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Innovative Active and Passive Energy Systems for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Urban Residential Development

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2023) | Viewed by 3509

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Architecture, Land and Environmental Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus
Interests: sustainable architecture; sustainable urban development; building integration of active solar systems; architectural technology
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Guest Editor
1. School of Environment, Geography and Applied Economics, Harokopio University (HUA), 17676 Kallithea, Attica, Greece
2. Department of Economic and Regional Development, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), 33100 Amfissa, Greece
Interests: sustainable urban development; applied sustainability; circular economy; environmental management; waste management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Vincenzo Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
Interests: building energy efficiency; performance simulation modeling; innovative building plant solutions; integrated construction techniques; innovative HVAC systems; renewable energy technologies; solar heating and cooling systems; concentrating photovoltaic solar thermal systems; polygeneration; development of sustainable and energy-efficient building design; applied thermodynamics and heat transfer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In 2020, the residential sector represented 27% of final energy consumption in the EU. At the same time, the high energy consumption of fossil fuels in the building sector, in combination with climate change across the globe, increased the need to transition toward more sustainable building practices. This focus on the integration of renewable energy systems into buildings, the use of cutting-edge HVAC systems, and the adoption of new envelope technologies for the development of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings and communities, together with the universal goal of decarbonizing our economies, has led to the development and implementation of innovative design criteria and standards.

This Special Issue aims to gather new research findings, case studies, and best practices which use active and passive energy systems with the aim of lowering building energy demands while also reducing buildings’ environmental impact, concurrently increasing occupant thermal comfort and indoor air quality, with a focus on the residential sector. We welcome submissions from all interested parties conducting research or working on projects related to this evolving agenda. We believe that contributions by experts in the field are crucial for advancing our understanding and the implementation of innovative practices, criteria, standards, and policies, and we hope to showcase a diverse range of perspectives and experiences on this topic.

Articles from the following fields of research are especially welcome:

  • Advanced envelope technologies and new materials
  • Building energy simulation tools and modelling techniques
  • Building information modelling and integrated design approaches
  • Building integration of renewable energy systems
  • Building occupant behaviors
  • Climate-adaptive building design
  • Energy use in buildings
  • Energy-efficient building design
  • Hygrothermal comfort and indoor air quality
  • Life cycle assessment of building systems
  • Low-carbon buildings
  • Natural, mechanical, and hybrid ventilation
  • Passive energy technologies and strategies
  • Smart buildings, districts, and communities
  • Thermal comfort
  • Thermal energy storage technologies
  • Thermal environment in buildings

Dr. Constantinos Vassiliades
Dr. Ioannis Vardopoulos
Dr. Giovanni Barone
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • building energy savings
  • building integration of active solar systems
  • energy efficiency of buildings
  • passive building design
  • envelope technologies for sustainability

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2284 KiB  
Article
Socio-Economic Barriers to Adopting Energy-Saving Bioclimatic Strategies in a Mediterranean Sustainable Real Estate Setting: A Quantitative Analysis of Resident Perspectives
by Constantinos Vassiliades, Christos Minterides, Olga-Eleni Astara, Giovanni Barone and Ioannis Vardopoulos
Energies 2023, 16(24), 7952; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16247952 - 7 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1550
Abstract
In response to escalating environmental challenges, this research underscores the pivotal role of sustainable construction practices, particularly focusing on bioclimatic design as a foundational element within the realm of sustainable architecture and environmental upgrading of buildings, within the broader context of sustainable urban [...] Read more.
In response to escalating environmental challenges, this research underscores the pivotal role of sustainable construction practices, particularly focusing on bioclimatic design as a foundational element within the realm of sustainable architecture and environmental upgrading of buildings, within the broader context of sustainable urban planning. The study delves into the perspectives of residents in Cyprus concerning bioclimatic building design. Employing a quantitative methodology, the investigation aims to comprehensively assess homeowner views on the benefits, motivations, concerns, and preferred techniques associated with bioclimatic design. By comprehending these perspectives and contextual factors, this study identifies obstacles hindering broader implementation and illuminates why adoption remains limited, despite the potential for substantial energy and emissions reductions. The research also examines the background of respondents, such as heating/cooling systems, energy expenses, and upgrade preferences, to provide essential context for the findings. A structured questionnaire was administered to a stratified sample of 150 pedestrians in the Pafos area, ensuring a representative cross-section of the local population. This method allowed for a robust examination of demographic influences on opinions and an in-depth analysis of the impact of residential characteristics. The findings reveal a substantial influence of cost considerations in shaping decisions related to residential property development and the renovation of existing structures, contributing to the limitation of widespread adoption across the island. This influence persists even as a majority of respondents express a readiness to undertake building energy upgrades, among which, the most popular actions include the installation of specialized glass, the replacement of traditional air conditioning units with inverters, and the adoption of energy-efficient lighting. The research culminates in the proposal that introducing financial incentives has the potential to enhance homeowner participation in bioclimatic and energy upgrades. This recommendation is particularly salient in the climatic context of Cyprus, where the implementation of solar control measures emerges as a promising avenue for bolstering energy efficiency. In considering the socio-economic dimensions implicit in these findings, it becomes evident that the interplay between financial considerations and sustainable construction practices is a critical aspect. The identified barriers underscore the necessity for nuanced strategies and policy frameworks that address the socio-economic dimensions of bioclimatic design adoption. In this context, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the intricate relationship between financial factors and sustainable architectural practices, offering implications for future research endeavors and potential avenues for policy interventions. Full article
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14 pages, 3750 KiB  
Article
On the Multi-Domain Impacts of Coupling Mechanical Ventilation to Radiant Systems in Residential Buildings
by Maria Ferrara, Clara Peretti, Enrico Fabrizio and Stefano Paolo Corgnati
Energies 2023, 16(13), 4870; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16134870 - 22 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1320
Abstract
In the current context of joint efforts towards the decarbonisation of buildings, integrating occupants’ comfort and health with latest technological advancements for energy efficiency is at the center of the latest development of research, policies and professional practice. Radiant systems are encountering great [...] Read more.
In the current context of joint efforts towards the decarbonisation of buildings, integrating occupants’ comfort and health with latest technological advancements for energy efficiency is at the center of the latest development of research, policies and professional practice. Radiant systems are encountering great success since the low-thickness systems can also be used in renovation projects for both heating and cooling, while guaranteeing optimal comfort. However, dehumidification is often required for optimal radiant cooling operation with no condensation risks, and the great potential of mechanical ventilation systems to optimally address the needs for dehumidification, air renewal, health and energy efficiency appears to be far from its full exploitation in the post-COVID-19 era. The present paper aims at providing a quantification of the energy and financial impacts of the implementation of a controlled mechanical ventilation system (CMV) coupled to a radiant system in a typical residential case study building in Italy. The results show that the sole CMV may decrease primary energy demand and energy costs by more than 30% and contribute to an increase in the smart readiness of the building by 8%, but further incentive policies must be developed to cover the still high investment and maintenance cost. Full article
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