Simulation-Based Evaluation of Low Carbon Design Strategies for Extreme Climates

Toyo Diaz, Argenis; Sajjadian, Seyed Masoud

Abstract

Extreme climate conditions present the greatest challenge in achieving thermal comfort in buildings. To address this issue, researchers have evaluated the effectiveness of various low-carbon strategies in extreme climates, assessing their impact on comfort levels and carbon emissions. Among the strategies examined are shading, natural ventilation, dehumidification/humidification, insulation, and green roofs. This research uses dynamic thermal simulations to investigate the efficacy of these strategies on a detached house in extremely dry, humid, and cold climates. Although the study found that insulation is the most effective design strategy, a range of context-specific design combinations can substantially reduce HVAC loads, with reductions of 39%, 32%, and 40% achievable for tropical, dry, and cold climates, respectively. These findings underline the importance of carefully considering design strategies when constructing buildings in extreme climates. By employing a combination of insulation, shading, natural ventilation, and other low-carbon strategies, architects, and builders can create buildings that are more resilient and comfortable to inhabit while minimizing their carbon footprint.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 3, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Feb 19, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 8, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2024
• Print ISSN: 1750-8975
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17508975.2024.2303118
• Keywords: Extreme climates, low carbon design, simulations, thermal comfort, carbon footprint
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3458467