Urban sustainability has been connected to form and compactness of the urban tissue. At the same time the relationship between urban form and energy efficiency is strongly affected by climate. This paper investigates the effect of climate conditions on the relation between urban morphology and energy efficiency of urban blocks, focusing on the Greek city context. A set of building block typologies is analyzed with regard to their form factors such as S/V ratio, coverage ratio and building ratio for the climatic conditions of two cities, each one belonging to a different climatic zone. Heating and cooling loads are calculated at an urban block scale for the climate of the city of Thessaloniki (zone C) and of the city of Heraklion (zone A) in order to draw conclusions about the relation between geometry factors and energy efficiency. The results of the research indicate that there is a strong relationship between urban morphology factors and energy efficiency and that the total load demand of urban blocks can be described as a function of form parameters. Results of the research, concerning the energy demand calculation, are valuable since they indicate the energy profile of each typology according to climate and can be used for defining different urban strategies towards sustainability in a context-based climate dependent analysis.

The complicated nature of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) (thermal, visual, acoustic comfort, etc.) dictates a multi-fold approach for desirable IEQ levels to be achieved. The improvement of building shells’ thermal performance, imposed by the constantly revised buildings’ energy performance regulations, does not necessarily guarantee the upgrade of all IEQ-related aspects, such as the construction’s acoustic quality, as most of the commonly used insulation materials are characterized by their low acoustic performance properties. From this perspective the SUstainable PReconstructed Innovative Module (SU.PR.I.M.) research project investigates a new, innovative preconstructed building module with advanced characteristics, which can, among other features, provide a high quality of acoustic performance in the indoor space. The module consists of two reinforced concrete vertical panels, between which the load bearing steel profiles are positioned. In the cavity and at the exterior surface of the panel there is a layer of thermal insulation. For the scope of the analysis, different external finishing surfaces are considered, including cladding with slate and brick, and different cavity insulation materials are examined. The addition of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in different mix proportions in the interior concrete panel is also examined. For the calculation of the sound insulation performance of the building module the INSUL 9.0 software is used. The results were validated through an experimental measurement in the laboratory in order to test the consistency of the values obtained. The results indicate that the examined preconstructed module can cover the sound insulation national regulation’s performance limits, but the implementation of such panels in building constructions should be carefully considered in case of lower frequency noise environments.

SDG11–Cities and Communities aims to renew and plan cities and other human settlements so that they offer opportunities for all, while improving resource use and reducing environmental impacts. This research examines the regeneration of urban blocks as a means for improving the overall quality of life in Greek cities. The objective of the research is to determine the energy and economic efficiency of four building renovation interventions, including conventional energy upgrading—such as building shell thermal insulation—and more intensive solutions, such as phase change materials, green roofs, and passive solar system integration. The research methodology combines dynamic simulations with Energy Plus simulation software and an economic evaluation of the interventions as well. The results prove that the reduction in energy demand can vary between 55.7% and 59.1% according to the renovation scenario, while the cost of each intervention varies from 73 to 347 EUR/m², proving that the payback period of each scenario largely depends on urban block form. The findings of the research can be useful in defining the most efficient renovation strategies at the urban block scale and to promote urban sustainability.

This paper presents the primary findings of a research project, aiming to introduce an innovative building module with improved thermophysical and mechanical properties that will serve as a bearing element and/or as an internal partition wall in prefabricated residential buildings. This new building module will comply with current requirements as regards its operation and performance. For the purposes of this investigation, the overall performance of the considered building elements is ensured by the proper configuration and assembly of the involved layers and is verified through analytical and experimental analyses, as well as through measurements at accredited laboratories. The objective of this innovative building element is to establish a building envelope with a high structural, hygrothermal, energy, acoustic, fire and environmental performance, while reducing both the time and cost required to complete its construction. Evidently, the accomplishment of this objective suggests various benefits on both the business sector and the research community. Moreover, the utilization of this building module is influential in terms of social impact, as it promotes the construction of buildings with advanced energy and environmental performance that can furthermore mitigate and adapt to the climate change impacts.