Torabi, M., Simonen, K., & Evins, R. (2025). What matters the most in designing low-carbon buildings in Canada? Exploring the tradeoff between embodied and operational carbon in early stage design. Energy and Buildings, 334, Article 115482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.115482
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Abstract
Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions is a crucial sustainability objective around the world. The ambitious sustainability targets that have been defined for the building sector can only be achieved through carbon-sensitive design from the beginning. Multiple design parameters, their impacts on building performance, along with embodied and operational carbon tradeoffs makes it difficult for architects to compare design alternatives in the uncertain context of early-stage design. Tools and methods often focus more on either operating efficiency or material selection rather than assisting architects in making holistic carbon-sensitive design decisions.
In this research, a design-compatible methodology for low-carbon buildings was developed by using design exploration methods and parametric calculations of whole-life carbon emissions. The model was run for seven Canadian cities, resulting in over 20,000 design scenarios to capture a broad range of potential solutions. The study investigates the most influential design parameters in relation to the varying carbon intensity of local grid electricity. The results show that despite the significant impact of climate, local grid carbon emission intensity plays the most crucial role in defining building design priorities in order to optimize for total life carbon impacts. The results also indicate that mechanical and structural systems play a significant role in building carbon footprint. The results also show that in cities with high grid carbon factors, optimizing window-to-wall ratio, level of insulation and geometry can contribute the most to reducing carbon footprint. Conversely, in cities with low local grid carbon emission intensity, structural material and mechanical systems selection are highly impactful and all other factors play a marginal role.
Keywords
Life Cycle Assessment; Embodied Carbon; Operational Carbon; Building Carbon Footprint; Early-Stage LCA; Design parameters; Design Space Exploration; Sensitivity Analysis
The Integrated Design Lab has released their annual report. Read more about it.
Akerele, D. D. (2026). CBR performance of lime-stabilized and geotextile lateritic soils under soaked and unsoaked conditions. Journal of Infrastructure Preservation and Resilience, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43065-026-00190-2
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Abstract
Lateritic soils are commonly used in pavement subgrades in tropical regions, but their performance can be limited by plasticity, moisture sensitivity, and low bearing capacity. This study evaluates the plasticity, compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) response of three lateritic soils treated with hydrated lime and woven geotextile reinforcement under unsoaked and selected soaked conditions. Lime contents of 0%, 4%, 5%, and 6% by dry soil mass were investigated, and selected geotextile placements were introduced within compacted CBR specimens. The results show that moderate lime dosages substantially improved the unsoaked CBR of Samples A and B, with peak lime-only values of 62.92% at 4% lime for Sample A and 72.85% at 5% lime for Sample B. In contrast, Sample C, which had the highest fines content and plasticity index, showed limited improvement with the tested lime contents and remained a poor-performing material. Geotextile reinforcement improved CBR when compared with untreated no-geotextile soil, especially in several 0% lime configurations. However, at the optimum lime contents for Samples A and B, geotextile-reinforced specimens did not exceed the corresponding same-lime no-geotextile controls. These findings indicate that lime stabilization and geotextile reinforcement should not be assumed to provide additive strength gains. Instead, reinforcement effectiveness depends on soil type, lime dosage, curing and conditioning history, geotextile placement, and the soil-geotextile system’s ability to mobilize tensile resistance during penetration. The study is therefore presented as a descriptive laboratory CBR investigation, with limitations arising from incomplete replicate-level records, differing curing histories among specimen groups, and a selected rather than a full factorial soaked test matrix.
The College of Built Environments hosted a two-day research showcase and PhD symposium honoring Anne Vernez Moudon’s legacy, bringing together students, faculty and industry leaders to reflect on her impact and highlight current research across urban design, mobility and public health.
The Center for Timber Innovation in the Built Environment at the University of Washington advances the understanding and adoption of mass timber as a sustainable, carbon-smart building material. Through interdisciplinary research, hands-on learning, and community partnerships, CTIBE drives innovation that supports both resilient communities and the natural systems that sustain them.
With Washington’s forests at a crossroads, responsibly managed second- and third-growth softwoods can provide affordable, climate-smart solutions for our state’s growing housing and infrastructure needs.
Dehnavi AN, Manesh MT, Zomorodian Z, Abdolmaleki A, Hoonejani MR. INVESTIGATION OF A SILICA GEL-BASED EVAPORATIVE COOLING SHADING SYSTEM: NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES. Journal of Green Building. 2026 Jan;21(1):273–289. doi:10.3992/jgb.21.1.273
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Abstract
Passive evaporative cooling systems offer a low-cost, energy-efficient solution suited to hot and dry climates. This study integrates evaporative cooling within a shading system, creating an innovative approach to control daylight while enhancing thermal comfort. Silica gels are inserted into the louvers and placed in a water chamber, turning the louvers into wet evaporating plates. This evaporative shading system (ESS) is implemented on the inside-facing window opening, resulting in an integrated system for evaporative cooling and daylight control. A numerical model simulates variations in indoor air temperature and humidity caused by the system, which is further validated through experimental testing. Numerical modeling indicates that after 100 minutes at a height of 70 cm, the shading system successfully reduces the temperature by a range of 3.5 K while concurrently increasing relative humidity by approximately 3.5%. Subsequent experimental tests support these findings, demonstrating that the ESS reduces temperature by about 5 K and increases relative humidity by a range of 2 to 3.5%. This ESS demonstrates potential for thermal comfort enhancement and daylight optimization.
Akerele, D.D., Aguayo, F. Laboratory evaluation of rapid-setting concrete mixes for sustainable pavement repairs: a comparative evaluation with traditional concretes. Mater Struct 59, 84 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-025-02806-7
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Abstract
Rapid and sustainable pavement repairs are critical to minimizing road closure times, reducing environmental impacts, and ensuring infrastructure longevity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of rapid-strength calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) concrete mixes compared to traditional concretes (Type III and novel Type X) for pavement repair applications. The research investigates the early-age and long-term mechanical performance of these materials, focusing on compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, shrinkage, and fresh properties. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted using standardized (ASTM) testing methods to provide reliable and comparative data. Results showed that CSA mixes achieved superior early-age strength, exceeding 3000 psi within four hours and meeting long-term benchmarks of over 5000 psi at 28 days. Moreover, CSA mixes exhibited significantly lower shrinkage compared to traditional concretes, enhancing dimensional stability. Correlation analyses identified the nuanced influence of water-to-cement ratio, cement content, and polymer additives on shrinkage and strength performance, highlighting the critical role of optimized mix design. These findings demonstrate the potential of CSA-based concretes to address current challenges in pavement repair, including rapid strength development, reduced maintenance frequency, and enhanced sustainability. Practical implications include less traffic disruption, reduced carbon emissions from delays, and resource efficiency, aligning with global sustainability goals. This study provides a pathway for adopting CSA-based materials as a durable, high-performance solution in infrastructure repair, offering a significant contribution to advancing sustainable construction practices.
Keywords
Rapid strength concrete; Calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA); Pavement repair; Mechanical properties; Fresh properties; Sustainable infrastructure; Early-age performance
Debrah, C., Chan, A. P. C., Darko, A., Akowuah, E., Amudjie, J., Asare, K. A. B., & Ghansah, F. A. (2025). A bibliometrix-based scientometric-systematic analysis and visualization of the global outlook on post-occupancy evaluation of green building. Building Research and Information : The International Journal of Research, Development and Demonstration, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2025.2521753.
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Abstract
To achieve sustainability goals, it has become increasingly important to conduct post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to assess and understand the actual performance of green buildings (GBs). However, there has been little effort to provide researchers with a systematic and scientometric analysis of the state of the POE-in-GB field. To address this gap, this study aims to review the field and identify major trends and gaps that can be addressed in future research. This paper combined several state-of-the-art tools (i.e. Bibliometrix R-tool, Python BibexPy, VOSviewer, and Gephi) for an extensive bibliometric analysis based on 251 publications identified from Scopus and Web of Science. Utilizing a theoretical framework of office productivity, 35 empirical POE-in-GB studies were selected for further qualitative-systematic analysis. The quantitative-bibliometric analysis revealed that POE-in-GB research hotspots include energy efficiency, occupant satisfaction, thermal comfort, IEQ, LEED, and sustainability. The qualitative-systematic analysis focused on the physical environment quality and load, behavioural environment and the POE protocols of POE-in-GB. Some future research directions proposed include: exploring socio-psychological factors in POE-in-GB, developing standardized protocols for POE-in-GB, aligning GB certifications with user satisfaction, and integrating technology and big data into POE-in-GB. This study provides insights to academics and practitioners working in the POE-in-GB domain.
Keywords
Built environment; building performance evaluation; literature review; sustainable building; sustainability
My interest lies in urban-scale building energy modeling and carbon accounting for climate mitigation. Specifically, I am focused on how digital documentation of the built environment can automate and enhance the accuracy of current accounting methods. Moreover, I am intrigued by how these advancements enable the broader application of bottom-up accounting approaches, informing early-stage design and influencing energy policy decisions.
Muiruri, K. M., & Abdel Aziz, A. (2025). Evaluating the Evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Construction Projects: A Systematic Review Using Content and Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.1061/JLADAH.LADR-1370.
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Abstract
The construction industry is inherently complex. It involves multiple stakeholders, complex contracts, and significant financial investments. This complexity often leads to disputes, resulting in costly delays and project disruptions. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods have emerged as crucial mechanisms for managing and resolving conflicts in construction projects, offering more efficient and less adversarial solutions than traditional litigation. This paper presents a systematic literature review of existing research on the application of ADR in construction project delivery. The review spans three decades to capture the adoption and impact of the 1987 update to the AIA A201 General Conditions 14th Edition, which introduced provisions governing arbitration in construction contracts. Following the PRISMA framework for study selection, content, trend, and bibliometric analyses were utilized to identify key themes, track the evolution, synthesize findings, and highlight influential contributions. The study finds that while authors agree that ADR methods are generally effective and widely adopted in the construction industry, their implementation has significant variability. Consequently, the study recommends the adoption of hybrid dispute resolution mechanisms (HDRMs). HDRMs combine elements of multiple ADR methods to create flexible approaches that lead to faster, more cost-effective, and more adaptable resolutions in complex disputes.