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Vernacular architecture depicts the relationship between natural and manmade environments, which have evolved from their roots in climate and culture. Vernacular buildings link people and the environment through indigenous knowledge and values. They integrate local building traditions, passive design strategies, and community involvement to address the human needs of respective climatic conditions. However, technological developments and globalisation have resulted in contemporary designs that strongly impact the environment in terms of increased carbon footprint. For these, there is much to be learnt from the vernacular settlements. In this context, this study investigates the climatic solutions used in vernacular architecture that provide thermal comfort conditions and sustainability. It employs case study method and analyses the vernacular typologies in Guledgudda, a weaver's town of Bagalkot district in North Karnataka, India. The study examines documentation of residential types and generates data through onsite field studies, observations and interviews of the residents. The buildings are analysed to ascertain the effective passive cooling techniques for preventing heat gain, heat dissipation, and heat modulation. For this, it uses simulations in Design Builder software. The findings reveal the relationship between passive design strategies that involve shared walls which promote sustainable living environments in Guledgudda. Many other strategies also contribute. They are: passive design strategies using design elements like courtyards, thermal mass of thicker walls, shared walls, positioning of fenestration, wall-to-windows adding up to the first floor, and excessive parapet heights. The research thus concludes that they collectively contribute to creating comfortable living environments, reducing heat gain and dissipation. These passive design strategies in in built forms can enhance thermal comfort conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings are one of the leading sources of carbon emissions in the world. Most of the carbon emissions are released during the operation phase of the building. It is essential for buildings to provide thermal and visual comfort for the users. In the case of existing buildings, it is necessary to offer retrofit solutions so that the operational carbon emissions can be reduced without compromising on the other essential factors. In this study a Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) of passive design strategies was conducted for a commercial laboratory in India situated in a moderate climate zone. The design variables considered for the study are wall and roof insulation, glazing material, window-wall ratio (WWR), depth of shading device and the number of shading devices used. The objective functions are: 1. reduced energy use intensity and operational carbon emissions, 2. increased thermal comfort hours and 3. increased daylight autonomy. Rhinoceros and grasshopper software along with Ladybug and Honeybee plug-ins were used for the study which resulted in 1296 iterations. MOO technique namely Pareto front optimization was used to optimize the objective functions. Out of 1296 solutions (excluding base case), 72 solutions were non-dominated. Two methods are described in the study to identify the recommendations for retrofit. The first method describes a Heuristic method of selection using Design Explorer recommending 5 good solutions. In the second method a factor is evolved to identify the 5 best solutions in sequential order. The overall study recommends the use of EPS insulation for the RCC roof, WWR of 20% on all sides, 3 horizontal shading devices of depth 0.75 m for all window openings. When compared with the base case scenario, this solution minimizes the EUI by 3.7%, maximizes average TCH by 106.6% and maximizes average DA by 66.9%. The overall operational carbon emissions are reduced by 7095.6 kgCO2.

The necessity to derive sustainable building solutions from the local vernacular architecture is being increasingly asserted in the global debate about the immense energy consumption, natural resources depletion, and high levels of Green House Emissions (GHG). Paradoxically, a limited number of research has addressed this issue in the arid hot regions and much less in the Arabian Peninsula. As a contribution to this debate, the present paper evaluates the sustainable features present in the Omani vernacular houses and their efficacy in terms of thermal comfort and energy performance. A Methodology that combines on-site measurements with modelling simulations, using DesignBuilder software, was applied to achieve the three objectives assigned to this study: (a) Characterization of Vernacular Architecture in Oman and its bioclimatic features, (b) Evaluation of the thermal and energy performance of a selected vernacular house. (c) A comparison of thermal and energy performance between a vernacular dwelling and a contemporary Omani house. The numerical simulation confirmed that the vernacular construction system provides enhanced thermal performance when compared to its modern counterpart. It has also been showed that the house with a vernacular construction system requires twice less cooling energy than its modern counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representative weather data are fundamental to characterizing a place and determining ideal design approaches. This is particularly important for large countries like Brazil, whose extension and geographical position contribute to defining diverse climatic conditions along the territory. In this context, this study intends to characterize the Brazilian territory based on a 15-year weather record (2008–2022), providing a climatic assessment based on a climatic and bioclimatic profile for the whole country. The climate analysis was focused on temperature, humidity, precipitation, and solar radiation, followed by a bioclimatic analysis guided by the Givoni chart and the natural ventilation potential assessment. In both situations, the results were analyzed using three resolutions: country-level, administrative division, and bioclimatic zones. This study also identified representative locations for the Brazilian bioclimatic zones for a building-centered analysis based on the thermal and energy performance of a single-family house with different envelope configurations. The results proved that most Brazilian territories increased above 0.4 °C in the dry bulb temperature and reduced relative humidity. The precipitation had the highest reduction, reaching more than 50% for some locations. The warmer and drier conditions impacted also the Köppen–Geiger classification, with an increase in the number of Semi-Arid and Arid locations. The bioclimatic study showed that ventilation is the primary strategy for the Brazilian territory, as confirmed by the natural ventilation potential results, followed by passive heating strategies during the year's coldest months. Finally, building performance simulation underlined that, in colder climates, indoor thermal comfort conditions and air-conditioning demands are less affected by solar absorptance for constructions with low U-values, while in warmer climates, low solar absorptance with intermediary U-values is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hot and arid environments, courtyards are essential architectural elements that significantly contribute to microclimate regulation and enhanced thermal comfort. Beyond providing protection against environmental severities, these spaces elevate the standards of livability and sustainability in urban design. The traditional landscape of Mardin, Turkey, exemplifying such challenges, takes center stage in this study, where courtyards hold a prominent role in architectural composition. Facilitated by the ENVI-met software, the evaluation process herein comprehensively analyzes four representative courtyard case studies in Mardin. Key parameters, including air temperature, humidity, predicted mean vote (PMV), and wind speed, are considered to gain a nuanced understanding of their thermal dynamics. The initial evaluation of existing conditions reveals varying thermal comfort levels, with higher PMV values indicating discomfort in the courtyards, underscoring the need for interventions to enhance their microclimate regulation and resilience to climate change challenges. This study aims to enhance our comprehension of the relationship between courtyards and microclimate regulation, particularly in hot–dry regions. By examining the design principles and passive strategies of courtyards, this research identifies effective approaches for optimizing courtyard design, aiming to create sustainable and comfortable living environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) is gaining traction as a sustainable solution to the increasing energy demands and environmental concerns associated with traditional building practices. This project explores the implementation of ZEB solutions for both residential and commercial buildings, aiming to achieve energy selfsufficiency through the integration of renewable energy sources and advanced energy-efficient technologies. The study involves a comprehensive analysis of building design, materials, and systems that contribute to minimizing energy consumption while maximizing energy production. Key components include photovoltaic panels, advanced insulation techniques, smart energy management systems, and passive design strategies. By conducting simulations and case studies, the project evaluates the feasibility, costeffectiveness, and environmental impact of ZEBs. The findings demonstrate that with the right combination of technologies and design principles, it is possible to create buildings that not only meet their own energy needs but also contribute to a reduction in overall carbon footprint. This research provides valuable insights and practical guidelines for architects, engineers, and policymakers aiming to promote sustainable building practices and advance the adoption of ZEBs in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representative weather data are fundamental to characterizing a place and determining ideal design approaches. This is particularly important for large countries like Brazil, whose extension and geographical position contribute to defining diverse climatic conditions along the territory. In this context, this study intends to characterize the Brazilian territory based on a 15-year weather record (2008–2022), providing a climatic assessment based on a climatic and bioclimatic profile for the whole country. The climate analysis was focused on temperature, humidity, precipitation, and solar radiation, followed by a bioclimatic analysis guided by the Givoni chart and the natural ventilation potential assessment. In both situations, the results were analyzed using three resolutions: country-level, administrative division, and bioclimatic zones. This study also identified representative locations for the Brazilian bioclimatic zones for a building-centered analysis based on the thermal and energy performance of a single-family house with different envelope configurations. The results proved that most Brazilian territories increased above 0.4 °C in the dry bulb temperature and reduced relative humidity. The precipitation had the highest reduction, reaching more than 50% for some locations. The warmer and drier conditions impacted also the Köppen–Geiger classification, with an increase in the number of Semi-Arid and Arid locations. The bioclimatic study showed that ventilation is the primary strategy for the Brazilian territory, as confirmed by the natural ventilation potential results, followed by passive heating strategies during the year’s coldest months. Finally, building performance simulation underlined that, in colder climates, indoor thermal comfort conditions and air-conditioning demands are less affected by solar absorptance for constructions with low U-values, while in warmer climates, low solar absorptance with intermediary U-values is recommended.

The energy transition requires optimal knowledge of the thermal behaviour of different passive strategies. This paper explores the impact of 28 variables representing 4 shading devices, 5 external wall compositions (Uw), 3 window types (Uw), 4 window-to-wall ratios (WWR), 4 types of climates represented by 4 cities, and 8 orientations. Applying the Latin hypercube sampling method, a campaign of 300 dynamic thermal simulations is performed to assess the impact of the variables selected using the weighted generalised linear regression method for the energy demand for air conditioning, the energy demand for lighting, and the environmental impact expressed in kg of CO2. The model of energy demand for cooling (R² = 0.951) shows that the weather data is the variable that most explains energy demand, followed by the glazing ratio, the thermal characteristics of external walls, and shading devices. The model explaining the energy demand for lighting (R² = 0.945) shows that the WWR and shading devices, the weather data, and the orientation, influence the energy demand for lighting. Finally, the model explaining the embodied carbon footprint (kg of CO2) (R² = 0.989) shows that external walls and window type are the main influencing factors. Finally, the best combination for balancing the cooling-lighting-embodied carbon balance equation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hot and arid environments, courtyards are essential architectural elements that significantly contribute to microclimate regulation and enhanced thermal comfort. Beyond providing protection against environmental severities, these spaces elevate the standards of livability and sustainability in urban design. The traditional landscape of Mardin, Turkey, exemplifying such challenges, takes center stage in this study, where courtyards hold a prominent role in architectural composition. Facilitated by the ENVI-met software, the evaluation process herein comprehensively analyzes four representative courtyard case studies in Mardin. Key parameters, including air temperature, humidity, predicted mean vote (PMV), and wind speed, are considered to gain a nuanced understanding of their thermal dynamics. The initial evaluation of existing conditions reveals varying thermal comfort levels, with higher PMV values indicating discomfort in the courtyards, underscoring the need for interventions to enhance their microclimate regulation and resilience to climate change challenges. This study aims to enhance our comprehension of the relationship between courtyards and microclimate regulation, particularly in hot–dry regions. By examining the design principles and passive strategies of courtyards, this research identifies effective approaches for optimizing courtyard design, aiming to create sustainable and comfortable living environments.

In building massing design, using passive design strategies is a critical approach to reducing energy consumption while offering comfortable indoor environments. However, it is often impractical for architects to systematically explore passive design strategies at the outset of the building massing design and architectural form-finding processes, which may result in inefficient or ineffective utilization of the strategies. To address this issue, this study presents a reverse passive design strategy exploration approach that leverages the capability of computational optimization and parametric modeling to help architects identify feasible passive design strategies for building massing design. The approach is achieved using a building massing design generation and optimization tool, called EvoMass, and various building performance simulation tools in Rhino-Grasshopper. The optimization can produce site-specific design references that reflect rich performance implications associated with passive design strategies, such as atriums and self-shading. As such, architects can screen out promising passive design strategies corresponding to different performance factors from the optimization result. Two case studies related to daylighting, sky exposure, and solar heat utility are presented to demonstrate the approach, and the relevant utility and limitations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernacular architecture constitutes a rich source of information and ancestral knowledge and could become a key resource for sustainable development. Its passive design strategies effectively respond to local climatic and weather conditions, using locally sourced materials for the construction of its supporting structures and enveloping elements, as well as spatial organization and the incorporation of a buffer area (courtyard) that optimize the use of renewable resources. This qualitative study analyzes a traditional housing typology with a central courtyard located in the Historic Center of Azogues, Ecuador. In situ monitoring was conducted to evaluate the case study's interior thermal comfort in different building spaces. Using the open-source software Open Studio and EnergyPlus, a simulation model was built to assess the annual thermal performance of the house. Field records were used to verify the effectiveness of the strategies that responded to the location's climatic conditions. The analysis of the passive strategies used in the selected house included natural ventilation, solar protection, and thermal insulation, which depended on various aspects of the building, such as its location, the internal space's arrangement, and the design of openings (doors and windows), among others. The thermal simulations revealed that the traditional house located in the Historic Center of Azogues was well adapted to the local climate, although the interior thermal comfort was not entirely satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to reduce heat gain and minimise cooling energy through building envelope material as a passive design intervention strategy to achieve thermal comfort. Integrated Learning Building in the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, is used as a case study due to its air conditioning setting. First, the material characteristic of the building envelope is calculated using the Overall Thermal Transmission Value (OTTV) calculation to determine heat gain and the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), a software to estimate cooling energy consumption. Then, a passive design intervention strategy is performed by adding insulation (polyester, bagasse, and recycled textile and paper) and substituting window glazing (reflective, PVB laminated, and Clear IGU Low-E). The results show that the combination of recycled textile and paper insulation and clear IGU Low-E window glazing has an OTTV value of 24.89 W/m2 which is lower than the standard in Indonesia (35 W/m2). Meanwhile, the cooling energy usage shows an energy consumption of 1.14% lower, but it did not achieve the 5% reduction target. Therefore, further intervention on other parts of the building envelope, such as the roof and floor, should be observed to achieve higher energy-saving potential.

Given the climate-sensitive interactions between buildings and the immediate environment, an insight into the impact of design parameters on building energy performance under specific climate environments is crucial for the sustainable development of green buildings. The following study imparts a distinctive view of the performance-based effect of architectural and engineering design parameters on high-rise office buildings by exploiting the advantages of climatic features in different climate environments. Therewith, the study identifies and compares the major sensitive design parameters on the energy performance of high-rise buildings in different climate contexts. Furthermore, the most applicable passive strategies to attaining stipulated building sustainability criteria are established. The results indicate that the energy performance in a certain climate environment is highly sensitive to the design characteristics, such as plan ratio, core position and atrium effect. In a cold climate environment, a high-rise building with a rectangular building plan (plan ratio = 1:1.44, with vertical split-core in the absence of an atrium), satisfies the Passivhaus engineering criteria on air-tightness and fabric insulation; and adopts double-glass curtain walls, presented the best energy performance. Whereas, a square building plan (with vertical split-core and no atrium) that complies with the air-tightness and fabric insulation criteria under Passivhaus engineering standards, minimizes east- and west-bound window exposures, and adopts double-glass curtain walls exhibited the best energy performance in the hot climate zone. However, it requires renewable energy systems as an additional energy source to attain the stipulated building sustainability criteria.

This paper intends to establish what is the most influential embodied energy factor, materials, or construction process for high-rise buildings. This study evaluates the performance of 20 green buildings across Australia. These buildings are all high-rise buildings within the cities of Sydney (7), Melbourne (7), and Perth (6). The building Life Cycle Energy (LCE) was used to carefully perform the overall green building analysis. The evaluation of these 20 buildings found that (i) the central factors to be considered include, the energy consumed during construction, ongoing functioning of the building, and its subsequent demolition when contemplating how to build more efficient green high-rise buildings, (ii) to reduce the buildings primary energy consumption the Green buildings analysis (åGSA), was used to identified and formulate energy reduction approaches, (iii) including low energy materials and materials produced from recycled building waste into the construction present an opportunity for the reduction of energy. This paper demonstrates that through the reduction of a building’s embodied energies during the construction and subsequent operational life of the building, a contribution can be made to green buildings. These deliberations are fundamental viewpoints regarding the adaptability of sustainable buildings, particularly for the implications associated with green high-rise constructions.

Abstract In this paper, the possibility of reducing the energy demand of the typical multi-family buildings in Amman, Jordan utilizing passive design strategies are investigated through a parametric simulation study. Firstly, the energy demand of the multi-family buildings under the typical practice is evaluated, after that several design strategies are proposed such as wall and roof insulation, shading device, ventilation, etc. The effect of each strategy on the multi-family buildings’ energy demands is assessed alone and then in combination with the other strategies, to find the optimum solution to reduce the energy demand. This is beneficial for architects, engineers, and decisions makers involved in the design of energy-efficient multifamily buildings. The result proves that it’s possible to reduce the annual energy demand by 53, 71, and 78% of the cooling, heating, and lighting, respectively, by introducing passive design strategies. Around 45% savings of the heating demand are achieved due to adding wall insulation. Regarding the cooling demand about 17%, and 14% are saved due to applying a ventilated blind shading device and using a nighttime ventilation strategy.

Design guidelines prescribed by climate analysis tools are broad and similar for various cities under the same climate zone overlooking the impact of altitude, latitude, and surrounding geographical features. Boundary conditions determined by International Standards underestimate the cooling potential of passive strategies in the free-running mode in warm-humid climates. Thus, a climate file-based study is conducted to determine city-specific requirements for the residential building program. Indices like Climatic Potential for Natural Ventilation and Climatic Cooling Potential are used in conjunction with the Indian Model for Adaptive Comfort to define boundary conditions for Natural Ventilation, Nocturnal Ventilation Potential, and Thermal Mass Potential in four inland and coastal cities in the warm-humid climate of South India. With the least Natural Ventilation Potential, mixed-mode operation of buildings is feasible in Nagercoil. Elevated airspeeds benefit Tiruchirappalli and Chennai during the day. With a Nocturnal Ventilation Potential of 10--20%, passive dehumidification is favorable in all cities. Results show that the climatic potential for each strategy varies with location and plays an important role in developing city specific design inputs for residences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child Development Centers (CDCs) in Thailand are developed from the same national standard building plan across the country. Due to hot weather conditions, low-cost building materials, and a failure to consider the specific surrounding conditions of each case, thermal discomfort results. This study focuses on an improvement in the thermal comfort of a pilot CDC building in Maha Sarakham province, Thailand. Three CIBSE TM52 model criteria were applied to assess the level of overheating in the CDC building. The IESVE simulation tool was employed to assess the improvement from using passive design strategies (such as orientation, solar protection, thermal insulation, and ventilation). The results showed that passive design strategies could improve the overall thermal comfort of the CDC building. Thermal insulation, especially roof insulation, was the key element in reducing overheating in the building. A fully insulated building with shading devices and a night-time only window-opening pattern could meet the three targeted overheating criteria. Although the limitations of using the CIBSE TM52 model in hot and humid regions have been identified, these findings can be used as an exemplar of passive design strategy integration for other CDC buildings across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper intends to establish what is the most influential embodied energy factor, materials, or construction process for high-rise buildings. This study evaluates the performance of 20 green buildings across Australia. These buildings are all high-rise buildings within the cities of Sydney (7), Melbourne (7), and Perth (6). The building Life Cycle Energy (LCE) was used to carefully perform the overall green building analysis. The evaluation of these 20 buildings found that (i) the central factors to be considered include, the energy consumed during construction, ongoing functioning of the building, and its subsequent demolition when contemplating how to build more efficient green high-rise buildings, (ii) to reduce the buildings primary energy consumption the Green buildings analysis (åGSA), was used to identified and formulate energy reduction approaches, (iii) including low energy materials and materials produced from recycled building waste into the construction present an opportunity for the reduction of energy. This paper demonstrates that through the reduction of a building's embodied energies during the construction and subsequent operational life of the building, a contribution can be made to green buildings. These deliberations are fundamental viewpoints regarding the adaptability of sustainable buildings, particularly for the implications associated with green high-rise constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernacular architecture constitutes a rich source of information and ancestral knowledge and could become a key resource for sustainable development. Its passive design strategies effectively respond to local climatic and weather conditions, using locally sourced materials for the construction of its supporting structures and enveloping elements, as well as spatial organization and the incorporation of a buffer area (courtyard) that optimize the use of renewable resources. This qualitative study analyzes a traditional housing typology with a central courtyard located in the Historic Center of Azogues, Ecuador. In situ monitoring was conducted to evaluate the case study’s interior thermal comfort in different building spaces. Using the open-source software Open Studio and EnergyPlus, a simulation model was built to assess the annual thermal performance of the house. Field records were used to verify the effectiveness of the strategies that responded to the location’s climatic conditions. The analysis of the passive strategies used in the selected house included natural ventilation, solar protection, and thermal insulation, which depended on various aspects of the building, such as its location, the internal space’s arrangement, and the design of openings (doors and windows), among others. The thermal simulations revealed that the traditional house located in the Historic Center of Azogues was well adapted to the local climate, although the interior thermal comfort was not entirely satisfactory.

In this paper, the possibility of reducing the energy demand of the typical multi-family buildings in Amman, Jordan utilizing passive design strategies are investigated through a parametric simulation study. Firstly, the energy demand of the multi-family buildings under the typical practice is evaluated, after that several design strategies are proposed such as wall and roof insulation, shading device, ventilation, etc. The effect of each strategy on the multi-family buildings' energy demands is assessed alone and then in combination with the other strategies, to find the optimum solution to reduce the energy demand. This is beneficial for architects, engineers, and decisions makers involved in the design of energy-efficient multifamily buildings. The result proves that it's possible to reduce the annual energy demand by 53, 71, and 78% of the cooling, heating, and lighting, respectively, by introducing passive design strategies. Around 45% savings of the heating demand are achieved due to adding wall insulation. Regarding the cooling demand about 17%, and 14% are saved due to applying a ventilated blind shading device and using a nighttime ventilation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering global warming as a critical challenge to human life, performance optimization of the building envelope can play a noticeable role to reduce a building's environmental footprint. Meanwhile, shading systems are considered as sustainable passive solutions to contribute to building energy efficiency, and daylight control in early-stage design. Nonetheless, a paucity of research has examined the various shading strategies in diverse climates, particularly arid desert and steppe regions, in conjunction with educational buildings. The present study aims to evaluate the role of fixed exterior shading systems (FESSs), and window-to-wall ratio (WWR) on building' thermal and daylight performance in Iran with desert, semi-arid, and Mediterranean climates. Pareto Frontier and weighted-sum method for multi-objective optimization, and sensitivity analysis were used to study the optimum solutions, and the relationship between the design variables and the performance metrics. Three objective metrics including Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), and Energy Use Intensity (EUI), were defined as performance metrics. Shadings include vertical louver, horizontal louver, light shelf, overhang, and egg-crate. The results showed that EUI was reduced via FESS-integrated façade by 25.22%, 20.84%, 19.14%, 14.06%, and 13.47%, in Yazd, Bushehr, Kerman, Rasht, and Mashhad as selected studied cities, respectively. Based on ASE, the horizontal louver surpasses the other systems by 100% ASE value reduction in all climate zones except for Rasht. sDA level is reduced in all climate zones considering five studied FESSs excluding horizontal louver in Yazd and Rasht and overhang in Mashhad by 100% sDA level. Building energy performance simulation is validated by ASHRAE140-2020. • A MOO approach is applied to support the design of facade-integrated fixed exterior shading system. • The energy and daylight performances of an educational building are optimized. • Building performances are compared in Iran's various climates. • Shading characteristics and WWR are design variables for energy and daylighting performance. • Energy results of the Honeybee Plugin are validated with ASHRAE 140-2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive design integrates a wide range of climate-based strategies to increase occupant thermal comfort and minimise the need for mechanical systems for heating and cooling. The aim of this study was to improve the thermal comfort performance in a naturally ventilated residence through the identification and evaluation of the best set of passive design strategies. A two-storey residence located in Washington, United States with a temperate climate was selected as the case study residence. A reference simulation model was developed by replicating only the orientation and massing of the case study residence, while certain assumptions were made for other building characteristics. Thermal comfort performance analysis was conducted in the DesignBuilder software. A set of design strategies were introduced as interventions followed by simulation runs to efficiently track progress. From the reference simulation model to the final intervention model, a 50% reduction in the annual discomfort hours was anticipated in the five selected zones of the residence. Following the integration of four major interventions, the target discomfort hours were met in three zones--library, bedroom 1 and bedroom 2, with 53.03%, 60.42% and 58.94% reduction in discomfort hours, respectively. The two remaining zones--living and lounge also had a notable improvement with a reduction of 43.93% and 45.99%, respectively. The successful design strategies included--incorporation of triple glazed, low-emissivity and argon filled openings with wooden frames; integration of overhangs in south-facing windows, minor reduction of openings in the east and west façade, and addition of blinds for window shading; and use of an energy code standard construction for the building components and further addition of insulation in the building envelope. The most effective intervention was the customisation of the window operation schedule based on seasonal air temperature differences to optimise natural ventilation. This study demonstrated that occupant thermal comfort can be significantly improved throughout the year with the appropriate use of passive heating and cooling strategies, thereby reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presented in this paper assessed the multidisciplinary approach of geothermal potential in the area of the most southeastern part of the Pannonian basin, focused on resources utilization. This study aims to present a method for the cascade use of geothermal energy as a source of thermal energy for space heating and cooling and as a resource for balneological purposes. Two particular sites were selected—one in a natural environment; the other within a small settlement. Geothermal resources come from different types of reservoirs having different temperatures and chemical compositions. At the first site, a geothermal spring with a temperature of 20.5 °C is considered for heat pump utilization, while at the second site, a geothermal well with a temperature of 54 °C is suitable for direct use. The calculated thermal power, which can be obtained from geothermal energy is in the range of 300 to 950 kW. The development concept was proposed with an architectural design to enable sustainable energy efficient development of wellness and spa/medical facilities that can be supported by local authorities. The resulting energy heating needs for different scenarios were 16–105 kW, which can be met in full by the use of geothermal energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing population density in urban areas simultaneously impacts the trend of energy consumption in building sectors and the urban heat island (UHI) effects of urban infrastructure. Accordingly, passive design strategies to create sustainable buildings play a major role in addressing these issues, while solar envelopes prove to be a relevant concept that specifically considers the environmental performance aspects of a proposed building given their local contexts. As significant advances have been made over the past decades regarding the development and implementation of computational solar envelopes, this study presents a comprehensive review of solar envelopes while specifically taking into account design parameters, digital tools, and the implementation of case studies in various contextual settings. This extensive review is conducted in several stages. First, an investigation of the scope and procedural steps of the review is conducted to frame the boundary of the topic to be analyzed within the conceptual framework of solar envelopes. Second, comparative analyses between categorized design methods in parallel with a database of design parameters are conducted, followed by an in-depth discussion of the criteria for the digital tools and case studies extracted from the selected references. Third, knowledge gaps are identified, and the future development of solar envelopes is discussed to complete the review. This study ultimately provides an inclusive understanding for designers and architects regarding the progressive methods of the development of solar envelopes during the conceptual design stage.

The majority of traditional folk Tibetan-style houses, located in the Northwest Sichuan Plateau, China, rely on firewood for keeping warm. However, this traditional way can’t longer completely meet the requirements of thermal comfort, and also ruins the environment. Thereby, in order to reveal the actual situation of thermal environment and to explore optimal passive technologies, a field testing and simulation are carried out in a Barkam’s traditional Tibetan-style house in summer. Research results suggest that: in summer, it’s cool with the average indoor air temperature of 19.03 ℃ and the maximum outdoor air temperature difference of 24 ℃. Meanwhile, the local house’s thermal environment is better than that of the whole area because of the effect of building micro-climate. Additionally, the stone house has good thermal performance and good thermal adaptability, but because it’s spontaneously built by farmers, and it’s also lack of design, there is only 19.9% of heat gains benefiting from direct solar, and the optimizing effects don’t coincide with that of psychrometric chart. So it’s better to rationally design based on life-cycle theory and simultaneously combine with optimal passive technologies for improving the summer thermal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children spend most of their lives in school classrooms, so the quality of the indoor environment is very significant for their academic performance and general well-being. This article presents the results of a research project that looked at thermal performance and passive design strategies in school classrooms located in three different climates of Chile. It is organized into two parts: firstly, it presents an assessment of the thermal conditions inside primary school classrooms based on measurements that were taken in both winter and summer. These showed that children are generally exposed to very low temperatures in winter, as most classrooms are neither heated nor cooled by active means. Secondly, it provides a parametric analysis of a basic school classroom typology at the same locations. This involved determining the impact of a large number of combinations of simple passive strategies on overall energy performance and identifying the best case for each location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial reduction of energy use in new and existing buildings remains elusive in the continental climate regions of the United States. According to recently published data from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), less than 40% of energy reductions in new buildings have been realized during the first four years of reporting by the offices participating in the AIA 2030 Commitment, which is well below the targets of 60% reduction between 2010 and 2015, 70% reduction between 2015 and 2020, etc. Combine this data with the fact that the reporting firms represent less than 1% of the architecture firms in the US, that they are among the most aggressive adopters of the commitment, and that the adopting offices operate in a variety of climatic regions of the US, and it is clear that progress toward the commitment is quite modest. Energy use reduction strategies for this complicated climate, from hot and humid summers to cold and dry winters, as well as increasing frequency of extreme weather events prompting evolving resiliency considerations, requires sober assessment of the conditions necessary to truly realize the goals of reduced energy consumption and carbon neutral design by 2030. Design professionals have successfully realized substantial energy use reductions by incorporating innovative design approaches, including a variety of passive solar and natural ventilation applications, in addition to incrementally improving mechanical and on-site renewable solutions. Yet applications of innovative passive approaches in the continental climatic regions are fraught with difficulty. This paper continues a discourse on architectural planning and design strategies for substantially lowering energy use with a focus on buildings located in the continental climatic regions. Nine design decisions are explored through practice-based applied research between Judson University in Elgin, IL and Serena Sturm Architects in Chicago, IL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past twenty years, more stringent energy codes and environmental standards have led to many higher performance building designs that use less energy. Oftentimes, high performance buildings that incorporate passive building strategies require active occupant engagement [Brown et al. (2009) [1]] but the people who work in these buildings on a daily basis may not comprehend how their actions ( negatively or positively ) affect the building's energy use [Janda (2009) [2]]. Additionally, minimal research exists surrounding educational strategies for how to best educate building occupants. The purpose of this study was to investigate existing occupant training in high performance buildings to provide recommendations for future occupant education efforts. A sequential mixed methods study was conducted to better understand the relationships between occupant behaviors, reported environmental satisfaction, and learning in high performance buildings. First, expert interviews were conducted ( n = 3) to determine the study population. Second, a survey was sent to ten high performance buildings in the United States ( n = 118), and third, follow-up occupant interviews ( n = 41) were conducted to better understand the survey responses. It was hypothesized that participants who had received effective training for high performance building features would be more satisfied with their environment than those who had not received training. Results indicated a significant difference between the two groups (those who had received effective training and those who did not), and individuals who reported effective training were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their office environment. Follow-up interviews provided additional insight into occupant satisfaction and behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of daylight can significantly affect building performance, energy efficiency, productivity, as well as occupants' comfort and satisfaction in buildings. This paper aims to assess daylight performance for tropical office buildings in a parametric approach. Thus, four passive design categories are investigated, namely interior surface reflectance, glazing visual transmittance, light shelves and shading control. The approach is exemplified using the case study of two selected offices in Singapore. This study contributed to the assessment of the daylight performance and prediction of the consequences of retrofitting alternatives toward fostering the utilization of daylight in existing buildings in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]