Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Glazing Systems towards Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings: Energy Performance, Thermal Comfort, Cost-Effectiveness, and Environmental Impact Perspectives

Abstract

The global interest in nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) has led to their establishment as mandatory building objectives in Europe for all new constructions starting in 2021. The principles outlined in the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) emphasize the significance of reducing energy demand through various energy efficiency measures to achieve NZEB status. Among these measures, the utilization of high-performance glazing systems plays a crucial role in ensuring natural light, ventilation, favorable solar gain, aesthetics, and positive psychological effects in buildings, while maintaining high energy performance and thermal comfort without burdening the budget or harming the environment. The use of increasingly larger glazing areas makes this topic of great relevance. Nevertheless, numerous studies frequently overlook certain crucial aspects of glazing systems in their assessments. This review study aims to assess different glazing solutions based on four critical perspectives called “EThCE”: Energy performance, thermal comfort, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, considering their interrelationships. Furthermore, the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach for selecting the optimal glazing solution for NZEBs is discussed. Additionally, the relationship between glazing systems and climate change is taken into account. Ultimately, the authors propose a comprehensive approach, including all the influential factors, to assist designers and homeowners in making informed decisions regarding glazing system selection for new NZEBs or NZEB retrofits in different situations.

Aesthetic and Thermal Suitability of Highly Glazed Spaces with Interior Roller Blinds in Najran University Buildings, Saudi Arabia

“…While extensive glazing may provide stunning views and aesthetics, it can also result in higher thermal loads [5]. A comprehensive review of different glazing solutions also contributes to this discourse, assessing them from multiple perspectives, including their environmental impact and aesthetic influence [16]. These studies collectively illustrate that while glazed facades are often appreciated for their visual appeal, the specific effects of various types of glazing on building aesthetics remain a subject of intricate research and debate in the context of architecture and building design, particularly in hot arid climates like that of Najran University.…”

“…The first query, assessing the effectiveness of Najran University's glazed facades in addressing the hot arid climate, shows a notable In redesigning the lecture hall for optimal performance, a key focus should be on improving the light-to-solar gain (LSG) ratio. This ratio measures the ability of glazing materials to offer adequate VL while reducing solar heat gain [16]. The current glazing of the investigated lecture hall, characterised by a low SHGC, suggests the potential improvement of VL transmittance (VT).…”

Optimizing Window Glass Design for Energy Efficiency in South Korean Office Buildings: A Hierarchical Analysis Using Energy Simulation

“…While the thermal transmittance (U-value) of glass affects building energy performance, optical performance is also highlighted as a crucial factor [26,27]. Many previous studies propose alternatives using glazing characteristics such as windows applying the U-value and SHGC or smart glazing windows that can adjust them [24,28,29]. Glazing significantly impacts building energy, applying to both design and energy performance, such as the penetration and solar radiation control functions of glass [21,22].…”