Alternative Envelope Components For Energy Efficient Buildings

This book examines ways of saving energy by using green roofs and facades, solar devices such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and thermal solar panels, as components of energy-efficient building envelopes. The author takes an interdisciplinary / multidisciplinary approach to the subject that analyzes several different scientific fields connected to building research—sustainability, sustainable architecture, energy efficiency in buildings, and building envelopes—while approaching other collateral domains, including history, archaeology, botanics, physics, engineering, and landscape architecture. Alternative Envelope Components for Energy-Efficient Buildings will be a welcome resource for researchers, students, and postgraduates in the fields of energy, building materials, and renewable energy, as well as architects, engineers, and specialists in industries related to building products. Looks at the impact of building envelopes on energy usage; Offers readers an introduction to the principles of sustainability; Presents passive and active approaches to using solar devices.

The design and construction of the appropriate building envelope is one of the most effective ways for improving a building’s thermal performance. Thermal Inertia in Energy Efficient Building Envelopes provides the optimal solutions, tools and methods for designing the energy efficient envelopes that will reduce energy consumption and achieve thermal comfort and low environmental impact. Thermal Inertia in Energy Efficient Building Envelopes provides experimental data, technical solutions and methods for quantifying energy consumption and comfort levels, also considering dynamic strategies such as thermal inertia and natural ventilation. Several type of envelopes and their optimal solutions are covered, including retrofit of existing envelopes, new solutions, passive systems such as ventilated facades and solar walls. The discussion also considers various climates (mild or extreme) and seasons, building typology, mode of use of the internal environment, heating profiles and cross-ventilation Experimental investigations on real case studies, to explore in detail the behaviour of different envelopes Laboratory tests on existing insulation to quantify the actual performances Analytical simulations in dynamic conditions to extend the boundary conditions to other climates and usage profiles and to consider alternative insulation strategies Evaluation of solutions sustainability through the quantification of environmental and economic impacts with LCA analysis; including global cost comparison between the different scenarios Integrated evaluations between various aspects such as comfort, energy saving, and sustainability

Both professionals and students are increasingly committed to achieving high-performance metrics in the design, construction and operation of residential buildings. This book responds to this demand by offering a comprehensive guide which features: architectural innovations in building skin technologies which make lighter more transparent buildings high performing energy-free architectural design principles and advances in building-integrated photovoltaics essential engineering principles, controls and approaches to simulation for achieving net zero the advantages of integrated design in residential construction and the challenges and opportunities it engenders detailed case studies of innovative homes which have incorporated low-energy design solutions, new materials, alternative building assemblies, digital fabrication, integrated engineering systems and operational controls. Divided into four parts, the book discusses the requisite AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) knowledge needed when building a high-performance home. It also communicates this information across four case studies, which provide the reader with a thorough overview of all aspects to be considered in the design and construction of sustainable homes. With contributions from experts in the field, the book provides a well-rounded and multi-faceted approach. This book is essential reading for students and professionals in design, architecture, engineering (civil, mechanical and electrical), construction and energy management.

This book discusses energy efficient buildings and the role they play in our efforts to address climate change, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by considering buildings and the construction sector's unique position along a critical path to decarbonisation from a multi-perspective and holistic viewpoint. Topics covered in the book range from daylighting, building topology comparison, building envelope design, zero energy homes in hot arid regions, life-cycle considerations and energy efficiency analysis to managing energy demand through equipment selection. Each chapter addresses an important aspect of energy efficient building and serves as a vital building block towards constructing a timely and relevant body of knowledge in energy efficient buildings.

Optimal Design and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban Centers presents current techniques and technologies for energy efficiency in buildings. Cases introduce and demonstrate applications in both the design of new buildings and retrofit of existing structures. The book begins with an introduction that includes energy consumption statistics, building energy efficiency codes, and standards and labels from around the world. It then highlights the need for integrated and comprehensive energy analysis approaches. Subsequent sections present an overview of advanced energy efficiency technologies for buildings, including dynamic insulation materials, phase change materials, LED lighting and daylight controls, Life Cycle Analysis, and more. This book provides researchers and professionals with a coherent set of tools and techniques for enhancing energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. The case studies presented help practitioners implement the techniques and technologies in their own projects. Introduces a holistic analysis approach to energy efficiency for buildings using the concept of energy productivity Provides coverage of individual buildings, communities and urban centers Includes both the design of new buildings and retrofitting of existing structures to improve energy efficiency Describes state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies Presents several cases studies and examples that illustrate the analysis techniques and impact of energy efficiency technologies and controls

Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings: A Life Cycle Approach offers a comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the subject with a further focus on the Life Cycle. The editors, renowned academics, invited a diverse group of researchers to develop original chapters for the book and managed to well integrate all contributions in a consistent volume. Sections cover the role of the building sector on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, international technical standards, laws and regulations, building energy efficiency and zero energy consumption buildings, the life cycle assessment of buildings, from construction to decommissioning, and other timely topics. The multidisciplinary approach to the subject makes it valuable for researchers and industry based Civil, Construction, and Architectural Engineers. Researchers in related fields as built environment, energy and sustainability at an urban scale will also benefit from the books integrated perspective. Presents a complete and thorough coverage of energy efficiency in buildings Provides an integrated approach to all the different elements that impact energy efficiency Contains coverage of worldwide regulation

Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting:Materials, Technologies, Optimization and Case Studies provides essential knowledge for civil engineers, architects, and other professionals working in the field of cost-effective energy efficient building retrofitting. The building sector is responsible for high energy consumption and its global demand is expected to grow as each day there are approximately 200,000 new inhabitants on planet Earth. The majority of electric energy will continue to be generated from the combustion of fossil fuels releasing not only carbon dioxide, but also methane and nitrous oxide. Energy efficiency measures are therefore crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector. Energy efficient building retrofitting needs to not only be technically feasible, but also economically viable. New building materials and advanced technologies already exist, but the knowledge to integrate all active components is still scarce and far from being widespread among building industry stakeholders. Emphasizes cost-effective methods for the refurbishment of existing buildings, presenting state-of-the-art technologies Includes detailed case studies that explain various methods and Net Zero Energy Explains optimal analysis and prioritization of cost effective strategies