
Prioritising existing buildings for people and climate
This paper identifies sufficiency measures that reduce the need for unnecessary new construction by maximising the use of existing buildings.
Editorial team

Long-term benefits of green roofs and facades: an in-depth analysis
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.
Luca Papapietro

Energy Poverty Advisory Hub - Handbook 3
The third handbook of the 'Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) Handbooks' focuses on implementing energy poverty mitigation actions, providing a structured six-step approach for local governments to transform planning into actionable strategies, while emphasising collaboration and adaptation to specific regional needs.
Luca Papapietro

The interplay between aesthetics and energy performance in BIPV modules
A new study explores the balance between aesthetics and energy efficiency in coloured BIPV modules, finding that darker colours yield higher performance but face increased temperatures, reducing energy output in real-world conditions.
Luca Papapietro

Speeding up the implementation of Zero-Emission Buildings and Neighbourhoods through targeted financial policies
This paper puts forward 10 key policy recommendations for national and regional policy makers for overcoming financial barriers for building renovation and transforming existing buildings into zero emission or positive energy neighbourhoods by 2050.
Editorial team

Cooler Finance: Mobilising Investment for the Developing World’s Sustainable Cooling Needs
This report by IFC and UNEP predicts the sustainable cooling market in developing economies will double to $600 billion annually by 2050, highlighting the need for financing and collaboration.
Luca Papapietro

Natural ventilation, trombe wall systems and their potential for sustainability
The article highlights the significance of trombe wall systems as effective passive ventilation solutions in modular homes, emphasising their role in energy efficiency and sustainability while identifying optimal parameters for performance and the need for further research on design factors.
Luca Papapietro

Zero-energy buildings: the critical role of advanced PV technology
This analysis on zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) highlights the critical role of advanced photovoltaic technologies and cooling techniques, revealing that while most designs achieved ZEB status, buildings in Munich and Stockholm required additional building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), with externally finned PVs demonstrating the highest efficiency in warmer climates.
Luca Papapietro

Background data collection for future EU end-of-waste criteria of Construction and Demolition Waste
The study highlights strong stakeholder support for EU-wide End-of-Waste criteria for construction and demolition waste, emphasising the potential environmental and economic benefits while suggesting alignment with existing national standards.
Luca Papapietro

Enhancing efficiency and reliability in district heating systems: the role of heat pumps and thermal storage in Helsingborg's energy centre
The report outlines how integrating heat pumps and thermal storage in district heating systems enhances efficiency and reliability, while also detailing the Energy Centre in Helsingborg's design and operational principles for meeting domestic hot water and space heating demands.
Luca Papapietro