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Are Green Buildings an Indicator of Sustainable Development?
No full textThe world’s population keeps growing together with the construction rate of buildings that need to reduce their environmental footprint in order to mitigate global warming. This paper analyses if the spread of green buildings can be used as an indicator of broader sustainable development. The study is carried out with data taken from Eurostat Database and green buildings directories for 27 EU countries in the 10-year period spanning from 2010 to 2019. The relationship between the indicators is examined through simple linear regressions, and the results confirm the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis: in developed countries, a growing economy (more GDP) is related to an environmental improvement (fewer GHG emissions). In addition, this study proves that the variance of green buildings expresses with a consistent probability the variance of GDP per capita (p-value = 0.0004 and R2 = 0.8475) and the variance of GHG emissions (p-value = 0.0002 and R2 = 0.8825), meaning that green buildings are indeed an indicator of sustainable development. This is due to the upfront cost required to implement advanced construction technologies that ultimately cut GHG emissions during the building lifecycle. This also points out that policy makers should encourage green building implementation through tax relieves and grants. © 2023 by the authors
The Facade of the Church of Saint Francis of Beniganim: the Study during its Restoration
No full textIt is clear that in any rehabilitation works, it is necessary to extract data from the building and analyze this data well to carry out the different studies and conclusions. In this sense, it is necessary to understand the building and its parts in order to determine a more reliable and methodological approach to the conclusions, which, although on many occasions they are still hypotheses, are the most accurate approximation to the true knowledge of the monument. The graphic survey and the generation of documentation such as the geometric and trace study carried out in the process of architectural restoration, allow us to get closer to its authors and determine the character of the monument. The case of the facade of the convent of Beniganim (Valencia) is an example to carry out this methodology
Land Surface Temperature Relationship with the Land Use/Land Cover Indices Leading to Thermal Field Variation in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
No full textThe increase in the Land Surface Temperature (LST) caused by global warming and extreme weather events is significantly increasing Urban Hot Spots (UHS) while impacting the environmental quality within urban areas. In this research, with the help of Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite images, the evolution of Land Use/Cover (LULC), LST, and Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) between the years 1985 and 2020 is examined. The main aim is to evaluate how these variables, together with the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Urban Index (UI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Built Index, and Proportion Vegetation (PV) have influenced the variability of the UHS and the level of thermal comfort according to the Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI). The results report significant average rises of the variables: LST (6.62 °C), SUHI (0.97 °C), UHS (8.61%) of the UI and NDBI indices and class 6 of UTFVI (88.53%) that are related to the variability of the LULC corroborated by statistical analysis. Our results provide valuable information on the future development of urban areas in Northern Cyprus to make them more resilient and sustainable to rising temperatures. © 2023, The Author(s)
A detailed view of the Adaptive-Comfort-Control-Implementation Script (ACCIS): The capabilities of the automation system for adaptive setpoint temperatures in building energy models
No full textRecent research has looked into the potential for energy savings from adopting setpoint temperatures based on adaptive comfort. The recently suggested Adaptive-Comfort-Control-Implementation Script (ACCIS), a computational method that expands the use of air conditioning to adaptive comfort, can be used to accomplish this. The users setup and an Input Data File (IDF) are used by ACCIS to convert PMV-based EnergyPlus models into adaptive setpoint models. The Adaptive Comfort Control Implemented Model (“accim”) Python module has been used to nest ACCIS, which was originally an Energy Management System (EMS) script. This research focuses on the creation of ACCIS and offers a more in-depth understanding of how the computational method functions based on the connections between the objects that compose it. Since all weather file quantity constraints have been overcome and studies can now be generated based on millions of simulations, ACCIS opens up new opportunities for performing energy simulations on a worldwide scale rather than only on a national or continental level. This potential is increased considering that, until recently only international models ASHRAE Standard 55 and European standard EN16798-1 were considered in ACCIS, but now a recent update allows to select local comfort models developed for specific areas. As a result, this potential is firstly demonstrated by means of the study of the 3 arguments that have the most important impact on the setpoint temperatures: the thermal comfort model, the acceptability levels and the behaviour of setpoint temperatures when adaptive comfort models are not applicable; and secondly by means of an actual example of use of accim. © 2023 The Author(s
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Forecasts in Countries of the European Union by Means of a Multifactor Algorithm
No full textA novel multifactor algorithm is developed with the aim of estimating GHG emissions in the EU countries and forecasting different future scenarios. This is created starting from (1) GDP, (2) population and (3) renewable energy share (RES). The determination coefficient (R2) of the multiple regression adopted reaches a value of 0.96; thus, only 4% of the GHG variation cannot be explained by the combination of the three variables. Germany is removed from the model after analysing the statistical outliers, as it presents an unusual behaviour within the European context. Also, France, Italy and Ireland are removed in the forecast analysis since they are characterised by corrected weighting values above the threshold value of the algorithm (0.156). The results show that GHG emissions decrease 14% in a low-growth-rate scenario, increase 24% in an average-growth scenario and increase 104% in a high-growth-rate scenario. Countries that improve the most are the ones that are currently underdeveloped in RES and are expected to decrease their population in the future (Croatia, Latvia, Cyprus and Greece). Other countries currently well positioned but with expected population growth (Sweden, Luxemburg and Denmark) or with expected intense GDP growth (Estonia and Malta) may lack decarbonisation levers. Therefore, policy makers should introduce additional subsidy schemes and tax exemptions in both developed and less developed countries to meet EU decarbonisation targets. © 2023 by the authors
Analysis of the deformational behavior of a clayey foundation soil stabilized with ladle furnace slag (LFS) using a finite element software
No full textThe stabilization of soft clayey soils to improve their stress–strain behavior is one of the most widely used geotechnical engineering techniques. Traditionally, lime and cement have been used as stabilizers, although other products such as Ladle Furnace Slag (LFS) are now used, given the environmental imperative to reuse materials and to reduce both the consumption of raw materials and the use of landfill sites. LFS is a by-product of the steelmaking industry, with limited applicability in other industrial processes, but its chemical composition, rich in calcium, magnesium, silica, and alumina, mean that it may be used as a binder for clayey soils as a substitute for lime. This geo-mechanical research is focused on the analysis of the plastic behavior and the strength of a low bearing capacity clayey soil mix with 5% added LFS. The following properties were evaluated: plasticity (Atterberg limits), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS), and direct shear strength. The evolution of UCS was verified through tests on samples held in a humid chamber at a constant relative humidity of 95% ± 5%. and temperature of 20 °C ± 3 °C, after 3, 7, 28, 54, and 90 days of curing. Based on the results, a numerical analysis was performed with a two-dimensional finite element software: RS2 (Rocscience). The behavior of a footing-foundation system supported on stabilized soil was modeled, with a plate load test geometry and with the laboratory parameters. The results, compared with those obtained with untreated soil and with a lime-stabilized soil, demonstrated that the LFS mix increased the stiffness of the layered soil (less settlement) and improved its bearing capacity. The applicability of LFS for soil stabilization and its use in geotechnical works such as foundations and embankments open up fields of application that are likely to offer satisfactory alternatives for these by-products. © 202
Characterization of ceramic tiles coated with recycled waste glass particles to be used for cool roof applications
No full textThis study presents a novel proof of concept in the literature of using waste glass for solar reflectance purposes that can be useful for future research and applications with the aim of suggesting an appealing alternative for substituting raw materials in the ceramic industry. This research is framed in the field of the production of new sustainable and resilient construction materials, which is gaining a huge concern in the literature since using recycled materials is considered as a positive strategy for saving natural resources and mitigating potential environmental risks. In this context, waste glass (WG) being recycled globally is deemed insufficient compared to the discarded quantity intended for landfill disposal. The objective of this study is the characterization of ceramic roof tiles by using recycled WG particles as a coating in order to evaluate their potential use for cool roof applications. This characterization encompasses the assessment of their physical, mechanical and optical characteristics, including geometrical characteristics, flexural strength, permeability, frost resistance, fire behavior and leaching test in addition to colorimetric and normal solar radiation reflectance characterization. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of WG type and shape of roof tiles on this characterisation. To conduct this study, flat and curved roof tiles models were produced on a laboratory scale following a single firing process. Two types of WG were used for the coatings: soda lime silica WG (WG1) and cathode ray tube (CRT) WG (WG2), which were specifically prepared for experimentation, varying in shape and type of WG. Then, a statistical analysis was performed to identify the influence of tiles shape and type of WG on the solar reflectance behavior, and to analyze the probability distributions for the different spectral normal reflectance measurements. The results demonstrated that the application of WG as a coating on roof tiles generally enhances their physical and mechanical characteristics. Specifically, the use of WG2 improves the normal solar reflectance performance of flat tiles, which makes it a sustainable solution to be introduced for cool roof applications and subsequently contribute to circularity and mitigation of urban heat island effect. © 2023 The Author(s
A methodology for urban planning generation: A novel approach based on generative design
No full textThe construction sector is undergoing a digital transformation that aims to increase productivity, improve processes and take advantage of the new advances in digitalization. Urban planning is particularly susceptible of benefiting from these advances due to its complexity and the large amount of data and disciplines that come together. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology that aims to enhance current urban planning design methods, which are mainly designed by a planner, to an optimized process where the planner interacts with a software that automates many of the tasks. This methodology based on generative design principles, develop urban design solutions by subdividing a given plot and assigning different housing typologies on it. Our proposed software requires 3D urban models datasets as a reference to create solutions within a specific shape, style, proportions, among others, as well as input from the planner to guide the program according to project requirements and existing local norms. Higher automation in the design process eases project changes and allows for more and varied design testing, which in the end, contributes to better analysis and decision making. We tested our proposal in a case study in the city of Vienna to illustrate the design process, obtain several urban planning solutions and validate our methodology. © 2023 The Author(s
Urban Environment of Disappeared Heritage: Graphic Analysis of Puerta Real in Seville
No full textThe city of Seville experienced a remarkable rise in the 16th century thanks to trade with America. Based on a report by the architect Hernán Ruiz, it was decided to renovate the gates of the walled city. The Puerta Real, also called Puerta de Goles, was remodelled between 1560 and 1566, and King Philip II entered through it in 1570. However, it was demolished around 1864, and only the remains of the adjacent wall stand today. This research aims to graphically analyse the gate and its immediate surroundings to gain a more profound knowledge of it and to promote its heritage value. To this end, an extensive collection and analysis of historical images has been carried out, which are essential for understanding the transformations of the site. A photograph by Masson (c. 1855–1860) was next used to support the virtual reconstruction of the gate. A 3D laser scanner was also used to document the existing archaeological remains and, via game-engine technology, to recreate rigorously, for the first time, this 16th-century gate in its current environment. This research could be useful for future scientific reconstruction to promote the heritage revitalisation of this city area. © 2023 by the authors
Usability of a Virtual Learning Environment in Down Syndrome Adult Learning
No full textThe use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) is becoming increasingly common in teaching. Nevertheless, analysis of how effective these prove to be for the learning of persons with disabilities remains scarce. In this study, we work with a sample of 34 people aged between 16 and 44 (14 women and 20 men) who have Down Syndrome. The aims of the study were to (1) explore whether there were any significant differences before and after teaching when using a VLE; (2) determine whether the frequency of use and time spent on the VLE impacted learning outcomes; (3) examine clusters vis a vis learning behaviour in the VLE; and (4) gauge perceived user satisfaction with the use of the VLE. Significant differences in learning outcomes before and after teaching using a VLE were found. The frequency and time spent using the VLE were seen to have no impact on learning outcomes. Three clusters were identified in terms of VLE behaviour, and perceived user satisfaction with the VLE was high. There is a need to increase the number of studies addressing the impact of VLEs on learning in persons with different disabilities.1