As a universal shape in the nature, curved surface modeling contains rich esthetic value and structural mechanical properties. In recent years, with the advancement of CAD/CAM technology, curved surface has been widely used in architectural design, and has gradually developed into an important means for architects to express their architectural concepts and create unique spaces. The existing technology of surface construction is mainly based on metal space grid or prefabricated form-work casting concrete, however, layer-construction, as a traditional construction method, has the problems of material waste, construction complexity, and high cost in facing the complex curved surface, which limits its development. For the above problems, this study uses single-size timber block as the entry point, explores the complex surface design method based on layer-construction, and researches the surface type which is suitable for layer-construction. Following that, this study develops a program for constructing complex surfaces based on single-size timber block using layer-construction method, and uses high-precision robotic construction technology to successfully construct a landscape case with complex surface shape. This study provides a new idea for the design of complex surface architecture for timber structures, which has certain theoretical value and practical significance

In the context of the current climate and energy crisis, urbanization, and the demand for environmental protection, green buildingsÿespecially high-rise timber buildings (HTBs)ÿhave become a significant trend in the global construction industry. This paper aims to analyze the performance of timber buildings at various stages of their life cycle and propose corresponding optimization measures. Due to advancements in Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) technology, this form of construction has been promoted for its significant energy-saving and emission-reducing effects. Timber structures offer numerous advantages throughout their life cycle, including the design, construction, operation, use, and recycling stages. This paper integrates existing evaluation systems,such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Energy Analysis (LCEA), and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), addressing their shortcomings to create a comprehensive evaluation system specifically for timber buildings. Through the analysis of actual case studies, the Timber Life Cycle Assessment (TLCA) framework is proposed, focusing on materials, energy, costs, efficiency, and other aspects to explore the benefits of timber structures and suggest corresponding optimization measures and recommendations.

The global imperative to reduce carbon emissions has driven significant interest in solar photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technology, particularly air-type PVT wall systems, due to their potential to enhance building energy efficiency. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of existing research on the integrated impacts of air-type PVT wall systems on building energy performance. We evaluate various models used to assess the energy savings and efficiency improvements of these systems, focusing specifically on air-type PVT walls. The review examines the methodologies employed, results from simulations and real-world applications, and the potential of PVT technology in promoting sustainable building practices. Our findings underscore the crucial role of air-type PVT wall systems in reducing building cooling and heating loads, thereby supporting global carbon reduction and energy efficiency trends

This paper presents computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results that clarify how the radiationcharacteristics of the shielding material of a double roof with an air passage affect the heat-shieldingperformance. The double roof comprises the building’s existing roof with solar shielding material acertain distance from it, and this structure is expected to dissipate most of the received solarradiation to the outside via ventilation between the roof surface and the solar-radiation shieldingmaterial. Unsteady CFD analysis shows that the amount of heat transfer from ceiling to room duringthe day when using a shielding material with high solar reflectance on the top surface and lowemissivity on the lower surface is reduced by approximately 80% compared to the standard radiationcharacteristic specifications. When this structure is applied to a concrete roof, the heat transfer fromceiling to room at night is reduced almost completely. Also, this structure has a heat-shieldingperformance that exceeds that of a double roof with external heat insulation.

China's urbanization has changed from a rapid and rough development approach to a more targeted and refined developmental phase. Following China's "carbon neutrality" strategy, the construction industry, as the third-largest carbon emitter in China, must also address carbon emissions in its future development. Building photovoltaic integration technology effectively addresses this issue, particularly as high-rise residential construction intensifies. Designing more scientific photovoltaic facade integration methods for residential buildings has become a critical challenge for architects. This research employs urban research and simulation methods to explore the facade characteristics of residential buildings in northern Chinese cities, with Xi'an as a case study. Utilizing the ENERGY PLUS platform, we calculated the cooling and heating load characteristics and clean energy production for typical residential buildings using various photovoltaic materials and configurations. Based on data from the State Grid Corporation of China, we identified the carbon reduction capabilities of residential buildings with different photovoltaic facade designs, established a comprehensive evaluation system for photovoltaic facades, and ultimately proposed an integrated design approach for residential building facades that aligns with Xi'an's climate and building characteristics.

In recent years, low-impact development (LID) has been advocated to address urban flooding caused by climate change. Rain barrels (RBs) are effective stormwater management methods to reduce urban flooding. In our previous study in Saitama City, we found that RB did not perform well in the dense residential areas of Saitama City compared to other LID. This study will investigate smart rain barrel(SRB) containing water pumps controlled using smart switches. The SRB can be controlled online with a smart switch, linked to the local weather forecast, to ensure that the RB is empty before rainfall. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of SRB use in reducing urban pluvial flooding during continuous rainfall in Saitama City using pySWMM. Drain values of the RBs were varied during the simulation to control the opening or closing of the smart switch to verify the effectiveness of SRBs in reducing urban pluvial flooding. SRBs reduced the total runoff volume by 2%310% compared with RBs. Moreover, the total runoff reduction effect of the RBs was independent of the capacity size. however, the total runoff reduction effect of the SRBs increased proportionally to the capacity size

While the beneficial effects of spring water sound on health are recognized, the specific psychophysiological mechanisms at varying sound pressure levels (SPLs) remain unclear. This study explores the effects of different SPLs of spring water sounds on psychophysiological responses, utilizing subjective evaluations alongside electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring. Thirty-eight college students were exposed to five SPLs of spring water sounds (40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 dB). Participants underwent subjective evaluation using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Perceived Restorative Sound Scale (PRSS), complemented by physiological measurements through EEG. Spring water sounds significantly improved psychophysiological health. Psychologically, compared to no sound, POMS scores decreased by 21.60-67.34%, PRSS scores increased by 1.15-1.86 times, and emotional disorders and subjective stress were significantly improved (p<0.05). Physiologically, the overall EEG power for 50-55 dB levels decreased by 12.72-21.83%. Significant enhancements in relative power (RP) of α and β waves (24.21-73.34% and 23.96-85.26%, respectively were observed. This study provides a method to comprehensively analyze the positive effects of water sound from both psychological and physiological perspectives and offers a reference for the design of sound environments

Virtual reality (VR) technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, demonstrating significantpotential in the application of restorative natural environments. Restorative natural environmentscan help individuals recover their psychological and physiological health. VR technology, throughits immersive experience and multi-sensory stimulation, provides an effective alternative to actualnatural environments. This review systematically summarizes existing research on the application ofVR in restorative natural environments, exploring its impacts on psychological and physiologicalhealth, cognitive function and learning efficiency, sleep quality and overall health, user experience,and emotional recovery. The findings indicate that virtual natural environments can significantlyenhance positive emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality and overall health, andhave potential in improving cognitive performance and learning efficiency. However, technologicallimitations and challenges require further research and resolution. Future studies should focus onpersonalized design and long-term effect verification of VR technology in various applicationscenarios to better serve urban planning, education, healthcare, and psychological interventions.

Extreme global heat waves pose significant challenges to human health and urban systems. Urban surface temperature (LST) is an important indicator of the urban thermal environment, while land cover change (LULC) in, especially urban transportation road networks, is an important factor affecting the urban thermal environment. However, traditional meteorological monitoring stations and actual measurement methods are difficult to meet the three unities of continuity, spatiality and real-time monitoring of urban thermal environment. Therefore, in order to study the contribution of land use types, especially the urban transportation road network, to the urban heat island effect, this paper analyzes the spatial distribution pattern of the heat island effect in Xi'an based on the remotesensing image data and urban spatial vector element data, and inverts into the thermal surface temperature using the atmospheric correction method to carry out the correlation analysis between the urban heat island effect and urban spatial elements. This study provides new ideas for sustainable urban development and thermal environment management.

There has been a surge in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Jakarta surrounding new transport infrastructures such as Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and commuter railways. The primary objective of TOD is clearly aligned to pro-environmental strategies. This is reflected through compact urban development, which emphasizes vertical construction rather than expansion into peripheral regions. Additionally, the implementation of hub-oriented design not only increases people's freedom of movement but also assures carbon-emission reductions and efficient energy usage. TOD could be categorized into two types: namely the conventional model of high-rise, developer-driven TOD, and the more organic, human-scaled Japanese TOD. The Japanese model of TOD is catalyzed through community-based development through local ownership instead of being built by developers. This study is aimed at improving the TOD in Jakarta by utilizing elements of Shotengai (Japanese shopping arcades). Shotengai is a Japanese street arcade more often formed surrounding transport nodes typically in the form of street markets closed to car traffic. Shotengai has been seen successfully serving as an active social space, hosting seasonal festivals and events by thelocals. Blok M area became the focus study, which is one of the TODs that have been established around an MRT station and a major bus terminal. However, Blok M still encounters some challenges including inconvenient intermodal transfers and lack of local shops9 revitalization. This research will serve as a basis for groundwork for future recommendations that might be incorporated into Blok M9s Urban Design Guidelines (UDGL)

In the context of sustainable development, the concept of green tourism has garnered widespread attention. As more people choose cities as their travel destinations, this trend not only promotes urban economic development but also impacts urban ecosystems. Based on this, this paper proposes the concept of coordinated planning for urban green infrastructure (UGI) and tourist attractions. Bystudying and conducting a comparative analysis of the synergy between green infrastructure and tourist attractions in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kumamoto, this research explores the relationship between green infrastructure and tourist attractions in cities with different levels of economic development and population sizes. The study mainly considers the spatial correlation between UGI and urban tourist attractions.

Urban streets have become integral components of urban public spaces. However, current urban street planning, although ostensibly human-centric, often overlooks human perception. With the rapid growth of multi-source geospatial data, the availability of geotagged street view images opens new possibilities for extensive and large-scale research into urban street perception. Consequently, street view images are increasingly and widely applied in assessing urban street perception. Deep learning represents the mainstream and advanced method in image processing, with data analysis models including numerical and spatial analyses. Some studies integrate deep learning techniques with big data, employing computer vision to quantitatively analyze vast amounts of street view images, reflecting individual perceptions of different locations. This paper systematically reviews the literature trends in using street view images and machine learning for quantitative analysis of urban street perception. The number of studies has grown rapidly since 2013, with publications increasing from 13 to 77 between 2021 to 2024, with the highest citation count reaching approximately 300. Research on urban streets primarily focuses on environmental emotional perception, walkability, noise perception, and perceptions related to vitality and health. The review indicates that using street view images and machine learning as an emerging approach to study urban environments still faces challenges. These include insufficient spatial and temporal coverage of street view images, low data collection accuracy, and immature deep learning technologies for object recognition. Finally, the paper outlines the overall research framework of street view images in current quantitative studies of urban streets and discusses future research trends.

Walkability was defined as the degree to which the built environment is friendly to people’s walk, it plays an important role in promoting the physical and mental health for residents and livable cities construction. The walkability studies have been increasingly interested by researchers around the world. In order to comprehensive understanding of walkability research, particularly the built environment attributes that affect walkability. This study focuses on analyzing the impact of built environment attributes on walkability by using CiteSpace software. The literature review covered 256articles searched on Scopus and Web of Science between 2000 and 2023. First, this study gives a general view of recent research of walkability based on a CiteSpace bibliometric analysis. Second, we provide a detailed critical review of walkability from three aspects, including classification of built environment attributes, walkability measurement and walkability applications. Finally, the study discusses research trends and future directions. This study provides a greater understanding of how environmental attributes affect walkability and identifies gaps and issues that should be analyzed in depth in the future. This review may be useful for researchers and urban planners in related fields to conduct walkability research and specify strategies to improve walkability

This Research and design aim to enhance the quality of life in rural communities that are suffering from home deficiency issues in Myanmar. Therefore, renewable bamboo was considered the potential and primary building material for low-cost housing by proposing an affordable and durable Modular Bamboo House Design. There are two parts to this research. design proposal and development. At the design stage, the potential of low-cost, easy-to-build bamboo joinery with bamboo nails jointed is proposed as the innovative module design concept that can be locally constructed. At the development stage, according to the scope of this research, the feasibility of theproposed bamboo joint strength, affordability, and ease of building was examined by conducting a pilot study on the structural experiment and constructing a structure frame mockup experiment with volunteers. All experiments were conducted in Japan with Moso Chiku bamboo which possesses comparable mechanical properties of Selected Myanmar species. The results are that the average tolerance strength for the axial 3.26 kN and lateral 2.78 kN load tests are higher than the applied axial load per joint Fj of 2.58 kN. This comparison indicates that the joints have a safety margin since their tolerance strengths exceed the loads they are expected to support and are reliable for thefuture development of full-scale studies on joint design. Then, the easy-to-build proposed joint was examined by unskillful volunteers who represented the community people and this analysis result effected to approach the community-based by locally constructed could achieve affordable estimated cost. The affordable treated bamboo process by community-based is also proposed. Finally, this research achieved effective results from the pilot study to develop the affordability and durability of proposed modular bamboo joint design in future studies for maximizing the environmental performance benefits and significantly improving the quality of life in rural communities.

6 million Indonesian kids are threatened with decrease of IQ,10 to 15 points due to stunting. Marginal people in Indonesia. The kids also have the phase to play, learn, and explore until the placeis provided. Six million children are still in many families that are unaware of the value of providingadditionalstimulation to assist children enhance their intelligence. to address this within the architectural scope, that is, attempting to create an environment that can stimulate the development of children's brains,by considering possibilities for seldom used play areas and making extra enhancements to existing facilities in order to promote the development of intelligence through learning from the natural world or through utilizing the facilities. As a result, we attempt to assess the use of PLL to enhance it into a play space that can satisfy children' curiosity.

With the acceleration of urbanization, people's desire for natural environment is growing day by day. The restorative effect of audiovisual landscape has become a research hotspot in the field of built environment. This paper took relevant literatures in WOS (web of science) and CNKI (China national knowledge infrastructure) databases as research objects. Using the scientific metrology and visual analysis function of VOSViewer Software, the restorative effects of audiovisual landscape were sorted out. The research status, subject distribution and main research direction of restorative effect of audiovisual landscape were analyzed. And the empirical research status of restorative effect of audiovisual landscape was summarized from three aspects: sound restorative effect, landscape restorative effect, and sound-visual combination restorative effect. The review provided an outlook on potential future research directions in order to inform and inspire restorative research and practice in urban audiovisual landscapes

In the global context, the phenomenon of urban shrinking has grown increasingly prominent in many cities. It poses challenges to urban planning and regional development, such as the occurrence of vacant houses. In the context of Japan, the demographic condition has substantially changed over the last few decades into a declining and aging population. The situation has been discussed in many articles as the main factor in the proliferation of vacant houses across the country. Regarding this issue, this study aims to examine the correlation between the age structure composition and the number of vacant houses according to the classification of vacant houses. The study employs quantitative analysis based on the official government data of vacant houses and age structure composition. The study found that there was a strong positive correlation between the age structure composition and the number of vacant houses. Furthermore, the study revealed that areas with a higher percentage of elderly residents tended to have a higher number of vacant house rates. Nevertheless, the investigation also revealed significant correlations with other age groups, indicating that vacant houses are not exclusively influenced by the elderly population but rather by a more intricate demographic landscape. Understanding the impact of age composition on vacant houses can help policymakers develop targeted strategies to address this issue. By focusing on areas with a high percentage of elderly residents, urban planners can implement initiatives to revitalize neighborhoods and reduce the number of vacant properties.

China's regions with hot summers and warm winters have large cooling loads and abundant solar energy resources. This article uses a virtual office with south-facing windows in Guangzhou (an area with hot summers and warm winters) to evaluate the energy-saving performance of photovoltaic louver shading. The geometry of photovoltaic louver shading (number of louver blades and tilt angle) was optimized. This study focuses on the competitive relationship between photovoltaic louver shading power generation and indoor useful daylight illuminance. Research has found that the daylighting and energy-saving performance of photovoltaic louver shading will be affected by climate and show seasonal changes. Photovoltaic louver shading can save up to about 43% of energy throughout the year

The college campus serves as the primary hub for outdoor activities for both teachers and students, and its outdoor thermal conditions directly impact their comfort, particularly in arid and hot regions. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research and analysis on the thermal environment of college campuses in hot and dry areas. This study examines the outdoor thermal environment of a campus at Shihezi University, a representative university in the city of Shihezi, Xinjiang, located in a hot and dry region. It analyzes the measured data from three different influencing factors: the spatial configuration of buildings, surrounding greenery, and shading effects. The findings reveal that the surrounding architectural layout and the presence of greenery significantly influence the thermal environment. Consequently, this provides a theoretical foundation for studying and enhancing the thermal conditions of university campuses in hot and dry areas, as well as establishing reference values.

This study examines the operational data of a district heating system in 2023, evaluating system efficiency and optimal operation under varying heat load patterns. It builds on earlier research that identified the impact of COVID-19 on external air intake loads. The methodology includes analyzing monthly water load and system efficiency data, comparing them to planned values to identify discrepancies and areas for improvement. The study also assesses the impact of similarities or differences between planned and actual load days on system efficiency. Simulation analysis recalculates the system's actual coefficient of performance (COP) under given load conditions. Findings show minimal summer impact but significant deviations in other seasons, especially winter. The study concludes that analyzing load patterns and efficiency metrics can enhance system performance, offering recommendations for optimization and future research to sustain efficiency gains.

It is indisputable that decarbonization in the operational phase of buildings is important for realizing a decarbonized society. However, Japan's annual gross floor area of new buildings accounts for approximately 1.7% of the total building stock, and only 1.9% for non-residential buildings. In addition, 30% to 40% of energy consumption in office buildings is used for air conditioning energy. In recent years, an increasing number of new buildings have installed energy-saving equipment, but in older existing buildings, energy-saving equipment has not been installed to a great extent.Therefore, by addressing new buildings, the national and global targets cannot be reached by 2050 alone. Therefore, measures for existing buildings are urgently required. This study aimed to develop and implement an Energy Management System (EMS) that utilizes operational data obtained from existing buildings. An important aspect of this study is to make Existing buildings will be energy_x0002_efficient and decarbonized without hardware renovation through an EMS addition (external installation) that makes effective use of energy. The development of this EMS can be divided into three main categories depending on the operational data to be utilized: 1. area EMS, 2. large-scale building EMS, and 3. small- and medium-scale building EMS.

Gender differences in thermal comfort evaluation in indoor environments during high-intensity aerobic exercise are of significant importance for creating personalized exercise spaces. In this paper, the aerobic running experiment was carried out on 32 subjects under different indoor temperature conditions. The measured data of subjects' thermal sensation, thermal comfort, thermal acceptability, thermal preference and fatigue level were analyzed. Results showed that gender factors influence subjective thermal comfort evaluations during exercise. At 24°C indoor temperature, females had a thermal sensation vote value 0.28 unit values higher than males and a thermal acceptability vote value 0.5 unit values lower than males. Females were more sensitive to temperature and require higher ambient temperatures compared to males. Meanwhile, females exhibited higher fatigue levels than males when performing the same amount of running exercise. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the study of gender differences in thermal comfort evaluation during exercise and for the intelligent and personalized control of indoor environments in future exercise spaces.

The number of cases has increased where artificial intelligence has been used to predict heat source loads and plan the operational schedule of heat sources. On the other hand, since the COVID-19 pandemic, teleworking has begun to spread, and it is necessary to consider the number of building users when predicting heat source load. In this study, to clarify the impact of the changes in the number of building users on heat source loads, the changes were analyzed in the amount of heat supply during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic for 73 buildings including offices, hotels, commercial facilities, and hospitals located around Sapporo Station. As a result, it turned out that: 1. In the office, the smaller the total floor area, the greater the change in the amount of heat supply. 2. In the hotels and commercial facilities, the amount of heat supply decreased regardless of the total floor area. 3. In the hospitals, the amount of heat supply increased regardless of the total floor area. Future tasks include investigating the implementation status of teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic and clarifying the relation between changes in the number of building users and changes in heat supply quantitatively.

Existing buildings in Northeast China face serious issues in indoor physical environment, such as poor ventilation and inadequate thermal performance, leading to significantly increased energy consumption and inability to meet residents' comfort needs. These problems primarily stem from limitations in architectural design and construction technology, which fail to fully consider local climatic conditions and residents' actual requirements. Therefore, improving the indoor environmental quality of these existing buildings, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing residential comfort have become urgent issues to address. This paper selects typical residential buildings in Dalian City and proposes enhancement strategies for the building envelope. Using EnergyPlus software, the thermal comfort improvement effects of different retrofit strategies are simulated and analyzed concerning exterior walls, windows, and roofs. The results aim to provide insights and references for creating healthier indoor thermal environments and improving livability in cold regions.

The equivalent length method for pressure loss calculation in water systems is suggested by the Standard of Building Equipment Design, while the local coefficient method is adopted by BIM software Revit. In this study, we focus on comparing the pressure losses calculated by these two methods. Firstly, a cold-water system for air conditioning units is illustrated. Then, we calculate the pressure losses for pipes, fittings, and other equipment using the two methods mentioned above. Additionally, the local pressure coefficients provided by the Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan (SHASE) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) are used in our calculations. The differences in pressure loss, especially in pipe fittings, are detailed, as well as the differences in the total pressure loss. Finally, the impact of the size of the cold-water system on pressure loss calculation is predicted, showing that the differences will be significant in larger systems. With the increasing popularity of BIM software, the pressure loss calculation standards in Japan should be revised in the future.

This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating paper cellulose insulation within a Trombe wall to enhance performance in humid climates. A novel Trombe wall design, featuring alternating layers of brick and paper cellulose, was experimentally evaluated in an outdoor test cell. Results demonstrate the hygroscopic Trombe wall’s ability to buffer humidity fluctuations and maintain stable indoor conditions. During summer, the wall mitigated condensation risks by regulating airgap humidity. In winter, it provided passive heating, consistently maintaining higher indoor temperatures compared to outdoor temperatures, especially during nighttime. The paper cellulose insulation contributed to both thermal and hygroscopic performance, reducing heat loss and moderating humidity. While further research incorporating a control group is needed for definitive quantification, this study highlights the significant potential of paper cellulose insulation in optimizing Trombe wall performance for humid climates.

The government has declared its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. There are several policies to achieve this goal. Among them, this study focuses on the analysis of the impact of electrification on CO2 emissions in non-residential buildings. Energy consumption in offices, public offices, hospitals, and hotels was assumed based on the DECC database, in which electrification replaces non-electric power with electric power. Then, by multiplying the hourly CO2 emission factor (kg-CO2/kWh) proposed in a previous report, we calculated hourly CO2 emissions and aimed to evaluate the impact of electrification on CO2 emissions. As a result, first, in terms of annual CO2emissions, it was confirmed that a 50% electrification would reduce CO2 emissions by 1% in Kansai offices and public offices, 17% in Kansai hospitals, and 1-17% in Kansai hospitals. Next, in August and January, when energy consumption is high, and in Hokkaido and Kyushu offices and hospitals, which are characterized by CO2 emission coefficients, hourly CO2 emissions peaked in the evening when the electrification rate is 0%, when electricity demand is high in both regions and applications,and when CO2 emission coefficients are high. However, for hospitals in Hokkaido, where demand for non-electric power is high, the January peak shifts to the start of the heating season as electrification progresses. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the August peak occurs in the evening when cooling demand remains, regardless of building use or region, even with the progress of electrification. Thus, the promotion of electrification has different effects depending on the region and season, and it is necessary to examine whether the promotion of electrification is effective in all regions, and to evaluate CO2 emissions in the future.

This study examines the relationship between the residential environment and depression and cognitive impairment among older adults in China, guided by environmental psychology. As China faces rapid urbanization and an aging population, understanding how physical residential conditions impact mental health is increasingly crucial. The study employed data from the CLASSto assess the prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment among 9842 older adults aged 60 years or older in China. The findings revealed that 21.0% exhibited depressive symptoms and 28.9% had cognitive impairment. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated a significant association between several residential environmental factors and mental health outcomes. This study makes a novel theoretical contribution by identifying key environmental factors that influence the well-being of older adults, addressing a gap in the literature on the impact of physical living conditions on their mental health. The results have practical implications for urban planning and public health policies, suggesting that targeted interventions in the residentialenvironment could improve the quality of life for older adults

Nowadays, clothing is incinerated in large amounts, so we considered using clothing waste for insulation materials as a new recycling method. In this study, we created some specimens of insulation materials using clothing waste such as cotton, linen, blends of various fibers and wetsuits. After that, we evaluated the thermal conductivity, moisture adsorption/desorption properties and the reduction of CO2 emissions. The thermal conductivity of the specimens are 0.05～0.06 W/mK,which is inferior to glasswool and cellulose fiber, and the specimens had high moisture adsorption performance. It was also found that CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 86% by using clothing waste as the insulation material instead of incinerating it, and the insulation material made from clothing waste can be created with half the CO2 emissions of the glasswool.

Urban blue-green infrastructure (UBGI) comprises water bodies and green vegetation. In summer, UBGI can effectively mitigate the urban heat island. However, in UBGI, the effective surrounding green space extent that significantly impacts the thermal environment at one green space interest site has not yet been obtained. This study conducted the numerical simulation on one representative UBGI space in a cold region of China, based on different greenery scenarios with various greenery space radiuses. The results showed that the cooling and humidifying effects of green spaces with all radiuses were low at 9:00. Over time, the cooling effect gradually increased, peaked, and decreased. The peak occurred between 15:00 and 16:00. The air temperature and relative humidity at the interest site were significantly affected by the surrounding greenery within 6 m. At a radius of 0-6 m, green space had a cooling effect of 0.22°C per 50m2 of area. At a radius greater than 6 m, green space had a cooling effect of only 0.05°C per 50m2 of area. At a radius of 0-6 m, green space had a humidifying effect of 0.70% per 50m2 of area. At a radius greater than 6 m, green space had a humidifying effect of only 0.19% per 50m2 of area. The air temperature and relative humidity at the interest site were significantly affected by the surrounding greenery within 6 m. This study provides scientific guidance and reference for the planning and redevelopment of urban blue-green infrastructure.

In Japan, the introduction of renewable energy in local areas is being promoted in order to achievecarbon neutrality by 2050. In this study, the introduction potential of five types of renewable energy(PV power, wind power, small and medium-scale hydropower, geothermal heat, and solar heat) iscalculated. The installed capacity and annual power generation amount are determined by utilizingthe Renewable Energy Potential System (REPOS). Additionally, distribution maps are created. Andregional characteristics are clarified by dividing the region into seven wards of Fukuoka City,Fukuoka Prefecture. Municipalities are required to make efforts to designate areas subject toregional decarbonization promotion projects in their local government action plans as part ofpromoting regional decarbonization initiatives. In setting these areas, they must take into accountthe national and prefectural standards related to environmental conservation. Therefore, FukuokaPrefecture has established its own standards for promotion areas to ensure smooth designation.Going forward, it will be necessary to estimate the detailed available quantities based on thepromotion areas designated by the prefecture and municipalities.

CO2 emissions must also be reduced in the building sector to become carbon neutral. Focusing on large-scale retrofitting of apartments, an LCCO2 assessment and LCC evaluation of a method that allows insulation to be added at the same time during external wall retrofitting (hereinafter “Insulated Dry Method”) was carried out.The CO2 emissions of retrofit work by the "Insulated Dry Method" were 4.8-5.0 times higher than those of the conventional tile retrofit work, and by the "Insulated Dry Method" with window retrofits were 6.1-6.3 times higher than those of the conventional one. However, CO2 emissions during operational times were reduced by 2.6-5.2% with the “Insulated Dry Method” and by 17.0-19.8% when window retrofits were added to this compared with conventional tile retrofits. The LCCO2 with the "Insulated Dry Method" decreased by 2.4-4.7% compared to conventional tile retrofits, and by 17-19.8% when window retrofits were added. The effectiveness of “Insulated Dry Method” is expected to increase in the future as energy savings during operational times are further developed.LCC calculations showed that the cost was 1.05 times higher when changing to the “Insulated Dry Method” compared to conventional tile retrofit. This was 1.17 times higher when window retrofits were carried out, but the subsidy scheme would be equivalent to a conventional tile retrofit.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is promoting compact cities integrated with regional public transportation, especially in regional cities with declining populations and aging populations, in order to maintain regional vitality, secure daily life functions such as medical care, welfare, and commerce, and allow elderly people to live in peace. In addition, in order to achieve carbon neutrality, in addition to thorough energy conservation, further utilization of renewable energy and unused energy is necessary. This paper presents an overview of a combined heat and power energy center(EC) in a compact city in a cold and snowy region planned to solve these problems, as well as the effective use of the neighbouring waste biomass heat supply and the linkage between the reverse-flow capable cogeneration system (CGS) and a biogas power plant outside the city block.The paper will also provide an overview of Community Energy Management System (CEMS), an advanced smart community technology that connects the energy supply side and the energy demand side with IT to optimize energy operations inside and outside the city block

SIP research on the development of an external Energy Management Systems [EMS] for large-scale buildings is aimed at supporting the optimal operations of heat source systems for air conditioning. In addition, real-time data from the BEMS may be able to predict loads and thus could be used to develop operations plans to assist operators. In this study, the effectiveness of an operations support system was verified through demonstration experiments. The summer demonstration experiment confirmed that energy savings of up to 11.6% and 7.2% could be expected in June and July, respectively. The residual storage capacity indicator used when creating the operations plan was changed from the BEMS display value to a value based on the actual results, and the operations planning logic was restructured to accurately determine the time required for the heat storage tank to reach the target heat storage capacity. Subsequently, the winter demonstration experiment confirmed that energy savings of up to 13.7% in December and 2.1% in January could be expected. This study provides the benefits of the developing optimal operational support plans for building heat source systems.

This paper presents an overview of the development of an external energy management system (EMS) for small- and medium-scale buildings that contributes to energy conservation in such buildings and also presents the results of a study of energy management methods. For the EMS, smart meter electricity data and indoor environmental data, which are operational data of the building, are collected, analyzed, and fed back to the building. The first feedback method is indirect control, in which demand alerts to change the set room temperature are sent to the tenant manager's smartphone. the second is direct control, in which energy-saving mode command signals are sent to the central controller of the air-conditioning system. The air_x0002_conditioning equipment is controlled to the extent that the comfort of the indoor environment is not compromised. The criteria for triggering the two controls are demand alerts based on demand prediction using electricity data obtained from smart meters. The demand predictionin this study utilized a method that calculates the amount of change in the next few minutes based on the similarity of loads over the past 30 days from the prediction date, and then adds the amount of change to the load at the forecast start time to predict the demand a few minutes later. The criteria for triggering this alert is determined by whether or not the predictionexceeds the warning value referenced to the contracted power. The results confirmed higher prediction accuracy when using 30-minute power data than when using 60-minute power data.

Discovering the behavioral characteristics of university students' use of classrooms is very significant for campus construction. In order to grasp the time and space characteristics of university students' use of classrooms for self-study in winter, this study conducted a questionnaire survey and data analysis on representative university in Tianjin. 307 valid questionnaires were collected. The results show that most students use the classroom for 4-6 hours a day on average. There was a significant difference (p=0.0002) in the students' choice of different times for self-study in the classroom. The highest preference of students to use the classroom was found to be during 9:00-11:00 (SR=3.2773). Male students used the classroom significantly more frequent than Female students between 7:00-9:00. In addition, there was a meaningful difference in the statistical results of students' preference for different oriented classrooms and different seating positions. South_x0002_facing classrooms were chosen with the highest percentage of 43%. Moreover, students' preferred seating positions were "Window", "Back" and "Power supply". Female students preferred the "Middle" position more than Male students (SR=2.8460). These findings can provide a reference for the environment creation and operation management of teaching space in universities, which can help to improve the learning environment of students and enrich the research on indoorenvironment of university buildings.

Revealing the future trends of urban household carbon emissions is crucial for determining effective carbon reduction pathways and achieving China’s "dual carbon" goals. Currently, urban household carbon emissions account for 35% of the national total, yet research on the future development and evolution of provincial household carbon emissions remains limited. Reducing household energy consumption and carbon emissions has become an urgent priority. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of previous research on household carbon emission forecasts, focusing on predictive indicators such as population growth, per capita GDP, and urbanization level. The study also incorporates the development status of various provinces and analyzes the trends of these indicators to establish a baseline model for future household carbon emission predictions. Furthermore, this paper explores the carbon reduction potential and peak timing of household carbon emissions across provinces under the 2030 carbon peak target, aiming to fill the gap in existing research on the future development of provincial household carbon emissions.

A Community Energy Management System (CEMS) was installed in a smart community. One of the functions of CEMS is optimal automatic operation control of the heat source of an energy center (EC). This operation control mainly consists of "optimal operation planning" and "automatic operation" based on demand forecasting, and can operate automatically. Particularly, "demand forecasting" is characterized by the confirmation of influencing factors and the evolution of forecasting formulae, while the optimal operation plan has a "cost-saving mode" and a CO2 reduction mode. The city was completed in November 2023. In December, a demonstration experiment of optimal automatic operation was conducted to verify its effectiveness. This study reports the results of data analysis of the demand forecast and optimal operation plan in the demonstration experiment and analyzes the validity of the optimal automatic operation function of CEMS.

The Air-Based Solar System is a residential-scale renewable energy installation. It is an auxiliary heating system that uses solar heat to warm the roof air layer of a house and brings it indoors with a dedicated fan. However, because this system generally heats the outside air and brings it into the room, it can cause over drying of the room during the winter. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of the air intake of the Air-Based Solar System on the indoor humidity environment, and the combined effect of the solar system, drying laundry indoors, and humidity control building materials by actual measurement and simulation in order to control over drying of the house in winter. The results of the actual measurement survey showed that the absolute humidity under the ducts tended to be higher in the circulation heating mode than in the outdoor air heating mode. Simulation results showed that the circulation heating operation increased the relative humidity in the bedroom by up to 6.5 percentage points. Drying laundry indoors in addition to the circulation heating mode increased the drying control effect on the first floor.

In order to build sustainable cities, decarbonization in the building sector is an unavoidable challenge. When assessing CO₂ emissions from buildings, it is necessary to evaluate not only the energy consumption during operation, but also the entire life cycle of the building, including material production and construction.In this study, a medium-sized office was assumed, and the simulation tool “Rhinoceros” was used to clarify the relationship between CO₂ emissions during construction and CO₂ emissions during operation for each building exterior specification and form. In addition, by calculating the use of daylight in the room at that time, the impact of the exterior specifications, etc. on the environmental load and the impact on the indoor lighting environment were simultaneously evaluated. The results show that eaves are advantageous in terms of construction CO₂ + operational CO₂. On the other hand, the louvers have lower illumination at the perimeter than eaves and light shelves, but their daylight autonomy is equal to or higher than that of eaves and light shelves, indicating that the louvers have an advantage with respect to the light environment.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of rooftop-mounted solar panel installations in cities and to propose one of the city's renewable energy diffusion policies. In this study, the ratio of solar power generation to energy demand was calculated for each area and evaluated as a replenishment rate. In order to analyze trends in replenishment rates, PV generation, and solar radiation attenuation rates, topography, zoning, and building height dispersion were analyzed for each area to identify the characteristics of the most effective areas for PV installation in the city. As a result, the average annual replenishment rate was as high as 52% in areas with many detached houses, such as low-rise residential areas, while it was as low as 26% in coastal areas with a concentration of factories. There was no clear relationship between topography and buildings. The difference in demand for different building types seems to have a greater impact on the sufficiency rate. On the other hand, in times of emergency, such as when infrastructure is disrupted, factory zones that generate large amounts of electricity could serve as bases for supplying power. As described above, we examined the characteristics of areas that are highly effective in introducing photovoltaic power generation.

According to the future vision and roadmap for BIM utilization presented by the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) in March 2023, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)data will be used in building confirmation and inspection by 2028. IFC encompasses data forbuilding projects across various domains, including architecture, structural engineering, heating,ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), construction management, and more. In this study, theauthor focuses on IFC data for cooling systems within the HVAC domain, exported using BIMsoftware Revit 2025. Firstly, the customization of the IFC setup is introduced. Then, the structure ofIFC data for cold water systems and cooling water systems are illustrated according to the IFC4specification. Additionally, IFC definitions for pipes, chillers, cooling towers, and other equipmentare exemplified, as well as the IFC property sets related to flow rate and electrical power. The studyalso introduces the IFC definition of distribution ports connected with flow elements. Finally, theauthor explains the method to analyze IFC system data for cooling systems, which will be helpfulfor mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design.

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, introduction of renewable energy sources is essential.However, renewable energy sources have the problem of unstable power generation, which needs tobe resolved to expand their introduction. The new Sapporo Smart Community, which is the target ofthis research, is building a power grid with a biogas power plant constructed outside the area havingthe problem of unstable power generation. Currently, the output fluctuation adjustment of the biogaspower plant is performed using the reverse power flow function of a cogeneration system (CGS)installed in the smart community. In addition, the possibility of effectively utilizing the CGSbackflow waste heat generated during adjustment by using a heat storage tank is also beingconsidered. In this paper, we analyze data from a demonstration experiment on output fluctuationadjustment and report the analysis results pertaining to the effectiveness of stabilizing the poweroutput of biogas power plants and the possibility of effectively utilizing waste heat. The resultsshowed that it is possible to reduce the energy imbalance by adjusting the output fluctuation ofbiogas power plants using CGS. however, the cost benefit may be reduced by the adjustment underthe current imbalance system.

The purpose of this study is to understand the current status of existing facilities in Nikko City, and to examine possible renewable energy sources that could be introduced and measures to improve the attractiveness of the facilities. Field surveys were conducted at five facilities in Nikko City, and Suginamiki Park was selected for study because of its proximity to the station and city center, the presence of a waterway on the site, and multiple drop-offs. The experimental method assumed three patterns of locations where renewable energy was installed in Suginamiki Park and three cases of lighting up the park using the generated electricity and calculated the amount of electricity consumed and generated. By presenting three patterns of lighting up a facility using renewable energy power and considering the light environment, the conclusion was that even a small amount of renewable energy power can change the light environment in a facility to a necessary and sufficient light environment

The District Heating and Cooling (DHC) to be studied is located in Tokyo metropolitan area,Japan. Twenty years after the start of heat supply in 1990, the heat source plant was renovatedbecause of changes in heat demand and aging of the equipment. The renovations were conductedfrom January 2016 to March 2022. Consequently, the efficiency of heat source plants was improvedby approximately 40% at the top level in Japan. Because many district heating and cooling systemswill be renewed in Japan in the future, we believe that the operational performance of this heatsource plant will be a valuable reference. In this study, we analyzed the data of the operation resultsafter renovation and discussed the factors for high efficiency of the heat source plant, thecharacteristics of the operation logic, and the important points to be considered when designing orrenovating a heat source plant.

In order to expand the possibilities of utilizing wood in buildings, this study focused on Nail Laminated Timber (NLT), a type of laminated wood, and conducted full-scale measurements and simulations of containers made of NLT for floors, roofs, and walls. The container-type structure is relatively easy to move and set up, and its expandability through multiple use makes it possible to use it for a wide range of purposes. The thermal environment of the NLT container was clarified by measuring temperature and humidity fluctuations in summer, Intermediate Season, and winter, as well as surface temperature fluctuations on the outdoor and indoor sides of the container. The thermal environment of NLT containers was clarified by actual measurements, and the simulations showed that NLT containers can be used for various purposes by considering the thickness of the NLT used in the container and the combination with insulation materials

CEMS, one of the technologies of the Shin Sapporo Smart Community, aggregates and analyzesdata on electricity and heat demand of demand buildings, and measures energy conservation anddecarbonization. CEMS-based cooperative supply-demand control, which is a smart communitytechnology, controls the temperature setting of air conditioners on the consumer side after ensuringan "appropriate thermal environment (comfort range)" by the CEMS. This allows the EC side tocontribute to energy saving at the consumer side. in addition to the highly efficient operation of theheat source system at the EC side, energy saving can be achieved by reducing the heat demand ofthe consumer. In this study, we analyzed the actual operation data from the initial demonstrationexperiment of air conditioner control at Medical B (MB) in December 2023 and report the results ofconfirming the operation status of the air conditioner control function and verification of the energyconservation effect and found that the temperature control of the air conditioning system functionednormally. As a result, the indoor temperature decreased by 1~2°C, the energy-saving effect of 250MJ/h was confirmed, and the indoor thermal environment was within a comfortable range.Therefore, it is clear that the room temperature control by the consumer air conditioner control canbe expected to have sufficient energy-saving effects.

In view of the scarcity of research and practice on low-carbon renewal of historic buildings, this study chooses the residential buildings of Qingdao, China, during the German Occupation Period as the research object. Based on the survey of existing literature, the development lineage, architectural form, construction technology and conservation status of historical residential buildings in Qingdao during the German Occupation Period are comprehensively analysed. Based on the existing literature and domestic historical building renewal cases, this paper analyses and summarizes their common experiences and differences, compiles the low-carbon renovation methods adopted, and studies the low-carbon renovation strategies of historical residential buildings from the levels of building units and courtyards respectively

Existing BIM software generates geometric data in a three-dimensional format, resulting in large filesizes that require significant time to open. Consequently, recommended computer specificationshave been increasing annually, presenting challenges to the widespread adoption and application ofBIM software. Therefore, focusing on lightweight BIM design applications, we propose aweb-based approach for duct design using Three.js, an open-source JavaScript 3D library. Thismethod utilizes BIM libraries from external equipment manufacturers. It involves laying outpredefined diffusers, equipment, and ducts in a 2D interface and automatically constructing ductfittings and the entire duct system, including connectivity relationships between duct elements.Moreover, a lightweight BIM system for duct design will be developed, leveraging LOD (Level ofDetail) data reduction techniques based on the object's distance from the viewpoint. Finally, all ductelements, along with system information, will be saved in JSON and IFC formats. The proposedBIM approach is designed to be adaptable to mobile devices, thereby facilitating broader adoptionof BIM technology

In 2030, Japan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the household sector by 66%. However, a 2020 survey shows that air conditioners account for 27.5% of household energy consumption, stressing the need to enhance heating and cooling efficiency. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry recommends using air-conditioning curtains and panel doors to improve efficiency, and IoT technologies, such as smart curtains, have emerged as effective energy-saving measures. This study aims to create a simulation model of a house with IoT window and partition curtains to simulate thermal environments and energy consumption. Initial measurements were taken at an apartment complex in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where IoT devices and curtains were installed. The thermal environment and cooling power consumption were recorded under various conditions. A simulation model was then created based on these measurements and tested under similar conditions. The simulation results matched the actual measurements, indicating the model's reliability. In the future, the model will be refined based on actual measurements taken in winter at the same location and under the same conditions. The model will then be used to identify the optimal control method for window curtains and partition curtains using IoT devices.