https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/470 2026-09-13T06:12:41Z 2026-09-13T06:12:41Z Xuereb, Matthew Borg, Simon Paul Licari, John https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149019 2026-09-10T10:50:33Z 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Optimizing space heating and cooling through digital control and predictive mean vote thermal comfort index Authors: Xuereb, Matthew; Borg, Simon Paul; Licari, John Abstract: Increased awareness on sustainability and rising energy costs have intensified the need for more efficient and occupant-responsive building operation. In this context, this study evaluates the use of Fanger’s Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control strategy within Building Management Systems (BMS), comparing it to traditional occupant-driven or fixed-range temperature set-point methods commonly used in commercial and public buildings. Three consecutive occupied-environment tests were conducted, each employing a different control approach: full occupant control, restricted temperature-range control, and a PMV-based fixed set-point. HVAC energy consumption and indoor environmental conditions were collected through the building installed BMS and then analysed together with occupant thermal comfort surveys. Results indicate that PMV-based control is a feasible and potentially effective methodology, capable of maintaining thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption. The study further shows that more refinement and broader testing could enable PMV-driven control to support more efficient, comfort-oriented building operation.

2026-08-01T00:00:00Z Calleja, Kurt Suda, David Caruana, Mark Anthony Micallef, Daniel Duca, Edward Mizzi, Francesca https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148602 2026-08-21T10:03:05Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The difference between perceived and measured particulate matter in high population density urban environments : a citizen co-creation approach Authors: Calleja, Kurt; Suda, David; Caruana, Mark Anthony; Micallef, Daniel; Duca, Edward; Mizzi, Francesca Abstract: Understanding the way citizens perceive air quality and whether these perceptions correlate with actual air quality measurements is important for effective urban planning and policy. The perception–measurement gap and its dependence on context is well known in literature. The perception–measurement gap in dense Mediterranean urban environments remains comparatively less explored. This study aims at identifying the relationship between perceived and measured air quality in the dense urban locality of Gżira (Malta). A cocreative, citizen science approach was used that combines high resolution particulate matter (PM) monitoring with survey based perception and health data. Air quality measurements from nine distributed sensors and a survey of 212 respondents revealed a pronounced mismatch between objective measurements and subjective experience. Annual mean PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 7.8 to 10.1 μg/m3, while PM10 ranged from 8.4 to 12.1 μg/m3 which are well below European limits (approximately 40%–50% of limits for PM2.5 and 20%–30% for PM10). Notwithstanding this, a statistical analysis of survey responses indicated high levels of concern and a considerable proportion of the surveyed population associated their environment with negative physical and psychological health impacts. These results highlight that for dense urban environments, the perception– measurement gap may apply and environmental concern may be high despite the relatively small PM pollutant concentrations reported. In these cases, perception may be driven by other factors such as visible urban stressors including traffic and construction activity which were not directly measured in this study. Further work on the perception–measurement gap would be useful by means of more detailed measurements of social and air quality indicators.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Borg, Simon Paul Buttigieg, Charles Xuereb, Michaela Konietzny, Colette Borg, Jamie https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142208 2025-12-15T13:54:02Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessing sustainability and behavioural trends in the Maltese 4- and 5-star hospitality sector Authors: Borg, Simon Paul; Buttigieg, Charles; Xuereb, Michaela; Konietzny, Colette; Borg, Jamie Abstract: The hospitality sector, increasingly aware of environmental concerns, is focusing on improving resource efficiency so as to reduce its environmental impact. In Malta, where tourism is a vital economic pillar, the hospitality sector significantly influences the local environment. Although resource-efficient practices are known, their actual implementation and effectiveness remain uncertain. To address this gap, this research investigates sustainability practices and behavioural trends in 4- and 5-star hotels, using specifically tailored questionnaires to explore the perspectives of both hotel management and guests on sustainability.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Azzopardi, Joel Micallef, Daniel Valantinavičius, Mantas Cassar, JoAnn https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141620 2025-11-25T11:20:22Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: AI-driven modeling of long-term environmental impact on Mnajdra prehistoric megalithic temples, Malta Authors: Azzopardi, Joel; Micallef, Daniel; Valantinavičius, Mantas; Cassar, JoAnn Abstract: The Mnajdra Prehistoric Megalithic Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Malta’s southern coast, have faced centuries of environmental challenges, including wind erosion, salt damage, and solar radiation. Built from two types of limestone, including the soft and porous Globigerina limestone, and lacking their original roofing, parts of these temples are severely eroded. Reversible open-sided shelters were installed in 2009 to mitigate some impacts, but understanding the underlying causes of degradation remains crucial. [extract]

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