Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting


Book Description

Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting:Materials, Technologies, Optimization and Case Studies provides essential knowledge for civil engineers, architects, and other professionals working in the field of cost-effective energy efficient building retrofitting. The building sector is responsible for high energy consumption and its global demand is expected to grow as each day there are approximately 200,000 new inhabitants on planet Earth. The majority of electric energy will continue to be generated from the combustion of fossil fuels releasing not only carbon dioxide, but also methane and nitrous oxide. Energy efficiency measures are therefore crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector. Energy efficient building retrofitting needs to not only be technically feasible, but also economically viable. New building materials and advanced technologies already exist, but the knowledge to integrate all active components is still scarce and far from being widespread among building industry stakeholders. - Emphasizes cost-effective methods for the refurbishment of existing buildings, presenting state-of-the-art technologies - Includes detailed case studies that explain various methods and Net Zero Energy - Explains optimal analysis and prioritization of cost effective strategies




Materials for Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort in Buildings


Book Description

Almost half of the total energy produced in the developed world is inefficiently used to heat, cool, ventilate and control humidity in buildings, to meet the increasingly high thermal comfort levels demanded by occupants. The utilisation of advanced materials and passive technologies in buildings would substantially reduce the energy demand and improve the environmental impact and carbon footprint of building stock worldwide.Materials for energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings critically reviews the advanced building materials applicable for improving the built environment. Part one reviews both fundamental building physics and occupant comfort in buildings, from heat and mass transport, hygrothermal behaviour, and ventilation, on to thermal comfort and health and safety requirements.Part two details the development of advanced materials and sustainable technologies for application in buildings, beginning with a review of lifecycle assessment and environmental profiling of materials. The section moves on to review thermal insulation materials, materials for heat and moisture control, and heat energy storage and passive cooling technologies. Part two concludes with coverage of modern methods of construction, roofing design and technology, and benchmarking of façades for optimised building thermal performance.Finally, Part three reviews the application of advanced materials, design and technologies in a range of existing and new building types, including domestic, commercial and high-performance buildings, and buildings in hot and tropical climates.This book is of particular use to, mechanical, electrical and HVAC engineers, architects and low-energy building practitioners worldwide, as well as to academics and researchers in the fields of building physics, civil and building engineering, and materials science. - Explores improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort through material selection and sustainable technologies - Documents the development of advanced materials and sustainable technologies for applications in building design and construction - Examines fundamental building physics and occupant comfort in buildings featuring heat and mass transport, hygrothermal behaviour and ventilation




Residential Steel Design and Construction


Book Description

Design and build energy-efficient steel-framed houses-as a practical alternative to wood. As high-quality wood becomes scarcer and more expensive, residential builders are turning to steel as the building material of choice. Now you can improve your bottom line by learning to design and build steel-framed residential structures that are energy efficient, low in cost, and easy to build. Using examples from award-winning houses, this clear, step-by-step guide provides everything a residential contractor needs to know to build a steel-framed house--quickly and easily. You'll discover how to select the right materials and tools. . .use energy-efficient HVAC units, appliances, and lighting. . .choose the best windows and doors. . .and optimize landscaping and solar design. The book will enable you to: overcome steel's thermal deficiencies through proper design and insulation--and surpass the energy efficiency of traditional building materials; conduct your own Model Energy Code energy analysis for compliance with HUD regulations; explore CABO- and UBC-approved steel framing details for a complete two-bedroom house plan. With lots of money-saving tips on ordering and using proper building materials--plus professional advice on applying traditional and new methods of interior and exterior insulation--this is the most complete and practical resource available on a subject of increasing importance to residential builders and designers.




Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect


Book Description

A #1 best seller for years, Bill Hirsch's Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect has been called an essential read for Homeowners as well as Professionals. Bill's flowing style of writing makes you feel like you are sitting with him having a chat about your project. The philosophy behind design decisions is explained with stories, photos, sketches, and checklists. The book is divided into Twelve Lessons, with an additional Bonus Lesson ," Building Green, Naturally". You will learn how to evaluate your needs and work towards creating a suitable design, perfect for you and your family. The experience of home design and construction should be controllable, gratifying and enjoyable. With the valuable advice that Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect provides, it can be.







Modern Bamboo Structures


Book Description

Bamboo materials are well available in the world. Bamboo has much shorter maturity than trees, thus can be harvested with shorter cycles of plantation. Despite the fact that human society has a long history of using bamboo, there is still a lack of modern and industrialized application of bamboo materials in construction. Promoting the application




Nonconventional and Vernacular Construction Materials


Book Description

Nonconventional and Vernacular Construction Materials: Characterisation, Properties and Applications, Second Edition covers the topic by taking into account sustainability, the conservation movement, and current interests in cultural identity and its preservation. This updated edition presents case studies, information on relevant codes and regulations, and how they apply (or do not apply) to nocmats. Leading international experts contribute chapters on current applications and the engineering of these construction materials. Sections review vernacular construction, provide future directions for nonconventional and vernacular materials research, focus on natural fibers, and cover the use of industrial byproducts and natural ashes in cement mortar and concrete. - Takes a scientifically rigorous approach to vernacular and non-conventional building materials and their applications - Includes a series of case studies and new material on codes and regulations, thus providing an invaluable compendium of practical knowhow - Presents the wider context of materials science and its applications in the sustainability agenda




A Design and Construction Handbook for Energy-saving Houses


Book Description

Provides instruction in all aspects of building a house, presents plans for eleven different houses, and includes lists of recommended sources, tools, materials, architects, contractors, and builder's schools.




The Not So Big House


Book Description

Provides a review of social trends and their effect on architecture and design.




Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials


Book Description

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials. Part one discusses the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to building materials as well as eco-labeling. Part two includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building. Part three includes case studies applying LCA methodology to particular structures and components. - Reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials - Provides a thorough overview, including strengths and shortcomings, of the life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-labeling of eco-efficient construction and building materials - Includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building