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In Saudi Arabia, housing projects account for almost half of the total electricity consumed by the construction industry because of the large number of housing projects compared to other types of buildings. This paper proposes a quantitative approach using a multiple linear regression assessment model to predict the energy cost and environmental cost of housing building in Saudi Arabia. It was developed to assist house owners in Saudi Arabia in estimating the monthly energy cost and associated operational carbon cost according to several predictor parameters. Based on related literature, these parameters were reviewed and discussed by experts from the Ministry of Housing. They included building location, wall type, number of occupants, window type, envelope insulation, building age, building area, number of air-conditioning units and their systems, and lighting system. The model development process included five main stages: collecting the energy and carbon cost data from completed operating housing units, categorizing the collected data based on parameters, diagnosing the quality of gathered data and filtering outlier data if any, building and generating a model, and lastly, testing and validating the model. More than 77 datasets were collected across the country during different times of the year. The findings of this study reveal that the relationship between the number of users and the building area with the energy cost is significant and that the number of users is more correlated to the energy cost than the age of the building or the number of central air conditioners installed. Moreover, the results show that the developed model has the ability to predict energy and carbon costs with high accuracy. The developed model serves as a decision support tool for householders and decision makers in the Ministry of Housing to control the predicted parameters. This would be beneficial for the housing unit owners for allocating constrained budgets.

Industry is frequently framed as hard-to-decarbonize given its diversity of requirements, technologies, and supply chains, many of which are unique to particular sectors. Net zero commitments since 2019 have begun to challenge the carbon intensity of these various industries, but progress has been slow globally. Against this backdrop, the United Kingdom has emerged as a leader in industrial decarbonization efforts. Their approach is based on industrial clusters, which cut across engineering, spatial, and socio-political dimensions. Two of the largest of these clusters in England in terms of industrial emissions are the Humber and Merseyside. In this paper, drawn from a rich mixed methods original dataset involving expert interviews (N = 46 respondents), site visits (N = 20), a review of project documents and the academic literature, we explore ongoing efforts to decarbonize both the Humber and Merseyside through the lens of spatially expansive and technically complex megaprojects. Both have aggressive implementation plans in place for the deployment of net-zero infrastructure, with Zero Carbon Humber seeking billions in investment to build the country's first large-scale bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) plant alongside a carbon transport network and hydrogen production infrastructure, and HyNet seeking billions in investment to build green and blue hydrogen facilities along with a carbon storage network near Manchester and Liverpool. We draw from the social construction of technology (SCOT) literature to examine the relevant social groups, interpretive flexibility, and patterns of closure associated with Zero Carbon Humber and HyNet. We connect our findings to eight interpretive frames surrounding the collective projects, and make connections to problems, contestation, and closure.

Multistep power consumption forecasting is smart grid electricity management’s most decisive problem. Moreover, it is vital to develop operational strategies for electricity management systems in smart cities for commercial and residential users. However, an efficient electricity load forecasting model is required for accurate electric power management in an intelligent grid, leading to customer financial benefits. In this article, we develop an innovative framework for short-term electricity load forecasting, which includes two significant phases: data cleaning and a Residual Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) with multilayered Long Short-Term Memory (ML-LSTM) architecture. Data preprocessing strategies are applied in the first phase over raw data. A deep R-CNN architecture is developed in the second phase to extract essential features from the refined electricity consumption data. The output of R-CNN layers is fed into the ML-LSTM network to learn the sequence information, and finally, fully connected layers are used for the forecasting. The proposed model is evaluated over residential IHEPC and commercial PJM datasets and extensively decreases the error rates compared to baseline models.

Abstract For several purposes connected with planning, economic, and building policy, it is necessary to be able to define the climatic severity of a region, zone or building site. In housing this is required in order to make more rational decisions on the partition of fixed capital resources in retro-fit; to assess the housing potential of alternative regions and sites; to draft better regulations and codes, and to distribute fuel subsidies in a way which is socially just. The index should take into account, at least, air temperature, useful radiation, and wind. It has to be related to assumed, standard house constructions, and the paper develops ideas for how this might be done. It concludes with a form of multiple regression equation in which three coefficients define the mass/insulation, solar ‘admittance’, and wind permeability characteristics of houses, and the index (proportional to annual heat loss) is derived from air temperatures, radiation and wind data.

COVID-19 has changed the permeability of borders in transboundary environmental governance regimes. While borders have always been selectively permeable, the pandemic has reconfigured the nature of cross-border flows of people, natural resources, finances and technologies. This has altered the availability of spaces for enacting sustainability initiatives within and between countries. In Southeast Asia, national governments and businesses seeking to expedite economic recovery from the pandemic-induced recession have selectively re-opened borders by accelerating production and revitalizing agro-export growth. Widening regional inequities have also contributed to increased cross-border flows of illicit commodities, such as trafficked wildlife. At the same time, border restrictions under the exigencies of controlling the pandemic have led to a rolling back and scaling down of transboundary environmental agreements, regulations and programs, with important implications for environmental democracy, socio-ecological justice and sustainability. Drawing on evidence from Southeast Asia, the article assesses the policy challenges and opportunities posed by the shifting permeability of borders for organising and operationalising environmental activities at different scales of transboundary governance.

This paper presents the results of the project titled "Agricultural Biomass Cross-border Development of Energy in Posavina” - ABCDE Posavina implemented within the IPA Cross- border Programme between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its main objective is to promote agro-bioenergy in rural economies by including utilisation of agricultural biomass for energy purposes in the Posavina region. The region includes Vukovar-Srijem County (VSC) in Croatia and four municipalities (Odžak, Domaljevac- Šamac, Orašje, Šamac) and Brčko District in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). These areas represent valuable agricultural land with a good potential for economic utilisation. The analysis of agricultural biomass potential includes production of biogas in co-digestion of manure (cattle, pigs and poultry manure) and maize silage (input of maize silage is limited at 30% of feedstock mass) as well as biodiesel from oilseed rape and bioethanol from maize. Potential GHG savings are estimated for the biogas and biofuels use. Theoretical biogas energy potential is estimated at 1, 386 TJ/yr for VSC and 574 TJ/yr for BiH. Based on the theoretical potential for generation of electricity and heat from biogas, total installed capacity in VSC would be 19.8 MWe while 8.2 MWe in BiH. The corresponding theoretical potentials for biodiesel production are 4, 258 TJ/yr (VSC) and 1, 415 (BiH) while for bioethanol these are 6, 140 TJ/yr and 1, 689 TJ/yr, respectively. It is assumed that 50% of total theoretical biogas potential and 30% of total theoretical biofuel potential are achievable. Annual GHG savings for biogas use are estimated at 31.30 ktCO2-eq (VSC) and 26.84 ktCO2-eq (BiH). Annual GHG savings due to biodiesel use are estimated at 37.46-64.22 ktCO2-eq (VSC) and 12.45-21.34 ktCO2-eq (BiH) and for bioethanol use at 54.02-92.61 ktCO2-eq (VSC) and 14.86-25.48 ktCO2-eq (BiH).

Contexte et objectif : Les partenariats sont un mécanisme clé dans la planification, la prestation et la gestion de la foresterie urbaine (FU) et des infrastructures vertes (IG). Ils peuvent faciliter la cogestion ancrée localement et la gouvernance polycentrique. Ils peuvent également réaliser des synergies en combinant les ressources, l'engagement et l'expertise de divers groupes de parties prenantes afin de générer des résultats précieux et de construire un capital social. Néanmoins, le terme « partenariats » n'est pas utilisé de manière cohérente dans la littérature et nécessite une clarification. Les caractéristiques qui distinguent une approche de partenariat des autres modes de coopération sont identifiées et décrites. La diversité des partenariats existants axés sur la FU et les IG est décrite, en référence à leurs parties prenantes, moteurs, activités et objectifs, ainsi que les avantages potentiels de l'approche de partenariat. Les considérations à faire dans leur évaluation sont dérivées de cette analyse de fond et les facteurs de réussite possibles sont discutés. Matériels et méthodes :La diversité, les objectifs et les caractéristiques d'une approche de partenariat sont basés sur une analyse documentaire approfondie.Résultats : Les partenariats se concentrent sur divers aspects et phases de prestation de l'UF, allant de la planification, de la conception et de la création de forêts urbaines et d'IG à leur gestion et utilisation.Les avantages fournis par de tels partenariats comprennent les services environnementaux et économiques ainsi que les services sociaux et culturels tels que l'éducation environnementale, la santé, les loisirs et le tourisme.Générer des services précieux tout en entretenant des relations entre les parties prenantes contribue à développer le capital social et à renforcer les capacités.En plus des avantages environnementaux, économiques et sociaux, l'évaluation des partenariats peut également aborder des variables de processus internes telles que l'apprentissage social, la relation entre les partenaires et les résultats de motivation qui peuvent influencer la coopération future.conclusions : Les partenariats coopératifs offrent une approche prometteuse pour la prestation de l'UF.Le développement des relations entre les partenaires maximise le potentiel de développement d'une coopération efficace à long terme et de renforcement du capital social en tant qu'aide à la promotion du développement durable. Antecedentes y propósito: Las asociaciones son un mecanismo clave en la planificación, entrega y gestión de la silvicultura urbana (UF) y la infraestructura verde (GI). Pueden facilitar la cogestión arraigada localmente y la gobernanza policéntrica. También pueden lograr sinergias combinando los recursos, el compromiso y la experiencia de diversos grupos de partes interesadas para generar resultados valiosos y construir capital social. Desafortunadamente, el término "asociaciones" no se usa de manera consistente en la literatura y requiere aclaración. Se identifican y describen las características que distinguen un enfoque de asociación de otros modos de cooperación. Se describe la diversidad de las asociaciones orientadas a UF y GI existentes, con referencia a sus partes interesadas, impulsores, actividades y objetivos, junto con las posibles ventajas del enfoque de asociación. Las consideraciones que se deben hacer en su evaluación se derivan de este análisis de antecedentes y se discuten los posibles factores de éxito. Materiales y métodos:La diversidad, los objetivos y las características definitorias de un enfoque de asociación se basan en una extensa revisión de la literatura. Resultados: Las asociaciones se centran en diversos aspectos y fases de entrega de UF, que van desde la planificación, el diseño y la creación de bosques urbanos e IG hasta su gestión y uso. Los beneficios obtenidos por dichas asociaciones incluyen servicios ambientales y económicos, así como servicios sociales y culturales como la educación ambiental, la salud, el ocio y el turismo. La generación de servicios valiosos y, al mismo tiempo, el fomento de las relaciones entre las partes interesadas ayuda a desarrollar el capital social y a desarrollar la capacidad. Además de los beneficios ambientales, económicos y sociales, la evaluación de las asociaciones también puede abordar variables de procesos internos como el aprendizaje social, la relación entre los socios y los resultados motivacionales que pueden influir en la cooperación futura. Conclusiones: Las asociaciones cooperativas ofrecen un enfoque prometedor para la entrega en UF. El desarrollo de las relaciones entre los socios maximiza el potencial para desarrollar una cooperación efectiva a largo plazo y para construir capital social como una ayuda para la promoción del desarrollo sostenible. Background and Purpose: Partnerships are a key mechanism in the planning, delivery and management of urban forestry (UF) and green infrastructure (GI).They can facilitate locally rooted co-management and polycentric governance.They can also achieve synergies by combining the resources, commitment and expertise of diverse stakeholder groups in order to generate valuable outcomes and build social capital.Unfortunately, the term "partnerships" is not used consistently in literature and requires clarification.The characteristics which distinguish a partnership approach from other modes of cooperation are identified and described.The diversity of existing UF and GI oriented partnerships is outlined, with reference to their stakeholders, drivers, activities and goals, together with potential advantages of the partnership approach.Considerations to be made in their evaluation are derived from this background analysis and possible success factors are discussed. Materials and Methods:The diversity, aims and defining characteristics of a partnership approach are based on an extensive literature review.Results: Partnerships focus on diverse aspects and delivery phases of UF, ranging from the planning, design and creation of urban forests and GI to their management and use.Benefits delivered by such partnerships include environmental and economic services as well as social and cultural services such as environmental education, health, leisure and tourism.Generating valuable services whilst at the same time nurturing relationships between stakeholders helps to develop social capital and build capacity.In addition to environmental, economic and social benefits, the evaluation of partnerships may also address internal process variables such as social learning, the relationship between partners, and motivational outcomes that can influence future co-operation.conclusions: Co-operative partnerships offer a promising approach for delivery in UF.The development of relationships between partners maximises the potential for developing effective long term co-operation and for building social capital as an aid to the promotion of sustainable development. الخلفية والغرض: الشراكات هي آلية رئيسية في تخطيط وتسليم وإدارة الحراجة الحضرية (UF) والبنية التحتية الخضراء (GI). يمكن أن تسهل الإدارة المشتركة ذات الجذور المحلية والحوكمة متعددة المراكز. كما يمكنها تحقيق التآزر من خلال الجمع بين الموارد والالتزام والخبرة لمجموعات أصحاب المصلحة المتنوعة من أجل توليد نتائج قيمة وبناء رأس المال الاجتماعي. لسوء الحظ، لا يتم استخدام مصطلح "الشراكات" باستمرار في الأدبيات ويتطلب توضيحًا. يتم تحديد ووصف الخصائص التي تميز نهج الشراكة عن أساليب التعاون الأخرى. يتم تحديد تنوع الشراكات الحالية الموجهة نحو UF و GI، مع الإشارة إلى أصحاب المصلحة والدوافع والأنشطة والأهداف، جنبًا إلى جنب مع المزايا المحتملة لنهج الشراكة. يتم استخلاص الاعتبارات التي يجب مراعاتها في تقييمها من هذا التحليل الأساسي وتتم مناقشة عوامل النجاح المحتملة. المواد والأساليب:يعتمد التنوع والأهداف والخصائص المميزة لنهج الشراكة على مراجعة شاملة للأدبيات .النتائج: تركز الشراكات على جوانب متنوعة ومراحل تسليم UF، بدءًا من تخطيط وتصميم وإنشاء الغابات الحضرية و GI إلى إدارتها واستخدامها. وتشمل الفوائد التي تقدمها هذه الشراكات الخدمات البيئية والاقتصادية بالإضافة إلى الخدمات الاجتماعية والثقافية مثل التعليم البيئي والصحة والترفيه والسياحة .توليد خدمات قيمة وفي الوقت نفسه رعاية العلاقات بين أصحاب المصلحة يساعد على تطوير رأس المال الاجتماعي وبناء القدرات .بالإضافة إلى الفوائد البيئية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية، قد يعالج تقييم الشراكات أيضًا متغيرات العملية الداخلية مثل التعلم الاجتماعي، والعلاقة بين الشركاء، والنتائج التحفيزية التي يمكن أن تؤثر على التعاون في المستقبل .الاستنتاجات: تقدم الشراكات التعاونية نهجًا واعدًا للتسليم في UF .إن تطوير العلاقات بين الشركاء يزيد من إمكانات تطوير التعاون الفعال طويل الأجل وبناء رأس المال الاجتماعي كمساعدة لتعزيز التنمية المستدامة.