scholarly journals Influence of Internal Courtyards on the Energy Load and Hours of Illuminance in Row Houses in Toronto

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miljana Horvat
Keyword(s):  
Energy Performance ◽  
Central Portion ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Natural Light ◽  
Cold Climates ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Row Houses

Natural daylight is desirable in locations where winter days are short. With narrow front and long depth, row houses interiors in Toronto tend to be dark, as natural light cannot penetrate to the central portion of the house. This study aims to contribute to the development of guidelines for designers using courtyards to create better space quality and to add to occupants’ delight, health and wellbeing. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of internal courtyards in houses located in cold climates and the implications of such design on the energy performance, natural light and lighting consumption. The simulations showed that the window to wall ratio doesn’t have major influence on the hours of daylight inside the house. The main results also show significant improvement of the hours of illuminance in the interior, with higher increases in the shorter days of the year when light is more needed.

scholarly journals Influence of Internal Courtyards on the Energy Load and Hours of Illuminance in Row Houses in Toronto

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miljana Horvat
Keyword(s):  
Energy Performance ◽  
Central Portion ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Natural Light ◽  
Cold Climates ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Row Houses

Natural daylight is desirable in locations where winter days are short. With narrow front and long depth, row houses interiors in Toronto tend to be dark, as natural light cannot penetrate to the central portion of the house. This study aims to contribute to the development of guidelines for designers using courtyards to create better space quality and to add to occupants’ delight, health and wellbeing. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of internal courtyards in houses located in cold climates and the implications of such design on the energy performance, natural light and lighting consumption. The simulations showed that the window to wall ratio doesn’t have major influence on the hours of daylight inside the house. The main results also show significant improvement of the hours of illuminance in the interior, with higher increases in the shorter days of the year when light is more needed.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Workplace Health and Wellbeing Training Course Delivered Online and Face-To-Face

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zenobia Talati ◽  
Emily Davey ◽  
Carly Grapes ◽  
Trevor Shilton ◽  
Simone Pettigrew
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Perceived Competence ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Face ◽  
Potential Benefits

Organisations may benefit from training champions to promote healthy workplace environments and initiatives. This study compared the perceived usefulness and relative effectiveness of an employee training course offered via online and face-to-face formats. Individuals who took part in the training course were assessed on their perceived competence and confidence to implement changes pre- and post-training. Repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and a t-test were conducted to test for significant differences between pre- and post-training scores and/or mode of training, respectively. Although the face-to-face training course was rated as slightly more useful, there were no significant differences between the two modes of training for the other dependent variables, and both modes led to significantly greater perceived competence and confidence post-training. These findings demonstrate the potential benefits of training employees to implement changes in their workplaces.

Understanding design scales for a range of potential green infrastructure benefits in a London Garden City

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 728-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hareth Pochee ◽  
Innes Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Pollution Reduction ◽  
Energy Crop ◽  
Community Gardening ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Urban Heat

It has been proposed that increasing the amount of foliage, trees and soft landscaping in our cities could prove useful environmentally, economically and socially. Benefits of greener urban environments that have been suggested range from reduction in water pollution to improved mental health. This paper outlines a critical appraisal of the science and reasoning behind several cited benefits of greening cities. The specific potential benefits addressed are urban heat island mitigation, improved insulation, stormwater management, air pollution reduction, energy crop production, acoustic attenuation, food production and community gardening for health and wellbeing. London, UK, has been used as an example case with an aim of estimating the extent, types and distributions of green that would be required to yield meaningful city-scale benefits. The work takes a broad-brush approach, from a designer's perspective, to begin the process of understanding how greenery designs work, to what extent, and how they might be applied in urban environments. The characteristics of some concept design options for a Garden City version of London that illustrate the scale of greening required to realise the benefits are presented. Practical application: This paper outlines a critical appraisal of the science and reasoning behind several cited benefits of greening cities. The specific potential benefits addressed are urban heat island mitigation, improved insulation, stormwater management, air pollution reduction, energy crop production, acoustic attenuation, food production and community gardening for health and wellbeing. A collection of concept designs, for London, UK, has been examined with the aim of estimating the extent, types and distributions of greenery that would be required to yield meaningful city-scale benefits. The work has direct relevance to city planning and the design of green infrastructure in London, UK; however, many of the issues covered are applicable to other cities worldwide.

scholarly journals Cool Roofs in the US: The Impact of Roof Reflectivity, Insulation and Attachment Method on Annual Energy Cost

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 7656
Author(s):  
Athanasios Tzempelikos ◽  
Seungjae Lee
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
The United States ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Cold Climates ◽  
Climate Zones ◽  
The Us ◽  
Cool Roofs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Warm Climates

While it is well-known that cool roofs can efficiently reduce cooling demand in buildings, their overall energy performance in mixed and cold climates has been a topic of debate. This paper presents a comprehensive simulation study to evaluate the combined impact of roof reflectivity, insulation level, and construction type (adhered vs attached) on annual energy demand and energy costs in the United States, for different buildings and climate zones. EnergyPlus was used to model three building types (retail, office, and school buildings) for the 16 most climate-representative locations in the US using typical reflectivity and insulation values. The results show that (i) roof reflectivity is equally important to roof insulation in warm climates; (ii) for low-rise offices and schools, the benefits of reflective roofs vs dark-colored roofs are clear for all US climatic zones, with higher savings in warm climates; (iii) for big-box-retail buildings, reflective roofs perform better except for cold climate zones 7–8; (iv) dark-colored, mechanically attached roofs achieve slightly better performance than reflective roofs in mixed and cold climates. Decision makers should consider building type, climatic conditions, roof insulation levels, and durability performance, along with roof reflectivity, when assessing the overall potential benefits of cool roofs.

scholarly journals Global warming potential of the production phase based on the example of a hotel regarding two different construction variants

2021 ◽  
Vol 2069 (1) ◽  
pp. 012232
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Engel ◽  
Manuela Walsdorf-Maul ◽  
Michael Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Global Warming Potential ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Life Cycle Assessments ◽  
Production Phase

Abstract The construction industry has a major influence on man-made carbon dioxide emissions. Being sustainable also means reducing or neutralizing our carbon dioxide pollution in the future. This research and the corresponding work are therefore guided by the following question: Is it possible and useful to conduct life cycle assessments and at the same time analyze the environmental impact of the construction sector? In the context of this work, a life cycle assessment of a building is performed using the example of a hotel building. All construction elements of the thermal envelope are examined from an environmental point of view by considering the global warming potential of each part of the construction. The aim of the study is to draw conclusions about the parameters that are decisive for the construction of a hotel building from an ecological standpoint in the production phase. Based on the results of the study, we want to drive the development of a “future” energy performance certificate forward that graphically illustrates the evaluation of buildings under both aspects - energy efficiency (final energy) and sustainability (GWP - global warming potential).

scholarly journals PERCEPTION OF LIVING IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING Case study: Petogogan Row Houses

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Ristya Arinta Safitri
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Natural Light ◽  
Simple Design ◽  
Income Family ◽  
The Government ◽  
Physical Elements ◽  
Row Houses

<p>ABSTRACT</p><p>Indonesia has backlog issue against landed houses. While the needs of houses increase every year, land availability decreases in cities that causes landed house prices become unaffordable. One of the solutions offered by the government is RISHA (Rumah Instan Sederhana Sehat) or a simple design innovation of healthy house especially for low-income family. One of its successful projects was Petogogan Row Houses. However, after few years of occupancy the occupants perceive that there are some things which are considered incompatible with the rooms they inhabit. The qualitative approach applied in this study is to uncover the occupants’ perception of the post occupancy of RISHA row houses. Through this research it was found that things that are considered inappropriate by occupants are caused by (1) the furniture (non-fixed elements) capacity exceeds the RISHA room standard; (2) the physical elements (fixed-elements) of walls and ceilings set by RISHA do not provide possibilities for occupants to install non-fixed elements; (3) inadequacy of indoor natural light capacity related to the improper occupants’ considerations.</p><p>Keywords: RISHA row houses, occupants’ perception, room physical elements.</p>

scholarly journals Horticultural Activity: Its Contribution to Stress Recovery and Wellbeing for Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuhan Shao ◽  
Mohamed Elsadek ◽  
Binyi Liu
Keyword(s):  
Skin Conductance ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Sympathetic Nervous Activity ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mobile Game ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Physiological Sensors

In recent years, children’s use of mobile phones has grown rapidly, which might lead to an increase in mental stress and negatively affect their health. Despite increasing evidence that horticultural activity can provide significant health benefits, few scientific evidence-based studies are currently available regarding these benefits to children’s health and wellbeing in schools. Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential benefits of horticultural activity for children from both psychological and physiological perspectives. Twenty-six elementary school students (mean age, 8.12 ± 0.21 years) were asked to perform a plant-related task and a mobile game task for 5 min. During both tasks, physiological sensors were used to measure the participants’ heart rate variability, skin conductance, and skin temperature. Additionally, the participants’ emotional responses were assessed using semantic differential and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory tests immediately after each task. Results revealed that, compared with the mobile game task, participants’ health statuses were positively correlated with the horticultural task, including a considerable decrease in skin conductance and sympathetic nervous activity, together with a marginal increase in parasympathetic nervous activity. Such responses suggested that horticultural activity increased relaxation and decreased feelings of stress. Furthermore, the horticultural activity was associated with a substantial increment in comfort, naturalness, relaxation, and cheerfulness feelings, as well as a significant reduction in depression and a reduction in total anxiety levels. Given these positive benefits, horticultural activity may provide a great contribution to children’s healthy life at school, prompt psychological relaxation and minimize mental stress relative to smartphone games.

scholarly journals Effect of Atrium Compare to Courtyard on Energy Demand and Daylight in Row Housed in Toronto

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamanna Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Cold Climates ◽  
Floor Area ◽  
Large Window ◽  
Interior Spaces ◽  
Reduce Energy Consumption ◽  
Daylight Performance ◽  
Row Houses

Row houses in cold climates with increased shared wall for energy efficiency, suffer from darker interior spaces. Addition of courtyards can solve this problem to some extent, but courtyards are responsible for higher energy consumption during winter. This study investigates an alternative option, i.e. converting courtyard into atrium during winter for assessing its energy and daylight performance in row houses in Toronto. Results are determined by using Design Builder software. Research shows, during winter atrium options in row houses can reduce energy consumption compared to courtyard, but at the same time daylit floor area above target illuminance is also reduced. However, bigger courtyard having large window to wall ratio, clear glazing for courtyard windows and low e coated glazing for skylight can create a balance between increased energy consumption and decreased daylighting inside the house to maximize the benefits from converting courtyard into atrium during winter in Toronto row houses.

scholarly journals The Impact of Archetype Patterns in Office Buildings on the Annual Cooling, Heating and Lighting Loads in Hot-Humid, Hot-Dry and Cold Climates of Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jalil Shaeri ◽  
Mahmood Yaghoubi ◽  
Amin Habibi ◽  
Ata Chokhachian
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Linear Form ◽  
Office Buildings ◽  
Office Building ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Natural Light ◽  
Cold Climates ◽  
Reduce Energy Consumption ◽  
Lighting Loads ◽  
The Impact

Extensive cost in the building industry comes from cooling and heating to create thermal comfort. Hence, it is necessary to utilize passive solutions, in addition to suitable design, in order to reduce energy consumption. This research attempts to investigate the impact of archetype patterns in office buildings on annual energy consumption for cooling, heating and daylight loads. For this purpose, the DesignBuilder software was used to compare the forms. In this study, four conventional construction forms were considered, including the single and dense form, central courtyard buildings, U form and linear form, and each was considered with two, four and six-stories. Forms were simulated in the three cities of Bushehr, Shiraz and Tabriz, with hot-humid, hot-dry and cold climates, respectively. The results revealed that the office building with a linear form in Bushehr had the lowest energy consumption in the two and four-story forms, and also in the six-story form, the central courtyard form had the lowest energy consumption. Additionally, the central courtyard forms in Tabriz and Shiraz had the lowest energy consumption in all cases. Finally, the linear form possessed the most natural daylight through all of the studied cases for the three cities in terms of natural light gain.

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