Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Energy Improvements in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage Historic Buildings

Abstract

In the conservation process of historic buildings recognized as cultural heritage, the challenge of balancing conservation principles established by international conservation doctrines with energy efficiency has been increasingly emphasized in recent literature. Although artificial intelligence-based approaches such as multi-objective optimization, machine learning, digital twins, and Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) offer significant potential for addressing this challenge, comprehensive bibliometric evidence specifically focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence, sustainable energy improvement, and cultural heritage historic buildings remains limited. To address this gap, this research conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on a dataset of 122 articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection through a PRISMA-based screening process. Using performance analysis and science mapping techniques, the study examines the period between 2013 and 2026. The findings indicate a marked acceleration after 2024, although the 2026 data should be interpreted cautiously because they represent only the records indexed up to the search date. The field appears to be shaped around four major methodological axes: multi-objective optimization, HBIM and digital twin-based modeling, energy-comfort performance assessment, and sustainable retrofit strategies. The concentration pattern validated through Bradford’s Law (k = 3.19; R² = 0.9839) and Lotka’s Law (β = 4.28; R² = 0.9847) identifies Energy and Buildings as the core journal and highlights research systems centered in Italy, China, and Spain as the leading contributors in the field.

Keywords

• Historic Buildings
• Cultural Heritage
• Conservation
• Sustainability
• Artificial Intelligence
• Energy Efficiency
• Bibliometric Analysis.

References

1. [1] Dal, M., Burkut, E. B., & Karataş, L. (2023). Analysis of Publications on Earthquake Research in Architecture Category and Analysis with R Studio-Biblioshiny Software. Journal of Architectural Sciences and Applications, 8(Special Issue), 183-197. https://doi.org/10.30785/mbud.1333876
2. [2] Stahel, W. R. (2013). Policy for material efficiency-sustainable taxation as a departure from the throwaway society. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A-Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences, 371(1986), Article 20110567. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2011.0567
3. [3] Ascione, F., Cheche, N., De Masi, R. F., Minichiello, F., & Vanoli, G. P. (2015). Design the refurbishment of historic buildings with the cost-optimal methodology: The case study of a XV century Italian building. Energy and Buildings, 99, 162–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.04.027
4. [4] Bruno, S., De Fino, M., & Fatiguso, F. (2018). Historic Building Information Modelling: performance assessment for diagnosis-aided information modelling and management. Automation in Construction, 86, 256–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.11.009
5. [5] Tejedor, B., Lucchi, E., Bienvenido-Huertas, D., & Nardi, I. (2022). Non-destructive techniques (NDT) for the diagnosis of heritage buildings: Traditional procedures and futures perspectives. Energy and Buildings, 263, Article 112029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.112029
6. [6] Costa-Carrapico, I., Raslan, R., & Neila Gonzalez, J. (2020). A systematic review of genetic algorithm-based multi-objective optimisation for building retrofitting strategies towards energy efficiency. Energy and Buildings, 210, Article 109690. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.109690
7. [7] Mazzetto, S. (2024). Integrating Emerging Technologies with Digital Twins for Heritage Building Conservation: An Interdisciplinary Approach with Expert Insights and Bibliometric Analysis. Heritage, 7(11), 6432-6479. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7110300
8. [8] Zhang, J., Chan, C. C. C., Kwok, H. H. L., & Cheng, J. C. P. (2023). Multi-indicator adaptive HVAC control system for low-energy indoor air quality management of heritage building preservation. Building and Environment, 246, Article 110910. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110910

9. [9] Aria, M., & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Informetrics, 11(4), 959–975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007
10. [10] Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 133, 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070
11. [11] Zupic, I., & Čater, T. (2015). Bibliometric methods in management and organization. Organizational Research Methods, 18(3), 429–472. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428114562629
12. [12] Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., ... Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71.
13. [13] Todorovic, M. S., Ecim-Duric, O., Nikolic, S., Ristic, S., & Polic-Radovanovic, S. (2015). Historic building's holistic and sustainable deep energy refurbishment via BPS, energy efficiency and renewable energy-A case study. Energy and Buildings, 95, 130–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.11.011
14. [14] Roberti, F., Oberegger, U. F., Lucchi, E., & Troi, A. (2017). Energy retrofit and conservation of a historic building using multi-objective optimization and an analytic hierarchy process. Energy and Buildings, 138, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.12.028
15. [15] Annibaldi, V., Cucchiella, F., De Berardinis, P., Rotilio, M., & Stornelli, V. (2019). Environmental and economic benefits of optimal insulation thickness: A life-cycle cost analysis. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 116, Article 109441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.109441
16. [16] Semeraro, S., Vecchi, F., Stasi, R., & Berardi, U. (2025). Physics-Informed Neural Networks for predicting indoor temperature and cooling demand in historic buildings. Journal of Building Engineering, 115, Article 114392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114392
17. [17] Kang, F., Lin, H., Zhou, Z., Ren, Y., Li, X., & Wang, J. (2026). Uncertainty-aware hybrid modeling for spatial thermal forecasting in historic buildings with incomplete structural information. Journal of Building Engineering, 119, Article 115231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115231
18. [18] Karatzas, S., Lazari, V., Fouseki, K., Pracchi, V. N., & Balaskas, E. (2026). Digital twins-enabled heritage buildings management through social dynamics. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 16(7), 150–166. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-08-2023-0136
19. [19] Bai, Y., Zhang, Y., Li, Z., Han, W., & Zhang, Y. (2026). Solar collector-integrated liquid dehumidification for historic building retrofit: Feasibility analysis and optimization design in a hot-humid region of China. Applied Thermal Engineering, 289, Article 129810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.129810
20. [20] Salvalaggio, M., Carnieletto, L., Saler, E., Pasut, W., Turrini, U., & Valluzzi, M. R. (2026). Integrating seismic and energy retrofits in built heritage: timber-based solutions within the "nested building" approach. Energy and Buildings, 358, Article 117208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2026.117208
21. [21] Ademovic, N., Formisano, A., Penazzato, L., & Oliveira, D. V. (2022). Seismic and energy integrated retrofit of buildings: A critical review. Frontiers in Built Environment, 8, Article 963337. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2022.963337
22. [22] Schito, E., Conti, P., & Testi, D. (2018). Multi-objective optimization of microclimate in museums for concurrent reduction of energy needs, visitors' discomfort and artwork preservation risks. Applied Energy, 224, 147–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.04.076
23. [23] Schito, E., Conti, P., Urbanucci, L., & Testi, D. (2020). Multi-objective optimization of HVAC control in museum environment for artwork preservation, visitors' thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Building and Environment, 180, Article 107018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.107018
24. [24] UNESCO. (1972). Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. UNESCO General Conference, 17th Session, Paris. https://whc.unesco.org/en/conventiontext/
25. [25] ICOMOS. (1964). International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (The Venice Charter). 2nd International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments, Venice. https://www.icomos.org/images/DOCUMENTS/Charters/venice_e.pdf
26. [26] European Commission. (2021). A Renovation Wave for Europe — greening our buildings, creating jobs, improving lives. 143rd plenary session, 17-19 March 2021. https://edz.bib.uni-mannheim.de/www-edz/doku/adr/2020/cdr-2020-2786-en.pdf
27. [27] European Commission. (2019). European Commission Communication: The European Green Deal [COM(2019) 640 final]. https://www.elni.org/fileadmin/elni/dokumente/Green_Deal-Sustainable_Products_Policy_2019-12-18_engl_fin.pdf
28. [28] European Commission. (2021). ‘Fit for 55’: delivering the EU’s 2030 Climate Target on the way to climate neutrality. Communication from the Commission, COM(2021) 550 final. Brussels: European Commission.
29. [29] European Parliament and Council. (2024). Directive (EU) 2024/1275 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 on the energy performance of buildings(recast). Official Journal of the European Union, L series, 8 May 2024.
30. [30] Unur, K., & Kınıklı, M. A. (2020). Otel Müşterilerine Yönelik Deneyimsel Pazarlamanın Memnuniyete Etkisi: Kapadokya Örneği. Seyahat ve Otel İşletmeciliği Dergisi, 17(3), 378-393. https://doi.org/10.24010/soid.794986
31. [31] Caner, I. (2025). Comparative study of overheating assessment approaches in university buildings: Impact of different climate zones and shading devices in Turkey. Journal of Building Engineering, 99, 111536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.111536
32. [32] Türkeri, İ. (2022). Dinî Mimaride Doğal Taş Kullanimi: Sancaklar Camii Ve Beylikdüzü Fatma Ana Cemevi. Tasarım Mimarlık Ve Mühendislik Dergisi, 2(1), 1-9. https://izlik.org/JA84JZ85NF