Hygrothermal dynamics for developing energy-efficient buildings: Building materials and ventilation system considerations

In today's world, energy efficiency is the most sought characteristic. Enhancing energy efficiency and hence moving towards sustainability is considered as the primary requirement. Buildings are the places where we spend most of our time and thus they consume more than one-third of the energy consumption. This forces the stakeholders to think about the new ways to strike a dynamic balance between comfortable human dwelling, efficient resource management, and protecting our environment. Uncontrolled heat and moisture transport impact the building physics, occupant's health and comfort, and energy efficiency significantly. This can be controlled by modeling the nonlinear and complex hygrothermal behaviour of the structures in an early phase. Several researchers are working to improve the hygrothermal dynamics of buildings which makes it necessary to succinctly review the progress in the field. The present communication signifies the study to assess the hygrothermal dynamics by considering the role of building materials and ventilation systems for improving the building hygrothermal characteristics and thus making it more energy-efficient. The CIMO and PRISMA approaches have been utilized to synthesize the literature comprehensively. The results reported that building performance is subjected to appropriate hygrothermal dynamics which can be optimized by selecting the less sensitive, sustainable, and heat resistant building materials in the pre-construction phase. Also, utilizing appropriate ventilation can aid in improving the hygrothermal dynamics. Finally, this article can also be considered as a benchmark for modern professionals (e.g. designers, energy auditors, researchers, conservators, buildings' owners, and policymakers) and can drive them towards suitable and reliable retrofit and maintenance interventions by considering the effect of hygrothermal dynamics.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess the role of building materials and ventilation systems in improving the hygrothermal characteristics of buildings for energy efficiency. The results demonstrate that selecting less sensitive, sustainable, and heat resistant building materials in the pre-construction phase can optimize building performance, and proper ventilation can aid in improving hygrothermal dynamics.