Abstract
The global energy crisis remains a critical challenge, even for countries with abundant fossil fuels. As nonrenewable resources rapidly deplete, transitioning to sustainable energy systems becomes increasingly urgent. While solar, wind, and geothermal energy have been widely adopted, numerous alternative sources—such as waste heat, vibration, movement, and body-generated heat—remain underutilized. Grounded in the second law of thermodynamics, which states that energy is conserved and constantly transformed, this study explores how built environments can be designed to harness these overlooked forms of energy. This research examines innovative architectural and urban planning strategies that capture and reuse waste energy at both building and neighborhood scales. Case studies highlight impressive energy savings: 67–75% in greenhouse systems using industrial waste heat, 59% through wastewater heat recovery, and up to 74% in energy-sharing urban designs. These examples demonstrate the potential of integrating energy harvesting strategies into physical spaces. The paper advocates for a shift from linear to circular energy systems, emphasizing design solutions that transform passive building components into active energy collectors—such as walls engineered to absorb noise energy. By embedding energy collection into the design process, from master plans to material systems, architects and planners can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, this study offers a framework for reimagining energy use in the built environment and provides practical pathways toward sustainable, self-sufficient urban systems that harness the full spectrum of available energy.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design
KEYWORDS
Alternative Energy Sources, Waste Heat Recovery, Energy Harvesting, Energy Reuse
