Innovative Materials For Building Energy Efficiency

Innovative Materials for Building Energy Efficiency: Preparation, Characterization, Properties and Applications contains informative information on how to bridge energy gaps in buildings using innovative materials. The ideologies and assessments presented give immediate solutions to existing building structures, thus making them energy efficient. It addresses the key energy challenges that need to be confronted in all aspects of materials science, technology and sustainability. Presents a comprehensive tool for immediate reference on the state-of-the-art on innovative and advanced building materials, their characterization, properties and applications Includes a clear explanation, discussion and presentation of topics using user-friendly graphics and table Contains chapters exclusively dedicated to nanotechnology-based materials, smart materials and embodied energy for improving building energy efficiency Creates a benchmark for representing building energy efficiency through the collection and presentation of state-of-the art information on materials

Almost half of the total energy produced in the developed world is inefficiently used to heat, cool, ventilate and control humidity in buildings, to meet the increasingly high thermal comfort levels demanded by occupants. The utilisation of advanced materials and passive technologies in buildings would substantially reduce the energy demand and improve the environmental impact and carbon footprint of building stock worldwide. Materials for energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings critically reviews the advanced building materials applicable for improving the built environment. Part one reviews both fundamental building physics and occupant comfort in buildings, from heat and mass transport, hygrothermal behaviour, and ventilation, on to thermal comfort and health and safety requirements. Part two details the development of advanced materials and sustainable technologies for application in buildings, beginning with a review of lifecycle assessment and environmental profiling of materials. The section moves on to review thermal insulation materials, materials for heat and moisture control, and heat energy storage and passive cooling technologies. Part two concludes with coverage of modern methods of construction, roofing design and technology, and benchmarking of façades for optimised building thermal performance. Finally, Part three reviews the application of advanced materials, design and technologies in a range of existing and new building types, including domestic, commercial and high-performance buildings, and buildings in hot and tropical climates. This book is of particular use to, mechanical, electrical and HVAC engineers, architects and low-energy building practitioners worldwide, as well as to academics and researchers in the fields of building physics, civil and building engineering, and materials science. Explores improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort through material selection and sustainable technologies Documents the development of advanced materials and sustainable technologies for applications in building design and construction Examines fundamental building physics and occupant comfort in buildings featuring heat and mass transport, hygrothermal behaviour and ventilation

Innovative Materials for Building Energy Efficiency: Preparation, Characterization, Properties and Applications contains informative information on how to bridge energy gaps in buildings using innovative materials. The ideologies and assessments presented give immediate solutions to existing building structures, thus making them energy efficient. It addresses the key energy challenges that need to be confronted in all aspects of materials science, technology and sustainability. Presents a comprehensive tool for immediate reference on the state-of-the-art on innovative and advanced building materials, their characterization, properties and applications Includes a clear explanation, discussion and presentation of topics using user-friendly graphics and table Contains chapters exclusively dedicated to nanotechnology-based materials, smart materials and embodied energy for improving building energy efficiency Creates a benchmark for representing building energy efficiency through the collection and presentation of state-of-the art information on materials

Smart Buildings: Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology to Improve Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance presents a thorough analysis of the latest advancements in construction materials and building design that are applied to maximize building efficiency in both new and existing buildings. After a brief introduction on the issues concerning the design process in the third millennium, Part One examines the differences between Zero Energy, Green, and Smart Buildings, with particular emphasis placed on the issue of smart buildings and smart housing, mainly the ‘envelope’ and how to make it more adaptive with the new possibilities offered by nanotechnology and smart materials. Part Two focuses on the last generation of solutions for smart thermal insulation. Based on the results of extensive research into more innovative insulation materials, chapters discuss achievements in nanotechnology, bio-ecological, and phase-change materials. The technical characteristics, performance level, and methods of use for each are described in detail, as are the achievements in the field of green walls and their use as a solution for upgrading the energy efficiency and environmental performance of existing buildings. Finally, Part Three reviews current research on smart windows, with the assumption that transparent surfaces represent the most critical element in the energy balance of the building. Chapters provide an extensive review on the technical features of transparent closures that are currently on the market or under development, from so-called dynamic glazing to bio-adaptive and photovoltaic glazing. The aesthetic potential and performance limits are also be discussed. Presents valuable definitions that are given to explain the characteristics, requirements, and differences between ‘zero energy’, ‘green’ and ‘smart’ buildings Contains particular focus on the next generation of construction materials and the most advanced products currently entering the market Lists both the advantages and disadvantages to help the reader choose the most suitable solution Takes into consideration both design and materials aspects Promotes the existence of new advanced materials providing technical information to encourage further use and reduce costs compared to more traditional materials

This book is the result of recent research that deals with the built environment and innovative materials, carried out by specialists working in universities and centers of research in different professional fields ─ architecture, engineering, physics ─ and in an area that that spans from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf, and from South Eastern Europe to the Middle East. This book takes the necessity of re-shaping the concept of building design in order to transform buildings from large scale energy consumers to energy savers and producers into consideration. The book is organized in two parts: theory and case studies. For the theoretical part, we chose from the wide range of sources that provide energy efficient materials and systems the two that seem to be endless: the sun and vegetation. Their use in building products represents a tool for specialists in the architectural design concept. The case-studies presented analyze different architectural programs, in different climates, from new buildings to rehabilitation approaches and from residential architecture to hospitals and sports arenas; each case emphasizes the interdisciplinarity of the building design activity in order to help readers gain a better understanding of the complex approach needed for energy efficient building design

GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS THE ULTIMATE USER’S MANUAL TO GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS To properly select and specify green building materials, successful architects need authoritative, real-world advice on how to select and use nontoxic, recycled, and recyclable products, and how to integrate these products into the design process in order to capitalize on the many practical and economic advantages of “going green.” Green Building Materials, Third Edition is the most reliable, up-to-date resource to meet today’s green building challenges—from reducing waste and improving energy efficiency to promoting proper code compliance and safeguarding against liability claims. Written by two nationally known experts on green building methods and materials, Green Building Materials, Third Edition offers in-depth, practical information on the product selection, product specification, and construction process. This new Third Edition is an excellent hands-on guide to today’s newest range of green building materials: what they are, where to find them, how to use them effectively, and how to address LEED requirements. Organized by CSI MasterFormat® category for fast access to specific information, it features: A new chapter on eco-labels, green standards, and product certification A new appendix providing reference information for sustainability standards and standards development organizations New sample specifications, including green power requirements, vegetated green roof systems, rainwater harvesting, and water reuse systems Revised and updated review of trends affecting the future of green building materials Updated approach and reference information for the product selection process Green Building Materials, Third Edition is an essential tool for designing environmentally friendly buildings—ones made from materials that preserve the Earth’s natural legacy for future generations.

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

The book aims to provide a basis for design and construction of resource-efficient buildings. The main concepts follow the vision of a European Sustainable Building as defined in the 2-years Smart-ECO research project funded by European Commission under the Sixth Framework Program. The focus is concentrated on innovations enabling the building sector to meet the requirements originating from the sustainability concept. Innovation is considered at different scales: micro (product, service and process), meso (sector, supply chain, region and system) and macro (economy-wide). Furthermore, the book focuses on aspects of relevance when striving to implement innovative technologies in building design: an integrated design process is indispensable to obtain a Smart-ECO building, independently of how effective a single technology is. Each chapter provides information on fundamental aspects of innovations towards resource-efficient buildings, shows examples and makes further guidance by way of a dedicated bibliography. Case studies are predominantly recent projects or experiences improving understanding and encouraging implementation.