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Advancing the Decarbonization of the Construction Sector: Lifecycle Quality and Performance Assurance of Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Emanuele Piaia

    (Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Beatrice Turillazzi

    (Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Roberto Di Giulio

    (Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Rizal Sebastian

    (Faculty of Technology, Innovation and Society, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, 2521 EN Den Haag, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Dealing with and maintaining high-quality standards in the design and construction phases is challenging, especially for on-site construction. Issues like improper implementation of building components and poor communication can widen the gap between design specifications and actual conditions. To prevent this, particularly for energy-efficient buildings, it is vital to develop resilient, sustainable strategies. These should optimize resource use, minimize environmental impact, and enhance livability, contributing to carbon neutrality by 2050 and climate change mitigation. Traditional post-occupancy evaluations, which identify defects after construction, are impractical for addressing energy performance gaps. A new, real-time inspection approach is necessary throughout the construction process. This paper suggests an innovative guideline for prefabricated buildings, emphasizing digital ‘self-instruction’ and ‘self-inspection’. These procedures ensure activities impacting quality adhere to specific instructions, drawings, and 3D models, incorporating the relevant acceptance criteria to verify completion. This methodology, promoting alignment with planned energy-efficient features, is supported by BIM-based software and Augmented Reality (AR) tools, embodying Industry 4.0 principles. BIM (Building Information Modeling) and AR bridge the gap between virtual design and actual construction, improving stakeholder communication and enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments. This integration fosters accuracy and efficiency, which are key for energy-efficient and nearly zero-energy buildings, marking a shift towards a more precise, collaborative, and environmentally sensible construction industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Emanuele Piaia & Beatrice Turillazzi & Roberto Di Giulio & Rizal Sebastian, 2024. "Advancing the Decarbonization of the Construction Sector: Lifecycle Quality and Performance Assurance of Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-20, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:9:p:3687-:d:1385002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mojtaba Noghabaei & Arsalan Heydarian & Vahid Balali & Kevin Han, 2020. "Trend Analysis on Adoption of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry," Data, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Federica Pascucci & Elisabetta Savelli & Giacomo Gistri, 2023. "How digital technologies reshape marketing: evidence from a qualitative investigation," Italian Journal of Marketing, Springer, vol. 2023(1), pages 27-58, March.
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