This study demonstrates the benefits of comprehensive school building (SB) energy efficiency (EE) improvements through building envelope renovations, lighting upgrades, and changes to cleaner heat sources. The parametric study in the building energy simulation software was used to check the application of various interventions on the energy consumption of existing SBs while reducing CO₂ emissions with the most profitable return on investment (ROI). The energy savings from window replacements did not correspond with expectations. However, other measures such as the wall, roof insulation, and lighting modernization improved EE by up to 152 kWh/m² and 41 kg/m² CO₂/m² annually. The study also points to a significant trade-off between district heating (which reduces CO₂ but has a slower ROI) and other heating solutions. The results suggest that climate-specific insulation thickness and glazing type needs are required, and optimal insulation strategies are shown to improve EE by 48–56% and CO₂ reductions of 45–56%. Lighting replacement and biogas boiler use were both impactful. The findings support the importance of sustainable practices, which should stimulate educational awareness and environmental responsibility. This research presents actionable insights for EE and sustainable development from within educational facilities.

Global warming and rising energy demand make brise-soleil systems increasingly important in energy-efficient cooling and reducing carbon emissions in warm climates. This study examines a newly designed residential neighborhood in Baošići, Montenegro, characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The effectiveness of brise-soleil systems in improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort is widely documented; however, there is little research on the performance of such systems in specific residential applications across a range of climates. This research fills that gap by evaluating the performance of brise-soleil in reducing cooling energy consumption from late March to mid-November. Simulation results show that cooling energy demand is reduced by 9% to 31% during summer months and annual savings of 12%. In addition to energy savings, brise-soleil systems help achieve bioclimatic design by minimizing solar heat gain and improving indoor comfort. They also enhance the architectural design. Adaptive shading technologies will be applied in future research to different climates to maximize energy savings and achieve sustainability.

One of the key approaches to achieving an optimal balance between energy consumption and overall comfort in existing buildings lies in the use of sophisticated simulations for efficient management of HVAC systems. Modeling and simulating the energy performance of buildings represent a highly advanced technique that enables the predic-tion of complex system behaviors based on physical laws and principles. These simulations allow for precise solving of thermal equilibrium equations, taking into account all essential physical characteristics of the building, the com-plexity of the mechanical systems serving it, as well as a wide range of dynamic input variables throughout the entire calendar cycle. Critical factors significantly influencing energy consumption in buildings are region-specific climatic condi-tions, as well as individual user expectations regarding indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. The methodology of this advanced research is based on the use of the state-of-the-art simulation tool Ener-gyPlus, which enables a detailed analysis of the building's energy performance. This holistic approach enables the enhancement of energy efficiency in existing buildings and optimization of HVAC system operation, resulting in significant energy savings and improved overall user comfort. Furthermore, this study aims to demonstrate the improvement of building systems themselves to achieve nZEB buildings and the utiliza-tion of renewable energy sources. The work is expected to use simulations of the model, along with additional systems, to minimize the net site en-ergy through PV panel-integrated systems compared to the model without such systems. The results obtained from the baseline model already demonstrate low energy requirements, while the use of PV panels is expected to result in even lower consumption. The total energy required to meet the building's energy needs is 41,109.67 kWh, which translates to 36.41 kWh/m² of the total building area. The paper will also demonstrate a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the model without PV panel-integrated systems.

This paper investigates the influence of surrounding structures on the energy performance of a primary school in Niš, focusing on their impact on energy consumption and shading. The study uses a reference energy consumption value of 177 kWh/m², established in prior research, as a benchmark to assess the changes introduced by nearby buildings. The primary aim is to understand how these structures affect the building's energy efficiency, particularly the thermal envelope, and to identify potential errors in the energy assessment process. Comprehensive simulations evaluate the effects of surrounding buildings on the school’s energy balance, considering factors such as shading, light reflection, and airflow. The study also examines how these structures contribute to a building's overall sustainability and energy stability, providing insights into optimizing energy efficiency in dense urban areas. Several scenarios are modeled to identify the most effective strategies for reducing energy consumption, tailored to the specific climate and urban characteristics of Niš. The findings from this research will offer valuable guidelines for improving architectural designs and urban planning, emphasizing reducing energy usage in similar settings. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of refining simulation models in complex urban contexts to ensure accurate energy performance predictions. The results may serve as a foundation for further exploration into building energy efficiency and have practical implications for sustainable city development.