Sustainability

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20 pages, 9478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building Density Dynamics and Habitability Evaluation of China’s Nanning City

by Yongke Wu, Xiankun Yang, Zhiqiang Jia and Jinnian Wang

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7659; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097659 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1697

Unlocking the secrets of habitable urban areas is crucial to improve the quality of life for urban dwellers. Accurate assessment of the ever-changing dynamics of a modern metropolis remains a challenging task. Previous studies have failed to reveal the dynamics of urban building [...] Read more.

Unlocking the secrets of habitable urban areas is crucial to improve the quality of life for urban dwellers. Accurate assessment of the ever-changing dynamics of a modern metropolis remains a challenging task. Previous studies have failed to reveal the dynamics of urban building spatial configuration at the micro-level. By analyzing high-resolution satellite imagery, this study has developed new direct and indirect metrics to better understand building density dynamics. We also applied these metrics to a study area located in Nanning City, China, revealing fascinating insights into the evolving spatial patterns of building density over the past 17 years. Our Q/R analysis uncovered areas with high habitability and suggested strategic improvements for sustainable building spatial configuration. This study is a valuable addition to the growing body of urban development research and provides scientific references for measurements of sustainable urban planning worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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22 pages, 3035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Energy Intensity, Energy Productivity and Natural Resource Rents on Carbon Emissions in Morocco

by Xiuqin Zhang, Xudong Shi, Yasir Khan, Majid Khan, Saba Naz, Taimoor Hassan, Chenchen Wu and Tahir Rahman

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086720 - 16 Apr 2023

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2884

Abstract

The Moroccan government has always advocated reducing energy intensity so as to reach the target of the sustainable development. The current study presents the connection between CO₂ emission, energy intensity (EI), natural resource rents (NRRs), energy productivity (EP), and renewable energy (RE) [...] Read more.

The Moroccan government has always advocated reducing energy intensity so as to reach the target of the sustainable development. The current study presents the connection between CO₂ emission, energy intensity (EI), natural resource rents (NRRs), energy productivity (EP), and renewable energy (RE) by employing annual time-series data from 1990–2020 for Morocco. Using the ARDL model, the empirical findings illustrate that (i) increasing EI significantly contributes to carbon emissions, (ii) higher consumption of natural resources adversely affects CO₂ emissions, and (iii) EP and RE are the key factors to mitigate carbon emissions in both the short term and long term, suggesting that these two factors strengthen the considerable impact of EI and the consumption of natural resources on carbon emissions. Nevertheless, the negative environmental effects are moderately neutralized by adopting significant clean and green energy consumption within the country. The outputs of the robustness test verify the reliability of the regression results. Moreover, a one-way Granger causality running from EI, EP, RE, and NRR to CO₂ emissions indicates that any variation in these variables will cause CO₂ emissions. The present study offers the latest insights by adding EP and RE into country development and will support government policy makers in decisions related to efficiently abating CO₂ emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 3985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Downscaling of Hourly Climate Data for the Assessment of Building Energy Performance

by Irena Balog, Giampaolo Caputo, Domenico Iatauro, Paolo Signoretti and Francesco Spinelli

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2762; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032762 - 3 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2457

Abstract

In Italy, the calculation of the energy needs of buildings has been mainly based on quasi-steady state calculation procedures. Nowadays, the increasing interest in more detailed energy analysis for high-efficiency buildings requires more accurate calculation methods. In this work, starting from the hourly [...] Read more.

In Italy, the calculation of the energy needs of buildings has been mainly based on quasi-steady state calculation procedures. Nowadays, the increasing interest in more detailed energy analysis for high-efficiency buildings requires more accurate calculation methods. In this work, starting from the hourly data of UNI 10349, the downscaling of a typical meteorological year was carried out by applying different mathematical and physical models for the main climate variables considered in the energy balance of a building to be used in dynamic simulation tools. All results were validated with one-minute measurements observed at the ENEA Research Centre in Rome, Italy. The results showed an MBE% of 0.008% and RMSE% of 0.114% using the interpolation spline method for the temperature, while, for the global horizontal irradiance, applying the novel sinusoidal–physical interpolation method showed an MBE% of −0.4% and an RMSE% of 31.8% for the 1 min observation data. In this paper, an easily implemented novel model for downscaling solar irradiance for all sky conditions that takes into account the physical aspects of atmospheric phenomena is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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11 pages, 2384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal, Acoustic, and Hygrothermal Properties of Recycled Bovine Leather Cutting Waste-Based Panels with Different Compositions

by Francesca Merli, Costanza Vittoria Fiorini, Marco Barbanera, Giorgia Pietroni, Francesco Spaccini and Cinzia Buratti

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031779 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1931

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the thermo-acoustic and hygrothermal properties of innovative panels made of leather waste produced by a bag factory from a circular economy perspective. Their performance was compared with other residual-based insulation panels. The leather scraps were chipped and three [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate the thermo-acoustic and hygrothermal properties of innovative panels made of leather waste produced by a bag factory from a circular economy perspective. Their performance was compared with other residual-based insulation panels. The leather scraps were chipped and three boards were fabricated by means of a mold with different compositions, adding adhesive glue. In order to improve the sustainability aspects, a sample was assembled by using a water-based polyurethane glue, in addition to the two panels with vinyl glue. Panels were tested for thermal, acoustic, and hygrothermal performance. Thermal conductivity values in the range of 0.064–0.078 W/mK at 10 °C were measured depending on the composition and the adhesive. A slight thermal performance deterioration occurs when using the natural water-based glue. The samples were characterized by good performance both in terms of sound absorption coefficient (Noise Reduction Coefficient NRC = 0.21–0.28) and Transmission Loss, up to 59 dB values. Water vapor resistance factor values in the 35–48 range were obtained, close to the values of standard materials, such as expanded polystyrene and polyurethane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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22 pages, 4745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling, Simulation, and Performance Analysis of a Liquid-Infill Tunable Window

by Xiaodong Wang, Yinan Yang, Xiaoyu Li and Chunying Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15968; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315968 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1537

Abstract

Solar shading is important in buildings for better indoor thermal/light environment and energy conservation, especially in the tropical region. Compared with conventional windows with additional fixed shading devices, windows with adaptive self-shading functions take up less space and require less management labor. The [...] Read more.

Solar shading is important in buildings for better indoor thermal/light environment and energy conservation, especially in the tropical region. Compared with conventional windows with additional fixed shading devices, windows with adaptive self-shading functions take up less space and require less management labor. The present investigation focuses on a compact liquid-infill tunable window, which can provide adaptive shading with colored liquid-infill according to the surrounding environment. The numerical model of the liquid-infill tunable window was established on the basis of the law of energy and mass conservation, which enabled prediction of the adaptive response of the window under different boundary conditions. Then the thermal performance of this innovative window was analyzed in comparison with triple-layered clear glass windows. Influences of solar radiation level, incident angle, and ambient temperature were taken into consideration. The window was proven to be efficient in reducing indoor heat gain in the cooling season under strong solar radiation. With an 60° incident angle, the total indoor heat gain through window can be reduced by 1.60–8.33%. In the future, the established numerical model may be inserted into existing building simulation software as an energy-efficient window module to evaluate its energy and economic performance. The present study may inspire architectures and engineers in the design of near-zero energy and/or carbon neutral buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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25 pages, 7784 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring the Impact of Green Walls on Occupant Thermal State in Immersive Virtual Environment

by Alireza Sedghikhanshir, Yimin Zhu, Yan Chen and Brendan Harmon

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031840 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3422

Abstract

Green walls have been used in built environments as a natural element to bring various benefits, thus improving human health and well-being. However, in conventional virtual environments, the visual connection with a green wall is the only way that this natural element could [...] Read more.

Green walls have been used in built environments as a natural element to bring various benefits, thus improving human health and well-being. However, in conventional virtual environments, the visual connection with a green wall is the only way that this natural element could benefit humans. Unfortunately, the impact of such visual connection on human thermal perception is still not well understood. Thus, we conducted an experimental study with 40 participants comparing the thermal state of two virtual sessions: biophilic (a room with a green wall) and non-biophilic (the same room without a green wall). Both sessions were conducted in a climate chamber under a slightly warm condition (28.89 °C and 50% relative humidity). Participants’ thermal state, skin temperature, and heart rate data were collected. According to the results, participants’ thermal comfort and hand skin temperature were significantly different between the two sessions, and their mean skin temperature was statistically increased over time. The study suggests that before the extent to which the impact of visual stimuli (e.g., green walls) on thermal perception is fully understood, researchers may need to control visual and thermal stimuli separately when using them in immersive virtual environments. Furthermore, the virtual exposure time should be an important consideration when designing experimental procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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23 pages, 28958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Guidelines on Unused Open Spaces between Buildings for Sustainable Urban Management

by Ji-ah Lee, Jong-ho Lee and Min-hee Je

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13482; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313482 - 6 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3372

Abstract

The side setback areas of buildings are generally underutilized urban spaces. Often, they are used as unauthorized commercial spaces, which lead to legal struggles and safety and sanitation hazards. However, the presence of these establishments implies a demand for using these spaces, and [...] Read more.

The side setback areas of buildings are generally underutilized urban spaces. Often, they are used as unauthorized commercial spaces, which lead to legal struggles and safety and sanitation hazards. However, the presence of these establishments implies a demand for using these spaces, and many argue that such structures enhance and vitalize cities. This study establishes a new direction for utilizing side setback areas that harmoniously meets the demands of city dwellers and business owners while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. We examined the utilization status of 371 side setback areas in various districts of Seoul and surveyed 20 urban management experts. Th results indicate that at least 30% of all buildings in the study repeatedly violated laws regarding the use of their side setback spaces, and 100% of the experts agreed that the current regulatory system is inflexible. Our analysis suggests that reform is needed and offers tangible guidelines so that these generally underutilized spaces may become useful when safety and sanitation requirements are met. In the context of overpopulated urban spaces, side setback areas can be repurposed to meet the needs of urban residents while ensuring safety and sanitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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26 pages, 3283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Domestic Retrofit Assessment of the Heat Pump System Considering the Impact of Heat Supply Temperature and Operating Mode of Control—A Case Study

by Muhammad Abid, Neil Hewitt, Ming-Jun Huang, Christopher Wilson and Donal Cotter

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910857 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3187

Abstract

In this study, performance assessment of the variable speed compressor-based air source heat pump (ASHP) system as a domestic retrofit technology instead of fossil fuel-based heating technologies for the 1900s Mid terraced house is investigated. The assessment was conducted considering operating mode of [...] Read more.

In this study, performance assessment of the variable speed compressor-based air source heat pump (ASHP) system as a domestic retrofit technology instead of fossil fuel-based heating technologies for the 1900s Mid terraced house is investigated. The assessment was conducted considering operating mode of control and heat supply temperature impact of the system. In the literature, ASHP system experimental development with variable speed mode (VSM) of control in comparison to fixed speed mode (FSM) of control at low to medium and high heat supply temperature in the context of UK was found with very limited number of studies, but without considering retrofit application. The focus of the earlier studies was on the individual components and performance improvement. The designed heat pump (HP), developed, and tested at constant heat load, simulating the real domestic heat demand under the controlled laboratory conditions and numerical modeling is utilized for the analysis purposes. The HP performance, energy demand, carbon emissions, and cost varies significantly due to changing heat supply temperature (35 °C, 45 °C, and 55 °C), control mode and accordingly the carbon emission and cost savings are achieved. The oil and gas boilers ranges from conventional to highly efficient type and evaluated in terms of annual running cost, energy consumptions, and carbon emissions in comparison with the HP system. Additionally, a comparative study with the existing retrofitted very high temperature ASHP inside the house is conducted. The developed HP at 55 °C could not defeat the very high heat supply temperature HP system (75 °C supply temperature) in performance and cost savings but become attractive at low supply temperature (35 °C). The HP system in VSM at low heat supply temperature instead of gas boiler (90% efficiency) could cut the annual carbon emissions by 59% but with additional 6% running cost for the Mid terraced test house in Belfast climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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