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

The role and influence of building services engineers are undergoing rapid change and are pivotal to achieving low-carbon buildings. However, textbooks in the field have tended to remain fairly traditional with a detailed focus on the technicalities of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, often with little wider context. This book addresses that need by embracing a contemporary understanding of the urgent challenge to address climate change, together with practical approaches to energy efficiency and carbon mitigation for mechanical and electrical systems, in a concise manner. The essential conceptual design issues for planning the principal building services systems that influence energy efficiency are examined in detail. These are HVAC and electrical systems. In addition, the following issues are addressed: background issues on climate change, whole-life performance and design collaboration generic strategies for energy efficient, low-carbon design health and wellbeing and post occupancy evaluation building ventilation air conditioning and HVAC system selection thermal energy generation and distribution systems low-energy approaches for thermal control electrical systems, data collection, controls and monitoring building thermal load assessment building electric power load assessment space planning and design integration with other disciplines. In order to deliver buildings that help mitigate climate change impacts, a new perspective is required for building services engineers, from the initial conceptual design and throughout the design collaboration with other disciplines. This book provides a contemporary introduction and guide to this new approach, for students and practitioners alike.

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

"Nowadays, the energy crisis is one of the controversial issues around the world. Regarding the fact that the largest energy end use in the world belongs to the construction and residential sector, it seems necessary to analyze the energy flow in the buildings. The most sustainable energy design technique is to conserve energy as much as possible. There are various methods to reduce the use of conventional energy from fossil fuels to meet the energy requirement for the building. Various strategies including photovoltaic-thermal systems and insulation systems with the aim of minimizing building energy in different climate conditions (Cold-weather/Hot weather) were presented and assessed in the first chapter. A comprehensive work was carried out to investigate the effect of adding nanoparticles as concrete additives on both pore structure and thermophysical properties of the concrete at different ages. Besides, the behavioral models using Genetic Algorithm (GA) programming were developed to describe the time-dependent behavioral characteristics of nanoparticle blended concrete samples in various compressive and tensile stress states. Chapter 3 deals with the traditional energy saving techniques to highlight the potential of learning from traditional architecture and adopting their experiences to fulfill modern expectations. In this regard, Iranian classical architecture, particularly at hot arid climate, is taken into account. On the other hand, geothermal energy as one of the most significant alternative sources of thermal and electrical energy have been discussed. To address the growing demand of power generation and its related challenges of the existing electrical power grid, Smart Grid (SG) systems comes as a solution that lays in taking the world forward to reach energy independence and environmentally sustainable economic growth. The final chapter provides various information about the smart grid systems and the efficiency of such systems is analyzed through a detailed case study"--

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

The passive house standard is developing more and more into the international key currency of energy-efficient construction. Passive houses are being erected in almost all parts of the world and for all types of users. "Plus energy" buildings and entire zero-energy districts show that the passive house standard is also a sound basis for advanced efficiency strategies. At the same time, many architects are unsure about the specifics: What do passive houses really deliver, and what errors need to be avoided during planning? The book "Passive House Design" gives readers confidence in dealing with the passive house standard from the very first design draft. It shows how much scope for design there is in passive houses and explains design strategies that lead to better passive buildings. Detailed documentations of both residential and non-residential buildings illustrate how design, construction and building technology combine in passive houses. Chapters on building physics, building services engineering and energy balancing provide the required detailed knowledge for being able to implement your own passive house projects.