METHODOLOGY FOR IMPROVING THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF EXISTING SCHOOL BUILDINGS USING VEGETATION ON BUILDING ENVELOPE TECHNIQUES IN HOT ARID CLIMATE

Abstract

The Thesis discusses the vegetation on the building envelope that can be used to improve the thermal performance of school buildings, especially within the classroom. The research discussed the concept of vegetated roofs and walls systems in general and the suitable plants to be used in Egypt, studied and analyzed the previous field of experiments and case studies that studied the same ideas and applications, and studied the international and local green rating systems for the use of plants on building envelopes, studied the school building design approaches and especially governmental schools in Egypt. Finally, through the experimental phase, the impact of installing vegetated roofs and walls systems using the Design Builder simulation program. The model of the school building is oriented to different orientations, by changing the type of plant, and the distance between it and the building. To achieve the highest efficiency of the thermal performance of the building and access to a methodology for improving the thermal performance, then conclusions and recommendations that showed the role of vegetating the building envelope in improving the highest efficiency of the thermal performance of the School buildings.