• Energy Research

Abstract Greening the building envelope focusing on green facades with vegetation is a good example of a new construction practice. Plants and partly growing materials in case of living wall systems (LWS) have a number of functions that are beneficial, for example: increasing the biodiversity and ecological value, mitigation of urban heat island effect, outdoor and indoor comfort, insulating properties, improvement of air quality and of the social and psychological well being of city dwellers. This paper discusses a comparative life cycle analysis (LCA) situated in The Netherlands for: a conventional built up European brick facade, a facade greened directly, a facade greened indirectly (supported by a steel mesh), a facade covered with a living wall system based on planter boxes and a facade covered with a living wall system based on felt layers. Beside the environmental benefits of the above described greening systems, it is eventually not clear if these systems are sustainable, due to the materials used, maintenance, nutrients and water needed. A LCA is used to analyze the similarity and differences in the environmental impacts in relation with benefits estimated for two climate types for building energy saving (reduction of electrical energy used for building cooling and heating).

This perspective paper explores the concept of multispecies design in architecture, focusing on the building scale. Historically, architects have prioritized human needs, neglecting nature’s integration in urban settings, leading to environmental and social challenges. To address these issues, a new multispecies approach that promotes the integration of ecological knowledge into architectural design has evolved. This paper aims to map existing concepts, challenges, and gaps in this novel multispecies approach, focusing on the building scale design process and suggests a roadmap for its implementation. This paper analyzes the existing literature and current architectural practices. This analysis is complemented by the findings from an architectural design studio that have highlighted real-world challenges not readily apparent in the literature. By promoting a multispecies architectural paradigm, this research not only underscores a transformative approach to building design but also positions multispecies design as an essential strategy in combatting the challenges of declining biodiversity and escalating climate change.

Energy use and relative CO2 emissions drive climate change that affects both the environment and human health. Extreme events caused by climate change, such as heat waves, flooding, and droughts are increasingly frequent and dangerous and the quality of life in cities is progressively decreasing. The building sector is among the most energy intensive sectors and mitigation and adaptation strategies are needed to reduce the emissions and impacts of climate change. This article presents a literature review created using the SCOPUS database on 515 articles setup to investigate the role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in architectural and urban design processes and to understand how KPIs can be used to improve sustainability in the design of buildings and cities. Findings from the literature review highlights the potentiality of KPIs as a tool for managing complexity and for measure performances starting from the early design stages up to the lifetime of buildings and, in general, design. In parallel, the analysis of results showed that KPIs are commonly used to evaluate performance at a very different scale, but the building scale is the most considered. The use of KPIs in architecture, focusing on sustainability, should be implemented more in the future to allow for a better control of architectural performances.

La tecnología está transformando las sociedades en todo el mundo. Una innovación importante es la aparición de la robótica y los sistemas autónomos (RAS), que tienen el potencial de revolucionar las ciudades tanto para las personas como para la naturaleza. Sin embargo, las oportunidades y desafíos asociados con el RAS para los ecosistemas urbanos aún no se han considerado sistemáticamente. A continuación, presentamos los resultados de un análisis del horizonte en línea en el que participaron 170 expertos de 35 países. Concluimos que es probable que el RAS transforme el uso de la tierra, los sistemas de transporte y las interacciones entre el ser humano y la naturaleza. Las oportunidades priorizadas se centraron principalmente en el despliegue de RAS para el monitoreo y la gestión de la biodiversidad y los ecosistemas. Se priorizaron menos desafíos. Las que se enfatizaron se refieren a los residuos de ras no recuperados y a la calidad e interpretación de los datos recopilados por ras. Aunque los impactos futuros de la RAS para los ecosistemas urbanos son difíciles de predecir, examinar los desarrollos potencialmente importantes desde el principio es esencial si queremos evitar consecuencias perjudiciales pero aprovechar plenamente los beneficios. Los desafíos futuros y las oportunidades potenciales de la robótica y los sistemas autónomos en los ecosistemas urbanos, y cómo pueden afectar la biodiversidad, se exploran y priorizan a través de un análisis del horizonte global de 170 expertos. La technologie transforme les sociétés du monde entier. Une innovation majeure est l'émergence de la robotique et des systèmes autonomes (RAS), qui ont le potentiel de révolutionner les villes pour les personnes et la nature. Néanmoins, les opportunités et les défis associés aux RAS pour les écosystèmes urbains n'ont pas encore été systématiquement pris en compte. Ici, nous rapportons les résultats d'une analyse d'horizon en ligne impliquant 170 participants experts de 35 pays. Nous concluons que les RAS sont susceptibles de transformer l'utilisation des terres, les systèmes de transport et les interactions entre l'homme et la nature. Les opportunités priorisées étaient principalement centrées sur le déploiement de RAS pour le suivi et la gestion de la biodiversité et des écosystèmes. Moins de défis ont été priorisés. Ceux qui ont été soulignés concernent les déchets environnants provenant des ras non récupérés, ainsi que la qualité et l'interprétation des données collectées par les ras. Bien que les impacts futurs des RAS sur les écosystèmes urbains soient difficiles à prévoir, il est essentiel d'examiner rapidement les développements potentiellement importants si nous voulons éviter les conséquences néfastes mais en tirer pleinement parti. Les défis futurs et les opportunités potentielles de la robotique et des systèmes autonomes dans les écosystèmes urbains, et comment ils peuvent avoir un impact sur la biodiversité, sont explorés et hiérarchisés via un horizon global de 170 experts. Technology is transforming societies worldwide. A major innovation is the emergence of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS), which have the potential to revolutionize cities for both people and nature. Nonetheless, the opportunities and challenges associated with RAS for urban ecosystems have yet to be considered systematically. Here, we report the findings of an online horizon scan involving 170 expert participants from 35 countries. We conclude that RAS are likely to transform land use, transport systems and human–nature interactions. The prioritized opportunities were primarily centred on the deployment of RAS for the monitoring and management of biodiversity and ecosystems. Fewer challenges were prioritized. Those that were emphasized concerns surrounding waste from unrecovered RAS, and the quality and interpretation of RAS-collected data. Although the future impacts of RAS for urban ecosystems are difficult to predict, examining potentially important developments early is essential if we are to avoid detrimental consequences but fully realize the benefits. The future challenges and potential opportunities of robotics and autonomous systems in urban ecosystems, and how they may impact biodiversity, are explored and prioritized via a global horizon scan of 170 experts. تعمل التكنولوجيا على تحويل المجتمعات في جميع أنحاء العالم. يتمثل أحد الابتكارات الرئيسية في ظهور الروبوتات والأنظمة المستقلة (RAS)، والتي لديها القدرة على إحداث ثورة في المدن لكل من الناس والطبيعة. ومع ذلك، لم يتم بعد النظر بشكل منهجي في الفرص والتحديات المرتبطة بـ RAS للنظم الإيكولوجية الحضرية. هنا، نبلغ عن نتائج مسح الأفق عبر الإنترنت الذي شارك فيه 170 خبيرًا من 35 دولة. نستنتج أن RAS من المرجح أن يحول استخدام الأراضي وأنظمة النقل والتفاعلات بين الطبيعة البشرية. تركزت الفرص ذات الأولوية في المقام الأول على نشر RAS لرصد وإدارة التنوع البيولوجي والنظم الإيكولوجية. تم إعطاء الأولوية لتحديات أقل. تلك التي تم التأكيد عليها المخاوف المحيطة بالنفايات من RAS غير المستردة، وجودة وتفسير البيانات التي تم جمعها من RAS. على الرغم من صعوبة التنبؤ بالآثار المستقبلية لـ RAS على النظم الإيكولوجية الحضرية، إلا أن دراسة التطورات المهمة المحتملة في وقت مبكر أمر ضروري إذا أردنا تجنب العواقب الضارة ولكن تحقيق الفوائد بالكامل. يتم استكشاف التحديات المستقبلية والفرص المحتملة للروبوتات والأنظمة المستقلة في النظم الإيكولوجية الحضرية، وكيف يمكن أن تؤثر على التنوع البيولوجي، وتحديد أولوياتها من خلال مسح الأفق العالمي الذي يضم 170 خبيرًا.

Dense urban areas are facing relevant issues related to their high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and ecosystem health. The study presents a case study of a regeneration project with Nature-based Solutions in the city of Genoa (Italy) and, more specifically, in a neighbourhood characterised by relevant health and well-being issues. The performances of three design scenarios for a city hotspot, including plant species selected with a systemic approach and light pavements, are analysed in terms of improved microclimate by means of the ENVI-met software V4.4.5. The results show different benefits on the microclimate compared to the current state depending on the different scenarios: A UTCI decrease from 4.1 °C to 5.4 °C, a reduction of mean radiant temperature from 12.3 °C to 17.3 °C, a relative humidity increase from 3.8% to 5.6%, and a progressive decrease in wind speed are detected in a directly proportional way to the gradual increase in greenery inside the scenarios. In reverse, better results for air temperatures are detected for the scenario with less greening (Δt = 1.8 °C). The study relies on the re-parametrisation of plant species characteristics in the ENVI-met database to reach a high level of accuracy.

Abstract In urban areas the impact of built environment on wellbeing and human health should be considered due to urban heat island phenomenon. The present research aims at identifying a method for an accurate estimation of thermal outdoor comfort and mean radiant temperature, modeling and simulating the effects of urban form and vegetation on microclimate of cities. In order to reach this main objective, this research incorporates CFD based simulation tool ENVI-met and TRNSYS (Transient Systems Simulation) by means of Grasshopper. The results of the study demonstrate the reliability of the proposed method, i.e. that a combination of ENVI-met and TRNSYS increases the simulation accuracy in terms of outdoor thermal comfort, especially during night. This method allows exploiting the potentialities of both ENVI-met and TRNSYS for the calculation of urban features (urban form, vegetation, canyon proportion, etc.) affecting urban microclimate.

This study shows that greening the building envelope with vertical greening systems such as climbing plants or living wall systems provides ecological and environmental benefits. Contemporary architecture in fact is increasingly focusing on vertical greening systems as a means to restore the environmental integrity of urban areas, biodiversity and sustainability. Applying green facades, which is an established feature of contemporary urban design, can offer multiple environmental benefits on both new and existing buildings and can be a sustainable approach in terms of energy saving considering materials used, nutrients and water needed and efficient preservation of edifices. To provide a full perspective and a viable case study on vertical greening systems a process tree is developed throughout this research. Elaborating the process tree has proved to be a useful methodology to analyse main parameters as climate and building characteristics, avoid damages and maintenance problems caused by inappropriate design, and compare different elements such as technologies, materials, durability, dimensions, and plant species employed.

A wide diffusion of green envelopes in cities can be an opportunity to improve urban environment conditions and reduce negative effects of climate change. The green roof system is a widespread solution adopted all over the world due to the relative simplicity of installation and the large private and social benefits provided. Despite this, some factors hinder the diffusion of the green roof system, not only economic factors (due to the higher installation costs compare to a traditional roof solution), but also technical factors connected to lack of knowledge. The present paper investigates the factors influencing designers in the choice of a building roof systems, comparing a traditional solution and a greening system. The involvement of architects, engineers, and researchers allows the selection of the most important factors. Results of the study identifies their priority, and through a sustainability-based multicriteria analysis, the role played by each one in the decision process. This approach provides interesting hints to identify effective strategies to support a wider diffusion of greening systems for urban resilience.