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1. Evaluation of Exterior Insulated Panels for Residential Deep Energy Retrofits

   https://doi.org/10.3390/en17163988  

   Biega, Kyle; Krarti, Moncef (August 2024, Energies)

   MDPI (Ed.)

   This paper provides an analysis of challenges and available solutions for exterior insulated panels suitable for deep energy retrofits of existing building envelopes. The analysis covers a review of available technologies that provide flexible retrofit insulated panels suitable for multiple climates and building typologies. Moreover, the paper proposes a new design for insulated retrofit panels that account for the majority of identified technical risks including cost, architectural diversity, climate variations, structural concerns, moisture resilience, air sealing, and water sealing. Additionally, the proposed design can be easily installed with minimal disruption to the occupants. A series of parametric and optimization analyses is carried out to identify the optimal design specifications for insulated panels suitable for deep retrofits of existing US housing stocks. The analysis results show that the optimal design criteria for the insulated panels can reduce heating and cooling energy consumption by up to 80% and HVAC capacities by 70%. Moreover, the results indicate that these insulated panels are highly cost effective for retrofitting US housing units located in cold climates. 

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2. The impact of the urban heat island and future climate on urban building energy use in a midwestern US neighborhood

   Hashemi, F; Najafian, P; Salahi, N; Ghiasi, S; Passe, U (February 2025, Energies)

   Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) datasets, widely used in building energy modeling, overlook Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects and future climate trends by relying on long-term data from rural stations such as airports. This study addresses this limitation by integrating Urban Weather Generator (UWG) simulations with CCWorldWeatherGen projections to produce microclimate-adjusted and future weather scenarios. These datasets were then incorporated into an Urban Building Energy Modeling (UBEM) framework using Urban Modeling Interface (UMI) to evaluate energy performance across a lowincome residential neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa. Results show that UHI intensity will rise from an annual average of 0.55 °C under current conditions to 0.60 °C by 2050 and 0.63 °C by 2080, with peak intensities in summer. The UHI elevates cooling Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 7% today, with projections indicating a sharp increase—91% by 2050 and 154% by 2080. The UHI will further amplify cooling demand by 2.3% and 6.2% in 2050 and 2080, respectively. Conversely, heating EUI will decline by 20.0% by 2050 and 40.1% by 2080, with the UHI slightly reducing heating demand. Insulation mitigates cooling loads but becomes less effective for heating demand over time. These findings highlight the need for climate-adaptive policies, building retrofits, and UHI mitigation to manage future cooling demand. 

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3. The Impact of the Urban Heat Island and Future Climate on Urban Building Energy Use in a Midwestern U.S. Neighborhood

   https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061474  

   Hashemi, Farzad; Najafian, Parisa; Salahi, Negar; Ghiasi, Sedigheh; Passe, Ulrike (March 2025, Energies)

   Skiba, Marta; Widera, Barbara; Sztubecka, Małgorzata (Ed.)

   Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) datasets, widely used in building energy modeling, overlook Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects and future climate trends by relying on long-term data from rural stations such as airports. This study addresses this limitation by integrating Urban Weather Generator (UWG) simulations with CCWorldWeatherGen projections to produce microclimate-adjusted and future weather scenarios. These datasets were then incorporated into an Urban Building Energy Modeling (UBEM) framework using Urban Modeling Interface (UMI) to evaluate energy performance across a low-income residential neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa. Results show that UHI intensity will rise from an annual average of 0.55 °C under current conditions to 0.60 °C by 2050 and 0.63 °C by 2080, with peak intensities in summer. The UHI elevates cooling Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 7% today, with projections indicating a sharp increase—91% by 2050 and 154% by 2080. The UHI will further amplify cooling demand by 2.3% and 6.2% in 2050 and 2080, respectively. Conversely, heating EUI will decline by 20.0% by 2050 and 40.1% by 2080, with the UHI slightly reducing heating demand. Insulation mitigates cooling loads but becomes less effective for heating demand over time. These findings highlight the need for climate-adaptive policies, building retrofits, and UHI mitigation to manage future cooling demand. 

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4. Comparative Analysis of Urban Heat Island Effects on Building Energy Consumption in the U.S. Midwest: A combined workflow using Urban Weather Generator and Future Typical Meteorological Year Climate Scenarios

   HASHEMI, FARZAD; SALAHI, NEGAR; GHIASI, SEDIGHEH; PASSE, ULRIKE (October 2024, Wrocław University of Science and Technology Publishing House)

   Widera, Barbara; Rudnicka-Bogusz, Marta; Onyszkiewicz, Jakub; Woźniczka, Agata (Ed.)

   Urban areas often experience higher air temperatures than their surrounding rural counterparts, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This significant human-induced alteration of urban microclimates has notable consequences, especially on urban energy consumption and resulting economic implications. This study presents an in-depth analysis of the UHI effect on urban building energy consumption in a US Midwest neighbourhood. Utilizing a three-phase methodology, the research first simulated UHI intensities with current and future Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data, integrated with the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) classification system and the Urban Weather Generator (UWG) model. The second phase employed the urban modelling interface (umi) for building energy simulation, capturing the UHI impact on both residential and commercial buildings. The third phase demonstrates that UHI effects lead to reduced heating demand but increased cooling requirements in the future, with residential areas being more affected. The study's findings reveal critical challenges for urban planners and policymakers, emphasizing the need for sustainable designs to address fluctuating heating and cooling demands in changing climates. 

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5. Energy-Efficient Upgrades in Urban Low-Income Multifamily Housing: Energy Burdens and Lessons Learned for Best Sustainability Practices

   https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125464  

   Miller, Madeline W; Malh, Anchal; Ketenci, Kaan Cem; Sturla_Irizarry, Savannah M; Vaishnav, Parth; Rowe, Zachary E; Charles, Simone M; Gronlund, Carina J; Miller, Shelie A; O’Neill, Marie S (June 2025, Sustainability)

   Residents in low-income multifamily housing often struggle to afford energy for essential needs such as heating, cooking, and electronics. Climate change may increase these energy demands, and high energy bills can reflect inefficiencies in a home’s systems or envelope. Improving the energy efficiency in low-income housing benefits both social justice and sustainability. However, there is limited information on the impact of energy upgrades in multifamily settings. This study examined the energy-related experiences of low-income families in public housing in Detroit, Michigan, who received energy-conserving measures (ECMs) such as efficient light bulbs, faucets, thermostats, and refrigerators in 2022. Thirty-nine residents completed surveys and provided energy usage data before and after the upgrades; twelve residents provided their hourly energy usage. Over 90% of residents reporting income information had an energy burden exceeding 6%, with higher energy expenses during colder months. While many residents appreciated the upgrades, quantitative evidence of reduced energy burdens was insufficient. Existing utility programs for multifamily residents typically offer minor upgrades but do not include larger appliance replacements or improvements to home insulation. To maximize energy efficiency for low-income families, thus promoting sustainability, more comprehensive programs and retrofits are necessary. 

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