The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is currently encountering numerous challenges and actively pursuing industrial upgrades through digital transformation. Digital twin (DT) technology aligns well with the industry's evolving needs due to its capabilities in data integration, intelligent decision-making, and effective management of project progress, efficiency, and quality. This study conducts a comprehensive literature review to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with DT applications in the AEC sector. Additionally, field visits and semi-structured interviews were conducted on a selected construction project where DT was implemented, allowing for an in-depth examination of both its significant benefits and potential limitations. To further evaluate and prioritize the identified SWOT factors, a SWOT-AHP analysis was performed. The results indicate that the AEC industry has a strong interest in DT's advantages, particularly its potential to enhance resource allocation and process efficiency. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that the strategic quadrilateral occupies the largest area in the fourth quadrant (0.8554), with the strategic center of gravity located at (0.2321, -0.04135), suggesting that Strengths-Threats (ST) strategies should be implemented to support the future development and adoption of DT. Based on this strategic framework, the study formulates actionable development strategies to facilitate the effective integration and widespread adoption of DT in the AEC industry.

In pursuit of proactive safety management in construction, accurate and real-time recognition of workers' cognitive states is essential for crafting targeted interventions to minimize safety risks. Unlike conventional manual and qualitative methods, electroencephalogram (EEG) offers a reliable and objective solution for cognitive state recognition. Notably, efforts that integrate EEG with deep learning have exhibited significant advancements. Nevertheless, certain constraints, such as experimental costs and limited participants, have caused a scarcity of high-quality data, which has impeded performance in recognition tasks. Although transfer learning demonstrates its capability in addressing this challenge, the lack of relevant explorations into EEG-based cognitive state recognition remains a significant research gap. Therefore, customizing pre-trained deep learning models for these tasks would be beneficial. This study aims to develop pre-trained models to advance future studies in this domain through transfer learning, encompassing: 1) extracting extensive and accurately labeled EEG data from the DEAP dataset, 2) selecting appropriate network architectures and implementing pre-trained model development, and 3) collecting EEG data for mental fatigue recognition and evaluating model effectiveness. Rigorous evaluation suggests a substantial improvement in model performance, with test accuracy increasing from 63.19% to 92.29% by leveraging the pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNN)—long short-term memory (LSTM) model. In conclusion, this study significantly contributes to enhancing safety management for construction workers through EEG by providing validated pre-trained models to address challenges of data scarcity. Future research may advance by exploring additional network architectures, increasing sample size, and considering more specific recognition tasks for model evaluation.

This study investigates the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in construction projects to enhance efficiency, safety, and lifecycle monitoring. Despite the significant potential of BIM and IoT to facilitate the transformation of the construction industry, existing research lacks a comprehensive framework that addresses its interoperability challenges, data security concerns, and real-world implementation barriers. To address this gap, a multiple case study approach was employed, incorporating semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and real-world project evaluations. The results find that standardized protocols, data encryption, and modular IoT devices are essential for effective BIM-IoT adoption across different construction phases. The proposed framework offers a structured approach for construction teams to effectively utilize BIM and IoT, facilitating smarter and more sustainable project management. The contribution of this paper resides in the detailed analysis of the BIM-IoT applications, clearly demonstrating its advantages, such as improving building productivity and safety, and its potential to align with China's sustainable urban development goals. The study also provides a forward-looking prediction of the future development trend of BIM-IoT in China, offering valuable insights for construction project teams and decision makers. By demonstrating the structured framework and its practical application, this study provides guidance for the industry's transition to smarter and safer construction practices.

The predominance of a linear economic model and the limited integration of circular strategies in the design and execution of building projects—particularly in the construction sectors of developing countries—have resulted in ongoing pressure on natural resources, high levels of waste generation, reduced productivity, and frequent time and cost overruns. Collectively, these issues contribute to unsustainable development, adversely impacting the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. This study explores the perceptions of design professionals regarding the benefits, awareness, and implementation of Design for Deconstruction (DfD) within the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed electronically to design experts in Nigeria's South-South geopolitical zone using a snowball sampling technique. With a 40.10% response rate and a reliability index above 0.800, the data were analysed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings reveal that awareness of DfD is moderate, but its adoption remains low. EFA identified five key categories of DfD benefits: (1) business benefits, (2) economic benefits, (3) environmental benefits, (4) green certification and technology integration, and (5) social benefits. PLS-SEM results show that all five categories have a positive and significant influence on the decision to adopt DfD within the NCI. This study contributes to the theoretical advancement and practical understanding of circular construction practices, particularly DfD, with implications for reducing construction waste, improving resource efficiency, and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 9, 11, 12, and 13.

Digital twin (DT) technology is revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry, driven by the advancements of Construction 4.0 (C4.0). Despite this, adopting DT in the AECO sector remains limited due to various barriers. This study, driven by four research questions (RQ), aims to advance DT adoption in the AECO industry under C4.0 using an integrated approach. The degrees of influence and importance ranking of barriers are assessed through the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). The hierarchy and causal relationships among barriers are revealed through interpretative structural modeling (ISM). Then, barriers are divided into four clusters employing the cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) method. The paper reveals that "lack of government financial and policy support" is the most critical barrier, "lack of trust and long-term perspective in DT" is the most significant direct-influence barrier, and "immature 3D engine technology" is the most fundamental barrier. By exploring interrelationships and prioritizing barriers, the study provides insights to enhance adopting DT in the AECO industry in the context of C4.0.

Energy performance contracting (EPC) has been implemented as a turnkey solution to enhance the energy efficiency of building systems and fixtures. The two most common types of EPC-guaranteed savings contracts and shared savings contracts-are widely applied in the industry, with their selection primarily depending on stakeholders' risk tolerance and the availability of external financing. EPC involves multiple key participants, including the government, third-party financiers, building owners, and energy service companies (ESCOs). The relationships among these stakeholders vary based on the contract type: in a guaranteed savings contract, the owner has a direct financial relationship with the third-party financier, whereas in a shared savings contract, the ESCO assumes this role. This paper provides a critical review of previous studies on EPC, categorizing them into four key areas: (1) challenges in EPC adoption, (2) critical success factors, (3) diffusion strategies from different stakeholder perspectives, and (4) a stakeholder relationship framework linking key success factors and strategies. By analyzing these aspects, this review aims to inform potential investors and contractors about essential considerations for EPC implementation while examining the stakeholder dynamics within EPC projects.

Prefabricated housing (PH) is widely supported and applied in China due to its high efficiency and low carbon emissions. However, the adoption of this sustainable construction method has been slow in rural areas, hindered by economic, policy and location factors. To promote the development of low-carbon construction in rural areas and address the obstacles, this study focuses on Jiangsu province as a case study, proposing effective strategies to modernize and advance sustainable rural housing. The primary barrier to the prefabricated concrete (PC) adoption in rural Jiangsu were identified through a literature review and expert interviews. A survey was then conducted to assess the impact of these barriers, yielding 228 valid responses from industry professionals. Factor analysis was conducted using SPSS 19.0 to calculate the multi-level weights for influencing factors across dimensions. Based on these findings, key obstacles were further analyzed through strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to develop targeted countermeasures and recommendations. The research results show that: (1) Among secondary indicators, Policy factors (weight = 0.219) and Location factors (weight = 0.215) have the most significant impact PC promotion in rural Jiangsu; (2) Among the tertiary indicators, the critical factors are "The standard system is incomplete" (weight = 0.059), "The technical system is not mature" (weight = 0.048), "Lack of specific departments for promoting and supervising at the grassroots level" (weight = 0.046); (3) Strategies such as enhancing policy alignment and market penetration, tailoring solutions to local demands, establishing a robust regulatory framework, and fostering community engagement and acceptance can effectively address the challenges of promoting PC in rural areas. This research provides actionable pathways for the advancing prefabricated housing in Jiangsu and offers valuable references for other regions seeking to promote prefabricated housing in China.

Every household uses an average of around 360 litres of water each day. About 21% of a typical gas consumption is attributed to heating the water for showers, baths, and hot water from the tap. An environmentally friendly, low-cost device called the CombiSave valve can be used to manage gas and water consumption and should be fitted to most combination boilers to automatically control the flow of water every time a hot tap is turned on. This allows the boiler to heat the water faster and only return the flow to normal once a usable temperature is reached. An experimental test was conducted in the exemplar modern house of Liverpool John Moores University in order to assess the amount of water, energy, and CO₂ reduction for varying temperatures and flow rates. The test was carried out for a duration of 9 hours during the daytime between June and October. Although the test was conducted over relatively warm months when ambient water temperatures were higher compared to winter months, results showed that good savings could be achieved through this product. The best savings for gas consumption and hence CO₂ reduction were achieved at high water pressure and low temperature setting (40 ℃) of 36% compared with the case without combiSave. While water consumption was reduced by 56% at full flow rate and 45 ℃. Further research is needed encompassing multiple occupied dwellings with different family sizes and testing these in extreme weather conditions to see if similar results would be reflected.

This study investigates the indoor air quality (IAQ) of restaurants in Dubai with a focus on the impact of cooking-related pollutants on the health and comfort of both employees and patrons. Recognizing the release of particulate matter (PM), carbon oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during cooking, the study highlights the importance of maintaining healthy IAQ in restaurants. The study includes a detailed case analysis, evaluating current air quality standards, identifying potential pollutants, and assessing their implications. A preliminary assessment, combined with a quantitative inspection of the kitchen and dining areas, set the foundation for a survey conducted among staff and customers. This survey identified key areas of concern and the variables essential for monitoring to maintain IAQ at optimal levels. The study measured parameters such as PM_2.5, PM₁₀, temperature, humidity, interior lighting, CO, and total VOCs using appropriate instruments. Results indicated that cooking activities contribute to elevated levels of particulate matter, suggesting a need for enhanced ventilation or air purification systems to ensure a healthy working environment. While some employees reported discomfort during working hours, customer feedback was largely positive, with around 90% expressing satisfaction with the restaurant's IAQ. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement of IAQ in the hospitality industry to safeguard the well-being of both staff and patrons.

The escalating demand for energy and resources in the construction industry, together with poor energy performance of existing buildings, pose challenges for sustainability. Despite the incorporation of advanced technologies in modern construction to reduce energy consumption, a significant number of buildings are yet to adopt sustainable practices, owing to lack of awareness about potential technologies, and the considerations for selection. To this end, the current study aims to survey commercial buildings to explore the technologies implemented together with the basis that influenced the implementation. A detailed survey including semi-structured interviews with professionals engaged in the selected non-domestic buildings were conducted. The selected buildings comprise three (3) certified retrofit, eight (8) certified new and seven (7) non-certified green. The findings show that the buildings have incorporated 54 different technologies under the main sustainability criteria of water efficiency, lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site. Advanced technologies, such as free cooling appliances, on-site wastewater treatments, and water-efficient climate-tolerant plantings, were predominantly found in green-certified buildings, while non-certified buildings tend to adopt more universally applicable and accessible technologies, like LED lighting, compact fluorescent lamps, and low-flow plumbing fixtures. The paper presents a detailed analysis on use of technologies with different building function, green rating levels, and challenges faced. Hence, the study findings would facilitate technology adaptation for a given context by providing insights into the availability and adaptability of green retrofit technologies in the Sri Lankan context for non-domestic buildings.

Construction organizations in developing nations constantly lag in embracing changes in innovation, environmental sustainability, and safety, amongst others. Their contributions to environmental degradation, resulting in health-related consequences for construction stakeholders, are also alarming. Implementing environmental management tools such as environmental management systems (EMS) is often advocated to address the negative environmental impacts of construction organizations. Construction firms in developed nations have embraced EMS and implemented it to enhance construction business, environmental performance, and construction workers' health, while similar evidence is not recorded in developing nations. Therefore, this study investigated the barriers to EMS implementation through a survey of construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. 106 valid data were analyzed using factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha test, and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). The results of the factor analysis revealed four groups of barriers to EMS implementation, which are prioritized in the order of knowledge-related, stakeholders-related, process-related, and cultural-related barriers with FSE. The relationships between the four classes of barriers were determined using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) in which "knowledge-related barriers" are indicated as the core barrier to EMS implementation. To address the barriers to EMS implementation, organizing training, providing the needed resources for environmental education, collaborating with construction stakeholders, providing a reward system, and others were recommended. This study contributes theoretically and practically to environmental-related discourses in the construction industry. Theoretically, utilizing FSE provides an interesting insight that acknowledges the unique challenges of developing nations in the domain. Practically, this study gives an actionable focus for construction stakeholders to domesticate EMS within the local construction environment, thereby improving knowledge of the importance of environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behaviors.

This study evaluates the economic efficiency and viability of optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) in remote communities, with a specific focus on Ankara, Turkey, in response to the increasing demand for renewable energy driven by concerns over fossil fuel scarcity, environmental sustainability, and rising conventional energy costs. Using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) program, known for its advanced algorithms that accurately model and optimize hybrid systems by considering factors such as weather data, load profiles, and equipment specifications, we perform a comprehensive techno-economic analysis. We explore five different HRES configurations, combining photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), diesel generators (DG), and battery storage systems, to determine the most cost-effective and reliable solution for powering approximately 30 rural households. The analysis reveals that the optimal configuration includes 107 kW of PV, three 10 kW WT, a 10 kW DG, and 45 units of 7.15 kWh batteries, demonstrating a net present cost (NPC) of $568,431 and a cost of energy (COE) of $0.257/kWh. This setup achieves significant annual energy production of 165,068 kWh from PV, 96,329 kWh from WT, and 27,100 kWh from DG. This configuration maintains a high state of charge (SoC) in the battery storage, ensuring system stability and extending the battery lifespan. The system's ability to consistently meet load demands with minimal reliance on the DG highlights its superior techno-economic synergy compared to other scenarios. Sensitivity analysis reveals that a doubling of fuel prices increases COE by 14% and NPC by 13%, while a 40% reduction in PV and WT capital costs decreases COE and NPC by approximately 16% and 18%, respectively. Furthermore, declining expenses associated with PV and WT installations emphasize the ongoing affordability of renewable energy solutions. These results provide valuable insights for the deployment of cost-effective and reliable HRES in similar remote locations, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable energy solutions for ZEBs.

Continuous improvement in industrial processes has made efficient internal material transportation critical. This study presents a decision support system for tracking internal transportation vehicles and providing effective inner logistics management. The proposed model includes a barcoding based transportation vehicle tracking system, a forecasting model for daily transportation demands of different buildings and presents a predictive demand-vehicle assignment mathematical model. Results show that the model reduces the operational costs due to vehicle search and vehicle transportation, and material damage costs due to vehicle-material mismatch at a great extent.

The state of mind is a crucial factor in thermal sensation and should be thoroughly understood in studies of thermal comfort while integrating human psychology into the literature. Fanger's predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) method is a cornerstone in thermal comfort research. On the other hand, the adaptive thermal comfort (ATC) model provides a broader perspective by including behavioral and psychological adjustments, along with the personal and environmental parameters outlined in Fanger's PMV/PPD method. However, literature investigates the ATC model predominantly focuses on behavioral adaptations, neglecting psychological adjustments emphasized by ASHRAE as integral to "the state of mind. Moreover, qualitative approaches dominate the literature, with limited quantitative investigations. Therefore, this paper aims to address the importance of human psychology by systematically reviewing previous field studies to elucidate the magnitude and significance of psychological adjustments to the thermal comfort. Additionally, it introduces the Turhan and Özbey coefficients, derived from a quantitative study, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of psychological factors on thermal comfort. This work is highlighted the importance of the human psychology to achieve better indoor environmental quality in aspects of thermal comfort.

Where previously the thermal indoor climate in a Dutch office was mainly assessed on the basis of sedentary activities, one must now also take into account activities associated with a higher metabolic rate to improve health by reducing sitting. This subject is receiving attention in the Netherlands; so in the context of the Well certification of buildings for instance. Several studies show that the deviation between the PMV and the experimental results increases as the temperature and/or the activity increases. This technical note is a proposal to modify the calculation of the PMV for metabolisms up to 2.1 met, on the warm side of the thermal sensation scale, in the same way as Fanger describes in his thesis, using research results as they are currently available in the literature, excluding the adaptive thermal comfort aspect.

Utilizing recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is important because it solves the problems of resource scarcity and pollution from urban waste. Using RAC will have a significant positive environmental impact over time. Many studies compare the environmental benefits of RAC with natural aggregate concrete (NAC) and use life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze the benefits of RAC. However, a mature and comprehensive research system for LCA application in RAC has yet to be developed. The purpose of this study is to review the environmental impacts of RAC throughout its life cycle using the novel perspective of the four steps of LCA, identify methods to address or mitigate biases, and suggest future development directions for this technology and database improvement to provide useful references for future research. The findings show that all four stages of LCA (goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory analysis, life cycle impact assessment, and life cycle interpretation) have issues, primarily related to data measurement and selection, process step assumptions and simplifications, and algorithm limitations. We also recommend using the life cycle basic function evolution method to optimize Monte Carlo simulations, which reduces the uncertainty of LCA results. In the future outcomes of LCA ought to emphasize on the carbonation process and the analysis phase of cement's second life cycle.

The Chinese government vowed to achieve "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" on a global scale in 2020. Since the building sector emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases, achieving the "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" goal will be extremely difficult. Emissions of greenhouse gases can be greatly decreased by developing low-carbon buildings. As more and more new green building materials hit the market, China's low-carbon construction sector is growing along with the building materials market. This study does a thorough analysis of the literature on the most recent advancements in cost management related to new eco-friendly construction materials in low-carbon economies. The objective is to describe the different dimensions of information green building materials cost management, uncover the underlying themes and sub-themes within these dimensions, identify key research gaps in the current studies, and provide recommendations for future research endeavors. Through the review of the literature, the existing problems in the cost management of new green building materials are revealed. And from the improvement of new green building materials cost management way is elaborated. The conclusion of this paper is that the existing research mainly focuses on the construction of cost management systems and does not systematically study the formation process of material costs, ignoring the consideration of material research and development technology, environmental accounting disclosure and other aspects. Finally, the research project ought to prioritize material research and development, strengthening the cost accounting system, environmental cost disclosure, improving the material management system, and other areas that require in-depth investigation.

Insufficiency and near absence of green infrastructure (GI) which have been shown to offer cost-effective nature-based solutions in mitigating urban flood and managing stormwater in major cities in Nigeria have increased their vulnerability to destructive floods in recent years. This study conducted a spatial assessment of GI and its potential effectiveness on stormwater management in Ibadan, Nigeria, with the use of remotely sensed data. Change detection between 2000 and 2020 was conducted based on four land use categories (built-up, green area, bare surface, and water bodies) because it coincided the period of rapid land use changes and occurrence of devastating flooding in the city and environs. Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) calculated from Landsat image data and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data to determine areas liable to flooding were also assessed using geospatial analysis. The results showed that the infill development of Ibadan has drastically reduced the available GI from 37.64% in the year 2000 to 22.84% in the year 2020 while built-up areas increased from 51.97% in the year 2000 to 69.04% in the year 2020. In 2000, NDVI ranged from -0.37 to 0.02 in the inner city showing poor vegetation. By 2020 the elements of GI are mostly fragmented with small coverage and more than 70% of the area occupied by built-up areas without vegetation cover. Vegetal cover decreased with time due to increasing impervious surfaces, creating many high flood zones and stormwater. It is concluded that provision and effective management of GI in the city can serve as a valuable tool to mitigate the problems of excessive stormwater.

Vietnam battles severe air pollution and substandard infrastructure, leading to sick building syndrome (SBS), even in healthcare facilities. Enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in hospital design and renovations is vital for safeguarding vulnerable groups, such as patients, children, and the elderly. However, akin to other developing nations, Vietnam must address specific local challenges before devising any strategies to improve IAQ in these critical settings. In this study, we identify factors influencing the selection of methods to improve IAQ in healthcare facilities, considering Vietnam's specific conditions. 16 potential factors have been investigated and categorised into 4 influence groups based on a comprehensive literature review and validated by a survey of 160 architects, engineers, project managers, and hospital staff. We conducted an academic literature review to pinpoint these factors and propose design solutions. Additionally, we surveyed and quantified the effects from the perspective of Vietnamese healthcare experts. Based on our findings, we discussed the impact of these factors and suggested solutions for enhancing IAQ during the design and renovation phases of hospitals. The study's contribution lies in its practical insights for stakeholders seeking to improve IAQ. The outcomes of this study aim to provide a foundation for developing guidelines and standards to assess construction quality in healthcare facilities.

This paper presents a novel approach to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in the construction industry by integrating biophilic design and energy-based building elements. The research focuses on the implementation of natural elements such as plants, daylighting, natural ventilation, and views of nature into building design to enhance energy efficiency and decrease carbon emissions. The investigative approach of this study involves a thorough analysis of the application of natural materials like wood, stone, and wool as passive energy strategies to lessen the dependence on active heating and cooling systems. The research also scrutinizes daylighting techniques and the integration of green structures and vegetation in buildings to exploit natural solar energy. The key findings reveal that the combination of energy-based building elements with biophilic design can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in buildings. The research underscores the importance of natural elements in building design and their substantial contribution to energy efficiency. The study concludes that the amalgamation of biophilic design principles and energy-efficient building components presents a potent solution to the challenges of energy use and carbon emissions in the construction sector. This approach transcends prior efforts in the literature by showcasing the practical application of natural elements in architectural design to attain sustainability objectives. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis of various natural elements and their impact on energy efficiency, and the emphasis on the practical implementation of these elements in building design to achieve tangible reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable construction practices and offers valuable insights for architects, designers, and policymakers in the field.

Over the past two decades, the field of robotics in construction has evolved into an interdisciplinary research domain that combines a multitude of pressing technologies. This work introduces an innovative review framework that assesses the interconnection between robotics in construction and automation, while also examining advancements in technologies. In this research, a novel classification framework was created and a comprehensive literature review was performed to shed light on recent developments in the field of robotic construction. The objectives are to delineate the diverse dimensions of robotics in construction, uncover the underlying themes and sub-themes within these dimensions, identify key research gaps in the current studies, and provide recommendations for future research endeavors. This paper concluded that the existing research focus primarily on technical aspects in robotics within construction, neglecting environmental considerations, while identifying a lack of long-term studies on structural performance, hindering concerns about durability. Additionally, challenges persist in integrating robotics into construction workflows without disruption, compounded by the absence of standardized practices and regulations, alongside concerns about safe human-robot interaction, affordability, and accessibility. Furthermore, inadequate training programs for workers and ethical concerns regarding job displacement, privacy, and societal impacts underscore the need for careful examination in the responsible and ethical deployment of robotics technologies. Finally, research efforts should emphasize the development of user-friendly interfaces and ergonomic designs for construction robots to enhance their usability and acceptance among workers, ultimately contributing to the successful integration of robotics into construction practices.

This research aims to determine the feasibility of converting a Grade II* listed building, built in 1667 and located within a conservation area in the UK, into an eco-home by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The project explores the feasibility of facilitating a change of use from a commercial building into a residential dwelling while significantly improving the energy performance. A baseline energy performance assessment is carried out using a combination of infrared thermography, monitoring of hygrothermal conditions, and thermal modelling. Different retrofitting options are applied, and the results are compared to the standard benchmarks. Hygrothermal conditions are compared to the recommended comfort level temperatures as defined in Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Guide A. The retrofitting options showed that the building could be modified to a level that shows a performance that is more favourable than the benchmarks in two out of the three benchmark measurements. Suggested improvements are sensitive to the status of the building, location, hygrothermal behaviour, and comfort level.

United States (US) residential buildings demonstrate great decarbonization and energy-saving potential. However, research on the carbon footprint of residential buildings at the state level, especially consumption-based emissions, is limited. Therefore, this paper aims to quantify and compare the state-level carbon emissions and energy consumption of residential buildings in the US. Specifically, state carbon emission factors of electricity are estimated using area and population-based interpolations of Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) regional carbon factors. Total carbon emissions and carbon intensity (e.g., carbon emission per household/capita) of each state are then calculated based on the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey dataset. Results of state carbon footprints demonstrate regional differences and spatial patterns: Texas and California stand out as the top energy consumers and contribute to the largest amount of carbon emissions, while Missouri has the highest carbon intensity on a household/capita/housing area basis. Also, west and east coastal states (e.g., California) exhibit lower carbon intensities than central states. Sensitivity analysis concludes that highly electrified states (e.g., Florida and Hawaii) are more sensitive to the carbon emission factor of electricity generation, with sensitivity degrees over 0.97. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicates that total carbon emission and its sensitivity to electricity carbon emission factor, as well as emission intensity positively correlate with state energy profile (e.g., gas ratio). Therefore, to achieve residential building decarbonization, besides energy-conservative measures, high gas-penetration states (e.g., Illinois) need to reduce direct fossil fuel use in residential energy services; states with high carbon emission factors and electrifications, e.g., Hawaii and Missouri, need to decarbonize electricity generation by adopting renewable energy as sources. The research findings contribute to understanding the regional variations in carbon footprints and energy usage of residential buildings, facilitating the development of tailored decarbonization and energy-saving measures for targeting states in the US.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) is one type of wind machines, which is used nowadays to produce electricity. On the other hand, the VAWTs continue to evolve, driven by ongoing research, technological innovation, and the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions. In terms of global sustainability, buildings prove to be major energy consumers. Even as technology advances to construct environmentally friendly buildings, various buildings are still contributors with high energy consumption. Novel systems are required to decrease energy consumption of today buildings. To this aim, this study offers an active solution by a renewable energy source in order to decrease energy consumption of an existing building. The novelty of the paper is designing three blades IceWind Turbine with arc angle of 112 degrees and an aspect ratio of 0.38 and integrating them to an existing building. A case building, occupied by a guard and used as a headquarters by soldiers on guard duty, in Istanbul Airport/Turkey is selected and 40 small-scale IceWind Turbines are integrated into the building via a dynamic building energy simulation tool and the results showed that total energy consumption of the case building is decreased by 9.3%. The outcome of this paper depicts that different design of the small-scale vertical wind turbines could be integrated to the building with higher energy saving potential.

European squares have represented the heritage of the European excellence and culture since ancient times. In 2026, Milan Piazzale Loreto will be transformed into one of the most important green squares in Milan. China's urbanization is proceeding at an unprecedented speed, and Shanghai, in particular, has rich and valuable practices in urban renewal. However, there are few comparative studies on the renewal projects of large city squares in Milan and Shanghai. Therefore, this article explores the importance of renewal projects of large city squares by comparatively analyzing the similarities and differences between Milan Piazzale Loreto and Shanghai Wujiaochang. The evidence of the study suggests that the renewal projects of large city squares have great influence on promoting sustainable urban prosperity and low-carbon transformation.

The risks involved in building at high levels have led to various proposals that allow building at ground level and then raising the built part to its final position. The Reverstop® system allows a simple and effective solution to this problem in light buildings. The different floors are built on the ground in reverse order, starting with the roof and they are raised with hydraulic jacks as they are being built. The main resistant element is the exterior wall, made up of aluminum or sheet steel panels. The construction of this type of structure requires solving two problems. The first is the correct design of the lifting elements and their adequate bracing, since it is the moment of greatest risk in the construction. The second is the design of the joint, it is an element of the greatest importance, since it allows the efforts to be transmitted between the floors. For this reason, it has been the subject of a special study in which different materials have been analyzed to select the most suitable one. The calculations that support the effectiveness of the solution and the experimental results obtained in the tests carried out within a research project are provided.

Currently, traditional houses are starting to be difficult to find in Indonesia. One example is Umah Pitu Ruang (UPR) which is a traditional house located in the Gayo Highland, Aceh, Indonesia. In this study, two UPRs that have different orientations were evaluated. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the daylight received in the two UPRs complies with SNI 03-6575-2001 standards and to identify how the orientation and design of the two UPRs respond to the inclusion of natural lighting and optimize it. Data collection was carried out using quantitative methods obtained from observations, measurements, and simulations. This study found that the natural lighting that enters the two UPRs does not meet the SNI 03-6575-2001 standards. The study shows that UPR with north and south orientation has a larger amount of illuminance and Daylight Factor (DF) compared with those facing east and west. However, both of the houses have a very small amount of illuminance in the bedroom, due to the very limited access from the bedroom to the outside. The study also indicates that people in the old times used their houses more for resting, while the rest of the activities were carried out outside. Therefore, the house does not comply with providing sufficient daylight during the daytime.

To address the critical challenges of manual land records and paper maps in Pakistan and similar developing countries, this research introduces a novel web-based digital cadastral land information system (DCLIS). Leveraging advanced geographic information system (GIS) capabilities, including map georeferencing, data visualization, and interactive queries, DCLIS provides a robust and accessible platform for efficient land data management. It overcomes the limitations of traditional systems by eliminating time-consuming procedures, minimizing data duplication, and ensuring data integrity through rigorous validation against field measurements (conducted on 20% of cadastral plots) and cross-checking with existing records. By empowering decision-makers in administration (improved land policy planning), land management (streamlined land ownership verification), and agriculture (precision farming, resource optimization), DCLIS facilitates efficient land resource utilization and promotes sustainable development practices. Moreover, its alignment with responsible land management and renewable energy integration contributes to the global drive towards environmental sustainability. This research bridges the digital divide in land record management and paves the way for more informed decision-making, ultimately promoting the development of sustainable land practices in Pakistan and beyond.

A detailed quantitative overview on different micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) smart glass technologies and smart glass technologies in general is given. Next, our MEMS smart glass is focused. This technology based on millions of miniaturized, tiltable, planar mirrors. Installed in windows or building facades, it allows personalized daylight steering as well as thermal and energy management in buildings via electrostatic actuation, strongly supports health and has a large potential for reducing CO₂ emissions and energy consumption of buildings, noticeably. Various results of experimental characterizations and reliability studies are summarized. Simulations of light steering are reported for different use cases involving tailored variable tilt angles of the mirrors. Ray tracing is used to visualize light steering and distribution in a model room, showing that our MEMS smart glass can generate high illuminance where necessary in workspaces. Finally, simulations of energy savings are presented using hourly resolved real weather data over up to 10 years, varying cloud coverage, daytime and seasonal varying irradiance via varying sun orbit, respective geo coordinates of different locations, energy price and others. Simulation results are depicted for four German and two international cities, varying in latitude and elevation. Huge energy saving potential of our MEMS smart glass and amortization of investment in MEMS smart glass within less than five years in the best case is reported compared to conventional window blind systems.

The cement-based materials have significant thermal properties which play a potential role in heat dissipation into the buildings. To improve thermal properties, particularly thermal conductivity, advanced materials such as phase change materials, vacuum insulation panels, and highly porous materials are employed. In this study, a biochar mixture was introduced in cementitious materials for thermal property enhancement. The biochar was prepared from the mixture of 10 wt% rice husk and 90 wt% sawdust in the absence of oxygen with the aid of muffle furnace at a temperature of 550 ℃ for 2 hours at a rate of 10 ℃/min. The biochar dosages such as 3 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% were added with the replacement of cement in a cement paste. After 7 and 28 d, porosity, flexural strength, compressive strength, density, water absorption, and thermal conductivity were determined. The mechanical properties of samples were increased with 3 wt% biochar replacement with the cement and then decreased with 5 wt% and 10 wt%. The thermal conductivity of samples was decreased by 19-26.4% and 20.16-8.5% at 7 and 28 d respectively. The substitution of 3 wt% of biochar performed well in comparison to the control sample. Reduction of thermal conductivity of biochar-incorporated cementitious materials may be beneficial in situations where heat resistance is required due to its porous nature.