Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Glazing Systems towards Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings: Energy Performance, Thermal Comfort, Cost-Effectiveness, and Environmental Impact Perspectives

Saman Abolghasemi Moghaddam, Catarina Serra, Manuel Gameiro da Silva and Nuno Simões ()
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Saman Abolghasemi Moghaddam: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidade de Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos, Pólo II, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal
Catarina Serra: Itecons—Institute for Research and Technological Development in Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Rua Pedro Hispano, 3030-289 Coimbra, Portugal
Manuel Gameiro da Silva: ADAI (Associação para o Desenvolvimento da Aerodinâmica Industrial), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidade de Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos, Pólo II, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal
Nuno Simões: Itecons—Institute for Research and Technological Development in Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Rua Pedro Hispano, 3030-289 Coimbra, Portugal

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-30

Abstract: The global interest in nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) has led to their establishment as mandatory building objectives in Europe for all new constructions starting in 2021. The principles outlined in the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) emphasize the significance of reducing energy demand through various energy efficiency measures to achieve NZEB status. Among these measures, the utilization of high-performance glazing systems plays a crucial role in ensuring natural light, ventilation, favorable solar gain, aesthetics, and positive psychological effects in buildings, while maintaining high energy performance and thermal comfort without burdening the budget or harming the environment. The use of increasingly larger glazing areas makes this topic of great relevance. Nevertheless, numerous studies frequently overlook certain crucial aspects of glazing systems in their assessments. This review study aims to assess different glazing solutions based on four critical perspectives called “EThCE”: Energy performance, thermal comfort, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, considering their interrelationships. Furthermore, the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach for selecting the optimal glazing solution for NZEBs is discussed. Additionally, the relationship between glazing systems and climate change is taken into account. Ultimately, the authors propose a comprehensive approach, including all the influential factors, to assist designers and homeowners in making informed decisions regarding glazing system selection for new NZEBs or NZEB retrofits in different situations.

Keywords: NZEBs; glazing; energy performance; thermal comfort; environmental impacts; cost-effectiveness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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