Search results

This study aims to assess residential energy consumption knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Abuja Municipality, providing insights for effective conservation strategies, reducing costs and mitigating environmental impact.

Data for this study was collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted among a representative sample of the Nigerian population between February and April 2021. A total of 462 questionnaire responses were collected and subsequently analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, including frequency count, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, were calculated. Additionally, inferential statistics were performed using Chi-Square analysis, with significant level set at p = 0.05 to draw meaningful conclusions from the data.

The study results indicate that out of the total respondents, 244 individuals (67.4%) demonstrated a profound knowledge of and good practice in energy utilisation. In comparison, 118 individuals (32.6%) exhibited poor knowledge and practice in energy saving. Moreover, the findings reveal a significant association between the sociodemographic factors of the respondents, building type, and their overall practice in energy utilisation. Statistical analysis shows significant? 2 values for each case: 8.563 (p = 0.003), 66.736 (p = 0.000), 60.866 (p = 0.000), 23.487 (p = 0.000), 37.877 (p = 0.000), and 92.334 (p = 0.000), respectively, where p < 0.05. These results highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic profiles and building characteristics when assessing general energy utilisation practices.

The research offers valuable insights into Nigerian energy usage behaviours and attitudes towards energy saving in residential buildings, contributing significantly to the knowledge base.

This proposal aims to forecast energy consumption in residential buildings based on the effect of opening and closing windows by the deep architecture approach. In this task, the developed model has three stages: (1) collection of data, (2) feature extraction and (3) prediction. Initially, the data for the closing and opening frequency of the window are taken from the manually collected datasets. After that, the weighted feature extraction is performed in the collected data. The attained weighted feature is fed to predict energy consumption. The prediction uses the efficient hybrid multi-scale convolution networks (EHMSCN), where two deep structured architectures like a deep temporal context network and one-dimensional deep convolutional neural network. Here, the parameter optimization takes place with the hybrid algorithm named jumping rate-based grasshopper lemur optimization (JR-GLO). The core aim of this energy consumption model is to predict the consumption of energy accurately based on the effect of opening and closing windows. Therefore, the offered energy consumption prediction approach is analyzed over various measures and attains an accurate performance rate than the conventional techniques.

An EHMSCN-aided energy consumption prediction model is developed to forecast the amount of energy usage during the opening and closing of windows accurately. The emission of CO₂ in indoor spaces is highly reduced.

The MASE measure of the proposed model was 52.55, 43.83, 42.01 and 36.81% higher than ANN, CNN, DTCN and 1DCNN.

The findings of the suggested model in residences were attained high-quality measures with high accuracy, precision and variance.

The building sector contributes one-third of the energy-related carbon dioxide globally. Therefore, framing appropriate energy-related policies for the next decades becomes essential in this scenario to realize the global net-zero goals. The purpose of the proposed study is to evaluate the impact of the widespread adoption of such guidelines in a building community in the context of mixed-mode buildings.

This study decentralizes the theme of improving the energy efficiency of the national building stock in parcels by proposing a community-based hybrid bottom-up modelling approach using urban building energy modelling (UBEM) techniques to analyze the effectiveness of the community-wide implementation of energy conservation guidelines.

In this study, the UBEM is developed and validated for the 14-building residential community in Mumbai, India, adopting the framework. Employing Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) compliance on the UBEM shows an energy use reduction potential of up to 15%. The results also reveal that ECBC compliance is more advantageous considering the effects of climate change.

In developing countries where the availability of existing building stock information is minimal, the proposed study formulates a holistic framework for developing a detailed UBEM for the residential building stock from scratch. A unique method of assessing the actual cooling load of the developed UBEM is presented. A thorough sensitivity analysis approach to investigate the effect of cooling space fraction on the energy consumption of the building stock is presented, which would assist in choosing the appropriate retrofit strategies. The proposed study's outcomes can significantly transform the formulation and validation of appropriate energy policies.

The objective of this research is to develop an solution to water management at the scale of buildings, through the technological resources. Automating analysis using 3D models helps increase efficiency in buildings during the operational phase, consequently promotes sustainability.

This study presents a methodology based on Design Science Research to automate water management at building scale integrating BIM-IoT-FM. Data from smart meters (IoT) and the BIM model were integrated to be applied in facilities management (FM) to improve performance of the building. The methodology was implemented in a prototype for the web, called AquaBIM, which captures, manages and analyzes the information.

The application of AquaBIM allowed the theoretical evaluation and practical validation of water management methodology. By BIM–IoT integration, the consumption parameters and ranges for 17 categories of activities were determined to contribute to fulfill the research gap for the commercial buildings. This criterion and other requirements are requirements met in order to obtain the AQUA-HQE environmental sustainability certification.

Traditionally, water management in buildings is based on scarce data. The practical application of digital technologies improves decision-making. Moreover, the creation of consumption indicators for commercial buildings contributes to the discussion in the field of knowledge.

This article emphasizes the investigation of the efficiency of use in commercial buildings using operational data and the use of sustainable consumption indicators to manage water consumption.

The study aims to tackle Egypt's rising electricity consumption due to climate change and population growth, focusing on the building sector, which accounts for up to 60% of the issue, by developing new energy-efficient design guidelines for Egyptian buildings.

This study comprises six key steps. A literature review focuses on energy consumption and efficiency in buildings, monitoring a single-family building in Cairo, using Energy Plus for simulation and verification, performing multi-objective optimization, comparing energy performance between base and controlled cases, and developing a localized version of the Passive House (PH) called Energy Efficiency Design Criteria (EEDC).

The research shows that applying the (EEDC) suggested by this study can decrease energy consumption by up to 58% and decrease cooling consumption by up to 63% in residential buildings in Egypt while providing thermal comfort and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This can benefit users, alleviate local power grid strain, contribute to Egypt's economy, and serve as a model for other countries with similar climates.

To date, no studies have focused on developing energy-efficient design standards tailored to the Egyptian climate and context using the Passive House Criteria concept. This study contributes to the field by identifying key principles, design details, and goal requirements needed to promote energy-efficient design standards for residential buildings in Egypt.

The residential buildings sector has a high priority in the climate change adaptation process due to significant CO₂ emissions, high energy consumption and negative environmental impacts. The article investigates how, conversely speaking, the residential buildings will be affected by climate change, and how to improve existing structures and support long-term decisions.

The climate dataset was created using the scenarios determined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and this was used in the study. Different building envelope and Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems scenarios have been developed and simulated. Then, the best scenario was determined with comparative results, and recommendations were developed.

The findings reveal that future temperature-increase will significantly impact buildings' cooling and heating energy use. As the outdoor air temperatures increase due to climate change, the heating loads of the buildings decrease, and the cooling loads increase significantly. While the heating energy consumption of the house was calculated at 170.85 kWh/m² in 2020, this value shall decrease significantly to 115.01 kWh/m² in 2080. On the other hand, the cooling energy doubled between 2020 and 2080 and reached 106.95 kWh/m² from 53.14 kWh/m² measured in 2020.

Single-family houses constitute a significant proportion of the building stock. An in-depth analysis of such a building type is necessary to cope with the devastating consequences of climate change. The study developed and scrutinised energy performance improvement scenarios to define the climate change adaptation process' impact and proper procedure. The study is trying to create a strategy to increase the climate resistance capabilities of buildings and fill the gaps in this regard.

Due to the increase in energy demand and the effects of global warming, energy-efficient buildings have gained significant importance in the modern construction industry. To create a suitable framework with the aim of reducing energy consumption in the building sector, the external walls of a residential building were considered with two criteria of global warming potential and energy consumption.

In the first stage, to achieve a nearly zero-energy building, energy analysis was performed for 37 different states of thermal insulation. Then, the insulation materials’ life cycle assessment was performed. These results were used to find a set of optimal modes in the Pareto front by using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II multi-objective genetic algorithm. Thus, based on the data obtained from this method, it was possible to compare and choose different thermal insulation materials based on the distance from the Pareto front, reducing the environmental effects.

The results showed that replacing the windows was possible to save 3.24% in energy consumption. Also, selecting the proper insulation reduced energy consumption value by 63.13%. Finally, this building can save 69.31% of energy consumption compared to the base building by following the zero-energy building standard. As a result, the Pareto curve was introduced as a guide for the optimal design of the building’s wall insulation.

The proposed method provides designers with a framework for latent carbon analysis to access quickly and select optimal scenarios. It can also be used without restrictions for other decisions with different goals and criteria.

This study aims to examine the challenges in the implementation of energy management systems in residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better energy-efficient building.

This study adopted a mixed research method. Quantitative data was gathered by issuing a research questionnaire to 20 Delphi experts, while qualitative data was acquired through a Systematic Literature Review. Data received was analyzed using the descriptive analysis method.

The findings revealed that the main barriers to incorporating energy management systems (EMSs) in residential buildings consist of a lack of awareness of energy management systems, lack of management commitment to energy management, lack of knowledge about energy management systems, lack of funds for energy management systems, resistance to energy management technology by the property owners and property managers, distrust and resistance to energy management technology by the property owners, high initial cost of energy management technologies, shortage of technicians for energy management technologies, the nonexistence of local manufacturers of energy management equipment, lack of incentives for efficient energy management and high repair costs of energy management technologies.

The specific focus on residential buildings may limit the applicability of findings to commercial or industrial sectors. Further research is warranted to accommodate other energy-consuming sectors.

People’s perceptions, either wrong or correct, affect their ability to make an informed decision to adopt energy management systems, denying them the opportunity to reap the associated benefits. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the residential industry stakeholders and the government to increase educational opportunities for property owners, managers and property tenants on the importance of energy management systems.

This research presents the potential obstacles and problematic areas that residents may encounter while using these energy management systems. Consequently, they will be able to make a well-informed choice when installing energy management systems. Moreover, the research elucidates the identification of novel perspectives and also unexamined obstacles that impede the widespread use of energy management systems in residential buildings.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between pollutant emissions, financial development and IFRS in developed and developing countries between 1998 and 2022.

Data were obtained from World Development Indicators and World Governance Indicators of the World Bank.

Using FGLS and GMM estimators, the results provide evidence that financial development has a significant positive impact on a variety of pollutant emissions. However, this positive impact is moderated by IFRS for the overall sample and country income groups.

Governments and regulatory organizations should support companies’ investments in clean energy and technologies to slow down environmental degradation. Tax credits and subsidies may be helpful to achieve this goal. Also, governments may encourage companies to cooperate with universities and research institutions to develop environment-friendly production and distribution methods to reduce pollution. Although stakeholders may obtain information about environmental issues in financial statements that are prepared in accordance with IFRS, there is a need for standardization of their contents.

Greenhouse gases are major contributors to climate change and global warming. In addition to private costs borne by producers, the production and consumption of products have social costs arising from pollution that affects air, water, and soil. Pollution adversely affects people's physiological and psychological health, which decreases labor productivity, thereby leading to a decrease in economic growth.

According to the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that examines the impact of IFRS on the relationship between financial development and pollutant emissions.

This study aims to enhance our understanding of sustainable water management in construction through a life-cycle embodied water assessment of a villa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It provides insights and recommendations for improving the water efficiency by identifying areas for potential embodied water saving and reduction in environmental impacts in the construction industry.

This study uses a life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach and focuses on a UAE villa as a case study. It analyses the embodied water consumption during construction (initial embodied water) and maintenance (recurrent embodied water) using an input–output-based hybrid analysis. Additionally, it compares the embodied water observations with the operational water usage and comprehensively evaluates the water consumption in the villa’s life-cycle.

The initial (28%) and recurrent embodied water (42%) represent significant proportions of a building’s life-cycle water demand. The structural elements, predominantly concrete and steel, contribute 40% of the initial embodied water consumption. This emphasises the importance of minimising the water usage in these materials. Similarly, internal finishes account for 47% of the recurrent embodied water. This emphasises the importance of evaluating the material service life.

These findings indicate the efficacy of using durable materials with low embodiment and water-efficient construction methods. Additionally, collaborative research between academia, industry, and the government is recommended in conjunction with advocating for policies promoting low embodied-water materials and transparency in the construction sector through embodied water footprint reporting.

Previous studies focused on the operational water and marginally addressed the initial embodied water. Meanwhile, this study highlights the significance of the initial and recurrent embodied water in the life-cycle water demand. It emphasises on the need for adaptable buildings with reduced embodied water and more durable materials to minimise the requirement for frequent material replacements.