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

Emanuele Piaia, Beatrice Turillazzi (), Roberto Di Giulio and Rizal Sebastian
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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

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-20

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.

Keywords: building inspection; decarbonization; digitalization; energy-efficient buildings; environmental sustainability; nearly zero-energy buildings; prefabricated buildings; quality assurance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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