Energetics Perspective on the Environmental and Human Impact of Buildings

Presents research that explores existing and future buildings from the energy performance point of view, and defines their interaction with the surrounding environment and the indoor environment from a human wellbeing perspective. The book examines a wide range of topics, including performance indicators, energy balance, and sustainability.

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Buildings represent one of the main interfaces of mankind in relation to the environment. Consequently, special attention is directed towards the indoor environmental quality in order to ensure comfortable living conditions. In respect to the outdoor quality, attention must be directed towards minimizing the environmental impact of the buildings. The balance thus established must be a performing and sustainable one.

Energetics Perspective on the Environmental and Human Impact of Buildings is a collection of innovative research that explores existing and future buildings from the energy performance point of view and defines their interaction with the surrounding environment and the indoor environment from a human wellbeing perspective. The interaction between buildings and the environment is defined, modeled, and quantified through the buildings' environmental impact with all aspects implied as well as by the ways of harnessing natural resources within buildings. The indoor environment is defined, modeled, analyzed, and quantified from the perspective of the buildings' occupants' wellbeing. Examining a wide range of topics including performance indicators, energy balance, and sustainability, this book realizes the state-of-the-art regarding buildings' energy performances, but also identifies limitations and future energy perspectives.