RETROFITTING STRATEGY FOR BUILDING ENVELOP IN ARID CLIMATES TO REDUCE ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AND ENHANCE THERMAL COMFORT

Abstract

Summary:

This thesis represents the potential of vegetative layers in saving electricity consumption and reducing annual CO2 emissions in arid climates. The model accounts for energy savings, urban considerations and other variables. Detailed thermal simulations for various configurations of green roofs and green walls are performed to assess energy savings using Envimet and DesignBuilder. Experiments are conducted for a neighborhood in Cairo, with a base case control that uses a traditional external materials that meet standard model energy codes. Experiments simulated while changing the options of the green-roof and green wall layers, building height. Costs of saving potentials when using a green layer were estimated according to the Egyptian electricity consumption calculator, other parameters as carbon dioxide reduction potential, indoor and outdoor thermal comfort, were measured. The results demonstrate the economic benefits of using a green-layer under different design conditions and provide a guidance for the selection of layer systems efficiency in similar climates. Savings varied from 17% to 25% compared to traditional external building material.