• Energy Research

A Carbon Footprint (CF) is defined as the total emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and is a specific type of Environmental Footprint that measures human impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide emissions are a major contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gases driving climate change. Wood, as a renewable and ecological material, has relatively low carbon emissions. The study aimed to review and analyze the criteria influencing the feasibility of constructing modern zero-carbon wooden buildings. The review was conducted in two phases: (i) a literature review and (ii) an assessment of existing buildings. The preliminary research led to (i) narrowing the focus to the years 2020–2024 and (ii) identifying key criteria for analysis: sustainable material sourcing, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and innovative construction practices. The study’s findings indicate that all these criteria play a vital role in the design and construction of new zero-carbon wooden buildings. They highlight the significant potential of wood as a renewable material in achieving zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs), positioning it as a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials. However, the research also underscores that despite wood’s numerous potential benefits, its implementation in ZCBs faces several challenges, including social, regulatory, and financial barriers.

A Carbon Footprint (CF) is defined as the total emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and is a specific type of Environmental Footprint that measures human impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide emissions are a major contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gases driving climate change. Wood, as a renewable and ecological material, has relatively low carbon emissions. The study aimed to review and analyze the criteria influencing the feasibility of constructing modern zero-carbon wooden buildings. The review was conducted in two phases: (i) a literature review and (ii) an assessment of existing buildings. The preliminary research led to (i) narrowing the focus to the years 2020–2024 and (ii) identifying key criteria for analysis: sustainable material sourcing, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and innovative construction practices. The study’s findings indicate that all these criteria play a vital role in the design and construction of new zero-carbon wooden buildings. They highlight the significant potential of wood as a renewable material in achieving zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs), positioning it as a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials. However, the research also underscores that despite wood’s numerous potential benefits, its implementation in ZCBs faces several challenges, including social, regulatory, and financial barriers.

This article aims to investigate the impact exerted by different types of covering an atrium with glazing on the energy performance of a kindergarten building, provided by the authors as a conceptual design. The considered types of atria included an open atrium, a glazed atrium, and an atrium that operated as a hybrid system. Additionally, the following aspects were taken into consideration: the effect of a glazing-integrated PV system (BIPV); the variety of thermal features represented by the inner boundary between the conditioned and the unconditioned space (Uiu); and the atrium space air-exchange ratio (nue) on the energy balance of the building. Energy performance indicators, including energy demands for space heating and cooling (Eu), delivered energy (Ed), and primary energy (Ep) indicators for heating and cooling mode were estimated for the moderate climates and two locations of the building model, i.e., for Warsaw (Central Poland) and Ahlbeck (Northern Germany). The research results prove that the glazed atrium exerts the most beneficial impact on the energy performance of the building. Nevertheless, certain variables must be considered, especially the air-exchange ratio of the atrium space, as they significantly influence the total annual energy performance. The results obtained with regard to the effect exerted by the presence of BIPV systems differ from those usually expected. This is due to the effect of the total solar-energy-transmittance value (g) modulation caused by the system and, finally, by a significant reduction in passive solar-gain harvesting, which is important for heating-mode results in examined climate conditions. Taking the present analysis into account, it can be concluded that the energy and environmental effects of the glazed integrated PV systems in temperate climates are strongly influenced by the environmental conditions, and, in some cases, these solutions may prove to be not efficient enough in terms of the energy and costs.

This article aims to investigate the impact exerted by different types of covering an atrium with glazing on the energy performance of a kindergarten building, provided by the authors as a conceptual design. The considered types of atria included an open atrium, a glazed atrium, and an atrium that operated as a hybrid system. Additionally, the following aspects were taken into consideration: the effect of a glazing-integrated PV system (BIPV); the variety of thermal features represented by the inner boundary between the conditioned and the unconditioned space (Uiu); and the atrium space air-exchange ratio (nue) on the energy balance of the building. Energy performance indicators, including energy demands for space heating and cooling (Eu), delivered energy (Ed), and primary energy (Ep) indicators for heating and cooling mode were estimated for the moderate climates and two locations of the building model, i.e., for Warsaw (Central Poland) and Ahlbeck (Northern Germany). The research results prove that the glazed atrium exerts the most beneficial impact on the energy performance of the building. Nevertheless, certain variables must be considered, especially the air-exchange ratio of the atrium space, as they significantly influence the total annual energy performance. The results obtained with regard to the effect exerted by the presence of BIPV systems differ from those usually expected. This is due to the effect of the total solar-energy-transmittance value (g) modulation caused by the system and, finally, by a significant reduction in passive solar-gain harvesting, which is important for heating-mode results in examined climate conditions. Taking the present analysis into account, it can be concluded that the energy and environmental effects of the glazed integrated PV systems in temperate climates are strongly influenced by the environmental conditions, and, in some cases, these solutions may prove to be not efficient enough in terms of the energy and costs.

Tensile membrane structures and photovoltaic technology have been developing completely independently one from the other until recently. After the realization that PV-membrane integration would benefit both of these systems, research on their common application began. Photovoltaic panels increase the energy efficiency of tensile membrane structures, while at the same time tensile membrane structures provide large areas for harvesting solar power. This symbiosis has been tested and proven both scientifically and in practice. This paper presents the state of the art of scientific research concerning tensile membrane structures fitted with photovoltaic technology. Based on this knowledge, possibilities and problems connected with photovoltaic technology integration in tensile membrane structures were identified. It was observed that they refer to three main types of properties affected by the integration, i.e.: thermal, energy, and structural properties. The main factors influencing these properties are PV-membrane integration methods and PV-membrane geometry. Furthermore, the conducted analysis allowed for identification of insufficiently explored areas in this field and recommendations for further research. The aim of this paper is to help in systematizing the existing knowledge which should have a positive effect to achieving widespread application of photovoltaic integrated membrane structures.

Tensile membrane structures and photovoltaic technology have been developing completely independently one from the other until recently. After the realization that PV-membrane integration would benefit both of these systems, research on their common application began. Photovoltaic panels increase the energy efficiency of tensile membrane structures, while at the same time tensile membrane structures provide large areas for harvesting solar power. This symbiosis has been tested and proven both scientifically and in practice. This paper presents the state of the art of scientific research concerning tensile membrane structures fitted with photovoltaic technology. Based on this knowledge, possibilities and problems connected with photovoltaic technology integration in tensile membrane structures were identified. It was observed that they refer to three main types of properties affected by the integration, i.e.: thermal, energy, and structural properties. The main factors influencing these properties are PV-membrane integration methods and PV-membrane geometry. Furthermore, the conducted analysis allowed for identification of insufficiently explored areas in this field and recommendations for further research. The aim of this paper is to help in systematizing the existing knowledge which should have a positive effect to achieving widespread application of photovoltaic integrated membrane structures.

The article deals with the issue of solar facades as the main external walls of a building, adapted to make use of solar energy. The aim of the article is to define the role of the facades and the factors that influence shaping thereof. The goal is of cognitive nature, whereas its implementation may contribute to strengthening the relationship between presumptions related to energy and architecture in the design of buildings. The need for the article results from the necessity to search for a possible balance between technical and humanistic spheres while shaping contemporary pro-ecological architecture, especially one aimed at receiving solar energy as a renewable energy source. In the article, both analytical and comparative methods are applied. The research was conducted on the example of four designs with solar facades of different characteristics, including two buildings planned by the author. The research results are observations that define relationship between the energy-related role of solar facades and urban, functional and aesthetic issues. These observations lead to the conclusion that the energy aspect, is not the only one to be considered while shaping solar facades in contemporary architecture. The solar facade combines both functional and artistic features.

The article deals with the issue of solar facades as the main external walls of a building, adapted to make use of solar energy. The aim of the article is to define the role of the facades and the factors that influence shaping thereof. The goal is of cognitive nature, whereas its implementation may contribute to strengthening the relationship between presumptions related to energy and architecture in the design of buildings. The need for the article results from the necessity to search for a possible balance between technical and humanistic spheres while shaping contemporary pro-ecological architecture, especially one aimed at receiving solar energy as a renewable energy source. In the article, both analytical and comparative methods are applied. The research was conducted on the example of four designs with solar facades of different characteristics, including two buildings planned by the author. The research results are observations that define relationship between the energy-related role of solar facades and urban, functional and aesthetic issues. These observations lead to the conclusion that the energy aspect, is not the only one to be considered while shaping solar facades in contemporary architecture. The solar facade combines both functional and artistic features.