Articles

The demand for sustainable space cooling technology is increasing globally. Passive cooling systems should be implemented, and when necessary, combined with active cooling. This article provides two practical examples, one implementing an active system and the second applying a passive solution using a simulation tool.

With longer and more frequent heat waves, the demand for space cooling is dramatically increasing globally. How can we make cooling systems more sustainable?

Digital technologies, tools, and European initiatives are aiming to implement the digital transition across the building sector. These can be used at all stages of the value chain, from design and construction to operation and maintenance, and can tackle issues in society and many environmental aspects. Digitalisation in the building and construction sector represents an opportunity to innovate and decarbonise the whole value chain.

Authors:
Alexandra Troi - Coburg University of Applied Sciences / Germany & Eurac Research / Italy
Mona Hess: Bamberg University / Germany
Olaf Huth: Coburg University of Applied Sciences / Germany
Matthias Jagfeld: Coburg University of Applied Sciences / Germany

Buildings must play a major role in decarbonising our existing energy system. Shading devices are essential to control solar gains and improve the comfort of occupants in buildings. Dynamic shading systems, such as Venetian blinds or Electrochromic (EC) glazing, have variable optical and thermal properties and can be used to regulate solar gains depending on when they are needed.

The ENSNARE project aims at boosting the uptake of novel and highly efficient solutions for NZEB renovation via comprehensive methodology, tools, and technologies that accelerate the current renovation rate in European residential buildings.

The Goverment of Andalucía has started a massive renovation project of its schools to improve the thermal conditions and ensure at the adoption of energy efficient solutions.

A future-proof construction sector needs a more digitally skilled workforce. A qualification framework is essential in building a successful ecosystem for training and upskilling.

A new approach to train building construction workforce is proposed. This new method could both solve the problem of shortage of workers and to facilitate the digitalisation.

This article addresses what the main barriers are to matching the offer and demand of well-qualified workers to achieve the target set by the European Green Deal. It will also discuss how digitalisation can contribute to attracting workers to the construction sector while ensuring quality of training and results.