Highlights
• The aging systems, and the house's condition, are important factors that motivate occupants to consider energy retrofitting.
• Educating occupants on regular monitoring can enhance the durability and performance of energy-efficient technologies.
• Policymakers need to implement region-specific strategies, to promote energy retrofitting initiatives.@en

We are delighted to present this compilation of selected papers from the 7th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2023). This conference brought together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to share their insights and advancements in the fields of architecture and civil engineering.

The papers featured in this volume encompass a broad spectrum of topics, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of these disciplines. From innovative materials and cutting-edge simulation techniques to sustainable energy solutions, efficient traffic management, and a nuanced understanding of human behavior in construction management, the contributions presented here represent the forefront of contemporary research and development.

As the global community faces unprecedented challenges in the fields of urbanization, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability, the importance of collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches cannot be overstated. The ICACE 2023 conference provided a unique platform for scholars and professionals to exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and address the pressing issues that shape the future of architecture and civil engineering.

This compilation serves as a testament to the collective intellect and dedication of the authors whose work is showcased within these pages. Their commitment to advancing knowledge and driving innovation in the field is commendable, and we are grateful for their valuable contributions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors, reviewers, and conference session chairs who have played an important role in the success of ICACE 2023. It is our hope that this book will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineering practitioners, as well as students, inspiring further exploration and advancements in the ever-evolving domains of architecture and civil engineering.@en

This book highlights the recent research works on architecture and civil engineering presented during the 6th International conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2022) held on August 18, 2022, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This book is written by leading researchers and industry professionals. The conference participants submitted papers reflecting recent advances and address current issues in the fields of civil engineering and architecture. The conference was intended to bring together the researchers and technologist/engineers working in four sections including architectural studies, construction, management, and materials. The paper's topics vary from technical aspects such as materials and structural studies, water management, transportation, thermal performance, heritage preservation, to behavioral studies and social aspects. All articles have been blind peer-reviewed by highly reputable researchers from different universities around the world.
The organizing committee would like to express sincere appreciation to everybody who has contributed to the conference. Warmest thanks to the authors, reviewers, participants, and to all the team of the organizers for their support and enthusiasm which granted success to the conference. @en

Circularity for Educators’, and a second platform for interaction and direct exchange that we call ‘Educators for Circularity’, are part and parcel of the Circular Impulse Initiative (CII), a project intending to enhance the integration of circularity in BK education. Whereas the first provides with content on either circularity or pedagogy, the latter offers the opportunity for all of us to meet and share our experiences and learn from one another. More than 40 professors and researchers have contributed so far with videos and additional resources that are open and accessible to all. @en

Buildings are the main sector in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Retrofitting of existing building has been identified as one of the significant strategies for reducing the impacts of buildings on energy and environment. However, recent studies have shown that low energy buildings mostly do not perform as expected. These differences are related to different factors including the interaction between occupants and building technologies. Thus, most renovation initiatives have not considered occupant behavior equally to the energy efficiency process. Many of the existing studies have been focused on technological improvements rather than behavioral-related parameters. Hence, this study aims to review the literature on the occupants' energy perceptions and their behavioral interventions in energy efficient retrofitted residential buildings. The results of the literature review reveal that household's energy consumption significantly differs according to the various factors including social-economic, cultural, household composition as well as individual attitudes, habits, experiences, and occupant practices. Moreover, the energy consumption in the residential sector is highly dependent on demographic parameters. The demographics factors are classified according to type of family, level of income, age of the occupants, and individuals' educational status. The findings shows that energy perception gap formulates the energy behavior and it is related to the lack of personal interest, accurate information and individuals' awareness about how to consume efficiently. Therefore, it is suggested that the level of occupant's perception on energy, control, or comfort have to be considered during energy efficiency retrofits. The study contributes to understanding of occupants' behaviors which cause energy performance gap and enlighten approaches to encourage more energy efficient behavior.

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This review of studies into Energy Efficiency Retrofitting (EER) has shown the practice of EER to be a key factor in sustainability regeneration. Thus, the retrofitting practice itself (the way it is organised) has received increasing attention from both practitioners and researchers, and studies are now addressing some issues that are affecting the retrofit level of achievement. Most of the risks which lead to low retrofit development are related to owners. This paper aims highlight the role of the occupants in achieving the goals of EER. It is found that: a) the early involvement of occupants in the design and construction stage, b) mutual engagement, and c) an integral approach that involves the occupants are the key to motivate EER decisions from these same occupants. It follows that this involvement, including the demographic characteristics of the occupants, such as their culture, habits, preferences, awareness towards energy saving and socio-economic factors, are indeed effective in influencing the energy-related behaviours of these occupants. Moreover, other factors, such as space-heating behaviour, presence/absence of the occupants, control level of the equipment and window, and lighting control behaviour, are all effective factors in the energy performance of the buildings. Hence, socio-technical advancements, co-design processes and effective energy efficiency policies are recommended strategies to: a) improve occupants’ behaviours; and b) increase their participation in EER projects.@en