1,720,965 research outputs found
Economic and environmental assessment of thermal insulation. A case study in the Italian context
Full text linkAn analysis of the state of the art has shown how current European policy underpins the importance of assessing the impact of different energy efficiency strategies during the life cycle of buildings. In this study a framework is developed for the identification of the optimal material to be used to achieve the highest level of energy efficiency in building retrofits, taking into account environmental and economic elements and comparing different scenarios. For each of these scenarios the Life Cycle Cost Analysis was applied together with related environmental analysis in terms of the production of CO2. The research was applied to an industrial factory in Italy. Results showed that, among ten material with different origin, namely plant, animal, mineral and fossil origin, the optimal thickness varied between 0.023 m of the line fiber, and 0.082 m of the rock wool. From the economic point of view, saving was between 1.58 €/m2 with the linen fiber, and 9.63 €/m2 with the rock wool. Finally, considering the environmental aspect, savings in terms of CO2 was possible only for three of the ten materials, namely cork, sheep wool and fiber glass, respectively equal to 0.14 Kg/m2, 0.65 Kg/m2 and 0.34 Kg/m2. The study has important implications mainly regarding the issue of energy efficiency. Specifically, the opportunity to analyse and compare economic and environmental aspects of a series of alternative materials to improve energy efficiency may provide stakeholders with calculated and objective input for the support of sustainable actions. Sum up, this research has identified a “result oriented” methodology comparing traditional and sustainable materials and measuring the benefits from the correct insulation of a building. These benefits are mainly of an economic and environmental nature and, in this regard, the study helps to strengthen the leadership of the EU for a sustainable use of natural resources within an efficient bioeconomy, essential to achieve Sustainable Development Goals
A sustainable solution for energy efficiency in Italian climatic contexts
Full text linkIn the European Union, about 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions come from buildings; therefore, the improvement of their energy performance is a strongly focused issue. In particular, the energy efficiency of the building envelope is a very important element to pay attention to. Many studies have been conducted on this field of research, and the study illustrated in this paper also belongs to this topic. In particular, this article presents a multidisciplinary method to find sustainable solutions for energy efficiency in Italian climatic contexts using the Life Cycle Cost Analysis approach. In detail, this paper defines the reference scenario and then deepens the methodology used to determine the economically optimal thickness of a specific insulating material-hemp fiber-applied to a specific type of wall-uninsulated cavity walls made of hollow bricks, which are very widespread in Italy. The analysis is developed in relation to three different regions-Piedmont, Abruzzo, and Campania. The results show that the economically optimal thickness is different for each region analyzed and demonstrates how energy efficiency strategies must be carefully weighed according to the specific conditions of the site
Three Decades on Renewable Climate Policy: A Bibliometric Analysis
No full textGlobal climate change is having observable effects on the environment and for this reason is driving the promotion of renewable climate policies (RCPs). But no doubt this is a problem that will not be solved easily. For this reason, this paper aims to contribute an overview of RCPs through a bibliometric approach. In this analysis, Web of Science database is used interrogating specific keywords on a period of thirty years. Through the study of the literature, three main topic areas have been identified and, for each of them, a research question has been defined respectively. The direction of the research is to answer these three research questions so as to have an assessment concerning bibliographic expertise on the theme of RCPs. The study shows that the interest in RCPs has grown strongly over the years and that the leading countries in the field have been the USA and the People’s Republic of China, followed by Europe. This review can help the researchers and practitioners to understand the current state of development and also where research is missing. It can also support the identification of new lines of application and the development of better policy instruments towards climate goals
Energy transitions in Western European Countries: Regulation comparative analysis
Full text linkShifting from fossil to renewable energy sources is a major global challenge, and in this context, the European Union has promoted sustainable and environmentally friendly growth as early as the Maastricht Treaty of 1992. To date, European institutions have promulgated a series of environmental regulations and directives aimed at promoting and imposing adoption by member states of internal regulations. This paper is focused on Western Europe, and it explores, for each state under analysis, energy policies adopted, the results achieved and recommendations for the future growth of renewable energy. The results show that in countries where energy policy is not fragmented, the yield in renewable energies has been higher, and also in the states where more and various forms of subsidies are foreseen, growth seems to be greater. Finally, the paper provides useful recommendations and future policy implications for states that have not met the 2020 targets
Performance monitoring of wood construction materials by means of integrated sensors
No full textThe use of natural materials for constructions, such as wood, makes it possible to respond to sustainability issues. However, due to its nature, it has problems of durability, as it is easily degradable. For this reason this research has developed a methodology aimed at defining an action strategy to monitor the behavior of wood elements. This methodology was verified in a case study where an innovative sensing and monitoring system conceived and optimized for modern wooden structures was introduced. It is organized with a control unit and sensing nodes that can be arranged freely. This architecture allows to provide continuous information about inside and outside ambient temperatures, moisture conditions and tri-axis inclination of structural elements. It is an innovative automatic monitor system that can be easily integrated to carry out a continuous analysis of the structural and environmental parameters of wooden buildings
Secondary Raw Materials for Circular Economy in Construction Sector: A Review
No full textConstruction and demolition waste (CDW) is very high in quantity, 30% - 40% of total
solid waste and their management is inadequate and lack the integration of sustainability concepts.
This situation leads to severe environmental effects, which are mainly associated with the
production of new building materials due to the low recovery rate. In fact some studies show that 5-
10% of total energy consumption across the EU is related to the manufacture of construction
products. For this reason, CDW is a priority for many policies globally. For several years, a
growing trend towards more sustainable construction processes has been taking place with a focus
on secondary raw materials with lower environmental impacts on the entire life cycle. For this
reason, this paper intends to contribute to increasing knowledge in this field through a review
article. The review has the aim to evaluate the research gap, strategies to reduce construction waste
and to promote the recycled materials use for a circular economy in construction sector.
The results of the study showed that interest in this field of research has grown strongly over the
years: the most publications on the subject relate to the last five years. On the other hand, issues
relating to the topic did not attract particular interest in the range 2010-2016, in fact the number of
publications in this period did not exceed 4%.
The research showed that Europe is among the communities most sensitive to the issue and it has
clearly revealed that there are still many barriers and research gaps to be overcome on this issue and
the study has tried to identify the main ones
Energy Improvement in the Building Sector: An Economic Analysis Relating to the Most Common Italian Masonry
Full text linkThe construction sector is a major contributor to total energy consumption, therefore, it is crucial to adopt energy efficiency strategies capable of reducing energy impact in buildings. Among these strategies, exterior wall insulation is one of the most cost-effective options to achieve energy savings for both newly constructed and renovated buildings. In this paper, based on an economic analysis, we aim to determine the economically optimal thickness of insulation material to be used for retrofit interventions of masonry structures. The study analyzes 10 different insulating materials and 5 masonry structures widespread in Italy. The results show that each masonry structure requires a careful evaluation of the thickness of the insulating material to be applied in retrofit operations. Moreover, varying the type of insulating material used, even if applied to the same wall structure, there are different levels of thickness to be applied in order to optimize the performance of the structure
Solar Photovoltaic Optimal Tilt Angles in Public Building
No full textThe reduction of the consumption of fossil fuels that cause climate change and the encouragement of the use of cleaner renewable sources, appears to be a fundamental objective for achieving the climate aims agreed in Paris. Moreover, the sustainability of the implementation of solutions for energy efficiency in public administration buildings has played a fundamental role in recent years, strengthened also by the regulatory context of energy and environmental policies of European countries. The research fits into this context and it intends to promote a methodology that is able to evaluate the economic and environmental performance of a photovoltaic system applied in a school located in Italy when only the roof inclination angle changes. The economic and environmental performances are evaluated respectively through Life Cycle Cost Analysis and the avoided CO2 emissions. The results show that although the case study does not present the optimal roof inclination angle, there are economic and environmental advantages. Furthermore, the research notes that, considering the characteristics of the photovoltaic system concerned, the optimal roof inclination angle is equal to 40 degrees from an economic and environmental point of view. This methodology could easily support the decision-making process of designers and administrators to make the energy upgrading choices for the promotion of renewable sources. It was applied to a case study, that is a school located in Italy, in the Abruzzo region, in the province of L’Aquila, but it could be easily replicated in other existing public buildings in different locations
NOVEL POLYSACCHARIDE COATED LIPOSOMES AS DRUG CARRIERS: DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION
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