TECNALIA Publications Repository :: Browsing by Keyword "Environmental Science (miscellaneous)"

Browsing by Keyword "Environmental Science (miscellaneous)"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 46

A1–A5 Embodied Carbon Assessment to Evaluate Bio-Based Components in Façade System Modules
(2024-02) Morganti, Luca; Vandi, Laura; Astudillo Larraz, Julen; García-Jaca, Javier; Navarro Muedra, Arsenio; Pracucci, Alessandro; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN
As the construction industry moves toward sustainable building practices, incorporating wood-based materials into building envelope systems has become a priority. This paper investigates the environmental impact of three custom bio-composite Façade System Modules (FSMs) through an Embodied Carbon Assessment (ECA), focused on the Global Warming Potential indicator of life cycle stages from cradle to practical completion (A1–A5). The evaluated FSMs were developed within the Basajaun H2020 project (G.A. 862942), by substituting and combining conventional materials with other bio-composite products to form hybrids from bio-based polymers and wood. A benchmark ECA was conducted, simulating alternative FSMs devised with common practice solutions for the curtain wall façade to facilitate a comprehensive comparison. The life cycle inventory encompassed detailed technical information, fostering the utilization of primary data for accuracy. The study particularly highlights considerations over three technological systems of the modules that incorporate increased use of wood-based components and a novel bio-composite material: the frame profiles, the insulation equipment, and the seal system. Despite the challenges due to the Basajaun FSMs’ weight, the findings reveal that replacing the currently used materials with wood-based materials and bio-composites reduced the embodied emissions, particularly substituting aluminum frame profiles. The insights presented here offer indicators toward circular, environmentally conscious, bio-composed building envelopes, emphasizing the need for continued analysis and refinements as a consequence of increasing the accuracy of the available primary data from the supply chain and concerning end-of-life scenarios.
Applications of Models and Tools for Mesoscale and Microscale Thermal Analysis in Mid-Latitude Climate Regions—A Review
(2021-11-10) Lobaccaro, Gabriele; De Ridder, Koen; Acero, Juan Angel; Hooyberghs, Hans; Lauwaet, Dirk; Maiheu, Bino; Sharma, Richa; Govehovitch, Benjamin; Tecnalia Research & Innovation
Urban analysis at different spatial scales (micro- and mesoscale) of local climate conditions is required to test typical artificial urban boundaries and related climate hazards such as high temperatures in built environments. The multitude of finishing materials and sheltering objects within built environments produce distinct patterns of different climate conditions, particularly during the daytime. The combination of high temperatures and intense solar radiation strongly perturb the environment by increasing the thermal heat stress at the pedestrian level. Therefore, it is becoming common practice to use numerical models and tools that enable multiple design and planning alternatives to be quantitatively and qualitatively tested to inform urban planners and decision-makers. These models and tools can be used to compare the relationships between the micro-climatic environment, the subjective thermal assessment, and the social behaviour, which can reveal the attractiveness and effectiveness of new urban spaces and lead to more sustainable and liveable public spaces. This review article presents the applications of selected environmental numerical models and tools to predict human thermal stress at the mesoscale (e.g., satellite thermal images and UrbClim) and the microscale (e.g., mobile measurements, ENVI-met, and UrbClim HR) focusing on case study cities in mid-latitude climate regions framed in two European research projects.
Assessment of a meteorological mesoscale model's capability to simulate intra-urban thermal variability in a tropical city
(2021-12) Sanchez, Beatriz; Roth, Matthias; Simón-Moral, Andrés; Martilli, Alberto; Velasco, Erik; CALIDAD Y CONFORT AMBIENTAL
Model-based studies investigating the spatial and temporal variability of air temperature are commonly employed to assess heat mitigation strategies in cities. To generate reliable predictions, it is therefore important that models are capable to accurately predict air temperature variability across the city to account for the local climate context. The present study explores the sensitivity of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with a multi-layer urban scheme (BEP-BEM) to simulate intra-urban variations of 2-m air temperature during different synoptic conditions in the tropical city-state of Singapore. Two one-month long simulations are conducted during a relatively wet period during the Southwest monsoon and a very dry period during the Northeast monsoon. Model evaluation with micrometeorological data collected at an eddy covariance flux tower shows an overall good performance for turbulence parameters and surface energy balance components, in particular during dry conditions. Difficulties in predicting intermittent cloud cover result in slightly higher errors of modelled 2-m air temperature during the wet period (RMSE < 2.3∘C) compared to the dry period (RMSE < 1.6∘C) when using data from nine locations with different urban morphologies. The present research demonstrates the model's capability to predict the intra-urban variability across distinct urban morphologies under distinct weather conditions. However, the model fails to accurately capture the magnitude of the observed nocturnal temperature differences across all weather conditions investigated.
Case study of the experience capturer evaluation tool in the design process of an industrial HMI
(2020-08) Aranburu, Erik; Lasa, Ganix; Gerrikagoitia, Jon Kepa; Mazmela, Maitane; Tecnalia Research & Innovation
In the absence of user experience evaluation tools for industrial human-machine interfaces (HMI), a specific tool called eXperience Capturer (XC) has been created. It is a multi-method user-centred tool that evaluates the pragmatic and experiential aspects of employees' interaction with industrial HMIs during the three phases of experience. In this article, a case study is shown where the XC tool is used in an industrial HMI design process. The results show that evaluation using the XC tool facilitates the creation of a new design that improves the experience of employees during interaction, increasing their autonomy, competence, closeness to the system, safety and stimulation.
Challenges for Digitalisation in Building Renovation to Enhance the Efficiency of the Process: A Spanish Case Study: A spanish case study
(2021-11-03) Lasarte, Natalia; Elguezabal, Peru; Sagarna, Maialen; Leon, Iñigo; Otaduy, Juan Pedro; E&I SEGURAS Y RESILIENTES; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN
Although construction is one of the largest industries in the world, it is one of the least digitised and its productivity is still very low. Excesses of time and cost are common and are even more accentuated for building renovation. Recently, the building information modeling (BIM) methodology has strongly entered in the construction sector and appears to be an effective paradigm shift. Considering all of the previously mentioned aspects, this article addresses the identification and analysis of the critical barriers of renovation and the potential for digitalisation to overcome them using BIM. The methodology that was used is based on an open innovation approach called Living Labs, where consultations with the key stakeholders of the construction process aims for a higher digitalisation to focus on real needs and fitted to the user’s requirements. Starting from a worldwide survey, the analysis of the Spanish casuistry is deepened. From the analysis of barriers and opportunities, the necessary requirements for an optimal BIM application in renovation are highlighted. After identifying the key aspects that each stakeholder’ typology has considered as relevant, a set of key performance indicators have been selected, to monitor the improvements in the renovation process when BIM is adopted.
Comparative analysis of green actions to improve outdoor thermal comfort inside typical urban street canyons
(2015-12-01) Lobaccaro, Gabriele; Acero, Juan A.; Tecnalia Research & Innovation
Urban microclimate analyses are being used more and more to address the planning decision process to create livable and healthy public spaces. The study, conducted in collaboration with the municipality of Bilbao (Basque Country, Spain), presents a comparative analysis of green actions to improve outdoor thermal comfort conditions. The evaluation was performed in three typical urban street canyons characterized by different geometric proportions and five urban greenery scenarios in typical summer day conditions. For each scenario, the mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, air temperature, surface temperature and wind speed have been analyzed using ENVI-met model. The study quantitatively confirms that the vegetation elements such as grass, green roofs and trees, improves the thermal comfort at pedestrian level. Thermal comfort is assessed using the PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) thermal index. The highest PET reduction occurs by combining the presence of trees and grass, which can lead to a reduction of about two PET thermophysiological assessment classes during the daily maximum values. Additionally, the work demonstrates how aspect ratio and ground surface materials can affect the intensity and the duration of discomfort period (PET > 23 C). The outcomes will be used by the municipality of Bilbao to improve the actual planning recommendations.
Conceptual and Operational Integration of Governance, Financing, and Business Models for Urban Nature-Based Solutions
(2021-10-28) Egusquiza, Aitziber; Arana-Bollar, Maider; Sopelana, Amaia; Babí Almenar, Javier; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANA; SG
Governance, financing, and business models are deeply interlinked and relevant for the successful implementation of urban nature-based solutions (NBS). However, during the definition of urban NBS projects the importance and interrelation of these models are usually neglected. To overcome this limitation, this paper presents an overarching framework (conceptual and operational) and a derived preselection web tool which interrelate governance, financing, and business models for NBS projects. First, based on recent literature, governance, financing, and business models that could be applied to NBS were mapped, and their integration proposed. Later, key contextual factors influencing NBS implementation were identified. They form the basis of a WHAT–WHO–HOW framework that structures the links between specific NBS projects, their implementation context, and the most suitable models. From that framework, and an analysis of 50 successful NBS case studies, a suitability matrix was developed with known models. The matrix allows pairing types of NBS and their initiating actors with suitable financing and governance models. Lastly, a tailored NBS business model canvas was designed to evaluate the business model components. From the overarching framework, the preselection web tool was created to guide decision-making on suitable governance, finance, and business models in the early phases of NBS projects.
A conceptual design of an integrated Façade system to reduce embodied energy in residential buildings
(2020-07-16) Pan, Wen; Iturralde, Kepa; Bock, Thomas; Martinez, Roberto Garay; Juez, Olga Macias; Finocchiaro, Pietro; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; EDIFICACIÓN DE ENERGÍA POSITIVA
(1) The overall energy requirement of a building may be impacted by the building design, the selection of materials, the construction methods, and lifecycle management. To achieve an optimum energy-efficiency level when dealing with a new building or renovation project, it is important to improve the entire construction process as it is not enough to merely focus on the operational phase. If conventional construction practices do not evolve, compromise, or adapt to necessary changes, then it becomes challenging to deliver an ultimate low energy building. (2) This paper demonstrates the trend of off-site prefabrication and its production principles and the notions of open-building design and Design for X, as well as offering an overview of the development of automation in construction, which provides both insights and evaluations based on the context of the research. (3) Three European Union Horizon 2020 research projects were evaluated, and the outcome of the projects served as the backbone for the research and inspired the design of the proposed integrated façade system. Two design scenarios were proposed to demonstrate the potential improvements that could be achieved in a new build as well as in renovation projects. (4) The research lays a foundation for establishing a larger cross-disciplinary collaboration in the future.
Demand Aggregation as a Strategy for Untapping Buildings’ Energy Renovation Potential: Diagnosis and Prioritization Methodology and Case Study from the Basque Country: Diagnosis and prioritization methodology and case study from the basque country
(2021-12-15) Nicolas, Olatz; Molina-Costa, Patricia; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANA; GENERAL
Energy renovation of post-World War II private multifamily residential buildings has been identified to have a great deal of energy-saving potential but faces a great challenge across Europe, and especially in South Europe, due to fragmented property structures and longer return periods in energy efficiency investments. However, there is great deal of potential in activating demand aggregation in areas with homogeneous typologies. Local authorities play a key role in leading district-scale renovation but lack adequate methods for analysing and prioritizing areas from an integrated perspective, including social aspects. The methodology presented in this paper aims to support local authorities by providing a tool for the diagnosis and prioritization of homogeneous groups of residential buildings to address their renovation based on an analysis of their needs and opportunity factors. First, the methodology sets the universe of analysis; second, based on indicators, it provides comparative information within the municipality, which leads to a prioritization of areas for building renovations according to the state of the building and to the socio-economic profile of the residents; lastly, a detailed diagnosis of selected groups is performed, providing information to design the Renovation Action Plans accordingly. The application of the methodology in Basauri is presented in this paper.
Deriving an Urban Climate Map in coastal areas with complex terrain in the Basque Country (Spain)
(2013-07) Acero, Juan A.; Arrizabalaga, Jon; Kupski, Sebastian; Katzschner, Lutz; Tecnalia Research & Innovation
This works develops a methodology to analyze urban climate from an urban planning perspective and derive an Urban Climate Map (UC-Map). Calculations with spatial information layers, climate measurements and urban climate knowledge are used to evaluate thermal load and dynamic potential of the urban area. All the necessary information is grouped in five information layers (building volume, building surface fraction, green areas, ventilation paths and slopes). The method is applied to Bilbao (Spain), a medium-sized urban area located in complex terrain, and influenced by sea breeze and cold air drainage flow.The resulting UC-Map agrees with experimental data and shows the effects on thermal comfort of the interaction of different land use with regional climate. Local/regional ventilation systems characterized by diurnal and seasonal intensity variations turn out to be a very important aspect to reduce heat storage in Bilbao. Specific recommendations are included to improve and protect climate. This UC-Map is an important milestone in Spain since it is the first information tool that relates urban climate with urban planning. The methodology presented is simple to apply and can be adapted to other urban areas with similar characteristics to Bilbao.
Design and Validation of a Novel Tool to Assess Citizens’ Netiquette and Information and Data Literacy Using Interactive Simulations
(2022-03-14) Bartolomé, Juan; Garaizar, Pablo; ADV_INTER_PLAT
Until recently, most of the digital literacy frameworks have been based on assessment frameworks used by commercial entities. The release of the DigComp framework has allowed the development of tailored implementations for the evaluation of digital competence. However, the majority of these digital literacy frameworks are based on self-assessments, measuring only low-order cognitive skills. This paper reports on a study to develop and validate an assessment instrument, including interactive simulations to assess citizens’ digital competence. These formats are particularly important for the evaluation of complex cognitive constructs such as digital competence. Additionally, we selected two different approaches for designing the tests based on their scope, at the competence or competence area level. Their overall and dimensional validity and reliability were analysed. We summarise the issues addressed in each phase and key points to consider in new implementations. For both approaches, items present satisfactory difficulty and discrimination indicators. Validity was ensured through expert validation, and the Rasch analysis revealed good EAP/PV reliabilities. Therefore, the tests have sound psychometric properties that make them reliable and valid instruments for measuring digital competence. This paper contributes to an increasing number of tools designed to evaluate digital competence and highlights the necessity of measuring higher-order cognitive skills.
Design of a Radiant Heat Capturing Device for Steel Mills
(2021) López Pérez, Susana; Herrero López, Saioa; Ubieta Astigarraga, Eduardo; del Hoyo Arce, Itzal; Gómez de Arteche Botas, Mercedes; Iturralde Iñarga, Jon; Fernández de Arroiabe Txapartegi, Peru; Bou-Ali, M. Mounir; Unamuno Iriondo, Iñigo; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; SISTEMAS TÉRMICOS EFICIENTES
This paper approaches the energy transition towards decarbonization and lower primary energy use in the steel and glass industries through the exploitation of radiant waste heat. In contrast with exhaust gases heat recovery, radiant waste heat has typically not been used. This energy waste is found in energy intensive processes in which high temperatures are reached. For instance, in the steel making process, the cast steel is red hot and emits a considerable amount of radiant energy. In this paper the conceptual design of a radiant heat capturing device is presented. This device enables the recovery of currently unused energy while solving the radiative emission-related problems. The achieved design gets to an optimized solution regarding view factors and optical properties of the involved surfaces. In this research work, those factors are optimized to maximize the amount of heat recovered by the presented device. Simulation tools are used to test different designs and define the most appropriate solution for a given case.
Development of a New Green Indicator and Its Implementation in a Cyber–Physical System for a Green Supply Chain
(2020-10-18) Morella, Paula; Lambán, María Pilar; Royo, Jesús; Sánchez, Juan Carlos; Corrales, Lisbeth Del Carmen Ng; SG
This work investigates Industry 4.0 technologies by developing a new key performance indicator that can determine the energy consumption of machine tools for a more sustainable supply chain. To achieve this, we integrated the machine tool indicator into a cyber–physical system for easy and real-time capturing of data. We also developed software that can turn these data into relevant information (using Python): Using this software, we were able to view machine tool activities and energy consumption in real time, which allowed us to determine the activities with greater energy burdens. As such, we were able to improve the application of Industry 4.0 in machine tools by allowing informed real-time decisions that can reduce energy consumption. In this research, a new Key Performance Indicator (KPI) was been developed and calculated in real time. This KPI can be monitored, can measure the sustainability of machining processes in a green supply chain (GSC) using Nakajima’s six big losses from the perspective of energy consumption, and is able to detect what the biggest energy loss is. This research was implemented in a cyber–physical system typical of Industry 4.0 to demonstrate its applicability in real processes. Other productivity KPIs were implemented in order to compare efficiency and sustainability, highlighting the importance of paying attention to both terms at the same time, given that the improvement of one does not imply the improvement of the other, as our results show.
End-to-end bioinspired lightweight structure manufacturing-oriented design, validation, and manufacturing with advanced methods
(Trans Tech Publications Ltd, 2023) Blanc, Ignacio Laraudogoitia; De Cortazar, Maider Garcia; Mata, Franck Girot; Morales-Palma, Domingo; Martínez-Donaire, Andrés J.; Borrego, Marcos; Centeno, Gabriel; Vallellano, Carpóforo; CIRMETAL
It is known that natural designs are more efficient and functionality-aimed than human designs. Historically, human beings have tried to mimic the way nature designs or the natural designs themselves. However, it turned out that it was usually too complex for the technology of the time. Today there exists the opportunity to mimic most natural designs due to advances in computational power and improvements in manufacturing methods. This can lead to a major weight reduction in the metallic components used, which is a key aspect in many engineering areas such as aerospace, automotive or energetic industries. This study shows how these bioinspired designs can improve designer experience-based designs in several ways i.e.: Mechanical behavior, part number reduction, weight reduction, etc. The components analyzed here will be metallic based on aluminum. It will be also shown the significance of the manufacturing-oriented design so the iteration times are reduced between the CAD and the CAM or the reduction of prototype manufacturing itself. Of course, these designs need to be validated mechanically via CAE and the CAM will also be used to avoid uncertainty during advanced manufacturing processes. Finally, the results of the real manufacturing process are going to be shown so the end-to-end cycle is complete.
ENER-BI: Integrating Energy and Spatial Data for Cities’ Decarbonisation Planning: Integrating energy and spatial data for cities’ decarbonisation planning
(2021-01-04) Urrutia-Azcona, Koldo; Usobiaga-Ferrer, Elena; De Agustín-Camacho, Pablo; Molina-Costa, Patricia; Benedito-Bordonau, Mauricia; Flores-Abascal, Iván; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANA; GENERAL
Given the current climate emergency, our planet is suffering. Mitigation measures must be urgently deployed in urban environments, which are responsible for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. In this sense, a deeper integration between energy and urban planning disciplines is a key factor for effective decarbonisation in urban environments. This is addressed in the Cities4ZERO decarbonisation methodology. This method specifically points out the need for technology-based solutions able to support that integration among both disciplines at a local level, enriching decision-making in urban decarbonisation policy-making, diagnosis, planning, and follow-up tasks, incorporating the spatial dimension to the whole process (GIS-based), as well as the possibilities of the digital era. Accordingly, this paper explores the demands of both integrated urban energy planning and European/Basque energy directives, to set the main requisites and functionalities that Decision Support Systems (DSSs) must fulfil to effectively support city managers and the urban decarbonisation process.
Enhancing Circular Business Model Implementation in Pulp and Paper Industry (PPI): A Phase-Based Implementation Guide to Waste Valorisation Strategies
(2023-12) Sopelana, Amaia; Oleaga, Asier; Cepriá, Juan José; Bizjak, Karmen Fifer; Paiva, Helena; Rios-Davila, Francisco Javier; Martinez, Adriana H.; Cañas, Antonio; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANA; TRAZABILIDAD CIRCULAR
Innovation in the circular economy (CE) and the deployment of effective circular business models (CBM) have attracted significant attention in times of growing natural resource scarcity. Despite this widespread interest, significant challenges remain between theoretical innovations and effective CBM implementation in any industrial sector where companies pursue cost-saving opportunities through waste valorisation strategies. Since current methods mislead in terms of the real limitations to designing feasible novel products and services under a circular economy, this study proposes exploring determinants underpinning the organisational resilience of CBMs under a resource efficiency strategy through three case studies. As a result of a co-creation process, the implementation of a CBM framework was built upon empirical data and, thence, a phase-based implementation guide was laid out to assist companies in designing and implementing innovative CBM dealing with the complexity of innovative waste valorisation strategies between the PPI and construction sectors. Relevant findings on managerial and policy recommendations encountered along the demo stage are provided in this paper favouring an effective implementation of CE strategies: the role of technological and non-technological aspects within the CBM, the perspective of the ecosystem and its value proposition, and specific guidelines for the different phases of CBM life cycle.
Environmental and Economic Prioritization of Building Energy Refurbishment Strategies with Life-Cycle Approach
(2020-05-11) Oregi, Xabat; Hernández, Rufino Javier; Hernandez, Patxi; PLANIFICACIÓN ENERGÉTICA
An increasing number of studies apply life-cycle assessment methodology to assess the impact of a new building or to prioritize between different building refurbishment strategies. Among the different hypotheses to consider during the application of this methodology, the selection of the impact indicator is critical, as this choice will completely change the interpretation of the results. This article proposes applying four indicators that allow analysing the results of a refurbishment project of a residential building with the life-cycle approach: non-renewable primary energy use reduction (NRPER), net energy ratio (NER), internal rate of return (IRR), and life-cycle payback (LC-PB). The combination of environmental and economic indicators when evaluating the results has allowed to prioritize among the different strategies defined for this case study. Furthermore, an extensive sensitivity assessment reflects the high uncertainty of some of the parameters and their high influence on the final results. To this end, new hypotheses related to the following parameters have been considered: reference service life of the building, estimated service life of material, operational energy use, conversion factor, energy price, and inflation rate. The results show that the NRPE use reduction value could vary up to −44%. The variation of the other indicators is also very relevant, reaching variation rates such as 100% in the NER, 450% in the IRR, and 300% in the LC-PB. Finally, the results allow to define the type of input or hypothesis that influences each indicator the most, which is relevant when calibrating the prioritization process for the refurbishment strategy.
Fault Detection and RUL Estimation for Railway HVAC Systems Using a Hybrid Model-Based Approach
(2021-06-16) Gálvez, Antonio; Diez-Olivan, Alberto; Seneviratne, Dammika; Galar, Diego; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; INDUSTRY_THINGS
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems installed in a passenger train carriage are critical systems, whose failures can affect people or the environment. This, together with restrictive regulations, results in the replacement of critical components in initial stages of degradation, as well as a lack of data on advanced stages of degradation. This paper proposes a hybrid model-based approach (HyMA) to overcome the lack of failure data on a HVAC system installed in a passenger train carriage. The proposed HyMA combines physics-based models with data-driven models to deploy diagnostic and prognostic processes for a complex and critical system. The physics-based model generates data on healthy and faulty working conditions; the faults are generated in different levels of degradation and can appear individually or together. A fusion of synthetic data and measured data is used to train, validate, and test the proposed hybrid model (HyM) for fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) of the HVAC system. The model obtains an accuracy of 92.60%. In addition, the physics-based model generates run-to-failure data for the HVAC air filter to develop a remaining useful life (RUL) prediction model, the RUL estimations performed obtained an accuracy in the range of 95.21–97.80% Both models obtain a remarkable accuracy. The development presented will result in a tool which provides relevant information on the health state of the HVAC system, extends its useful life, reduces its life cycle cost, and improves its reliability and availability; thus enhancing the sustainability of the system.
The Future of Wood Construction: Opportunities and Barriers Based on Surveys in Europe and Chile: Opportunities and Barriers Based on Surveys in Europe and Chile
(2022-04-06) Leszczyszyn, Ewa; Heräjärvi, Henrik; Verkasalo, Erkki; Garcia-Jaca, Javier; Araya-Letelier, Gerardo; Lanvin, Jean-Denis; Bidzińska, Gabriela; Augustyniak-Wysocka, Dobrochna; Kies, Uwe; Calvillo, Alex; Wahlströmh, Margareta; Kouyoumji, Jean-Luc; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN
The demand for wood has increased in recent years due to new technical possibilities and environmental concerns. This paper provides an analysis of the factors that affect the use of wood in the construction sector, and an assessment of their importance in individual countries and for groups of stakeholders. The study covers the technical, societal, political, economic, and gender aspects of wood construction, with the aim of increasing global understanding regarding national differences, the current situation, and the potential for further development. The subject was investigated using a survey, and the most important opportunities for and barriers to growth in the use of wood in the construction sector were selected, following a statistical analysis. The results indicate strong regional and cultural differences regarding the acceptance of some of the opportunities and barriers related to the development of wood construction. The findings indicate that there is a need to promote wood construction based on its technical and economic benefits rather than its societal ones. On the other hand, the current societal barriers should be addressed as a priority, together with the establishment of common and harmonized policies. The results of this study, therefore, will contribute to the generation of regional-sensitive information that can be useful for policymakers when updating the building codes in their individual countries.
How to Achieve Positive Energy Districts for Sustainable Cities: A Proposed Calculation Methodology: A proposed calculation methodology
(2021-01-02) Gabaldón Moreno, Andrea; Vélez, Fredy; Alpagut, Beril; Hernández, Patxi; Sanz Montalvillo, Cecilia; PLANIFICACIÓN ENERGÉTICA
In this paper, a methodology for calculating the energy balance at the district level and energy performance of those districts aspiring to become a Positive Energy District (PED) is proposed. PEDs are understood as districts that achieve a positive energy balance on an annual basis by means of exporting more energy than is consumed within their limits. The main issue to standardize the concept, besides which characteristics should be considered, is that current standards to calculate an energy balance are not applied at the district level. This paper reviews the current standards and adapts them to propose an energy balance calculation methodology. Calculation of an energy balance at the district level is complex since it includes several parameters, such as which loads (or elements) should be included, which renewable energy technologies should be considered on-site production, and which primary energy factors should be used. The proposed methodology is thought to help cities at the design stage of a district and to evaluate its annual energy balance. The methodology is performed in eight steps, and all the needed assumptions that affect the calculation of the annual energy balance are discussed in each step

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