https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/471 2026-10-25T07:58:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150423 Title: Design for deconstruction : closing the material loop in Malta’s construction industry Authors: Muscat, Sarah; Dalli Gonzi, Rebecca; Borg, Simon Paul Abstract: The construction industry is frequently criticized for its contribution to global resource depletion, particularly through the disposal of materials from end-of-life buildings. Closing the material loop by transforming waste into a resource is essential for achieving a more sustainable and circular built environment. Design for Deconstruction (DfD), also referred to as Design for Disassembly, is a waste minimization strategy that enables buildings to be dismantled at the end of their service life, allowing components and materials to be reused or recycled rather than landfilled. This study investigates the potential for implementing DfD within the Maltese construction industry, where construction and demolition waste remains a significant environmental concern. A quantitative research approach was adopted through the distribution of a survey among key industry stakeholders to assess current practices, levels of awareness, perceived barriers, and potential drivers for adoption. The findings indicate that time and cost constraints, limited education and training, entrenched industry culture, and existing policies and regulations represent major obstacles to DfD implementation. However, financial incentives, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and enhanced professional training emerged as key enablers that could facilitate wider adoption. Although carried out within the Maltese context, the results reflect broader challenges faced by small islands and resource-constrained regions, highlighting DfD’s wider applicability as a systemic strategy for promoting circular construction and reducing waste in the built environment. 2026-10-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150374 Title: The potential of switchable glazing in cooling dominated climates Authors: Magri, Etienne; Buhagiar, Vincent; Overend, Mauro Abstract: The design trend of most commercial and office buildings over the past three decades focused on attaining a façade design with the highest possible window to wall ratio. Whereas this approach appears to satisfy the aesthetic scope of developing buildings that look ‘modern and transparent’ to maximise on real estate value, the demand for heating and cooling of these buildings tends to fall short of what one should expect. Literature review shows the possible benefits of switchable glass. This paper proposes a methodology for a novel switchable glazing assembly identified as having the potential of offering increased occupant comfort, particularly in providing sufficient daylight and glare control without diminishing the view quality. The hypothesis is that switchable glazing may have a substantial potential to achieve lower cooling loads and improved indoor visual comfort without compromising views and a positive outlook. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149019 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 https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148602 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