Methodological evaluation of Integrated Façade Systems

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to test the robustness of energy performance of highly to fully glazed office buildings in hot and arid climates using the net energy figures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a methodology to develop a base-case model for building energy simulation (BES) of highly to fully glazed office buildings followed by sensitivity analysis (linear regression model) to test the robustness of the results.

Findings

Net energy is best achieved on south, followed by southeast, and southwest façadesof the bulding; the increase ind/lratio has a diverse effect, while there is a significant influence of glazing systems on the resultant net energy figures.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of experimental data for Integrated Façade System (IFS) with its various applications in the existing body of knowledge forms the main limitation of this research.

Practical implications

Findings can be of practical use to practitioners and academics to assist them as a decision tool when working on the energy performance of IFS.

Social implications

The research contributes to energy consumption reduction in office building stock at peak times, lowering the consequent energy shortage and blackouts for non-office buildings with clear positive social impacts.

Originality/value

Adopting a systemic approach in BES studies will help further the understanding on the impact of some phenomena and justify how the contributory parameters would behave when combined effects are under investigations.