Search Results (217)

To effectively decarbonize Europe’s building stock, it is crucial to monitor the progress of energy consumption and the associated emissions. This study addresses the challenge by developing a national-scale urban building energy model (nUBEM) using artificial intelligence to predict non-renewable primary energy consumption and associated GHG emissions for residential buildings. Applied to the case study of Spain, the nUBEM leverages open data from energy performance certificates (EPCs), cadastral records, INSPIRE cadastre data, digital terrain models (DTM), and national statistics, all aligned with European directives, ensuring adaptability across EU member states with similar open data frameworks. Using the XGBoost machine learning algorithm, the model analyzes the physical and geometrical characteristics of residential buildings in Spain. Our findings indicate that the XGBoost algorithm outperforms other techniques estimating building-level energy consumption and emissions. The nUBEM offers granular information on energy performance building-by-building related to their physical and geometrical characteristics. The results achieved surpass those of previous studies, demonstrating the model’s accuracy and potential impact. The nUBEM is a powerful tool for analyzing residential building stock and supporting data-driven decarbonization strategies. By providing reliable progress indicators for renovation policies, the methodology enhances compliance with EU directives and offers a scalable framework for monitoring decarbonization progress across Europe. Full article

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) represent an innovative approach to thinking and designing cities sustainably, in compliance with the European Union energy strategy. This strategy integrates sectors such as urban planning, energy, and construction to synergistically address energy and environmental challenges. Studies on sustainability assessment systems applied in PEDs evidenced that they focus mostly on energy aspects, while few include a comprehensive life cycle assessment of equivalent CO₂ emissions, considering the building component and the impacts of the materials used. Additionally, most assessments are conducted on the urban and district scale, such as Neighborhood Sustainability Assessments (NSA), which begin to correlate PEDs with the dynamics of selecting sustainable materials for green-certified projects, analyzed throughout the entire life cycle, relying on the adoption of Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS) at the building scale. To explore the impact of environmentally friendly (i.e., ‘green’) GBRS certifications in the selection of building materials and products according to sustainability criteria, and to encourage their use in projects explicitly referring to PEDs, this study analyzes the technical solutions implemented in two significant residential building renovation projects in Italy from a PED perspective. It proposes a classification system based on the required targets of energy efficiency, energy production, and energy flexibility. The results include the definition of an expandable portfolio of technical solutions, an analytical comparison between the materials used in the energy renovation projects of the case studies examined, and the sustainability criteria provided by voluntary ’green’ certification tools (GBRS). The collected evidence offers an operational framework that confirms the positive impact of GBRS certifications and the related selection of materials on sustainable urban development, contributing to the scientific debate on PEDs. Furthermore, the use of voluntary ’green’ certifications at the building scale can be encouraged in the context of the transition towards PEDs, aiming to identify specific criteria and indicators for the selection of building materials to be integrated into future PED certifications. This aims to contribute to creating energy self-sufficient urban areas, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation, in line with global emission reduction and climate change mitigation goals. Full article

This study examines the decision-making optimization of Power-Generation Enterprises (PGEs) in the green certificate market, with a focus on balancing bidding strategies and carbon-reduction targets. Given the increasing complexity of the green certificate market, the research employs Bayesian games, evolutionary games, and Stackelberg games to systematically analyze the strategic behavior of PGEs and their interactions within the market framework. The findings demonstrate that game theory facilitates cost structure optimization and enhances adaptability to market dynamics under policy-driven incentives and penalties. Additionally, the study explores the integration of stochastic modeling and machine learning techniques to address market uncertainties. These results provide theoretical support for policymakers in designing efficient green electricity market regulations and offer strategic insights for PGEs aligning with carbon neutrality objectives. This work bridges theoretical modeling and practical application, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy policies and the development of green electricity markets. Full article

This study evaluated the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with hydrogen production in South Korea (hereafter referred to as Korea) using water electrolysis. Korea aims to advance hydrogen as a clean fuel for transportation and power generation. To support this goal, we employed a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the emissions across the hydrogen supply chain in a well-to-pump framework, using the Korean clean hydrogen certification tiers. Our assessment covered seven stages, from raw material extraction for power plant construction to hydrogen production, liquefaction, storage, and distribution to refueling stations. Our findings revealed that, among the sixteen power sources evaluated, hydroelectric and onshore wind power exhibited the lowest emissions, qualifying as the Tier 2 category of emissions between 0.11 and 1.00 kgCO₂e/kg H₂ under a well-to-pump framework and Tier 1 category of emissions below 0.10 kgCO₂e/kg H₂ under a well-to-gate framework. They were followed by photovoltaics, nuclear energy, and offshore wind, all of which are highly dependent on electrolysis efficiency and construction inputs. Additionally, the study uncovered a significant impact of electrolyzer type on GHG emissions, demonstrating that improvements in electrolyzer efficiency could substantially lower GHG outputs. We further explored the potential of future energy mixes for 2036, 2040, and 2050, as projected by Korea’s energy and environmental authorities, in supporting clean hydrogen production. The results suggested that with progressive decarbonization of the power sector, grid electricity could meet Tier 2 certification for hydrogen production through electrolysis, and potentially reach Tier 1 when considering well-to-gate GHG emissions. Full article

Alternative options have been studied to mitigate the negative impact of fossil fuel sources, mainly especially when it comes to alternative energy sources. In this work, cannabis residues have been considered as a potential biomass residues for energy recovery due to their energy content, and the increase in the cannabis market in Canada has created an opportunity niche for treating and valorizing these residues as energy. This study thus aims to investigate the potential of energy recovery from cannabis residue pellets via combustion and the impact of steam explosion on the pellets’ properties as well as combustion behavior. Two batches of pellets were produced namely with and without the steam explosion pretreatment. The properties of the pellets were then compared to those of the CANplus certification. Cannabis pellets were then combusted at 290 °C in a fixed-bed reactor using three different air coefficients (α) ranging from 1 to 1.3 (α = 1.0, α = 1.15, and α = 1.3). Flue gas quantification was performed using gas chromatography combined with a NO_x detector. Results showed that the properties of this biomass is comparable to other sources of lignocellulosic biofuels. The steam explosion pretreatment enhanced pellet properties, including higher heating value (HHV), ash content, durability, and fines allowing the product to reach the CANplus requirements. The air coefficients influenced the emission levels, with an optimal value at α = 1.15, that indicated an improved combustion quality. However, steam explosion negatively affected combustion efficiency, resulting in incomplete combustion. Overall, cannabis residues show a strong potential for energy recovery and could offer a sustainable option for bioenergy applications. Full article

In Latin America, the energy crisis has worsened due to the dependence on energy services and fossil fuel imports from highly industrialized countries at prices established by the international market; this is particularly relevant to the construction industry, which presents a significant deficit in optimal energy consumption. Hence, some governments have established public policies to maximize the efficiency of these services and, at the same time, minimize the carbon footprint. In this research study, we reviewed the public policies, strategies, and incentives for energy efficiency (EE) implementation in the residential sector established by the Mexican government. A scoping review methodology was chosen and implemented in the following steps: 1. Research inquiry identification. 2. Determination of the relevant literature and studies. 3. The literature selection. 4. Data graphing. 5. Results collection, overview, and submission. In this systematic review, we identified five mandatory standards (NOM-008-ENER-2001, NOM-009-ENER-2014, NOM-018-ENER-2011, NOM-020-ENER-2011, and NOM-024-ENER-2012), six optional standards, four strategies (Green Mortgage, Integral Sustainable Improvement in Existing Housing, ECOCASA, and NAMA), and three kinds of incentives (green bonds, credit and interest rates (Green Mortgage, FIDE, and Ecocasa), and taxes (Income Tax Reduction)). As a result of the implementation of the above, as of December 2020, NAMA financed 5106 developers of 38 projects in 15 states; contributed to a reduction of 126,779 tons of CO₂; and aided 19,913 people. From 2013 to December 2023, EcoCasa subsidized 71,440 households for a total of 224 projects in 25 states; contributed to a reduction of 2.6 million tons of CO₂; aided 285,760 Mexicans; and issued EcoCasa certificates for 3,473,556 m². The results of the EE indicators in residential buildings showed an increase in the housing unit number as well as an increase in household appliances, with those based on power consumption prevailing. The residential sector ranks third in power consumption in Mexico, consuming an estimated 790 pj, of which 76% corresponds to thermal energy and 24% to electric power. Among countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico has achieved an Energy Transition Index of 62%. Full article

Current authentication schemes based on zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) still face issues such as high computation costs, low efficiency, and security assurance difficulty. Therefore, we propose a secure and efficient authentication scheme (SEAS) for large-scale IoT devices based on ZKP. In the initialization phase, the trusted authority creates prerequisites for device traceability and system security. Then, we propose a new registration method to ensure device anonymity. In the identity tracing and revocation phase, we revoke the real identity of abnormal devices by decrypting and updating group public keys, avoiding their access and reducing revocation costs. In the authentication phase, we check the arithmetic relationship between blind certificates, proofs, and other random data. We propose a new anonymous batch authentication method to effectively reduce computation costs, enhance authentication efficiency, and guarantee device authentication security. Security analysis and experimental results show that an SEAS can ensure security and effectively reduce verification time and energy costs. Its security and performance exceed existing schemes. Full article

Society is becoming more demanding with aquaculture’s environmental footprint and animal wellbeing. In order to potentially mitigate these concerns, feed formulations could be based on eco-efficient (circular economy-driven) or organic ingredients. This study aimed to investigate the growth performance, feed utilization, and health status of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) when fed with such feeds. The growth trial lasted for 8 weeks, and fish had an initial weight of 31.0 ± 0.5 g (mean ± SD). Fish were fed until visual satiation, in quadruplicate, with one of three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental feeds: a commercial-like feed without fishmeal (PD), a diet based on ingredients compatible with organic certification (ORG), or a feed formulated using circular economy-driven subproducts and emergent ingredients (ECO). Fish fed ECO showed a tendency for decreased feed intake, while ORG fish significantly reduced their intake compared to those fed PD. Consequently, fish fed ECO (62.7 ± 5.4 g) exhibited almost half the growth than those fed PD (107.8 ± 6.1 g), while ORG fish almost did not increase their weight (32.7 ± 1.3 g). ECO and ORG diets had a lower digestibility for protein, lipid, and energy when compared to PD. Feed utilization of fish fed ECO or ORG was also lower than those fed PD. From the health-related genes analyzed, only glutathione reductase (gsr) showed statistically significant differences, being more expressed in fish-fed ECO than those fed PD. Thus, even when such novel formulations induced extreme effects on voluntary feed intake, their impact was noted only in fish growth, but not in robustness. Full article

The article presents an analysis of changes in energy efficiency of new office buildings designed and constructed during the implementation period of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2014–2024). Common criteria on energy efficiency were collected from Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and processed. The changes in final and primary energy for space heating, cooling and hot water production of certified office buildings were determined, and the improvements in buildings, their energy systems and energy sources were analysed. It was determined that buildings of Class C, designed between 2006 and 2017, showed an average thermal energy consumption for heating of 61, for cooling of 13 and for hot water production of 30 kWh/(m²·year), while buildings of Class A++, designed after 2020, consumed, respectively, 6, 9 and 17 kWh/(m²·year). The main reasons for these changes in energy consumption are the significant improvement of thermal insulation, increase of renewable energy in the heat supplied by district heating, the use of heat pumps for cooling, more efficient hot water boilers and optimized and insulated distribution pipelines. Even better results were hindered by the increased area of glazing, insufficient use of solar protection, users’ preference for buildings of complex shape, and technically complicated electricity production. The results revealed that EPCs are an appropriate database for the analysis of changes in energy efficiency of buildings and for setting tasks for further improvement. Full article

Energy efficiency is widely recognized as the foundational and most critical strategy for decarbonizing the manufacturing sector. Misconceptions surrounding energy efficiency measures often hinder their widespread adoption. This article aims to debunk five common myths and provides data and resources to help implement efficiency projects faster and more effectively to achieve greater decarbonization. First, the article challenges the myth that organizations have exhausted all possible energy efficiency opportunities by achieving voluntary energy intensity goals or energy performance certification. Second, it also addresses the misconceptions that efficiency projects are capital-intensive, require many qualified specialists, and have long investment return periods. By presenting real-world case studies and referencing commonly found efficiency opportunities, the article illustrates that energy-savings opportunities are ubiquitous. Organizations can use various contracting mechanisms as well as financial and technical resources from utility companies and government programs to lessen their burden. The notion that efficiency measures can be implemented solely in proprietorship facilities is dispelled. This article emphasizes the importance of green leases and explains that aligning decarbonization goals between the lessor and lessee can help drive savings for both parties. Finally, using unbundled renewable energy certificates as the sole pathway to decarbonization is strongly discouraged. By debunking these prevalent myths, this article aims to foster a deeper understanding of energy efficiency’s potential as a cornerstone of decarbonization efforts and to embrace it as a critical pathway toward a sustainable future. Full article

Sustainable airport buildings aim to minimize environmental impacts through energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. This is achieved by employing green building materials and utilizing renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. In this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to assess the environmental impacts of three main construction materials—concrete, steel, and wood—used in sustainable airport buildings. These materials were selected for their widespread use in eight different airport terminal buildings with sustainability certifications. The environmental impacts of these materials were calculated and compared using OpenLCA 1.9.0 software and the ECOinvent database, adhering to the standards set forth by the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) initiative. The findings indicate that wood, as a construction material, has a significantly lower impact on global warming compared to steel and concrete, with a global warming potential (GWP) ratio of less than 60%. Steel, with a GWP of approximately 90% of that of concrete, also showed a lower impact than concrete. Additionally, other environmental impacts, such as stratospheric ozone depletion potential (ODP) and acidification potential (AP), were also examined, highlighting the trade-offs associated with each material. Full article

This study addresses energy poverty, a situation where households are unable to afford the minimum energy services required to meet their basic needs, a problem with profound implications for the well-being of vulnerable populations. To identify the most affected areas, a geospatial analysis of energy poverty distribution in the Valencian Community (Spain) was conducted using a correlation study between the global vulnerability index and the energy poverty index, calculated from residential energy certificates. The results highlight areas of significant social, economic, demographic, and residential vulnerability, as well as regions with very high or very low energy consumption. Specifically, regions with high energy poverty and vulnerability indices were identified, enabling targeted interventions. The study concludes that interventions in these identified areas are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of energy poverty and improve living conditions for affected populations. This research offers a novel methodology for mapping regional energy poverty, surpassing previous studies in precision for identifying and addressing vulnerable areas. Full article

With the increasing awareness for sustainable future and green energy, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing rapidly, thus placing immense pressure on the energy grid. To alleviate this, local trading between EVs should be encouraged. In this paper, we propose a blockchain and public key infrastructure (PKI)-based secure vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) energy-trading protocol. A permissioned blockchain utilizing the proof of authority (PoA) consensus and smart contracts is used to securely store data. Encrypted communication is ensured through transport layer security (TLS), with PKI managing the necessary digital certificates and keys. A multi-leader, multi-follower Stackelberg game-based trade algorithm is formulated to determine the optimal energy demands, supplies, and prices. Finally, we propose a detailed communication protocol that ties all the components together, enabling smooth interaction between them. Key findings, such as system behavior and performance, scalability of the trade algorithm and the blockchain, smart contract execution costs, etc., are presented through numerical results by implementing and simulating the protocol in various scenarios. This work not only enhances local energy trading among EVs, encouraging efficient energy usage and reducing burden on the power grid, but also paves a way for future research in sustainable energy management. Full article

The literature has reached a consensus that ISO standardization enhances the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of companies, which in turn has a positive effect on corporate financial performance (CFP). There is less understanding in terms of the effect of different certifications and underlying mechanisms between the effect of the ISO certification on the CFP. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different ISO certifications on the CFP of Turkish companies listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (BIST). Based on audited financial statements of a population of 148 manufacturing companies listed during 2010–2022 and using the generalized method of moments (GMM) technique, this study shows that the number of ISO certifications has a positive impact on return on asset (ROA) and Tobin’s Q, however, no direct effect on operational efficient and R&D intensity. While there is no effect of the occupational health and safety management systems certification on ROA and Tobin’s Q, the analysis brought forward that ROA seems to be positively affected by the standards referring to environmental, energy, quality, and information security management systems certification while Tobin’s Q is positively affected by the last two certifications. Full article

Globally, building energy consumption has been rising, emphasizing the need to reduce energy usage in the building sector to lower national energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. This study analyzes the applicability of photovoltaic (PV) systems in enhancing the energy self-sufficiency of small-scale, low-rise apartment buildings. The analysis is based on a case study using Republic of Korea’s Zero-Energy Building Certification System. By employing the ECO2 simulation program, this research investigates the impact of PV system capacity and efficiency on the energy self-sufficiency rate (ESSR). A series of parametric analyses were carried out for various combinations of building-attached photovoltaic (BAPV) roofs and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) facades, considering the initial cost of BIPV facades. The simulations demonstrate that achieving the target ESSR requires a combination of BAPV roofs and BIPV facades, due to limited roof areas for PV systems. Additionally, this study reveals that BIPV facades can be cost-effective when their unit price, relative to BAPV roofs, is below 62%. Based on the ECO2 simulations, a linear regression formula is proposed to predict the ESSR for the case study building. Verification analysis shows that the proposed formula predicts an ESSR of 74.1%, closely aligned with the official ESSR of 76.9% certified by the Korean government. Although this study focuses on the case of a specific apartment building and lacks actual field data, it provides valuable insights for future applications of PV systems to enhance energy self-sufficiency in small-scale, low-rise apartment buildings in Republic of Korea. Full article