benefits
  • Energy demand, energy efficiency, and energy savings.

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3756 KiB  
Article
Durum-Wheat Straw Bales for Thermal Insulation of Buildings: Findings from a Comparative Energy Analysis of a Set of Wall-Composition Samples on the Building Scale
by Domenico Palladino, Flavio Scrucca, Nicolandrea Calabrese, Grazia Barberio and Carlo Ingrao
Energies 2021, 14(17), 5508; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175508 - 3 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1987
Abstract
The urgent need to make buildings more performant in energy and environmental terms has led to the increasing study of recycled and natural materials as viable solutions. In this context, the present study aims at comparing the energy performance of innovative wall-sample solutions [...] Read more.
The urgent need to make buildings more performant in energy and environmental terms has led to the increasing study of recycled and natural materials as viable solutions. In this context, the present study aims at comparing the energy performance of innovative wall-sample solutions (with recycled polyethylene-terephthalate panels or durum-wheat straw bales) with a basic one. Energy evaluations were performed in Piazza Armerina (a city of Sicily–Italy), where the chosen material is widespread, by applying two calculation methods: a monthly average-energy-calculation approach, mandatory by Italian regulations (UNI TS 11300), and an hourly energy-calculation procedure (EN 52016). The results documented that: (i) the new innovative wall-sample allows for significantly reducing heat loss (heating of 4–10% and cooling of 40–50%) (ii) a lower primary-energy demand was obtained by adopting the new calculation procedure of EN 52016 (energy decreasing of 20–24%); (iii) significant differences in terms of heat-loss (of 10–36%) and heat-gain (up to 75%) calculations were found for the two calculation methods. This puts emphasis upon the importance of properly selecting a calculation method by accounting for all of those key variables and features that are representative of the energy system being investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy: Economics and Environment)
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16 pages, 4533 KiB  
Article
Thermal Modernization Cost and the Potential Ecological Effect—Scenario Analysis for Thermal Modernization in Southern Poland
by Rafał Blazy, Jakub Błachut, Agnieszka Ciepiela, Rita Łabuz and Renata Papież
Energies 2021, 14(8), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14082033 - 7 Apr 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2252
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the important environmental problems in Poland. The main cause of its occurrence is emissions associated with individual heating of buildings. The reduction of the primary energy demand in a building is influenced by its proper thermal modernization, including [...] Read more.
Air pollution is one of the important environmental problems in Poland. The main cause of its occurrence is emissions associated with individual heating of buildings. The reduction of the primary energy demand in a building is influenced by its proper thermal modernization, including in particular insulating. In view of the above, this article presents the results of studies on the possible environmental benefits of thermal modernization of single-family houses for the area of Southern Poland. The analysis was limited to determining the impact of measures to reduce air pollution emissions by insulating the building envelope of single-family houses. The research was conducted for two voivodeships: Śląskie and Małopolskie. Its aim is to identify the financial costs and achievable ecological effects of the thermal modernization of single-family buildings. The geographical selection of the research area was based on the fact that it covers the most polluted region in Poland. This region is characterized by many features that influence poor air quality. Among these features, the most important are: diversified building structure, a diverse topography, and very high population density. To limit multiple variables, we have selected a scenario method that has already been used in similar research. Four scenarios were established to show the relationship between the value of emission reductions and the level of funding for thermal modernization. The analysis allows a comparison of the effectiveness of individual variants and the transposition of their results into the possibilities of action in the region. This research will help to supplement the knowledge of the impact of insulating building envelopes on reducing pollutant emissions by reducing the energy demand of a building. They also identify a possible link between the level of this reduction and the grant amount for thermal modernization. As a result, it was found that a high share of external funding—stimulating the tendency of the inhabitants of the analyzed voivodeships to effective thermal modernization, and thus reducing the buildings’ energy consumption—has a significant impact on the improvement of air quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy: Economics and Environment)
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21 pages, 2895 KiB  
Article
Energy Effectiveness or Economic Profitability? A Case Study of Thermal Modernization of a School Building
by Piotr Michalak, Krzysztof Szczotka and Jakub Szymiczek
Energies 2021, 14(7), 1973; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14071973 - 2 Apr 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2886
Abstract
Thermal refurbishment of buildings results in certain energy, financial, and environmental effects. Such investments are financially supported in Poland after meeting the legally defined conditions of thermal protection and energy consumption. This paper presents a complex thermal modernization of a school building, performed [...] Read more.
Thermal refurbishment of buildings results in certain energy, financial, and environmental effects. Such investments are financially supported in Poland after meeting the legally defined conditions of thermal protection and energy consumption. This paper presents a complex thermal modernization of a school building, performed by following Polish regulations. A detailed description of the studied object was given, and the calculation procedure was described. Then an optimal variant of an investment and an ex-post analysis were described. Simple payback time (SPBT) of modernization measures was from 15.8 years (insulation of the ceiling under the unheated attic) to 87 years for insulation of the wooden external wall, with 35.6 years for the whole project, which is shorter than the predicted lifespan of the whole building (50–70 years). Annual calculated heating demand decreased from 464.78 to 168.73 GJ, resulting in the primary energy consumption indicator (EP) of 484.44 and 129.46 kWh/m2, respectively. Thermal refurbishment with the replacement of an old boiler into a new wood-pellet one resulted in a significant reduction of SO2 and dust emissions from 451 to 27.5 kg and from 399 to 13 kg, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy: Economics and Environment)
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11 pages, 1734 KiB  
Article
Potential and Scenarios of Variants of Thermo-Modernization of Single-Family Houses: An Example of the Lubuskie Voivodeship
by Maciej Dzikuć, Arkadiusz Piwowar, Szymon Szufa, Janusz Adamczyk and Maria Dzikuć
Energies 2021, 14(1), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14010191 - 1 Jan 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2705
Abstract
The excessive air pollution in the Lubuskie Voivodeship and throughout Poland is a very serious problem. One of the main causes of poor air quality is low emission, which arises at a short distance from the ground (up to 40 m). The real [...] Read more.
The excessive air pollution in the Lubuskie Voivodeship and throughout Poland is a very serious problem. One of the main causes of poor air quality is low emission, which arises at a short distance from the ground (up to 40 m). The real reduction of low emission requires a series of measures. The most important of them, include replacement of non-ecological boilers heating single-family buildings, improvement of thermal insulation of outer building walls, development of public transport, limiting the movement of old, non-ecological cars, conducting extensive educational activities, economic support for the poorest families in pro-ecological activities, and development of district heating in urban areas. The issue of thermal modernization is also important from the point of view of ensuring an appropriate level of energy security in the social dimension. The article presents a scenario analysis of activities aimed at reducing low emission through economic support for thermal modernization of single-family houses in the Lubuskie Voivodeship in Poland. The results of the conducted research prove that it is possible to carry out thermal modernization of over 12% of all single-family buildings in the Lubuskie voivodeship, assuming that the co-financing would amount to 60% of the costs of such an investment. The analyses carried out in the article are closely related to low carbon development, and a significant part of emission of harmful substances into the air comes from heating single-family buildings in urban and rural areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy: Economics and Environment)
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21 pages, 2338 KiB  
Article
Macroeconomic Electric Energy Production Efficiency of Photovoltaic Panels in Single-Family Homes in Poland
by Marcin Bukowski, Janusz Majewski and Agnieszka Sobolewska
Energies 2021, 14(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14010126 - 29 Dec 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3297
Abstract
An increase in energy demand that is caused by fast economic development, a limited and constantly decreasing supply of traditional energy sources, as well as excessive environmental pollution that is caused by an increasing concentration of dust and gases in the atmosphere constitute [...] Read more.
An increase in energy demand that is caused by fast economic development, a limited and constantly decreasing supply of traditional energy sources, as well as excessive environmental pollution that is caused by an increasing concentration of dust and gases in the atmosphere constitute the main factors that contribute to the ever-increasing interest in renewable sources of energy. The most important and promising renewable source of energy is thought to be solar energy. The aim of the paper is to assess the macroeconomic investment efficiency of photovoltaic installations in order to meet the demand for electric energy in single-family homes in Polish conditions. The conducted analysis comprises market characteristics and legal regulations concerning the sale of electric energy in Poland. Calculations were made for 320 variants that differed with regard to investment location, building orientation, and roof inclination. The results indicate that the most beneficial region for photovoltaic micro-installations, from a social perspective, is the south-east of and central Poland. The highest values of economic efficiency were achieved in the case of a southern roof inclination as well as a south-eastern and south-western building orientation. No big differences were observed in the economic investment efficiency for the panel inclinations. The calculated Discounted Payback Period, depending on the calculation method, equals 5.4 to 10 years. The results of the study confirm that the implemented support instruments for investments in photovoltaic installations producing energy for single-family house demand is economically viable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy: Economics and Environment)
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14 pages, 2595 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Degree Days of the Heating Period on Economically and Ecologically Optimal Thermal Insulation Thickness
by Robert Dylewski and Janusz Adamczyk
Energies 2021, 14(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14010097 - 26 Dec 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
The article proposes methods for determining the optimal thermal insulation thickness for economic and ecological reasons, depending on the number of degree days of the heating period. Life cycle assessment was used for the ecological analysis. Analyses were performed for selected variants typical [...] Read more.
The article proposes methods for determining the optimal thermal insulation thickness for economic and ecological reasons, depending on the number of degree days of the heating period. Life cycle assessment was used for the ecological analysis. Analyses were performed for selected variants typical of Polish conditions. The optimal thermal insulation thickness as well as the amount of economic and ecological benefits depends very much on the condition of the building without thermal insulation, but also on the heat source used and the thermal insulation material to be used. For each variant, the optimal thermal insulation thickness for ecological reasons is much greater than the optimal for economic reasons. Taking into consideration the climatic zone and the associated number of degree days of the heating period, the colder the zone, the greater the optimal insulation thickness, as well as economic and ecological benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy: Economics and Environment)
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Review

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22 pages, 1365 KiB  
Review
A Literature Review of Naturally Ventilated Public Hospital Wards in Tropical Climate Countries for Thermal Comfort and Energy Saving Improvements
by Noor Muhammad Abd Rahman, Lim Chin Haw and Ahmad Fazlizan
Energies 2021, 14(2), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14020435 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4705
Abstract
The tropical climate with its high average temperatures throughout the year affects the thermal comfort of buildings, especially for naturally ventilated spaces. The government’s move to turn hospitals into green buildings is seen in line with the global commitment to conserve the environment [...] Read more.
The tropical climate with its high average temperatures throughout the year affects the thermal comfort of buildings, especially for naturally ventilated spaces. The government’s move to turn hospitals into green buildings is seen in line with the global commitment to conserve the environment and the country’s current policy of supporting sustainable development. To achieve this goal, energy efficiency and thermal comfort need to be given priority in the focus on hospital planning and implementation for a better quality of the indoor environment. This literature review has led to the need to improve thermal comfort in natural ventilated wards in government hospitals. Some wards are built without air conditioning to save on construction costs, reduce utility costs through low energy consumption, as well as the need for infection control and airborne infections. However, current climate change requires a special study of thermal comfort in wards that use natural ventilation. An innovative solution is proposed to solve the problem statement identified in the reviewed literature through the application of solar PV/T systems and heat pumps. This hybrid system re-uses the heat energy (cogeneration) generated from solar PV panels to be cooled by heat pumps and is then pumped into the ward for cooling purposes. The proposed system has the potential to improve thermal comfort in natural ventilation wards and increase efficiency of the solar PV system for optimal electricity generation as well as improve the overall energy performance of buildings through low-energy cooling systems. It is not only solving the thermal comfort issue but also avoid the use of extra energy for cooling by optimizing the renewable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy: Economics and Environment)
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