Analysis of Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Potential Through the Energy Efficient Building Design of a Residential Building in a Warm Humid Climate

Abstract

Energy efficient building design measures can reduce the building energy consumption significantly. In the warm and humid climatic zone, energy consumption for maintaining the thermal comfort level is the major contributor to the building energy consumption. This study explores the energy consumption reduction potential of energy efficient building design measures by varying combinations of the different building envelopes, window to wall ratios, orientations and system components of building energy system. The objective of simulation study is to assess the potential energy saving and emission reduction of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) if applied to a residential building operating in a mixed mode in the context of urban redevelopment schemes in Mumbai. 12.24% reduction in energy consumption was achieved by adopting ECBC compliant energy efficient building envelope design. Further reduction of 16.61% was achieved by selection of appropriate Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning system, optimization of daylight and occupancy load using control systems, use of higher efficiency appliances and reducing operating hours. The results show substantial energy savings and the need for future residential building under redevelopment to be brought under the purview of ECBC, if our sustainable development goals of 2030 are to be achieved.