Effect of envelope energy performance enhancement strategies on building energy loads: case study for a tropical institutional building

Abstract

Building energy simulation tools are used during the design process of a building to improve its energy performance. In this study, envelope thermal performance enhancement strategies were evaluated using eQUEST building energy simulation software considering the energy saving achieved related to cooling and ventilation energy consumption, for a tropical institutional building, in order to compare their performance. Fixed and building shading strategies have resulted for about 3.9% energy saving and other envelope thermal performance enhancement strategies have resulted up to 4.7% energy saving. Further energy consumption variation with envelope and roof thermal transfer values (ETTV, RTTV) were also evaluated. The results have shown that ETTV has statistically significant correlation with averaged building cooling and ventilation energy consumption. The findings allow building designers to identify the best upgrade options for achieving code compliance in Sri Lankan institutional buildings.