Phd in ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION

Thesis title: Healthy and Efficient Building. La gestione della qualità dell'aria indoor nella riqualificazione energetica degli edifici.

This research addresses the growing need to integrate energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) control in the building sector, responding to the dual challenges of climate change and the increasing focus on occupant well-being. The study explores the interplay between these two domains, which are often treated in isolation, and proposes a holistic approach to the refurbishment of existing buildings. Using a multidisciplinary methodology that combines in situ experimental analyses and numerical simulations, the research evaluates the impact of various retrofit and building management strategies on energy efficiency, environmental comfort, and IAQ. Case studies within the low-tech tertiary sector are examined, employing sensors and smart metering devices to monitor environmental parameters and energy consumption in real time. The innovative aspect of this research lies in its integration of energy efficiency and IAQ, moving beyond the traditional separation of these fields. By modeling construction and plant engineering solutions, the study establishes a synergistic relationship between these dimensions, setting the stage for a new standard of "healthy and efficient" buildings. The ecosystemic optimization achieved through this approach enables the testing of innovative design solutions, thereby advancing the green transition of the building sector and supporting the adoption of Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards. The findings of this research aim to equip designers, building managers, and occupants with tools and strategies to reduce the energy and environmental impact of buildings while simultaneously improving occupant comfort and health.