Sustainability in Energy and Buildings 2020

This book contains the proceedings of the 12th KES International Conference on Sustainability and Energy in Buildings 2020 (SEB20) held in Split, Croatia, during 24–26 June 2020 organized by KES International. SEB20 invited contributions on a range of topics related to sustainable buildings and explored innovative themes regarding sustainable energy systems. The aim of the conference is to bring together researchers, and government and industry professionals to discuss the future of energy in buildings, neighbourhoods and cities from a theoretical, practical, implementation and simulation perspective. The conference formed an exciting chance to present, interact and learn about the latest research and practical developments on the subject.  The conference attracted submissions from around the world.  Submissions for the Full-Paper Track were subjected to a blind peer-review process.  Only the best of these were selected for presentation at the conference and publication in these proceedings. It is intended that this book provides a useful and informative snapshot of recent research developments in the important and vibrant area of sustainability in energy and buildings.

Dr. John Littlewood graduated in Building Surveying, holds a Ph.D. in Building Performance Assessment, and is a Chartered Building Engineer. He is Head of the Sustainable and Resilient Built Environment group in Cardiff School of Art & Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University (UK). He coordinates three Professional Doctorates in Art & Design, Engineering and Sustainable Built Environment, plus contributing to teaching in Architectural Design & Technology. John’s research is industry focused, identifying and improving fire and thermal performance in existing and new dwellings, using innovative materials and construction and also improving occupant quality of life and thermal comfort. He has authored and co-authored 150 peer-reviewed publications and was also Co-Editor for the ‘Smart Energy Control Systems for Sustainable Buildings’ book published in June 2017. 

Dr. Robert Howlett is the Executive Chair of KES International, a non-profit organization thatfacilitates knowledge transfer and the dissemination of research results in areas including intelligent systems, sustainability and knowledge transfer.  He is a Visiting Professor at 'Aurel Vlaicu' University of Arad, Romania, and Bournemouth University in the UK. His technical expertise is in the use of intelligent systems to solve industrial problems. He has been successful in applying artificial intelligence, machine learning and related technologies to sustainability and renewable energy systems; condition monitoring, diagnostic tools and systems; and automotive electronics and engine management systems.  His current research work is focused on the use of smart microgrids to achieve reduced energy costs and lower carbon emissions in areas such as housing and protected horticulture.

Dr. Lakhmi C. Jain, Ph.D., M.E., B.E. (Hons), Fellow (Engineers Australia), is with the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and Liverpool Hope University, UK. ProfessorJain founded the KES International for providing a professional community the opportunities for publications, knowledge exchange, cooperation and teaming. Involving around 5,000 researchers drawn from universities and companies worldwide, KES facilitates international cooperation and generates synergy in teaching and research. KES regularly provides networking opportunities for professional community through one of the largest conferences of its kind in the area of KES.