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11 articles for “Building envelope”
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Improving Thermal Comfort and Reducing Peak Cooling Loads in High-Rise Buildings Through the Use of Phase Change Materials in Enhanced Building Envelopes
Abstract: A potential remedy for the problems of peak cooling loads and thermal discomfort in high-rise buildings is the use of phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelopes. This study explores the potential of PCMs to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort by reducing heat gain and moderating indoor temperature fluctuations. The paper investigates various PCM types, integration methods, and their impact on building performance through simulations and experimental analysis. The …
Published in International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology · Vol. 8, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 29–37 Read article
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Energy-Efficient Building Envelopes: Exploring Bio-Composite as PCM
Abstract: The building sector is a significant contributor to global energy consumption, driving the need for innovative and sustainable energy efficiency solutions. This study investigates the potential of integrating bio-composite phase change materials into building envelopes to improve thermal performance and reduce energy demand. A novel bio-composite phase change material was developed, and its thermal properties, including latent heat capacity and melting temperature, were characterized through laboratory testing. The material was …
Published in International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology · Vol. 8, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 17–24 Read article
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Challenges of vertical landscaping in Building Envelope
Abstract: The vertical gardens not only increase the amount of green space in cities, but they also serve other purposes including improving air quality, reducing heat islands, isolating sound and heat, producing more energy, and enhancing human psychology. Vertical gardens are designed for the aesthetic purposes and avoiding the spread of applications due to factors like constant maintenance challenges, high expense, lack of understanding, and consciousness. The purpose of this study …
Published in International Journal of Landscape Planning and Architecture · Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2023 · pp. 7–13 Read article
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Solar passive building cooling - Recent trends and novel approaches
Abstract: Global warming is one of the major threats that mankind faces in the 21th century. About 40% of global energy consumption and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions are accounted by buildings and they play a vital role in global warming. Estimates show that their damaging influence will grow by 1.8% per year through 2050, which specifies that future usage and emissions will be worse than today. Therefore, the necessity of …
Published in International Journal of Mechanics and Design · Vol. 5, Issue 1, 2019 · pp. 10–23 Read article
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Investigating the integration of renewable energy systems in buildings and their impact on energy consumption
Abstract: Energy consumption in a building conventionally utilizes non-renewable resources that affect the ecosystem. The increase in usage of non-renewable energy increases carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and depletion of energy resources. Renewable energy resources can significantly reduce the impacts caused by non-renewable energy resources in a building. The issues that need to be kept in mind while designing energy-efficient buildings are the reduction of energy consumption originating from …
Published in International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology · Vol. 7, Issue 2, 2024 · pp. 1–11 Read article
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Conversion of Heat Absorbed (Waste Heat) in a Building for Electricity Generation Using a Thermoelectric Generator
Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for recovering waste heat from building systems and converting it into electrical energy through the Seebeck effect. A journal-scale simulation framework integrating ANSYS thermal modeling with MATLAB/Simulink electrical analysis was developed to evaluate TEG deployment on building envelope surfaces at the Federal Polytechnic Nyak Shendam, Nigeria. Results demonstrate a proportional increase in electrical output with rising temperature gradients, confirming predictable thermoelectric …
Published in International Journal of Renewable Energy and its Commercialization · Vol. 12, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 8–16 Read article
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“Challenges in energy retrofitting of Buildings”
Abstract: With a 23% contribution to CO2 emissions, 17% to electricity consumption, and 16% to water use, the building sector has emerged as the largest energy user and greenhouse gas emitter. The majority of energy is consumed by existing structures, while the replacement rate of existing buildings by new-build is only approximately 1.0-3.0% per year, hence the main focus needs to be directed to the existing building stock in both developed …
Published in International Journal of Housing and Human Settlement Planning · Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2023 · pp. 10–16 Read article
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Energy assessment of residential building using passive strategies
Abstract: Energy efficiency in building requires specific type of building materials in the design and construction, improving building insulation and sealing performance and enhancing efficiency of heating systems to reduce energy consumption. The main aim of the project is to reduce the energy consumption, carbon emission, life cycle cost, annual operation cost of the building and residential envelope transmittance value. In this project, Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, IES VE & ECO-NIWAS …
Published in International Journal of Housing and Human Settlement Planning · Vol. 7, Issue 1, 2021 · pp. 7–16 Read article
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THE IMPACT OF SHADING DEVICES ON THE VISUAL COMFORT AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF OFFICE ROOMS
Abstract: External shading devices on a building façade is a significant passive design strategy which can decrease direct solar radiation while controlling the direct daylight. While having an immense aesthetic impression, shading devices help to minimize the incident solar radiation and control daylight penetration, hence create a considerable effect on the building’s energy performance. As energy conservation and efficiency are fundamental areas of focus in contemporary building design, the effect of …
Published in International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2021 · pp. 39–50 Read article
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Towards Net Zero: Retrofitting Commercial Halls for IGBC Compliance
Abstract: This paper outlines an integrated energy-efficient retrofitting framework for Shyamvadi, a 10,000 sq. ft. commercial party hall in Junagadh, Gujarat, targeting IGBC Existing Building certification. The retrofit scope included the deployment of a 34.8 kW rooftop solar PV system, LED lighting upgrades, BEE 5-star-rated inverter HVAC units, envelope insulation using reflective coatings and PUF panels, and IoT-based energy monitoring. Baseline and post-retrofit performance data were analysed to quantify energy savings, …
Published in International Journal of Architecture and Infrastructure Planning · Vol. 11, Issue 1, 2025 Read article
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Biomimicry and Vernacular Ecology in Contemporary African Architecture: A Sustainable Analysis of “The Nest” in Namibia by Porky Hefer Design
Abstract: This article presents a sustainability-focused architectural analysis of The Nest (2018), an eco-lodge designed by Porky Hefer Design in Namibia. The study examines how biomimicry, African vernacular ecology, and material intelligence are integrated to create a low-impact, climate-responsive structure suited to arid environments. Drawing inspiration from the sociable weaver bird’s nest, the project adopts organic geometry, aggregated spatial organization, and woven construction techniques that mirror biological strategies for thermal regulation …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Heritage · Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1–8 Read article