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Massive construction systems have always characterized traditional architecture and are currently the most prevalent, straightforward, and cost-effective in many Mediterranean countries. However, in recent years, the construction industry has gradually shifted towards using lightweight, dry construction techniques. This study aims to assess the effects on energy consumption, comfort levels, and environmental sustainability resulting from the adoption of five high-performance construction systems in a multi-family residential building: (i) reinforced concrete structure with low-transmittance thermal block infill; (ii) reinforced concrete structure with light-clay bricks and outer thermal insulation; (iii) steel frame; (iv) cross-laminated timber (CLT); (v) timber-steel hybrid structure. To achieve this goal, a multidisciplinary approach was employed, including the analysis of thermal parameters, the evaluation of indoor comfort through the adaptive model and Fanger's PMV, and the quantification of environmental and economic impacts through life cycle assessment and life cycle cost applied in a long-term analysis (ranging from 30 to 100 years). The results highlight that heavyweight construction systems are the most effective in terms of comfort, cost, and long-term environmental impact (100 years), while lightweight construction systems generally have higher construction costs, provide lower short-term environmental impacts (30 years), and offer intermediate comfort depending on the thermal mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the use of hybrid systems has become very common all over the world. In this study, the aim is to minimize the use of grid energy to provide heating and cooling energy with the help of a hybrid heat pump equipped with a flat solar collector, phase change material (PCM), and photovoltaic (PV) panels. To achieve the best results, a numerical dynamic model consisting of different solar PV panels in three models, batteries, inverters, and hybrid heat pump along with collector and PCM has been modeled by solving Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and TRNSYS software. According to the proposed scenarios, multi‐objective optimization has been done to simultaneously improve the study answers in several sections by multi‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithm with MATLAB software. Also, economic and environmental optimization is also presented separately for comparing and reviewing solutions. The results of multi‐objective optimization show that the amount of lifecycle cost (LCC) when using polycrystalline panel is 21.26% lower than monocrystalline panel and 38.71% higher than thin film panel. As a result, according to the specific conditions and attitude, you can choose the desired system. Also, in the economic optimization, it was found that the best system is related to the polycrystalline panel, the volume of PCM used in the system is equal to 1 m3 , the number of panels used is 18, and the minimum amount of LCC is $3929.08. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero-energy building is the main development trend in the current construction field. Reducing the carbon emission of the building, enhancing the indoor comfort of the building, and improving the comprehensive performance of the building are the current research hotspots in the field of construction, and it is necessary to explore the impact of the envelope on the performance of the building as the main medium for the transfer of indoor and outdoor heat in the building. In this paper, zero energy consumption buildings in Northwest China are taken as the study application. Numerical simulation and experimental research are combined to compare and analyze the changes of indoor thermal environment under the conditions of external wall insulation layer thickness of 150 mm, 140 mm, 130 mm and window-wall ratio of 0.36 and 0.5 in the heating season. The results show that the indoor comfort level of 130 mm is lower than that of 140 mm and 150 mm external wall insulation layer thickness, and in winter, the increase of window wall ratio improves indoor thermal comfort. In general, increasing the thickness of external wall insulation layer and window wall ratio can be effective means to improve indoor comfort. However, blindly increasing the thickness of insulation layer and window wall ratio will only cause resource waste and cost increase, affecting the long-term development of zero-energy buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Integrated Design Process is one of the most recommended methods to deliver Zero-Energy Buildings as it brings together all the stakeholders in the early moments of design, allowing performance optimisation and synergies among the different approaches and expertise. The practice of this design process is complex and difficult because it aims to integrate evolving decisions by all parties. It has been widely studied from the perspective of the process itself and its efficacy. However, the human side or how to manage the collaboration of the different stakeholders in the design development for a Zero Energy Building is unknown. To address this research gap this study is focused on the synergies among the consultants and the purpose behind this kind of building. Through the analysis of the design process and eight interviews with the main stakeholders of a Zero Energy Building at the National University of Singapore, three human factors are identified as critical for the success of an Integrated Design Process: client leadership, acting as the engine of the project; trust among the team, acting as the glue during the process, and focus on the goals that sustains the effort and allows the continuity in time. Although the results are limited to a case study, they can serve as a guide for clients and consultants to implement optimised Integrated Design Processes for future Zero Energy Buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As societies are shifting toward carbon neutral environments, they are beginning to account for their carbon emissions. One of the primary contributors of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming is the building industry; therefore, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the instruments that allows an assessment of the energy and the energy-related environmental impacts of the buildings from cradle to grave, according to ISO 14040. In this context, the aim of this research study is to assess the Life Cycle carbon dioxide (LC CO2eq) emissions over a 50-year-lifespan of a zero-carbon solar-powered earth-based building, built with carbon-free adobe bricks, in the hot semi-arid climate of Morocco. While research on the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions across the life cycle is crucial to determine the energy-intensive stages, this study looks into global tendencies of CO2eq emissions arising during the cradle-to-gate embodied (A1-3) and operational (B6) phases of a Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) case study, and which should be offset by carbon-free energy in order to abide by the ZCB definition. Results show that the LC CO2eq emissions of the eco-friendly zero-carbon residential building falls in 48.62 Kg CO2eq/m2.y., with an operational phase that has a share of around 93 % of global LC CO2eq emissions. In addition, when conventional construction materials such as concrete, bricks, and insulation materials are used as an alternative, embodied carbon emissions accounts for 6.3 kg CO2eq/m2.y. and is 85 % higher than the eco-friendly building, and it constitutes approximately 12.5 % of the overall carbon footprint. Moreover, the annual embodied and operational CO2eq emissions are offset by the 3.3-kWc-building-added-photovoltaic system. Hence, the conducted case study offers valuable insight into the good practices for decarbonization of Morocco's building stock.Through that case study, we aim to generate knowledge of net zero carbon buildings within the African continent, promoting the perks of decentralized solar energy in leaping forward a carbon-free electrified continent and valorizing the local construction techniques and knowhow in the building sector.

Modernization and industrialization have significantly increased energy consumption, causing environmental problems. Given that China is the largest energy user, the rise in building energy consumption necessitates clean energy alternatives. The purpose of this study is to summarize typical building models for primary and secondary schools in Hainan Province, and to use software to simulate and calculate the photovoltaic utilization potential of primary and secondary school buildings. In China, the government is usually the manager of primary and secondary schools, and due to their architectural characteristics, these buildings can be used to assess photovoltaic applications. The aim is to drive the application of photovoltaic systems in all types of buildings and promote urban energy reform. This study summarizes the types of primary and secondary school buildings in Hainan Province and analyzes them. It evaluates rooftop photovoltaic projects at the Second Middle School and the Siyuan School in Wanning City, Hainan Province, and uses PVsyst 7.2 software to assess the photovoltaic utilization potential. The results show that the optimal orientation in Hainan Province is south-facing, and the optimal inclination angle is 10° to 20°. The most favorable orientations of facade photovoltaic systems are 20° southeast or southwest. The longest dynamic investment payback period is approximately 15 years, and the environmental benefits are $0.012/kWh. The findings indicate significant potential for photovoltaic applications in primary and secondary school buildings. A combination of facade and rooftop photovoltaics can result in the zero-energy consumption of these buildings, reducing the pressure on urban power grids and achieving sustainable utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on solar walls integrated with phase change material (PCM) to enhance energy efficiency in zero-energy buildings. The research focuses on expanding the surface area with PCM-filled compartments to improve thermal performance. The effects of different expanded surface shapes and outlet air distances on the solar wall's temperature and PCM solidification process are investigated through numerical simulations. The findings show that semicircular surfaces with a 30 cm outlet air distance have the highest temperatures, while rectangular surfaces with the same distance have the lowest temperatures. Semicircular surfaces take the longest time to freeze PCM completely, whereas rectangular surfaces with a 30 cm gap achieve the fastest solidification. These insights provide valuable guidance for optimizing solar wall design and energy efficiency in zero-energy buildings. Finally, it was seen that by changing the shape of the extended surfaces and the air gap, the outlet air temperature changes up to 1.15° and the wall temperature changes up to 1.21°.

Existing buildings necessitate conversion to green buildings through remodeling. In early stages of this green remodeling project, it is crucial to establish a clear objective or strategy, because this determines the energy efficiency improvement rate of existing buildings. In this study, a local public nursery school was taken as the case study, where three objectives were determined: zero energy building (ZEB), greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and energy saving cost (ESC), and an efficient strategy for green remodeling according to each objective was provided. In addition, this study introduced a function called multi-objective energy efficiency ratio (MO-EER) to allow consumers to establish an optimal strategy by setting weights for each objective. The results of the study demostrated that both passive and renewable technologies were important in zero energy buildings. To achieve ZEB, it was advantageous to apply passive and renewable energy technologies that greatly reduces primary energy consumptions. In terms of GHG emissions, the more green remodeling technology, the better the building energy efficiency. In case of ESC, it was advantageous to apply a technology that greatly reduces secondary energy consumptions.

Modernization and industrialization have significantly increased energy consumption, causing environmental problems. Given that China is the largest energy user, the rise in building energy consumption necessitates clean energy alternatives. The purpose of this study is to summarize typical building models for primary and secondary schools in Hainan Province, and to use software to simulate and calculate the photovoltaic utilization potential of primary and secondary school buildings. In China, the government is usually the manager of primary and secondary schools, and due to their architectural characteristics, these buildings can be used to assess photovoltaic applications. The aim is to drive the application of photovoltaic systems in all types of buildings and promote urban energy reform. This study summarizes the types of primary and secondary school buildings in Hainan Province and analyzes them. It evaluates rooftop photovoltaic projects at the Second Middle School and the Siyuan School in Wanning City, Hainan Province, and uses PVsyst 7.2 software to assess the photovoltaic utilization potential. The results show that the optimal orientation in Hainan Province is south-facing, and the optimal inclination angle is 10° to 20°. The most favorable orientations of facade photovoltaic systems are 20° southeast or southwest. The longest dynamic investment payback period is approximately 15 years, and the environmental benefits are $0.012/kWh. The findings indicate significant potential for photovoltaic applications in primary and secondary school buildings. A combination of facade and rooftop photovoltaics can result in the zero-energy consumption of these buildings, reducing the pressure on urban power grids and achieving sustainable utilization.

Given the notable consumption of fossil fuels, buildings prioritize their energy utilization. This paper's aim is to explore the primary strategies in attaining zero-energy and zero-carbon buildings. The investigation employs two specialized software programs: Design Builder, which analyzes energy usage, and PV Syst, which evaluates renewable energy requirements. The study is conducted in Fort Myers, USA, and Dubai, UAE, leveraging diverse regional and climate discrepancies, and real-world data on zero-energy and carbon constructions for comparison and validation. Within the Design Builder software, the research examines four strategies, with the first serving as the realistic baseline. By implementing the second strategy, utilizing internal shading devices such as Shade Roll, a reduction of 376 kWh in Fort Myers and 591 kWh in Dubai is achieved. The third strategy encompasses the deployment of blind-type internal shading systems, resulting in reductions of 212 kWh in Fort Myers and 348 kWh in Dubai. The fourth strategy involves integrating renewable energy via photovoltaic panels, injecting 323.5 kWh in Fort Myers and 2237 kWh in Dubai into the power grid for lighting purposes. Furthermore, 3200.5 kWh and 4722 kWh of energy are respectively injected into the grid for heating in Fort Myers and Dubai. Cooling, however, necessitates additional energy from the grid, amounting to 2243.94 kWh in Fort Myers and 9211.64 kWh in Dubai. In the pursuit of zero-carbon goals, the implementation of suitable low-carbon recycled materials, in place of primary building materials, reduces carbon dioxide emissions from 79 tons to 7.315 tons in Fort Myers and 7.038 tons in Dubai. By employing appropriate materials, the zero-carbon objective is attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Demonstrated the first real-world energy sharing in an energy community. • Fully electrified a community with a 107 MWh scale using high renewable energy. • Achieved 57.6% self-consumption, 38.4% self-sufficiency, 126.3% energy independence. • Used machine learning to uncover complex grid and building energy interactions. • Reduced annual electricity costs by 18.3% through demand side management. Achieving 'carbon neutrality' in the building sector involves high penetration of renewables, electrification of energy use, and improved flexible interactions with the grid to balance energy supply and demand. This study analyzed one year in an urban energy community powered entirely by electricity, using high levels of renewable sources. By facilitating energy sharing between residential and non-residential buildings, the community redirected surplus energy to meet demand, achieving 57.6% self-consumption, 38.4% self-sufficiency, and 126.3% energy independence rate. This achievement involved an annual electricity consumption of 107 MWh, sevenfold that of previous simulation-based studies, marking the first real-world demonstration. Using machine learning clustering with domain-based interpretation, the study unraveled complex interactions between building operations and the power grid, influenced by external factors (weather, occupant behavior), system design, and controls. Managing low-probability high-impact (LPHI) events of severe demand or production peaks, accounting for only 0.5% of the time and 1.8% of net energy annually, was crucial to grid stability and cost reduction. The study confirmed the limitations of increasing battery energy storage capacity in certain environments, highlighting the importance of demand-side management (DSM) with thermal systems. The DSM effectively handled LPHI events, reducing grid stress with an 18.3% decrease in annual electricity cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work gives a precise review of the researches completed on the energy conservation characteristics of liquid flow glazing. Its energy saving and environmental benefits under various design and operation conditions, contributions with renewable energy utilization, as well as application in zero energy buildings are timely explored and summarized. Its advantages lie in the reduction of thermal transmission between the indoor and outdoor environments, the beneficial thermal collection, and the tactful utilization of renewable energy. The optical and thermal properties, as well as the energy performance of liquid flow glazing were found much affected by the glazing and fluid properties, the window configuration, and the operating conditions. These are consequently linked to the degree of electricity saving, the decrease in atmospheric CO 2 emission, and the shortened life cycle payback time. The integrated use of solar and geothermal energy in liquid flow glazing systems is also addressed. This leads to more practical studies on the applications in zero energy buildings, such as control, real-time monitoring, and energy management strategies of liquid flow glazing system. In essence, the development of an evaluation platform or database, with systemic classification of liquid flow glazing categories plus the corresponding graded energy saving characteristics, is deemed helpful to the building professionals in meeting the zero energy buildings development targets. [Display omitted] • Liquid flow glazing/window. • Enhanced thermal insulation, thermal collection and thermal comfort. • Energy, environment and economic benefits. • Improved energy efficiency with renewable energy application. • Modularization, Monitor and Control, plus energy management toward ZEB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes the novel concept of waste upcycling-driven zero energy building (W-ZEB). W-ZEB aims to accelerate the development of zero-energy buildings by incorporating waste upcycling processes (e.g., waste-to-energy (WtE), insulation material recovery, and biochar used in green roofs), ultimately advancing towards plus-energy building. W-ZEB includes three approaches: (1) generating additional energy through WtE, (2) enhancing building energy efficiency by utilizing advanced building materials recovered from waste, and (3) maintaining all elements and assets of W-ZEB using earnings obtained or saved from waste upcycling and management. To implement W-ZEB effectively, a building energy and waste management system (BEWMS) is suggested to coordinate and optimize energy demand, waste generation, and utilization, contributing to a net zero energy status and zero solid waste to landfills throughout building life cycle. Practical insights and research directions for unlocking the untapped potential of waste upcycling strategies to achieve zero-energy buildings are also provided. [Display omitted] • The concept of waste upcycling-driven zero energy buildings (W-ZEB) is proposed. • W-ZEB includes energy-based and material-based approaches. • A building energy & waste management system (BEWMS) is suggested to implement W-ZEB. • A literature review provides practical insights and research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The definition of zero energy building needs updating to overcome its limitations. • Boundary, weighting, and timestep are crucial variables for nZEB energy balance. • The zero power building concept is a new method for building performance assessment. • A novel methodology is presented to describe buildings as highly dynamic entities. • Application to a real-world district supports stakeholders in decision making. This research introduces an innovative method aimed at evaluating building energy performance within urban environments and communities, departing from the conventional Zero Energy Building (ZEB) concept and introducing the Zero Power Building (ZPB) framework. This approach, overcoming the limitations of the ZEB concept, offers a holistic definition in line with the goal of achieving a Zero-emission Building stock. By employing a power balance assessment coupled with dynamic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), this methodology surpasses traditional techniques, providing a more accurate assessment of energy consumption and generation patterns. The method was applied to a district case study encompassing seven nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs), demonstrating its potential efficacy. Findings indicate how the proposed framework can accurately evaluate the integration of energy storage and sharing strategies, increasing the Zero Power target from 29 % to 51 % of annual hours. KPIs were also dynamically examined at the building and district level, introducing the concept of KPI accuracy and identifying pivotal hourly patterns to guide a sustainable transistion. The adoption of the Zero Power Building framework and the utilization of dynamic KPIs offer viable solutions to address conventional limitations in building energy assessments. This approach aids in guiding targeted energy efficiency measures aimed at fostering sustainable and Zero-emission Communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]