Forecasting Residential Energy Consumption: A Case Study for Greece

Residential energy consumption forecasting has immense value in energy efficiency and sustainability. In the current work we tried to forecast energy consumption on residences in Athens, Greece. As a proof of concept, smart sensors were installed into two residences that recorded energy consumption, as well as indoors environmental variables (humidity and temperature). It should be noted that the data set was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we integrated weather data from a public weather site. A dashboard was designed to facilitate monitoring of the sensors' data. We addressed various issues related to data quality and then we tried different models to forecast daily energy consumption. In particular, LSTM neural networks, ARIMA, SARIMA, SARIMAX and Facebook (FB) Prophet were tested. Overall SARIMA and FB Prophet had the best performance. Copyright © 2023 by SCITEPRESS - Science and Technology Publications, Lda. Under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Lessons Learnt and Policy Implications from Implementing the POWERPOOR Approach to Alleviate Energy Poverty

Energy poverty is a multifaceted phenomenon that affects many Europeans. Alleviating energy poverty is high in the EU, national, and local policy agendas. Despite the attention the phenomenon has been gaining from a policy perspective, especially after the current energy crisis, there are still some gaps due to the complexity of the issue and its vastly different manifestations across Europe. This manuscript presents the policy implications stemming from the implementation of the POWEPROOR approach in alleviating energy poverty in eight European countries, as co-created with relevant stakeholders in each country. The knowledge gained from empowering energy-poor citizens by promoting behavioural changes and small-scale energy efficiency interventions, as well as by encouraging the uptake of renewable energy sources in the form of collective energy initiatives while leveraging innovative financing schemes, resulted in policy recommendations for national and sub-national governments and lessons for civil society and the private sector.

Geographic Information Systems for Facilitating Audits of the Urban Built Environment

Data collection and large-scale urban audits are challenging and can be time consuming processes. Geographic information systems can extract and combine relevant data that can be used as input to calculation tools that provide results and quantify indicators with sufficient spatial analysis to facilitate the local decision-making process for building renovations and sustainability assessment. This work presents an open-access tool that offers an automated process that can be used to audit an urban area in order to extract relevant information about the characteristics of the built environment, analyze the building characteristics to evaluate energy performance, assess the potential for the installation of photovoltaics on available building rooftops, and quantify ground permeability. A case study is also presented to demonstrate data collection and processing for an urban city block, and the relevant results are elaborated upon. The method is easily replicable and is based on open data and non-commercial tools.

Investigating asymmetric impacts of total factor energy efficiency on carbon emissions in India.

As many complex energy relations are not linear and have diminishing returns, assuming a symmetric (linear) effect of energy efficiency (ENEF) on carbon emissions (CAE) has limited our understanding of the emission-ENEF nexus. This research, therefore, initially estimates total factor energy efficiency by applying a stochastic frontier technique using sample panels for India encompassing the period from 2000 to 2014. Further, a nonlinear panel autoregressive distributed lag modelling framework is utilised in order to investigate the asymmetric (nonlinear) long- and short-run impacts of ENEF on CAE. The findings demonstrated that ENEF has asymmetric long- and short-run impacts on CAE in India. Based on the outcomes, numerous crucial implications are discussed with a particular reference to developing economies like India.

Good Architecture Matters: The Architect's Perspective on Design for Ageing and Energy Efficiency

Custom-built solutions for ageing, urban regeneration, energy efficiency, thermal performance, and well-being are contemporary challenges that have prompted considerable research over the past decades. In the construction field, subjects such as energy efficiency and thermal performance are often addressed within the scope of mandatory regulations, the suitability of construction solutions and the incorporation of technical equipment. Considering four residential structures for older adults under construction in Portugal, this paper aims to highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to these issues, including architectural quality as the main target. In pursuit of this, a cohesive set of intervention principles guided the analysis: the adaptive reuse of raw materials;taking advantage of the site's conditions;vegetation (type and location);construction options and durability;solar exposure and shading;the pedagogy of building use;and the comfort and thermal perception. Several reflections emerge from the analysis: good architectural design must consider dynamic models incorporating each context and the site's conditions;the culture of use and maintenance and the notion of "adaptive comfort" are primary factors to enhance thermal performance and energy efficiency;and each building is a unique result of a complex negotiation process. Bridging research through practice, and multidisciplinary scientific integration enable engagement with reality and raise awareness of the constraints and challenges to innovation in LTC design.

Health gains from home energy efficiency measures: The missing evidence in the UK net-zero policy debate.

Objectives: This study examined the health gains from a programme of external wall insulation works to homes in south-west Scotland, and in particular the impact upon hospitalisations for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, to consider how evidence on health outcomes could form part of the debate around actions to meet net-zero goals in the UK. Study design: This was a two-part study. Part one involved before-and-after interviews with 229 recipient households. The second part comprised an observational study of hospital admissions in 184 postcode areas. Methods: Across three years, interviews collected thermal comfort and self-reported health data(Sf-36) in the winter months prior to installation, and again in follow-up interviews the next winter. Standarised monthly data on non-elective admissions for each set of conditions were compared between the intervention postcodes and the wider health board area over a ten year period. Results: Following receipt of wall insulation, inability to achieve thermal comfort in winter reduced by two-thirds. Improvements in thermal comfort were associated with gains in physical health scores. Relative standardised admissions fell in the treatment areas, remaining lower than the district-wide standardised rate for the majority of a five year period, this effect ending during the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact on admissions was greater for respiratory conditions than for cardiovascular conditions. Conclusion: A weak policy commitment to energy efficiency could be strengthened with further evidence of the cost-savings and reduced hospital bed demand resulting from insulations works. The potential health gain may also encourage more home owners to participate.

New ventilation design criteria for energy sustainability and indoor air quality in a post Covid-19 scenario.

The Covid-19 outbreak raised great attention to the importance of indoor air quality in buildings. Even if the Covid-19 epidemic is nearing an end, all stakeholders agree that increasing outside air flow rates is beneficial for decreasing the likelihood of contagion, lowering the risk of future pandemics, and enhancing the general safety of the interior environment. Indeed, diverse concerns raised about whether the ventilation standards in place are still adequate. In this context, this research intends to assess the suitability of current ventilation standards in addressing the current pandemic scenario and to offer novel criteria and guidelines for the design and operation of HVAC systems, as well as useful guidance for the creation of future ventilation standards in a post-Covid-19 scenario. To that end, a comprehensive analysis of the ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1 is carried out, with an emphasis on its effectiveness in reducing the risk of infection. Furthermore, the efficacy of various ventilation strategies in reducing the likelihood of contagion has been investigated. Finally, because building ventilation is inextricably linked to energy consumption, the energy and economic implications of the proposed enhancements have been assessed. To carry out the described analysis, a novel method was developed that combines Building Energy Modelling (BEM) and virus contagion risk assessment. The analyses conducted produced interesting insights and criteria for ventilation system design and operation, as well as recommendations for the development of future standards.

Biomimetic Architecture and Its Role in Developing Sustainable, Regenerative, and Livable Cities: Global Perspectives and Approaches in the Age of COVID-19

This book focuses on understanding biomimetic architecture and its role as a sustainable design tool. It presents the role of biomimicry in mitigation and adaptation to climate change and examines how biomimetic architecture can provide healthy solutions to limit the spread of COVID-19 in buildings and cities. Coverage includes global examples of biomimetic approaches and buildings, an evaluation of the performance of biomimicry applications in architecture to illustrate best practices, and an exploration of how nature can offer inspiration in building design to conserve resources and save energy use as well as curb carbon emissions - a reaffirmed goal of COP 26 and an outcome of Glasgow Climate Pact. Finally, the book presents guidelines to enhance urban areas and healthier spaces in buildings to meet COVID-19 social distance regulations and beyond. • Examines global applications of biomimicry in architecture;• Highlights the importance of biomimicry in driving livability in cities and buildings;• Explores the role of biomimetic architecture in mitigating climate change. "The line of argument developed is highly relevant to the present, in addition to being original and pertinent to research on urban regeneration, especially in regard to the exploration of the use of biomimicry architecture in response to changing urban demands.” -Alessandra Battisti, Ph.D., Professor of Architecture, University of Rome La Sapienza. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Upper-Room Germicidal Ultraviolet (UR-GUV) Application in High-Ceiling Indoor Settings for Disinfection of Airborne Viruses

This study investigated upper-room germicidal ultraviolet (UR-GUV) light application in a music rehearsal room with a high ceiling (7.5 m). The focus was on the influences of the elevation and height of UV zone on disinfection of airborne viruses. This study assumed a uniform UV fluence rate of 0.2 W/m2 in the UV irradiation zone. According to the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) results, average viral concentrations (Ca), fraction remaining (FR), and equivalent air exchange rate (λe) attributed to GUV, have power relationships with UV zone height. Ca and FR decreased with UV zone height, while λe did the opposite. UV zone elevation showed little influence on UR-GUV performance, indicating well-mixed air in the rehearsal room. High ceiling makes it possible to achieve adequate UV dose by increasing both UV zone height and UV light intensity. Using open fixtures improved energy efficiency and reduced operational costs of the UR-GUV system. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.

The Energy Sector Amid an Industry 4.0: Issues of Information Support Transformation

The article is focused on the issue of providing information for the energy sector in the modern economy. The purpose of the article is to summarize ways of collecting and analyzing primary data in the energy sector in order to complete the methodology harmonization in accordance with international standards. The methodological basis of the study is the theory of input-output tables, the concept of Industry 4.0, the basic provisions of national accounts;and the methods used by the authors are balance comparisons, economic and structural analysis, as well as methods of peer review. Input data sources for each level of information support have been systematized. The characteristic of the system of indicators and the model for constructing energy balances are generalized, within whose framework the analysis of the production and use of energy resources is carried out taking into account the new opportunities of Industry 4.0. Methodological improvement of the official questionnaires of enterprises, the integration of administrative and alternative sources, their harmonization with regional and departmental data will enhance the information support of fuel and energy balances at various levels. The paper finds out that the final harmonization of the energy statistics system in accordance with the recommendations of international organizations will improve it amid Industry 4.0. The integration of accounting, statistical and tax reporting and the construction of satellite accounts taking into consideration negative environmental trends will promote completing the national methodology transformation. Since, in a market economy, the fuel and energy balance often reveals a mismatch between the social demand for energy and its supply, its social focus can be adjusted by government regulation. The present analytical potential of the FEB forecasts revealed by the authors contribute to improving the economy's energy efficiency and reducing the energy intensity of GDP, overcoming global crises, especially in the context of the Covid-19, further sustainable development of the economy and social sphere of Russia. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Consumer Preferences for Smart Energy Services Based on AMI Data in the Power Sector

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is becoming increasingly popular as an efficient means of energy demand management. By collecting energy data through AMI, it is possible to provide users with information that can induce them to change their behavior. To ensure that AMI continues to expand and to encourage the use of energy data, it is important to increase consumer participation and analyze their preferred service attributes. This study utilized a choice experiment to analyze consumer preferences for and acceptance of smart energy services based on AMI data. The results of a mixed logit model estimation show that consumers prefer the electricity information service for individual households and the social safety-net service among convergence services. A scenario analysis confirms that monetary compensation to offset any additional charges is important to maintain the level of consumer acceptance. These empirical findings offer insights for policymakers and companies seeking to develop policies and similar services.

Nexus between green financing, renewable energy generation, and energy efficiency: empirical insights through DEA technique.

The study aims to test the nexus of green financing with renewable electricity generation and energy efficiency. The study used data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique during the year of 2016 to 2020 in developed and developing countries. The findings show that there is a 24% possibility of worldwide rise in expenditures in renewable energy through energy efficiency projects and probably could fall around 17% much further in 2017 and 2018. This may jeopardize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris climate change agreement. Lack of access to private financing slows the development of green initiatives. Now that sustainable energy is not about science and technology, it is all about getting financing in developed and developing countries. As policy measure, the study suggested to value environmental initiatives, like other infrastructure initiatives, for greater electricity generation and energy efficiency in developed and developing countries. Such infrastructural projects need long-term financing and capital intensiveness. It is further suggested to sustain growth, development, and energy poverty reduction, and around $26 trillion would be required, in terms of green financing, in the developed and developing countries alone by the year 2030 to enhance energy efficiency. To achieve energy sustainability goals in developed and developing countries, recent research suggested some policy implication considering the post COVID-19 time. If such policy implications are implemented successfully, there are chances that green financing would make energy generation and energy efficiency effective.

Investigation and Optimization of Effects of 3D Printer Process Parameters on Performance Parameters.

Professionals in industries are making progress in creating predictive techniques for evaluating critical characteristics and reactions of engineered materials. The objective of this investigation is to determine the optimal settings for a 3D printer made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in terms of its conflicting responses (flexural strength (FS), tensile strength (TS), average surface roughness (Ra), print time (T), and energy consumption (E)). Layer thickness (LT), printing speed (PS), and infill density (ID) are all quantifiable characteristics that were chosen. For the experimental methods of the prediction models, twenty samples were created using a full central composite design (CCD). The models were verified by proving that the experimental results were consistent with the predictions using validation trial tests, and the significance of the performance parameters was confirmed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The most crucial element in obtaining the desired Ra and T was LT, whereas ID was the most crucial in attaining the desired mechanical characteristics. Numerical multi-objective optimization was used to achieve the following parameters: LT = 0.27 mm, ID = 84 percent, and PS = 51.1 mm/s; FS = 58.01 MPa; TS = 35.8 MPa; lowest Ra = 8.01 m; lowest T = 58 min; and E = 0.21 kwh. Manufacturers and practitioners may profit from using the produced numerically optimized model to forecast the necessary surface quality for different aspects before undertaking trials.

Ergonomics-oriented operation, maintenance and control of indoor air environment for public buildings

In response to the construction process of Healthy China. it is rather important to create a safe, healthy and energy-efficient indoor environment for public buildings. The public building space is often densely populated, with a large flow of people and many types of air pollution, which presents non-uniform dynamic distribution characteristics. This brings great challenges to the control of indoor air safety, especially during the pandemic period of COVID-19. Excessive ventilation may not only cause large energy waste. but also lead to cross-contamination and even a cluster of infection. In this paper, an operation and maintenance (O&M) control system for indoor air safety is developed based on the core concepts and basic methods of human ergonomics. In this system, one of the important human environmental variables is focused for control, i.e.. indoor air pollution level. Especially after the outbreak of COVID-19. droplets and droplet nuclei from respiration are the most significant air pollution categories required for mitigation. Towards the efficient control of air pollution in large public buildings. it should further take into account the interaction of human, equipment and machines (i.e., ventilation_ air purification and disinfection and intelligent control system) and building environment. Firstly, on the basis of the online monitoring of indoor air pollution concentration and personnel flow, the non-uniform dynamic distribution of indoor pollutants and personnel can be obtained by using the non-uniform and low-dimensional rapid prediction models and computer vision processing. Then, the optimal setting results of ventilation parameters (e.g., ventilation modes, supply air rate. etc.) can be outputted by the environmental control decision system. Finally, based on a combination of monitoring sensors, controllers and actuator hardware equipment (at the location of fans or dampers), the intelligent regulation and control of ventilation system can be realized, aimed at minimizing energy consumption and reducing pollutant concentration and exposure level. Meanwhile, the air purification and disinfection system (especially for the disinfection of virus particles) are operated under the condition of the ventilated environment, which can serve as a powerful auxiliary to the maintenance of indoor air safety. The workflow and effect of the O&M control system are demonstrated by an engineering application case of the front hall in the International Convention and Exhibition Center. The results indicate that the non-uniform and low-dimensional rapid prediction model for pollutant concentration is effective for the ventilation control with the average prediction difference of 11.9%. The implementation of the intelligent ventilation system can reduce the risk of human infection to less than 4%. and its energy-saving ratio for the ventilation can be as high as about 45%. Through optimizing the layout strategies of disinfection devices based on the intelligent ventilation control, the space accessibility of negative oxygen ions can be well accepted, to further increase the removal efficiency of air pollution. The calculated value of space disinfection rate is more than 99%, which can further reduce the risk of infection by 1-2 orders of magnitude. This study can provide an important reference for the promotion and upgrading of O&M control system for indoor air safety.

Energy Sufficiency in the Passenger Transport of Lithuania

This paper aims to understand the significance of energy sufficiency (ES) in passenger transport for the long-term resolution of energy, climate, and sustainable development issues in Lithuania. It computes related indicators, by fixing the passenger-kilometres (pkm) travelled by various modes of transportation and applying a scenario analysis with the MESSAGE model. The findings indicated that the country's final energy consumption (FEC) in transportation could be reduced by 21.8% by 2050 due to slowing growth rate of distances travelled by passenger car but increasing use of public transport and bicycles. This would result in a decrease in the growth rate of primary energy consumption (PEC) by half (to 0.3% a year), an increase in the use of renewable energy sources (RES) to 67.2% in the PEC structure, savings of oil products by 6.4 TWh, and savings of new electricity generation capacity by 550 MW. Furthermore, 20 MtCO2eq. in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions could be realised between 2021 and 2050. To take advantage of the potential of ES, the policy measures of passenger car demand containment and a shift to non-motorised and less polluting modes of transportation should be implemented. Furthermore, priority should be given to policy measures that encourage use of public transportation.

DESIGN OF A NET ZERO HOUSE AT 100-YEAR FLOOD ZONE IN A HISTORIC DISTRICT: A CASE OF SOLAR DECATHLON DESIGN CHALLENGE ENTRY

This paper discusses the design of a net-zero single-family house in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which was proposed for the 2022 Solar Decathlon Design Challenge entry. The site was in a 100-year flood zone and registered as a national and local historic district. The interdisciplinary team consisted of University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) students from the interior architecture and engineering departments who embraced the challenges of the local climate and the restrictions of the historic district guidelines. This entry, Moc House, focused on the integration of passive design and active HVAC systems including photovoltaic systems in the process. In responding to recent housing market changes in Chattanooga due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a young professional couple in their 30s who have two children was identified as the target market which guided the space planning. Market analysis, including ROI, was conducted in addition to construction cost calculations. Building materials were selected to enhance the durability and resilience of the house structure. Finally, energy analysis was conducted to check the project's Home Energy Rating using Ekotrope and found it less than zero. © 2023, College Publishing. All rights reserved.

Comparison of indoor air quality and thermal comfort standards and variations in exceedance for school buildings

Addressing indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort issues in school buildings is challenging but relevant. Firstly, their primary occupants are more vulnerable than adults. Secondly, school buildings are often inadequate being too old or designed to prioritise energy-efficiency targets. Thirdly, occupants have often little control over the indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Lastly, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlighted the complexity and vulnerability of existing decision-making processes in relation to making timely and well-informed decisions about IEQ threats. Standards and guidelines vary over time and among similar countries despite targeting similar occupants, evaluate IAQ and thermal comfort independently, and do not include any specific adaptations to children. Thus, the aim of this research is to compare different available standards to evaluate IAQ and thermal comfort in school buildings. By analysing with different standards (EN16798, BB101, and ASHRAE 55 and 62.1) the data collected in schools in northern Italy, this research evaluated the consequences of different limits and approaches, and proposed improvements. The conclusions are that (i) thresholds and methods inconsistency within the same standard should be avoided;(ii) upper- and lower-bounded operative temperature scales are the most appropriate means to design and verify thermal comfort in classrooms;(iii) IAQ metrics that give an upper limit per a certain amount of consecutive time might prevent the build-up of indoor pollutants, even with high emissions from the building fabric;(iv) no standard proposes a combined IAQ and thermal comfort analysis which could enable more informed trade-off decisions considering IAQ, thermal comfort, and energy targets. © 2023 The Authors

An Indian Green Deal: Greening our way out of the pandemic

The Indian economy is facing a crisis at three different levels — health, economic and climate-change related. This ongoing crisis has given India an opportunity to change the course of development, a model where people, not profits, form the core. Based on the Indian economy's employment-generating capacity, we propose an Indian Green Deal (IGD) that generates jobs and fundamentally alters the carbon footprint of the economy. The programme is divided into three components – care economy, infrastructure, and green energy transition – to address the triple crises, respectively. We show that for the same amount spent, 3.5 jobs will be generated in green energy programme compared to one job in the fossil fuel sector. If the amount promised under the Covid package of the Indian government are spent on IGD, it would generate 22.7 million jobs every year. It also provides disaggregated evidence on the quality of jobs as well as gender and caste representation. As for financing, there are two ways in which it can be financed — an international carbon fund and/or domestic sources. An IGD, financed through these sources, addresses both the questions of the climate crisis and climate injustice in one go. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

Evaluation of Optimal Mechanical Ventilation Strategies for Schools for Reducing Risks of Airborne Viral Infection

Ventilation systems are one of the most effective strategies to reduce the risk of viral infection transmission in buildings. However, insufficient ventilation rates in crowded spaces, such as schools, would lead to high risks of infection transmission. On the other hand, excessive ventilation rates might significantly increase cooling energy consumption. Therefore, energy-efficient control methods, such as Demand Control Ventilation systems (DCV), are typically considered to maintain acceptable indoor air quality. However, it is unclear if the DCV-based controls can supply adequate ventilation rates to minimize the probability of infection (POI) in indoor spaces. This paper investigates the benefits of optimized ventilation strategies, including conventional mechanical systems (MV) and DCV, in reducing the POI and cooling energy consumption through a detailed sensitivity analysis. The study also evaluates the impact of the ventilation rate, social distancing, and number of infectors on the performance of the ventilation systems. A coupling approach of a calibrated energy model of a school building in Jeddah, KSA, with a validated Wells–Riley model is implemented. Based on the findings of this study, proper adjustment of the DCV set point is necessary to supply adequate ventilation rates and reduce POI levels. Moreover, optimal values of 2 ACH for ventilation rate and 2 m for social distance are recommended to deliver acceptable POI levels, cooling energy use, and indoor CO2 concentration for the school building. Finally, this study confirms that increasing the ventilation rate is more effective than increasing social distancing in reducing the POI levels. However, this POI reduction is achieved at the cost of a higher increase in the cooling energy.

Energy-environmental-economic assessment of green retrofit policy to achieve 2050 carbon-neutrality in South Korea: Focused on residential buildings

To achieve carbon emission reduction target (CERT) by 2030 and carbon-neutrality in 2050, it is important to actively reduce the emission gap in the private building sector. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war are threatening the green remodeling policy (GRP) worldwide. Therefore, this study analyzed energy consumption savings, GHG emission reduction, and net present value when applying green remodeling to a private building to predict whether or not the current GRP could achieve 2030 CERT and 2050 carbon-neutrality. The main findings are as follows. First, yearly electricity and gas consumption of 84.97 m2 type households can be reduced by 6.19% and 15.58% through green remodeling. Second, based on the energy saving, yearly GHG emission can be reduced about 0.34tCO2eq. Third, the economic feasibility of green remodeling cannot be achieved via the current policy, and NPV17 decreases up to USD-51,485 depending on the credit loan interest rate and the green remodeling interest subsidy program. In other words, it is difficult to reach 2030 CERT and 2050 carbon-neutrality via the current policy. Therefore, the South Korean government is required to reorganize financial policies, establish active systems, increase public awareness of the policy, and improve energy efficiency technology. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.