“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 and developing countries to reduce energy usage. By energy retrofit measures, energy consumption will be decreased. According to studies, the majority of the current building stock was constructed using antiquated, inefficient building techniques and materials. Globally excessive energy use is driving up demand for cost-cutting measures. Over the past ten years, energy usage in public buildings has dramatically increased. Numerous legislative initiatives with varying levels of intensity and organization have been developed to support energy efficiency in the construction sector. This study's goal is to provide a retrofit method for a sample of higher educational buildings in hot, arid climates to increase energy efficiency. It is possible to retrofit the building's exterior features to increase comfort without sacrificing functionality. Thermal, visual, and acoustical comfort requirements can all lower energy usage. The goal of energy efficiency is to increase thermal comfort. The insulation of external walls, the type of glass used in windows, and solar shading are a few of the crucial techniques utilized in the retrofitting process of the building envelope. The study's findings indicate that straightforward retrofit techniques like solar shading, window glazing, air tightness, and insulation can cut energy use by an average of 33%.