Emerging Research in Sustainable Energy and Buildings for a Low-Carbon Future (eBook)

This book contains an introduction and 20 studies, each describing a recent research investigation in the area of sustainable and resilient buildings, built environment infrastructure and renewable energy. Contributions are from many different countries of the world and on a range of topics, representing a sample of research within the 'sustainable energy and buildings' field.  The book begins with chapters on the sustainable design of buildings, followed by descriptions of issues relating to the renovation, restoration and reconstruction of existing buildings, or in one case a railway wagon.  The next part of the book covers factors that form barriers or impediments to low or zero carbon buildings, followed by studies of issues relating to policy and certification. There then follow four chapters on various topics related to sustainable buildings - undergraduate courses, insurance issues, biophilia relating to buildings and thermal conductivity measurement.  There are several chapters relating to renewable energy, followed by two chapters with a sustainable transport theme, one relating to electric vehicles, and the other about a sustainable road infrastructure.  The final chapter is on the manufacture of sustainable building components for the UK housing sector. The book is of use to engineers, scientists, researchers, practitioners, academics and all those who are interested to develop and use sustainability science and technology for the betterment of our planet and humankind, and to mitigate climate change reality.

 

Dr. Robert Howlett is the Executive Chair of KES International, a non-profit organization that facilitates knowledge transfer and the dissemination of research results in areas including intelligent systems, sustainability and knowledge transfer.  He is a Visiting Professor at 'Aurel Vlaicu' University of Arad, Romania, and Bournemouth University in the UK. His technical expertise is in the use of intelligent systems to solve industrial problems. He has been successful in applying artificial intelligence, machine learning and related technologies to sustainability and renewable energy systems; condition monitoring, diagnostic tools and systems; and automotive electronics and engine management systems.  His current research work is focused on the use of smart microgrids to achieve reduced energy costs and lower carbon emissions in areas such as housing and protected horticulture.

Dr. John Littlewood graduated in Building Surveying, holds a Ph.D. in Building Performance Assessment, and is a Chartered Building Engineer. He is Head of the Sustainable and Resilient Built Environment group in Cardiff School of Art & Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University (UK). He coordinates three Professional Doctorates in Art & Design, Engineering and Sustainable Built Environment, plus contributing to teaching in Architectural Design & Technology. John's research is industry focused, identifying and improving fire and thermal performance in existing and new dwellings, using innovative materials and construction and also improving occupant quality of life and thermal comfort. He has authored and co-authored 150 peer-reviewed publications and was also Co-Editor for the 'Smart Energy Control Systems for Sustainable Buildings' book published in June 2017. 

Dr. Lakhmi C. Jain, Ph.D., M.E., B.E. (Hons), Fellow (Engineers Australia), is with the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and Liverpool Hope University, UK. Professor Jain founded the KES International for providing a professional community the opportunities for publications, knowledge exchange, cooperation and teaming. Involving around 5,000 researchers drawn from universities and companies worldwide, KES facilitates international cooperation and generates synergy in teaching and research. KES regularly provides networking opportunities for professional community through one of the largest conferences of its kind in the area of KES.

 

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This book contains an introduction and 20 studies, each describing a recent research investigation in the area of sustainable and resilient buildings, built environment infrastructure and renewable energy. Contributions are from many different countries of the world and on a range of topics, representing a sample of research within the 'sustainable energy and buildings' field.  The book begins with chapters on the sustainable design of buildings, followed by descriptions of issues relating to the renovation, restoration and reconstruction of existing buildings, or in one case a railway wagon.  The next part of the book covers factors that form barriers or impediments to low or zero carbon buildings, followed by studies of issues relating to policy and certification. There then follow four chapters on various topics related to sustainable buildings - undergraduate courses, insurance issues, biophilia relating to buildings and thermal conductivity measurement.  There are several chapters relating to renewable energy, followed by two chapters with a sustainable transport theme, one relating to electric vehicles, and the other about a sustainable road infrastructure.  The final chapter is on the manufacture of sustainable building components for the UK housing sector. The book is of use to engineers, scientists, researchers, practitioners, academics and all those who are interested to develop and use sustainability science and technology for the betterment of our planet and humankind, and to mitigate climate change reality.