A Study on the Development of Building Envelope Elements for Energy Reduction in Multi- Rise Residential Buildings

Abstract

It is necessary to improve the performance of buildings with respect to the energy efficiency while improving the quality of occupants’ lives through a sustainable built environment. During the design and development process, building projects must have a comprehensive, integrated perspective that seeks to reduce heating, cooling and lighting loads through climate-responsive designs. The aim of this study is to find an optimal thermal transmittance (U-values) for building envelope elements for low energy multi-rise residential buildings in the early design phase in Korea. The study found that using small U-values of 0.15 w/m²K for exterior walls, ceilings and floors and 1.0 w/m²K for south and north facing windows has resulted in energy reduction of 22.1%-59.4% in the south facing rooms and 43%77.6% of the north facing rooms. It has also found the energy load reduction potential of using small U-values are higher on the north facing rooms. The findings of this study can be suggested to be used as a baseline case for low energy consumption studies. It can also be used to determine appropriate envelope materials and insulation values.