Topic of the Month (August 2023)
Each month a relevant topic and several sub-topics are covered in detail. For the Topic of the Month, content following a common thread is developed by BUILD UP Editorial Board in collaboration with the Board of Ambassadors and other relevant experts in the field. This includes producing articles, case studies, webinars and more, all in line with the specific topic selected. Relevant events are also identified and highlighted.
Topics of the Month are announced at the end of the previous month in our website and newsletter. Please write us if you wish to know more about our upcoming topics of the month.

CapitaLand adopts biophilic design and nature-based solutions to create sustainable, cooler buildings, enhancing wellbeing and reducing the urban heat island effect in tropical Singapore.

The Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar in Zagreb launched its nZEB training centre, showcasing a nearly zero-energy building with smart technologies, aimed at promoting energy efficiency and green transition in Croatia.

The EPAH conference highlighted projects like LIFE ReHABITA and CoolToRise, which help European communities tackle energy poverty by improving home efficiency for winter warmth and promoting sustainable cooling for summer heat.

Starting in 2026, Albania will require all new and renovated buildings to meet energy performance standards, use renewable energy, and include features like solar energy, electric vehicle charging, and air quality monitoring to reduce emissions and align with EU climate goals.

New study shows how Switchable Insulation Systems (SISs), using eco-friendly, low-cost materials, offer adaptable and energy-efficient insulation for hot climates, though simpler designs may be more affordable and effective than advanced technologies.

The 2022-2023 Grand Prize was awarded to Plymouth's innovative heating and cooling grid, with applications now open for the 2024-2025 edition. The contest aims for 230 projects globally, culminating in awards at COP30 in Brazil, highlighting sustainability efforts.

The LIFE Programme has allocated over EUR 380 million to 133 new green projects across Europe, many of which focus on making the building sector sustainable and inclusive. Below is a non-exhaustive list of these initiatives.

The paper proposes a new framework for healthy buildings, addressing gaps in knowledge transfer and offering a holistic, balanced approach to promote well-being and sustainability in the building sector.

As global temperatures rise, developers are reviving ancient, energy-efficient cooling methods like green roofs and solar chimneys, which reduce cooling costs and carbon emissions from modern air conditioning systems.

The study explores how green roofs and facades enhance energy efficiency by improving insulation, regulating temperatures, and reducing heat island effects, thereby promoting sustainable urban development. The paper also addresses current research gaps in the subject focusing on long-term benefits of these systems.