Aesthetic and Technical Problems of Renovated Residential Buildings Facade - Prevention of Defects

Renovation of the building stock is an acknowledged issue in the building industry. Constructional and technical requirements on residential buildings have significantly changed, as well as demands on flats equipment and aesthetic quality of the building and surrounding urban space. Several years "boom" of large-scale housing renovation in Slovakia has resulted in colour, shape and material diversity of residential buildings facade. The paper presents selected aspects of residential buildings renovation, related to their facade components. An important part of the renovation design should be prevention of defects, particularly of insulation systems. Several years after buildings insulation first colonies of microorganisms form on the surface of insulated facades and results in the formation of “green skin” on building façades. It has been observed that up to 80 % of insulated buildings are affected by this greening. This microbial colonization of buildings causes aesthetic problems and can lead to degradation and spalling of the coating [1].

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The Potential Contribution of Wood in Green Building Certifications

Architectural Research in Finland ◽

10.37457/arf.113262 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chiara Piccardo ◽

Ashraful Alam ◽

Mark Hughes

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Sustainable Forest Management ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Green Building ◽

Life Cycles ◽

Potential Contribution ◽

Low Carbon ◽

Building Sector ◽

Building Stock ◽

Sustainability Criteria

The building sector has a significant impact on the environment, accounting for 36% of CO2 emissions and about half of material consumption in Europe. Residential buildings dominate the European building stock. In Finland, residential buildings account for up to 80% of the existing buildings and the rate of construction is higher compared to other building types. Therefore, residential buildings play an important role in the transition to a sustainable built environment. A number of studies show that increasing the use of wood can lower the life cycle environmental impacts of buildings. In Scandinavia, the use of wood in small houses is well established, used in 90% of cases. Furthermore, the increasing number of high-rise wooden buildings suggests a growing interest in the potential of wood in large-scale buildings. Green building certification provides criteria to assess the sustainability level of buildings and is expected to influence the building sector in the near future, by promoting the use of sustainable technologies. The aim of this study was to investigate how green building certification schemes assess wood materials and how wood materials can help fulfil sustainability criteria for green buildings. We analyse the sustainability criteria adopted by the most common certification schemes in Finland, BREEAM, LEED and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, as well as the upcoming Level(s) certification promoted by the European Commission. The analysis shows that the contribution of wood materials to the overall score of green building certifications accounts for between 10 and 36%. Wood is advantageous as a renewable and low-carbon material. Furthermore, wood can offer indirect benefits due to its recycling potential and to water saving in the construction stage. However, wood materials have to comply with some requirements, such as sustainable forest management and low volatile organic compound content. The new European certification suggests a comprehensive assessment including circular material life cycles.

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A component-level methodology to evaluate the seismic repair costs of infills and services for Italian RC buildings

Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering ◽

10.1007/s10518-020-00944-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 6533-6570 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Teresa De Risi ◽

Carlo Del Gaudio ◽

Gerardo Mario Verderame

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Structural Components ◽

Rc Buildings ◽

Component Level ◽

Building Stock ◽

Damage Level ◽

Repair Costs ◽

Electric Equipment

Abstract The reliable estimation of seismic losses due to damage to buildings is paramount for the post-emergency management and the planning of recovery activities. For residential reinforced concrete (RC) infilled buildings, a significant role in the computation of seismic loss is played by non-structural components, above all infills, partitions and services, as shown in past earthquakes. In this work, a component-based methodology is proposed to assess seismic losses for residential RC buildings in Mediterranean region. The attention is focused on the repairing activities for masonry infills (typical enclosure or partitions elements in Italian and Mediterranean RC buildings), and for services (plumbing systems, electric equipment, floor/wall tiles…), commonly enclosed within the infill panels for the considered building typology. The described methodology can be used starting from the expected damage level to infills and partitions. It adopts given repair unit costs at different damage states of infills. The loss estimation methodology has been, first, validated by comparing predicted and actual repair costs for specific case-study buildings damaged by L’Aquila (Italy) 2009 earthquake. Then, the methodology has been applied to a wide dataset of RC buildings (about 2500 residential buildings) damaged by L’Aquila earthquake available from the literature, to show its possible application at a large-scale level. A good agreement between observed and predicted costs is obtained both for specific case-study buildings and for the wider building stock, especially when damage to structural components is very limited.

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Flexibility Assessment of Multi-Energy Residential and Commercial Buildings

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13112704 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 2704

Author(s):

António Coelho ◽

Filipe Soares ◽

João Peças Lopes

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Energy Systems ◽

Energy System ◽

Commercial Buildings ◽

Electrical Network ◽

Electrical Networks ◽

Technical Problems ◽

Integration Of Renewables

With the growing concern about decreasing CO 2 emissions, renewable energy sources are being vastly integrated in the energy systems worldwide. This will bring new challenges to the network operators, which will need to find sources of flexibility to cope with the variable-output nature of these technologies. Demand response and multi-energy systems are being widely studied and considered as a promising solution to mitigate possible problems that may occur in the energy systems due to the large-scale integration of renewables. In this work, an optimal model to manage the resources and loads within residential and commercial buildings was developed, considering consumers preferences, electrical network restrictions and CO 2 emissions. The flexibility that these buildings can provide was analyzed and quantified. Additionally, it was shown how this model can be used to solve technical problems in electrical networks, comparing the performance of two scenarios of flexibility provision: flexibility obtained only from electrical loads vs. flexibility obtained from multi-energy loads. It was proved that multi-energy systems bring more options of flexibility, as they can rely on non-electrical resources to supply the same energy needs and thus relieve the electrical network. It was also found that commercial buildings can offer more flexibility during the day, while residential buildings can offer more during the morning and evening. Nonetheless, Multi-Energy System (MES) buildings end up having higher CO 2 emissions due to a higher consumption of natural gas.

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Development and Verification of Prototypical Office Buildings Models Using the National Building Energy Consumption Survey in Korea

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13073611 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 3611

Author(s):

Hye-Jin Kim ◽

Do-Young Choi ◽

Donghyun Seo

Keyword(s):

Energy Consumption ◽

Energy Policy ◽

Policy Development ◽

Large Scale ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Residential Building ◽

Building Energy ◽

Office Buildings ◽

Policy Enforcement ◽

Building Stock

In the early 2000s, the Korean government mandated the construction of only zero-energy residential buildings by 2025 and for non-residential buildings from 2030. Two decades since the start of building energy policy enforcement, Korean experts believe that it is time to evaluate its impact. However, few studies have systematically and extensively examined the energy consumption characteristics of the non-residential building stock. In this study, a framework development is implemented for defining non-residential prototypical office buildings based on Korea’s first large-scale non-residential building survey result from the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI). Then, a detailed building energy model of the defined prototypical building is constructed to verify the model’s energy estimation against observed energy consumption. As an application of the model, a case study for energy policy evaluation utilizing the constructed prototypical building model is presented. Every researcher and county may have their own circumstances when gathering definition data. However, by using the best available representative data, this suggested framework may result in informed decisions regarding energy policy development and evaluation. In addition, the mitigation of greenhouse gases from buildings may be expedited.

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Testing a Gypsum Composite Based on Raw Gypsum with a Direct Admixture of Paraffin and Polymer to Improve Thermal Properties

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14123241 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (12) ◽

pp. 3241

Author(s):

Krzysztof Powała ◽

Andrzej Obraniak ◽

Dariusz Heim

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Heat Capacity ◽

Thermal Properties ◽

Phase Change ◽

Large Scale ◽

Building Materials ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Polymer Content ◽

Volumetric Heat Capacity

The implemented new legal regulations regarding thermal comfort, the energy performance of residential buildings, and proecological requirements require the design of new building materials, the use of which will improve the thermal efficiency of newly built and renovated buildings. Therefore, many companies producing building materials strive to improve the properties of their products by reducing the weight of the materials, increasing their mechanical properties, and improving their insulating properties. Currently, there are solutions in phase-change materials (PCM) production technology, such as microencapsulation, but its application on a large scale is extremely costly. This paper presents a solution to the abovementioned problem through the creation and testing of a composite, i.e., a new mixture of gypsum, paraffin, and polymer, which can be used in the production of plasterboard. The presented solution uses a material (PCM) which improves the thermal properties of the composite by taking advantage of the phase-change phenomenon. The study analyzes the influence of polymer content in the total mass of a composite in relation to its thermal conductivity, volumetric heat capacity, and diffusivity. Based on the results contained in this article, the best solution appears to be a mixture with 0.1% polymer content. It is definitely visible in the tests which use drying, hardening time, and paraffin absorption. It differs slightly from the best result in the thermal conductivity test, while it is comparable in terms of volumetric heat capacity and differs slightly from the best result in the thermal diffusivity test.

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Proposal for a Methodology for Sustainable Rehabilitation Strategies of the Existing Building Stock—The Ponte Gêa Neighborhood

Designs ◽

10.3390/designs5020026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 26

Author(s):

Michael M. Santos ◽

João C. G. Lanzinha ◽

Ana Vaz Ferreira

Keyword(s):

Urban Space ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

Expected Improvement ◽

Water Efficiency ◽

Building Stock ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

Existing Building ◽

Agenda 2030 ◽

Development Agenda ◽

The City

Having in mind the objectives of the United Nations Development Agenda 2030, which refers to the sustainable principles of a circular economy, it is urgent to improve the performance of the built environment. The existing buildings must be preserved and improved in order to reduce their environmental impact, in line with the need to revert climate change and reduce the occurrence of natural disasters. This work had as its main goal to identify and define a methodology for promoting the rehabilitation of buildings in the Ponte Gêa neighborhood, in the city of Beira, Mozambique, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, water efficiency, and construction and demolition waste management. The proposed methodology aims to create a decision support method for creating strategic measures to be implemented by considering the three specific domains—energy, water, and waste. This model allows for analyzing the expected improvement according to the action to be performed, exploring both individual and community solutions. It encompasses systems of standard supply that can reveal greater efficiency and profitability. Thus, the in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of urban space and buildings allows for establishing guidelines for the renovation process of the neighborhood.

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Optimal Control Strategies for Switchable Transparent Insulation Systems Applied to Smart Windows for US Residential Buildings

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14102917 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (10) ◽

pp. 2917

Author(s):

Mohammad Dabbagh ◽

Moncef Krarti

Keyword(s):

Energy Use ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Residential Building ◽

Optimization Approach ◽

Optimal Controls ◽

Peak Demand ◽

Smart Windows ◽

Insulation Systems ◽

Rule Set

This paper evaluates the potential energy use and peak demand savings associated with optimal controls of switchable transparent insulation systems (STIS) applied to smart windows for US residential buildings. The optimal controls are developed based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) to identify the automatic settings of the dynamic shades. First, switchable insulation systems and their operation mechanisms are briefly described when combined with smart windows. Then, the GA-based optimization approach is outlined to operate switchable insulation systems applied to windows for a prototypical US residential building. The optimized controls are implemented to reduce heating and cooling energy end-uses for a house located four US locations, during three representative days of swing, summer, and winter seasons. The performance of optimal controller is compared to that obtained using simplified rule-based control sets to operate the dynamic insulation systems. The analysis results indicate that optimized controls of STISs can save up to 81.8% in daily thermal loads compared to the simplified rule-set especially when dwellings are located in hot climates such as that of Phoenix, AZ. Moreover, optimally controlled STISs can reduce electrical peak demand by up to 49.8% compared to the simplified rule-set, indicating significant energy efficiency and demand response potentials of the SIS technology when applied to US residential buildings.

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Energy Retrofitting Opportunities Using Renewable Materials—Comparative Analysis of the Current Frameworks in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13020603 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 603

Author(s):

Darija Gajić ◽

Slobodan Peulić ◽

Tim Mavrič ◽

Anna Sandak ◽

Črtomir Tavzes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Primary Energy ◽

Low Carbon ◽

Resource Exploitation ◽

Renewable Materials ◽

Building Stock ◽

Low Carbon Economy ◽

Eu Member States

Sustainable approaches for retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency are becoming necessary in a time when the building sector is the largest energy consumer. Retrofitting building stock is effective for reducing global energy consumption and decreasing resource exploitation. Less developed EU member states and neighboring developing countries show reluctance towards healthy and renewable materials. Implementation of sustainable materials for energy retrofitting is slowed down due to gaps in legislation and effective strategic programs, availability of bio-based materials, lack of knowledge regarding use and maintenance of renewable products, and marketing lobbies. Use of bio-based materials in refurbishment is important due to their negative or low global warming potential (GWP), low primary energy (PEI) need for production, cost-effective benefits, and recycling/reuse potential. Role of environmentally friendly solutions and low-carbon economy growth is particularly relevant in developing countries, such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, that cannot afford innovative energy recovery systems, yet possess a significant amount of poorly managed building stock. This research aims to analyze frameworks regarding retrofitting of residential buildings in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia. The analysis tackles indirect causes, studies the legal background, and examines strategic frameworks; thus, it indicates potential barriers for implementation of recommended retrofitting solutions based on renewable materials.

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Energy models for cost-optimal analysis: Development and calibration of residential reference building models for Northern Cyprus

Indoor and Built Environment ◽

10.1177/1420326x211013076 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1420326X2110130

Author(s):

Manta Marcelinus Dakyen ◽

Mustafa Dagbasi ◽

Murat Özdenefe

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Energy Consumption ◽

Mean Squared Error ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Mean Bias Error ◽

Bias Error ◽

Sampled Data ◽

Low Carbon ◽

Building Stock ◽

Northern Cyprus

Ambitious energy efficiency goals constitute an important roadmap towards attaining a low-carbon society. Thus, various building-related stakeholders have introduced regulations targeting the energy efficiency of buildings. However, some countries still lack such policies. This paper is an effort to help bridge this gap for Northern Cyprus, a country devoid of building energy regulations that still experiences electrical energy production and distribution challenges, principally by establishing reference residential buildings which can be the cornerstone for prospective building regulations. Statistical analysis of available building stock data was performed to determine existing residential reference buildings. Five residential reference buildings with distinct configurations that constituted over 75% floor area share of the sampled data emerged, with floor areas varying from 191 to 1006 m2. EnergyPlus models were developed and calibrated for five residential reference buildings against yearly measured electricity consumption. Values of Mean Bias Error (MBE) and Cumulative Variation of Root Mean Squared Error CV(RMSE) between the models’ energy consumption and real energy consumption on monthly based analysis varied within the following ranges: (MBE)monthly from –0.12% to 2.01% and CV(RMSE)monthly from 1.35% to 2.96%. Thermal energy required to maintain the models' setpoint temperatures for cooling and heating varied from 6,134 to 11,451 kWh/year.

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TOPOI RESOURCES: Quantification and Assessment of Global Warming Potential and Land-Uptake of Residential Buildings in Settlement Types along the Urban–Rural Gradient—Opportunities for Sustainable Development

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13084099 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 4099

Author(s):

Ann-Kristin Mühlbach ◽

Olaf Mumm ◽

Ryan Zeringue ◽

Oskars Redbergs ◽

Elisabeth Endres ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Global Warming ◽

Energy Consumption ◽

Global Warming Potential ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Residential Building ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Building Stock ◽

Residential Building Stock ◽

Urban Rural

The METAPOLIS as the polycentric network of urban–rural settlement is undergoing constant transformation and urbanization processes. In particular, the associated imbalance of the shrinkage and growth of different settlement types in relative geographical proximity causes negative effects, such as urban sprawl and the divergence of urban–rural lifestyles with their related resource, land and energy consumption. Implicitly related to these developments, national and global sustainable development goals for the building sector lead to the question of how a region can be assessed without detailed research and surveys to identify critical areas with high potential for sustainable development. In this study, the TOPOI method is used. It classifies settlement units and their interconnections along the urban–rural gradient, in order to quantify and assess the land-uptake and global warming potential driven by residential developments. Applying standard planning parameters in combination with key data from a comprehensive life cycle assessment of the residential building stock, a detailed understanding of different settlement types and their associated resource and energy consumption is achieved.

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