Francesco De Luca, Hendrik Voll and Martin Thalfeldt
Exterior shading devices and dynamic shading systems constitute an efficient way to improve energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort in buildings through the reduction of direct…
Abstract
Purpose
Exterior shading devices and dynamic shading systems constitute an efficient way to improve energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort in buildings through the reduction of direct solar heat gains and disturbing glare. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the performance of different types of shading systems, fixed and dynamic, and their influence on the energy consumption and cooling loads for an office building located in Tallinn, Estonia. The scope is to determine the most performative configuration for energy consumption and cooling load reduction for office buildings and to provide designers and developers with the necessary knowledge to increase the performance of their buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
There are many types of fixed shading devices, most of which use rectangular planar elements, the orientation and layout of which depends on the building location and façade orientation. The dynamic shading systems vary on the base of the building occupancy schedules and occupants’ preferences. The paper presents a method to determine the most efficient type and size of fixed shading devices in relation to different windows’ size and orientation, and the quantity of windows panes. At the same time the dynamic shading system using a control algorithm developed by the authors is compared.
Findings
The results show that solar shading is an efficient way to control the energy consumption of office buildings, though with different efficacy by the static systems depending on orientation, window and shading type. Evidence shows that dynamic blind systems have more uniform performance and usually outperform static shading.
Originality/value
The paper compares the performances of different static and dynamic shading devices and systems for the location in Tallinn. The dynamic shading system tested uses a control algorithm developed by the authors. The indications for the energy reduction and cooling loads are a valuable resource for designers and developers to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings.
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Francesco De Luca, Raimo Simson, Hendrik Voll and Jarek Kurnitski
Electric lighting accounts for a large share of energy consumption in commercial buildings. Utilization of daylight can significantly help to reduce the need for artificial…
Abstract
Purpose
Electric lighting accounts for a large share of energy consumption in commercial buildings. Utilization of daylight can significantly help to reduce the need for artificial lighting, increase workers productivity, customers’ satisfaction and consequently improve sales. However, excessive use of glazing and absence of lighting controls can contribute greatly to higher energy need for heating and cooling and cause undesired glare effects. Thus, optimizing the size, position and materials of external glazing, with the addition of deflectors and dynamic artificial lighting, can become key aspects in the design of sustainable low energy buildings. The purpose of this paper is to analyze daylight potential and energy performance of a hall-type commercial building, situated in the cold climate of Finland, by utilizing different combinations of skylights, windows and lighting controls.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have used computer simulations to estimate daylight and energy performance of a single floor commercial building in relation to various combinations of skylights and windows with variable glazing materials, light deflectors and zonal lighting controls.
Findings
The results show that electric light energy saving potential ranges from a negligible 1.9 percent to a significant 58.6 percent in the case of glass skylights and wall windows using multi-zone lighting control. Total delivered energy ranges between increase of 1.5 and 21.2 percent in the cases with single zone lighting control and between decrease of 4.5 percent and increase of 4.5 percent in the cases with multi-zone control. The highest decrease in primary energy consumption was 2.2 percent for single zone and 17.6 percent for multi-zone lighting control. The research underlines the significant potential of electric light energy savings using daylighting strategies that, including the control of direct solar access for glare and internal gains, can be more than 50 percent.
Originality/value
This research combines accurate daylight and energy assessment for commercial hall buildings based in cold climate region with multiple design variations. The novelty of this work is the consideration of interior elements, shelves and deflectors, in the calculations. This is made possible through the combined use of validated simulation platforms for detailed annual daylighting and electric lighting calculation (Radiance and Daysim) and energy analysis (IDA-ICE, Equa Simulation AB). This method allows to obtain a reliable assessment of the potential of using natural light sources in buildings.
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Hendrik Voll, Martin Thalfeldt, Francesco De Luca, Jarek Kurnitski and Timo Olesk
The purpose of this paper is to propose a scientific method to evaluate possible urban layouts of a test building integrating building regulations, natural light standard and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a scientific method to evaluate possible urban layouts of a test building integrating building regulations, natural light standard and energy requirements to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings in Estonia. The integration of building regulations, energy requirements and natural light standards is crucial to evaluate the incidence of the surrounding environment when analyzing the energy performance of buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper investigates the variations of the energy consumption of a model building with different orientations and variable urban surroundings configurations for the latitude of Tallinn. The different urban configurations are due to combinations of the different building requirements of fire safety, daylighting and insolation hours that in Estonia affect the layout of residential districts, thus influencing significantly the potential consumption of buildings. Different layouts of surrounding buildings have been chosen all guaranteeing at different degrees the fulfillment of the building requirements for the test building and energy simulations have been run to find the urban layouts that guarantee best performances.
Findings
The outcomes show that the test building interior temperatures and energy performances vary significantly in the different urban planning configurations and for the different orientations, underlining that is strongly recommended to run always energy simulation of building considering their surrounding environment. The conclusions show the principles to integrate the building regulations to achieve nearly zero-energy districts that significantly can improve life quality in the urban environment.
Originality/value
The paper analyze the energy efficiency of buildings with different features and orientations simulating their possible urban environment layouts given by building regulations, and not isolated or as built in “an open field” like most of the existing literature in the field.
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Francesco De Luca, Hendrik Voll and Martin Thalfeldt
The purpose of this paper is to constitute an efficient way to improve energy efficiency and occupants comfort in buildings through reduction of direct solar heat gains by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to constitute an efficient way to improve energy efficiency and occupants comfort in buildings through reduction of direct solar heat gains by exterior shading devices. The shadings orientation and layout depends on the building location and façade orientation, and influence consequently the windows layout. It is still debated which type of window layout is preferable for a specific building location and façade orientation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents a method to determine the most efficient windows’ layout, horizontal or vertical, for shading devices optimization by mean of integrating energy simulations and computational design. A parametric model has been built by visual programming language to simulate, iterate and compare the results.
Findings
The research shows the most efficient layouts of windows to be shaded for three latitudes and locations, and the 16 cardinal directions, to be used by architects and designers. The results show a significant prevalence of the horizontal window type on the south façades but also on the east and west orientations for all the three locations, while the rules of thumb would suggest the vertical layout for the sunrise and sunset façades.
Originality/value
The task of designing exterior shading devices presents two main issues: the shading period selection and the method of calculating its size and shape. The present research uses the innovative method Shaderade that existing literature demonstrates superior comparing other more dated like the section method and the solar vectors one.
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Prior research has tended to view cross-country distance as an obstacle. Yet, differences across countries are a key reason for firms to internationalize. To address this…
Abstract
Prior research has tended to view cross-country distance as an obstacle. Yet, differences across countries are a key reason for firms to internationalize. To address this discrepancy, this paper puts forward a unifying framework which (1) synthesizes and delineates the different types of cross-country distance, (2) provides a logic for analyzing cross-level influences of distance on internationalization decisions, and (3) highlights the opportunities brought about by distance. The paper argues that firms are more likely to be able to realize these opportunities when they have internationally experienced managers and diverse, well-functioning top management teams at the helm. The paper also highlights the complex influences of distance, calling for the use of cognitive and behavioral research methodologies to further our understanding of the role of distance in internationalization. An illustrative example of Vodafone Group PLC is included.
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Christian Stadler, Julia Hautz and Thomas Ortner
Distance has been a core concept and issue in international business and management research. While scholars argue that distance through internationalization is increasing costs…
Abstract
Purpose
Distance has been a core concept and issue in international business and management research. While scholars argue that distance through internationalization is increasing costs, distance is also associated with positive implications such as the integration of more diverse knowledge. Still, many firms struggle to manage distance effectively and efficiently in their multinational contexts. The purpose of this study therefore is to propose Open Strategy – increasing transparency and inclusion in the strategy process – as an attractive concept for managing distance.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper where the authors introduce Open Strategy to the IB community.
Findings
The authors argue that opening the strategy of multinational enterprises, enables firms to leverage diversity by re-combining the firms diverse and distant knowledge. It also reduces distance by moving beyond formal mechanisms of control and coordination to improve joint understanding, cooperative commitment and strategy implementation. The framework shows how firms can move beyond established dogmas in international business research by rendering their strategy processes more open.
Originality/value
Leveraging the Open Strategy literature, the authors are able to find a way to respond to the challenge of increasing distance, in fact even arguing that distance can be beneficial if framed as diversity.
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Maciej Rys and Anna Maria Górska
This study explores women’s experiences and perceptions of gender inclusivity in hackathons, aiming to understand how tailored equality initiatives can evolve into gender-neutral…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores women’s experiences and perceptions of gender inclusivity in hackathons, aiming to understand how tailored equality initiatives can evolve into gender-neutral, merit-based environments.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on 43 semi-structured interviews with women participants, organizers and mentors at multiple hackathons, the research employs thematic analysis to identify key barriers, strategies and long-term opportunities for advancing inclusivity.
Findings
The study reveals that initially focused gender equality measures help restore balance and mitigate entrenched stereotypes. Over time, transitioning to gender-neutral policies sustains hackathons as dynamic innovation platforms. Continuous feedback mechanisms, targeted interventions and robust data analytics ensure that these policies evolve, thus enhancing both the diversity of participants and the quality of their solutions.
Practical implications
The findings guide hackathon organizers and stakeholders in implementing adaptable measures – such as short-term mentorship programs, regular feedback loops and bias-awareness training – that respond directly to participants’ experiences. These interventions not only address current disparities but also pave the way for long-term, skill-driven meritocracies in innovation ecosystems.
Social implications
By informing more equitable innovation ecosystems, this research supports broader efforts to diversify STEM participation and improve gender equity.
Originality/value
Where previous research often treats inclusivity as an isolated concern, this study outlines a strategic, iterative pathway: from direct equality-focused actions to a genuinely merit-based context. By incorporating firsthand perspectives, it provides a nuanced, evidence-based framework that extends beyond broad recommendations.