Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic titled ‘Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment’ is being launched to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the School of Architecture and Fine Art at Dalian University of Technology, China. Cities and communities are the main human settlements. They are expected to provide citizens with inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable production and living environments. Under most conditions, cities and communities can meet these needs well, but there are many gaps because of improper planning, design, construction, operation, and management, reducing urban quality, productivity, human health, and well-being. For instance, climate-related impacts are increasingly intense, severe, and frequent, while many cities and communities cannot mitigate, alleviate, and avoid threats of extreme climate events (e.g., heat waves, cyclones, floods, and drought). Moreover, many cities and communities are not appropriately planned and designed, leading to air quality reduction, heat islands, extensive carbon emission, lack of public space, and psychological illnesses. There is a need to improve, refine, and upgrade the paradigm of urban planning and design, building design and construction, and operation, management and maintenance to enhance human settlements' environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Therefore, this Topic aims to advance knowledge of the theory, methods, and practices to create low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable built environments to address climate change, urbanization, economic growth, environmental deterioration, and human health and well-being challenges. It will build a platform for researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders from multiple disciplines, including urban–rural planning, architecture and civil engineering, landscape architecture, urban design, building sciences, construction management, environmental sciences and management, urban climate, and geography, to publish their latest academic results and findings. Relevant themes include but are not limited to the following:

− Urban environmental impact assessment;
− Urban climate resilience and disaster risk;
− Human comfort, health, and well-being;
− Climate change mitigation and adaptation;
− Nature-based solutions;
− Sustainable land use and planning;
− Decarbonization of the built environment;
− Policies, regulations, and initiatives for climate resilience;
− Human-oriented environmental design;
− Ecological safety and green space health;
− Sustainable development goals and urban development.

Prof. Dr. Baojie He
Prof. Dr. Stephen Siu Yu Lau
Prof. Dr. Deshun Zhang
Prof. Dr. Andreas Matzarakis
Prof. Dr. Fei Guo
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	20 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	17.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sensors sensors	3.4	7.3	2001	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Remote Sensing remotesensing	4.2	8.3	2009	24.7 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Land land	3.2	4.9	2012	17.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Climate climate	3.0	5.5	2013	21.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Atmosphere atmosphere	2.5	4.6	2010	15.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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All Sustainability Buildings Sensors Remote Sensing Land Climate Atmosphere

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11 pages, 2318 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Study on the Effects of Relative Humidity (RH) on Long-Wave Radiative Heat Gain in Residential Buildings

by Jie Chen, Fei Xue, Xiaoxue Jin, Stephen Siu Yu Lau and Yue Fan

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3724; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123724 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 209

Abstract

Long-wave radiation cooling plays a pivotal role in building thermal design. Utilizing a steady-state method to determine surface heat transfer coefficients across diverse climates can result in discrepancies between the designed and actual cooling performance of a building’s envelope. To evaluate the influence [...] Read more.

Long-wave radiation cooling plays a pivotal role in building thermal design. Utilizing a steady-state method to determine surface heat transfer coefficients across diverse climates can result in discrepancies between the designed and actual cooling performance of a building’s envelope. To evaluate the influence of climate and surface emissivity on building heat transfer during summer, the numerical simulation method was employed to calculate the summer long-wave radiation for nine typical residential buildings across various climate regions. This study assesses the applicable meteorological conditions and distribution range of sky radiation technology. The findings indicate that buildings can effectively dissipate heat through sky radiation when the outdoor relative humidity is below 60% and the summer temperature difference exceeds 12 °C. Analysis of meteorological characteristics across different zones reveals a positive correlation between temperature deviations and sky radiative cooling potential, thereby identifying suitable climate zones for the implementation of sky radiative cooling technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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28 pages, 9113 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Multi Source Data-Based Method for Assessing Carbon Sequestration of Urban Parks from a Spatial–Temporal Perspective: A Case Study of Shanghai Century Park

by Yiqi Wang, Jiao Yu, Weixuan Wei and Nannan Dong

Land 2024, 13(11), 1914; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111914 - 14 Nov 2024

Viewed by 368

Abstract

As urbanization accelerates globally, urban areas have become major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, urban parks are crucial as significant components of carbon sinks. Using Shanghai Century Park as a case study, this study aims to develop an applicable and [...] Read more.

As urbanization accelerates globally, urban areas have become major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, urban parks are crucial as significant components of carbon sinks. Using Shanghai Century Park as a case study, this study aims to develop an applicable and reliable workflow to accurately assess the carbon sequestration capacity of urban parks from a spatial–temporal perspective. Firstly, the random forest model is employed for biotope classification and mapping in the park based on multi-source data, including raw spectral bands, vegetation indices, and texture features. Subsequently, the Net Primary Productivity and biomass of different biotope types are calculated, enabling dynamic monitoring of the park’s carbon sequestration capacity from 2018 to 2023. Moreover, the study explores the main factors influencing changes in carbon sequestration capacity from the management perspective. The findings reveal: (1) The application of multi-source imagery data enhances the accuracy of biotope mapping, with winter imagery proving more precise in classification. (2) From 2018 to 2023, Century Park’s carbon sequestration capacity showed a fluctuating upward trend, with significant variations in the carbon sequestration abilities of different biotope types within the park. (3) Renovation and construction work related to biotope types significantly impacted the park’s carbon sequestration capacity. Finally, the study proposes optimization strategies focused on species selection and layout, planting density, and park management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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23 pages, 10219 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Influence of the Built Environment and Personal Attributes on Commuting Distance: A Case Study of the Tianjin Central Area Divided by TAZ Units

by Jiayin Zhou, Jingyi Xin, Lingxin Meng and Lifeng Tan

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3561; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113561 - 8 Nov 2024

Viewed by 386

Abstract

Long commuting distances pose a significant challenge for many large cities, undermining the principles of sustainable urban development. The factors influencing urban commuting distances among residents are complex and necessitate hierarchical analysis. This study uses Tianjin, one of China’s four municipalities, as a [...] Read more.

Long commuting distances pose a significant challenge for many large cities, undermining the principles of sustainable urban development. The factors influencing urban commuting distances among residents are complex and necessitate hierarchical analysis. This study uses Tianjin, one of China’s four municipalities, as a case study, employing transportation analysis zones (TAZ) as research units. We classify these units based on resident and working populations, extracting multiple built environment and personal attribute factors to establish a model that examines the influence of the job–housing balance. The analysis identifies 12 sub-items across two categories of influencing factors, with correlations tested through spatial analysis and linear regression. We found 28 positive associations and 35 negative associations. Notably, the job–housing relationship for the working population was generally more sensitive to changes than that of the resident population. At the TAZ level, personal attributes exerted a more significant influence on the job–housing balance than built environment factors, with commuting mode, life stage, age, and income level notably affecting commuting distances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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19 pages, 3675 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Qualitative Mechanisms of Perceived Indoor Environmental Quality on Anxiety Symptoms in University

by Fei Guo, Mingxuan Luo, Hui Zhao, Zekun Du, Zhen Zhang, Hongchi Zhang, Jing Dong and Dongxu Zhang

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3530; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113530 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 484

Abstract

The indoor environment is widely acknowledged as a non-pharmacological tool for regulating residents’ mental health. In dormitory environments with relatively high residential density, the mental health of university students requires particular attention. This study surveyed 445 students from a northern Chinese university and [...] Read more.

The indoor environment is widely acknowledged as a non-pharmacological tool for regulating residents’ mental health. In dormitory environments with relatively high residential density, the mental health of university students requires particular attention. This study surveyed 445 students from a northern Chinese university and used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the impact of perceived indoor environmental quality (IEQ)—including thermal, lighting, acoustics, indoor air quality, and overcrowding—on self-reported anxiety symptoms. The results indicated the following: (1) students’ perceptions of dormitory IEQ significantly affected anxiety symptoms, explaining 40% of the variance; (2) anxiety symptoms associated with the IEQ were mainly characterized by anxiety and panic (r = 0.91, p < 0.001); (3) subjective perceptions of the acoustic environment (r = −0.55, p < 0.001) and indoor air quality (r = −0.15, p < 0.05) were key predictors of anxiety, while thermal environment, lighting environment, and overcrowding were not significant. The findings enrich the IEQ system and provide directions for optimizing the dormitory indoor environment from the perspective of student mental health, with implications for other types of residential buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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16 pages, 6950 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Land Cover Change and Carbon Storage in the Northern Gulf Economic Zone of Guangxi Based on the InVEST Model

by Shu-Qi Huang, Da-Fang Wu, Yue-Ling Pan, Jin-Yao Lin and Ping Zhou

Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111332 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 546

Abstract

In recent years, the international community has increasingly focused on the “dual carbon” issue, as human-induced land use changes significantly impact ecosystem structure and carbon cycling. This study analyzes land use changes in the economic zone of the northern Gulf of Guangxi from [...] Read more.

In recent years, the international community has increasingly focused on the “dual carbon” issue, as human-induced land use changes significantly impact ecosystem structure and carbon cycling. This study analyzes land use changes in the economic zone of the northern Gulf of Guangxi from 1980 to 2020, utilizing the InVEST model to simulate spatiotemporal changes in carbon storage and conducting zoning studies through spatial analysis. The findings reveal that ① forest land and arable land dominate the northern Gulf of Guangxi’s land use, with notable changes observed in forest land, unused land, and construction land areas. Forest land and construction land have increased by 1761.5 km² and 1001.19 km², respectively, while unused land has decreased by 1881.18 km² from 2000 to 2020. ② The total carbon storage values in the northern Gulf of Guangxi in 1980, 2000, and 2020 were, respectively, 504.91 × 10⁶/t, 487.29 × 10⁶/t, and 500.31 × 10⁶/t, with the expansion of construction land and conversion of forest land being the main reasons for the decrease in carbon storage. ③ In the northern Gulf of Guangxi, there is a slight upward trend in total carbon storage values over time. Spatially, higher carbon storage values are observed in mountainous and hilly areas at high altitudes, while the central and southern coastal areas exhibit lower carbon storage values. ④ The local spatial autocorrelation results reveal that Pu Bei County exhibits high–high clustering of carbon storage, while He Pu County undergoes a transition from high–low to low–low clustering, and several other administrative areas in Beihai demonstrates low–low clustering. Due to the imperative of economic development, the expansion of urban construction land encroaches upon ecological land, resulting in a decline in carbon storage. Therefore, in the Northern Gulf of Guangxi, it is essential to implement measures such as reforestation and establish ecological protection areas such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands to develop effective carbon sequestration methods and compensate for the carbon loss caused by the expansion of construction land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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24 pages, 5250 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Heterogeneity Effects of Urban Morphology on Building Energy Consumption from a Spatio-Temporal Perspective Using Old Residential Buildings on a University Campus

by Jinhui Ma, Haijing Huang, Mingxi Peng and Yihuan Zhou

Land 2024, 13(10), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101683 - 15 Oct 2024

Viewed by 760

Abstract

The significant increase in building energy consumption poses a major challenge to environmental sustainability. In this process, urban morphology plays a pivotal role in shaping building energy consumption. However, its impact may exhibit latent heterogeneity due to differences in temporal resolution and spatial [...] Read more.

The significant increase in building energy consumption poses a major challenge to environmental sustainability. In this process, urban morphology plays a pivotal role in shaping building energy consumption. However, its impact may exhibit latent heterogeneity due to differences in temporal resolution and spatial scales. For urban energy planning and energy consumption modeling, it is crucial to pinpoint when and where urban morphology parameters matter, an overlooked aspect in prior research. This study quantitatively explores this heterogeneity, utilizing a detailed dataset from old residential buildings within a university campus. Spatial lag models were employed for cross-modeling across various temporal and spatial dimensions. The results show that annual and seasonal spatial regression models perform best within a 150 m buffer zone. However, not all significant indicators fall within this range, suggesting that blindly applying the same range to all indicators may lead to inaccurate conclusions. Moreover, significant urban morphology indicators vary in quantity, category, and directionality. The green space ratio exhibits correlations with energy consumption in annual, summer, and winter periods within buffer zones of 150 m, 50~100 m, and 100 m, respectively. It notably displays a negative correlation with annual energy consumption but a positive correlation with winter energy consumption. To address this heterogeneity, this study proposes a three-tiered framework—macro-level project decomposition, establishing a key indicator library, and energy consumption comparisons, facilitating more targeted urban energy model and energy management decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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18 pages, 8643 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanism of Street Spatial Form on Thermal Comfort from Urban Morphology and Human-Centered Perspectives: A Study Based on Multi-Source Data

by Fei Guo, Mingxuan Luo, Chenxi Zhang, Jun Cai, Xiang Zhang, Hongchi Zhang and Jing Dong

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103253 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 761

Abstract

The influence of street spatial form on thermal comfort from urban morphology and human-centered perspectives has been underexplored. This study, utilizing multi-source data and focusing on urban central districts, establishes a refined index system for street spatial form and a thermal comfort prediction [...] Read more.

The influence of street spatial form on thermal comfort from urban morphology and human-centered perspectives has been underexplored. This study, utilizing multi-source data and focusing on urban central districts, establishes a refined index system for street spatial form and a thermal comfort prediction model based on extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). The results reveal the following: (1) Thermal comfort levels display spatial heterogeneity, with areas of thermal discomfort concentrated in commercial zones and plaza spaces. (2) Compared to the human-centered perspective, urban morphology indicators correlate strongly with thermal comfort. (3) The key factors influencing thermal comfort, in descending order of importance, are distance from green and blue infrastructure (GBI), tree visibility factor (TVF), street aspect ratio (H/W), orientation, functional diversity indices, and sky view factor. All but the TVF negatively correlates with thermal comfort. (4) In local analyses, the primary factors affecting thermal comfort vary across streets with different heat-risk levels. In high heat-risk streets, thermal comfort is mainly influenced by distance from GBI, H/W, and orientation, whereas in low heat-risk streets, vegetation-related factors dominate. These findings provide a new methodological approach for optimizing urban thermal environments from both urban and human perspectives, offering theoretical insights for creating more comfortable cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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27 pages, 88524 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Cold Coastal City Neighborhood Morphology Design Method Based on Multi-Objective Optimization Simulation Analysis

by Sheng Xu, Peisheng Zhu, Fei Guo, Duoduo Yan, Shiyu Miao, Hongchi Zhang, Jing Dong and Xianchao Fan

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3176; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103176 - 5 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1038

Abstract

In the context of global warming and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather, coastal cities are more susceptible to the heat island effect and localized microclimate problems due to the significant influence of the oceanic climate. This study proposes a computer-driven simulation optimization [...] Read more.

In the context of global warming and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather, coastal cities are more susceptible to the heat island effect and localized microclimate problems due to the significant influence of the oceanic climate. This study proposes a computer-driven simulation optimization method based on a multi-objective optimization algorithm, combined with tools such as Grasshopper, Ladybug, Honeybee and Wallacei, to provide scientific optimization decision intervals for morphology control and evaluation factors at the initial stage of coastal city block design. The effectiveness of this optimization strategy is verified through empirical research on typical coastal neighborhoods in Dalian. The results show that the strategy derived from the multi-objective optimization-based evaluation significantly improves the wind environment and thermal comfort of Dalian neighborhoods in winter and summer: the optimization reduced the average wind speed inside the block by 0.47 m/s and increased the UTCI by 0.48 °C in winter, and it increased the wind speed to 1.5 m/s and decreased the UTCI by 0.59 °C in summer. This study shows that the use of simulation assessment and multi-objective optimization technology to adjust the block form of coastal cities can effectively improve the seasonal wind and heat environment and provide a scientific basis for the design and renewal of coastal cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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