Since the global COVID-19 pandemic, the risks related to indoor exposure to airborne diseases have been highlighted. There is strong evidence that adequate ventilation and/or application of certain types of air cleaning technologies help to keep building occupants (relatively) safe. Nevertheless, in practice, offices, classrooms, nursing homes, etc., still often are not ventilated and/or not equipped with the right kind of HVAC technology to keep infection risks at a reasonable level. A qualitative study explored the challenges that Dutch building owners, facility managers and installation engineers face in practice when operating and (re)designing building installations with virus exposure (coronavirus, influenza, measles, etc.) in mind. Hence, four interactive workshops with different types of stakeholders were organised, involving HVAC technicians, manufacturers, and end-users. The findings show that the majority of participants emphasised not only a lack of clear guidelines and adequate information about ventilation and air cleaning but also a lack of performance-based specifications and concrete advice on how to achieve “airborne infection-safe” indoor environments. Moreover, several stakeholders emphasised the need to raise awareness further amongst decision-makers and building occupants towards airborne infectious diseases and mitigation strategies. Based on the workshop outcomes, concrete advice was formulated (partly presented in terms of infographics), aimed at different kinds of target groups, on how to introduce mitigating building installation measures in an effective way. ... Read more

We are honored to present this comprehensive compilation of selected papers from the 8th International Conference on Architecture, and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2024). Held with the theme “Advancing Towards a More Resilient Future of Architecture and Civil Engineering,” this conference brought together an exceptional assembly of experts, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe. ICACE 2024 served as a vital forum for exchanging knowledge, fostering innovation, and addressing some of the most critical challenges and opportunities facing our disciplines today. [...] ... Read more

To achieve the goal of fully circular buildings, the use of bio-based solutions is growing, with some buildings using natural waste or bio-based components. This study aims to explore the potential for integrating circularity principles into the use of bio-based components. The findings highlight six key factors that must be considered to ensure the success of circular bio-based components: environmental impacts, cost, locality, knowledge (cultural and technical), future use/reuse, and policies. The study also emphasises that locality plays a crucial role when selecting bio-based products and applying circularity principles. However, barriers such as policy limitations, cost concerns, and gaps in technical and cultural knowledge exist in certain regions. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the availability of local materials and assess the potential for scaling up their use within specific regions. This approach ensures that bio-based solutions are effectively implemented, taking into account regional constraints and opportunities for growth. ... Read more

The transition towards zero-energy buildings by 2050 has driven retrofitting initiatives across Europe, focusing on renovating existing buildings through improving insulation, solar panel installations, window replacements, and implementation of heat pump systems. While these retrofitting strategies contribute to energy efficiency, they also introduce new challenges related to indoor air quality and occupant health, particularly in highly insulated, and airtight buildings. This paper aims to investigate the intersection of energy retrofitting of buildings and occupants' health, with a specific focus on mechanical ventilation systems. By reviewing relevant literature on health issues and energy retrofitting in buildings, building-related illness is explored. The results highlight that while enhanced insulation and airtightness improve energy efficiency, they necessitate appropriate ventilation systems and informed end-user engagement. This study emphasizes the critical role of manufacturers and installers in providing clear ventilation system manuals for end-users. This research contributes to healthy indoor environments by increasing awareness towards building-related illnesses associated with energy efficiency initiatives. ... Read more

The energy crisis, that began in 2021 has exacerbated energy poverty throughout Europe. Households with lower incomes, higher energy requirements, and less efficient homes and appliances are disproportionately affected by this crisis. These households often lack the financial capacity to upgrade outdated and inefficient appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. This then leads to increased energy costs or necessitates cutbacks in other energy uses such as heating, which in turn diminishes their residential comfort. In response to this issue, the Dutch government has implemented various strategies to mitigate energy poverty, including the 'White Goods Scheme'. The term ‘White Goods Schemes’ usually refers to a governmental initiative that offers financial incentives or assistance to consumers to encourage the purchase of new, energy-efficient household appliances. Despite such initiatives, there is hardly any research evaluating their effectiveness. This study examined the impact of the 'White Goods Scheme' in two regions of the Netherlands, by means of a questionnaire among residents (N = 541), comparing households that have made use of a white goods scheme (intervention group; N = 310) with households that have not yet made use of a white goods scheme (control group; N = 231). The findings show that the white goods schemes have the potential to improve residential comfort conditions, enhance physical health and reduce energy costs and financial concerns, yield better mental health. Yet, the causal mechanisms behind these connections need to be further scrutinised. While the scheme has demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of comfort, financial well-being and health, it is suggested that combining improvements like shallow retrofits and appliance schemes with other local support initiatives like energy advice is essential to address energy poverty, effectively. ... Read more

Rising energy prices across Europe have increased concerns over energy poverty. Despite significant scholarly focus on financial relief measures instituted by national governments, locally tailored crisis measures have remained overlooked. This study delves into the Dutch context, where part of the government's response to the energy crisis was decentralised, allowing municipalities considerable discretion in experimenting with energy poverty interventions. It compares two strategies: ‘energy coaching’ services – offering advice on sustainable energy practices – and shallow retrofitting by ‘fix teams’ – installing minor energy-saving measures in homes. The impact of these interventions on residential comfort, sustainable behaviour adoption, and (financial concerns regarding) energy bills is assessed through an extensive survey involving treatment and control groups coupled with detailed administrative data on households and dwellings. Results indicate that, on an aggregate level, local interventions significantly enhanced perceived comfort and reduced energy bills among the treatment groups. Comparing individual interventions, notably, more extensive ones such as fix teams and comprehensive energy coaching were significantly more impactful than those involving a single visit, highlighting the importance of continuous engagement. Additionally, we found that energy poverty status significantly amplified the effectiveness of these interventions, thereby stressing the importance of focusing efforts on vulnerable households. ... Read more

Highlights
• The aging systems, and the house's condition, are important factors that motivate occupants to consider energy retrofitting.
• Educating occupants on regular monitoring can enhance the durability and performance of energy-efficient technologies.
• Policymakers need to implement region-specific strategies, to promote energy retrofitting initiatives. ... Read more

In North-West European countries, the uptake of reusing construction elements following their first use in a building is still low. Although a large number of elements are technically reusable, they end up being recycled by crushing ormelting, or simply disposed of. This results in a high environmental impact and a net loss of economic value. This study aims to define a framework that can guide project managers, public and local authorities, as well as other organisations in setting, measuring, and reporting rates of material reuse in construction and renovation projects. To support this, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 construction and renovation projects that have incorporated reclaimed elements. To quantify the effective reuse rates, the data are categorised according to the types of work, functional layers, and type of projects. In summary, achievable reused targets can be determined for the structural layer (1–5% in mass), skin layer 5–15 % in mass), space plan layer (10–25 % in mass), and for outdoor surfaces (0–50 % in mass). Results confirm the contextual nature of reuse practices, emphasising that the achieved rates of reuse are linked to project types in specific layers, and depend on the overall quantity of materials in a project. It also underscores the importance of integrating reuse rate calculations proactively at the beginning of the project, particularly during the preparation of the bill of quantities. This can be accomplished by utilising appropriate procurement strategies, as-built documentation, monitoring material flows during works, and establishing a detailed record of reclaimed building elements. ... Read more

We are delighted to present this compilation of selected papers from the 7th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2023). This conference brought together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to share their insights and advancements in the fields of architecture and civil engineering.

The papers featured in this volume encompass a broad spectrum of topics, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of these disciplines. From innovative materials and cutting-edge simulation techniques to sustainable energy solutions, efficient traffic management, and a nuanced understanding of human behavior in construction management, the contributions presented here represent the forefront of contemporary research and development.

As the global community faces unprecedented challenges in the fields of urbanization, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability, the importance of collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches cannot be overstated. The ICACE 2023 conference provided a unique platform for scholars and professionals to exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and address the pressing issues that shape the future of architecture and civil engineering.

This compilation serves as a testament to the collective intellect and dedication of the authors whose work is showcased within these pages. Their commitment to advancing knowledge and driving innovation in the field is commendable, and we are grateful for their valuable contributions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors, reviewers, and conference session chairs who have played an important role in the success of ICACE 2023. It is our hope that this book will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineering practitioners, as well as students, inspiring further exploration and advancements in the ever-evolving domains of architecture and civil engineering. ... Read more

This book highlights the recent research works on architecture and civil engineering presented during the 6th International conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2022) held on August 18, 2022, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This book is written by leading researchers and industry professionals. The conference participants submitted papers reflecting recent advances and address current issues in the fields of civil engineering and architecture. The conference was intended to bring together the researchers and technologist/engineers working in four sections including architectural studies, construction, management, and materials. The paper's topics vary from technical aspects such as materials and structural studies, water management, transportation, thermal performance, heritage preservation, to behavioral studies and social aspects. All articles have been blind peer-reviewed by highly reputable researchers from different universities around the world.
The organizing committee would like to express sincere appreciation to everybody who has contributed to the conference. Warmest thanks to the authors, reviewers, participants, and to all the team of the organizers for their support and enthusiasm which granted success to the conference. ... Read more

Buildings are the main sector in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Retrofitting of existing building has been identified as one of the significant strategies for reducing the impacts of buildings on energy and environment. However, recent studies have shown that low energy buildings mostly do not perform as expected. These differences are related to different factors including the interaction between occupants and building technologies. Thus, most renovation initiatives have not considered occupant behavior equally to the energy efficiency process. Many of the existing studies have been focused on technological improvements rather than behavioral-related parameters. Hence, this study aims to review the literature on the occupants' energy perceptions and their behavioral interventions in energy efficient retrofitted residential buildings. The results of the literature review reveal that household's energy consumption significantly differs according to the various factors including social-economic, cultural, household composition as well as individual attitudes, habits, experiences, and occupant practices. Moreover, the energy consumption in the residential sector is highly dependent on demographic parameters. The demographics factors are classified according to type of family, level of income, age of the occupants, and individuals' educational status. The findings shows that energy perception gap formulates the energy behavior and it is related to the lack of personal interest, accurate information and individuals' awareness about how to consume efficiently. Therefore, it is suggested that the level of occupant's perception on energy, control, or comfort have to be considered during energy efficiency retrofits. The study contributes to understanding of occupants' behaviors which cause energy performance gap and enlighten approaches to encourage more energy efficient behavior. ... Read more

This review of studies into Energy Efficiency Retrofitting (EER) has shown the practice of EER to be a key factor in sustainability regeneration. Thus, the retrofitting practice itself (the way it is organised) has received increasing attention from both practitioners and researchers, and studies are now addressing some issues that are affecting the retrofit level of achievement. Most of the risks which lead to low retrofit development are related to owners. This paper aims highlight the role of the occupants in achieving the goals of EER. It is found that: a) the early involvement of occupants in the design and construction stage, b) mutual engagement, and c) an integral approach that involves the occupants are the key to motivate EER decisions from these same occupants. It follows that this involvement, including the demographic characteristics of the occupants, such as their culture, habits, preferences, awareness towards energy saving and socio-economic factors, are indeed effective in influencing the energy-related behaviours of these occupants. Moreover, other factors, such as space-heating behaviour, presence/absence of the occupants, control level of the equipment and window, and lighting control behaviour, are all effective factors in the energy performance of the buildings. Hence, socio-technical advancements, co-design processes and effective energy efficiency policies are recommended strategies to: a) improve occupants’ behaviours; and b) increase their participation in EER projects. ... Read more