Optimizing Existing Multistory Building Designs towards Net-Zero Energy

15 Pages·2017·9.81 MB·English

sustainability
Article
Optimizing Existing Multistory Building Designs
towards Net-Zero Energy
MohammadY.AbuGrainandHalilZ.Alibaba*
DepartmentofArchitecture,FacultyofArchitecture,EasternMediterraneanUniversity,NorthCyprus,
Famagusta,Mersin10,Turkey;[email protected]
* Correspondence:[email protected];Tel.:[phone];Fax:[phone]
AcademicEditors:AndyvandenDobbelsteenandGregKeeffe
Received:14December2016;Accepted:1March2017;Published:8March2017
Abstract: Recentglobaldevelopmentsinawarenessandconcernsaboutenvironmentalproblems
haveledtoreconsideringbuiltenvironmentapproachesandconstructiontechniques. Oneofthe
alternativesistheprincipleoflow/zero-energybuildings. Thisstudyinvestigatesthepotentialsof
energysavingsinanexistingmulti-storybuildingintheMediterraneanregioninordertoachieve
net-zeroenergyasasolutiontoincreasingfossilfuelprices. TheColoredbuildingattheFacultyof
Architecture,EasternMediterraneanUniversity,Cypruswaschosenasatargetofthisstudytobe
investigatedandanalyzedinordertoknowhowenergyefficiencystrategiescouldbeappliedtothe
buildingtoreduceannualenergyconsumption. Sincethisresearchobjectiveistodevelopastrategy
toachievenet-zeroenergyinexistingbuildings,casestudyandproblemsolvingmethodologieswere
appliedinthisresearchinordertoevaluatethebuildingdesigninaqualitativemannerthrough
observations,inadditiontoaquantitativemethodthroughanenergymodelingsimulationtoachieve
desirableresultswhichaddresstheproblems. Afteroptimizingthebuildingenergyperformance,
analternativeenergysimulationwasmadeofthebuildinginordertomakeanenergycomparison
analysis,whichleadstoreliableconclusions. Thesemethodologiesandthestrategiesusedinthis
researchcanbeappliedtosimilarbuildingsinordertoachievenet-zeroenergygoals.
Keywords: net-zero energy buildings; existing buildings; energy efficiency strategies; energy
modelingsimulation
1. Introduction
Cyprus, one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean has no petroleum reserves and is
completelydependentonimportedenergyfrompetroleumproducts. TheenergystatisticsofNorth
Cyprusoverthepast20yearsshowhighincreasesinannualelectricityconsumption,andallsectors
energyisbeingprovidedfromCyprusTurkishElectricityAuthority(KIB-TEK)whichisbeingput
underoppressivepressurebycustomerswhocallformaximizethesupplingcapacity,whichiscostly
duetothehighpriceoffossilfuel[1]. Thisuncertainloadincreaseandtherisingcostoffossilfuels,
requiresseriousattentionandconsiderationspeciallytobuildingsoptimizationstowardssustainability
andenergyefficiency[2]. Worldwide,existingbuildingsconsumesaround40%ofenduseenergy
however1%–3%annuallyofthesebuildingsarebeingreplacedbynew-build[3–5]. Thus,reducing
domestic energy consumption and integrating renewable energy sources for energy savings has
becomeaninternationaltrendasastrategyforreducingthelevelofpeakdemandfromtheelectricity
grid. Therefore,energyefficiencyinbuildingsandnet-zeroenergybuildings(NZEB)conceptshave
attractedintenseattentionfromresearchers,architects,andengineers.
NZEBreferstoabuildingconsumingequal(orless)energythanwhatitproduceswithinasingle
year. Theideaofstartingatime-periodassessmentforNZEBthatreferstoayearlybasisiscritical,
Sustainability2017,9,399;doi:10.3390/su9030399 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability
Sustainability2017,9,399 2of15
so as to allow variations in different seasons of the year. Therefore, the highest amount of energy
needsinthewinter(duetolowersungains)forheatingcanbebalancedattheendofyearbyenergy
deliveredfromrenewableenergysourcesduringthesummer[6]. TherearemanydefinitionsforNZEB;
itdependsonthespecificgoaloftheprojectandthedifferentpointsofviewsoftheownersandthe
designteam,theeconomicissues,andenergycoststhataremoreimportantfortheowners. However,
thenationalenergymembersareinterestedinrenewablesourcesofenergy,anddesignersaremore
interestedinrequirementsandenergycodes[7]. Asageneraldefinition,net-zeroenergy(NZE)is
theannualenergybalancebetweentheoperation/demandedenergyandthegeneratedenergyfrom
therenewablesources[8],andanet-zeroenergybuilding(NZEB)isabuildingthatproducesenough
energytosustainitself. ConsideringNZEBconceptintorenovatingpublicbuildingmaximizethe
energyefficiencyinexistingbuilding,inaddition,sinceexitingbuildingswilllastformoredecades,
optimizingtowardsNZEalsoshareinthesustainableurbandevelopment.
Nowadays,variouscountriesaretryingtoapproachnet-zeroenergyconceptsintheirbuildings
and are planning to achieve this goal within a certain time. The European Union (EU) Energy
PerformanceofBuildingsDirective(EPBD)statedintheirofficialjournalthatallnewbuildingsin
European countries should be NZEB by the end of 2020 [9]. Regardless of the new construction,
existingbuildingsarethelargestenergyconsumerswhicharestilloperating,butrequirerenovatingin
ordertodecreasetheirenergyneeds;hence,EPBDsettheexistingandpublicbuildingsasastarting
targetinEuropeancountries[10,11].
Many guidelines for early design stages have been set in order to achieve this goal for new
construction[12];differentstrategiesandframeworkshavebeenprovidedtoachievedesirableresults
in existing buildings [13] and there are many examples of retrofit projects that achieve this goal.
However, each project applies different strategies according to its type, local climate, and other
measurements. Winter represents the peak energy demand load curve in North Cyprus, which is
basicallyconsumedbyresidentialsector[14]accordingtotheworkinghours. Staticsshowsif5%ofthe
existingresidentialbuildingsimplementstand-alonerenewableenergyproductionsystem,thiswill
leadto4%decreaseinthepeakdemand[1]. Intermsofpublicbuildings,mainoperatingschedulesis
duringthedaytime,wherethemaximumbenefitscanbegetfromphotovoltaicstoprovidedemanded
energy. Assuch,itisimportanttoregeneratethedesignofexistingbuildingsanddevelopstrategies
towardsthezeroenergyconceptsinN.Cyprus.
ThestudiestowardsNZEBstatedintheliteratureareonlyfordesigningnewbuildingsorexisting
two-story residential buildings [15–17]. Thus, this study focuses on how well public buildings in
North Cyprus meet the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) stated goals for 2020.
Forthispurpose,atypicalbuildinglocatedattheEasternMediterraneanUniversity(EMU)Facultyof
Architectureischosenasacasestudy.
2. LiteratureReview
AccordingtoProfessorFrançoisGrade’sresearchaboutNZEBdesign[17],therearetwomajor
factorsthatmustbeconsideredandanalyzedintheearlydesignphasestoachieveNZEBtargets:
(1) Optimizingthepassivesolarenergyconceptstoreducebuildingenergyconsumption,and
(2) Generatesufficientelectricalenergybyrenewableenergysourcestoreachenergybalance.
Integration of passive techniques acts as a critical apparatus towards zero energy building
design goals. It has direct influences on thermal balance and lighting loads, which affects
the electro-mechanical systems of the building. This creates a noticeable indirect reduction in
heating/cooling, lighting, and ventilation energy consumption that is sufficiently balanced by
renewableenergysystems[17].
Since implementing the passive solar energy in the building influences the loads in the
electro-mechanicsystem, passivestrategiestakesavitalpositioninNZEBdesign. Studiesproved
thatefficientintegratingofpassiveshadingcontrolsinthebuildingenvelopeandbuildingelements
Sustainability2017,9,399 3of15
dramaticallyreducetheannuallightingenergydemandby40%,andthispercentageincreasesto60%
ifautomatedshadingdevicehavebeenintegrated[18]. Moreover,effectivecontrollingofdaylightcan
reduce10%–20%oftheannualcooling/heatingenergydemand[18]. Furthermore,itindirectlyaffects
challengesfacingenergyproducedbyrenewableresources. Ingeneral,theconsiderationofoptimizing
passiveheatingandcoolingstrategiesarecombinedtogetherinordertopreventglarebydirectsunlight
andoverheatingincoolerseasons. Inaddition,thethermalmassofthebuildingprovidesamethodto
achievepassivecooling,whichsignificantlyreducesthecoolingloads[19,20]fortakingadvantage
ofdaylightandnaturalventilation. Meanwhile,inhotseasons,distinguishedbytheuseofthefresh
airandthebuilding’slossheatatnightitisthenon-useofthewalls’thermalinsulationthatprevents
heatlossduringnighttime. Theapplianceofpassivestrategiesconstitutesmanychallengescorrelated
to the building type, climatic conditions, CO emission levels, and optimum energy performance,
2
consequently,bycollaborativeresearchwiththeSolarXXIproject,builtin2006atLNEGCampusin
Lisbon[21],whichclaimstobeanexampleofalowsolarenergybuildingintegratinginertstrategies
forheatingandgeo-coolingsystemstoachieveNZEB[22]. Photovoltaicpanelsareintegratedinthe
facadedesignwithaheatingsystemforthermalbalanceinwinter. Otherwise,ageo-coolingsystem
(groundtubes)assistedbynightcoolingapproachesworktogethertocoolthebuildinginsummer.
Furthermore,openingsizesandglazingspecificationsinthefacadehasadirectinfluenceonthe
indoorthermalcomfortinwarmclimateconditions[23],whichaffectsthecoolingandheatingloads,
andontheuseofdaylightwhichaffectsthelightingloads[24]. Intermsoftheventilationimpact
onbuildingenergyconsumption,recentresearchusingfordynamicthermalsimulationsEDSLTas
softwarefoundthepercentageofthewindowopenings’influenceonthethermalcomfortandenergy
consumptionforcoolingandheatingfordifferentseasonsinahotandhumidclimate[25]. These
resultsfoundthatloweringthewindowtowallratio(WWR)decreasedtheenergyconsumptionanda
largeWWRincreasesenergyconsumption. However,alargeWWRincreasesenergyconsumptionin
allclimates[26],thesmallWWRaffectsthedaylightingefficiency[27],andlightingconsumptioncan
bemanagedbyusingcontrollableelectriclightingsystemsandoptimumshadingdevices,especially
forlargeglazingsizes[28]. However,energyconsumed,inthiscasebyHVACsystemsforheating
andcooling,mustkeptinmind. TheU-valueandG-valueoftheglassareimportantfactorsinterms
of cooling and heating energy consumption, and lowering the U-value respectively decreases the
energyconsumptionfordifferentWWRandincreasestheenergyefficiencyofthebuilding[29]. Most
ofNZEBsinresearchprojectsapplyyearlybalancetosupporttheirusedmethods[30],andthesame
conceptisappliedinthispapertoinvestigateoptimizingpublicbuildingtowardsnetzeroenergy.
Themethodologiesandthecasestudybuildingwillbedescribedinthefollowingsections,along
withthefindingsoftheobservationsandcomputersimulations,andadiscussionaboutthesuitable
designoptimizationsandpotentialforachievingnet-zeroenergyinthebuilding.
3. Methodology
Casestudyproblemsolving,andsurveyingmethodologieswillbeusedinthisresearchinorder
toreachconclusions. Firstly,thebuildinghasbeensurveyedandanalyzedthroughobservation,which
is presented via photos and computer simulations via Autodesk Ecotect analysis [31] to find and
definetheproblemsstatistically. Thedatawillbeanalyzedusingbothqualitativeandquantitative
methods to accurately determine the energy problems. Secondly, an energy optimization of these
problemshasbeendonethroughanenergymodelingsimulation(eQuestenergysimulationtool[32].)
based on interviews managed with expert architects in energy efficient buildings and renewable
energytechnologies,inadditiontothepassiveoptimizationprinciplesfoundintheliterature. Finally,
the energy simulation results after optimization are discussed to make an energy comparison of
existingsituationandalternativesenergysavingstohelpdevelopthestrategyofachievingnet-zero
energyuseinthecasestudy.
ThecasestudyislocatedinCyprus-Famagusta,oneofthelargestislandsintheMediterranean
Sea(35◦ Latitude,33◦ Longitude). Withahumid-hotclimate,thetemperaturerisesabove30◦Cinthe
Sustainability2017,9,399 4of15
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 4 of 15
hhootttteesstt mmoonntthhss dduurrininggt htheety tpyipcaiclaslu smummemresre asseoans,oann, danthde ttheme pteemraptuerreatduercer edaescersetaose3s◦ Cto in3 t°hCe wini nthteer
wseianstoenr s(eFaigsounre (F1i)g,ausres t1a)t,e ads isntattheedC iny pthrue sCmypetreuosr moleotgeiocraollsotgatiicoanl srteaptioornt arebpoourttF aabmouagt uFsatmaa[3g3u]s.ta [33].
AAccccoorrddiinngg totoit siltosc altoiocant,iFoanm, aFgaumstaaghuasstah ighhass olhairgehn ersgoyladr ureinnegrgthye wdiunrtienrg( 5.t2h6ek Wwhin/tmer2 /(d5a.2y6) ,
kwWhihc/hmr2i/sdeasyto), 7w.1h2ickhW rihs/esm t2o/ 7d.1a2y kdWurhin/mg2t/hdeasyu dmumrinerg stehaes osunm. mer season.

FFiigguurree 11.. TThhee aannnnuuaall ggrraapphh ooff FFaammaagguussttaa’’ss cclliimmaattee [[3344]]..
3.1. Case Study: Observation Findings and Analysis
3.1. CaseStudy: ObservationFindingsandAnalysis
The Colored Building is an educational building with a rectangular shape and has three floors,
TheColoredBuildingisaneducationalbuildingwitharectangularshapeandhasthreefloors,
containing a library and a seminar room, and most of spaces are studios for architectural students.
containingalibraryandaseminarroom,andmostofspacesarestudiosforarchitecturalstudents.
TThhee bbuuiillddiinngg iiss oorriieenntteedd 3311°◦ ttoo tthhee nnoorrtthh aanndd 5599°◦ ttoo tthhee eeaasstt..
As shown in Tables 1–5, through description of the case study design elements, as in the Figures
As shown in Tables 1–5, through description of the case study design elements, as in the
2–6, the evaluation is based on NZEB design strategies in the literature review and elements that
Figures2–6,theevaluationisbasedonNZEBdesignstrategiesintheliteraturereviewandelements
affect the energy efficiency of the building.
thataffecttheenergyefficiencyofthebuilding.
TTaabbllee 11.. AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff tthhee nnoorrtthhwweesstt ffaaccaaddee ooff tthhee ccaassee ssttuuddyy..
Observed Facts Author Evaluation
ObservedFacts AuthorEvaluation
The Colored Building elevations have the The large windows increase interior
ThesaCmoelo trreedatBmueinldtsin fgaceilnegv aatlilo dnisrehcatvioentsh, ewsiathm e dTahyeliglahrtgiengw einffdicoiwensciyn,c trheoasuegihn ttehriiso craduasyelsi ghting
trealatmrgeen ptsarfatsc ionfg wailnlddoirwecst,i oannsd, nwoi tshhlaadrginegp arts oevfefirchieenatciyn,gth ionu sguhmtmhiesrc, awuhseicsho lveeardhse atoti nang in
ofwdeinvdicoews hs,aavned bneeons huasdedin ognd eexvtiecreisorh afavceadbeeesn. insucrmeamsee ri,nw choioclhinlgea ednsetrogya ndeinmcraenads e[2in6]c. o oling
usedonexteriorfacades. energydemand[26].
SSuussttaaiinnaabbiilliittyy 22001177,, 99,, 339999 55 ooff 1155
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 5 of 15

Figure 2. Northwest facade of the case study building.
Figure2.Northwestfacadeofthecasestudybuilding.
Figure 2. Northwest facade of the case study building.

Figure3.Southwestfacadeofthecasestudy.
Figure 3. Southwest facade of the case study.
Figure 3. Southwest facade of the case study.
TTaabbllee 22.. AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff tthhee ssoouutthhwweesstt ffaaccaaddee ooff tthhee ccaassee ssttuuddyy..
Table 2. Analysis of the southwest facade of the case study.
Observed Facts Author Evaluation
ObservedFacts AuthorEvaluation
Observed Facts Author Evaluation
1 The building is surrounding by trees at the
1 The building is surrounding by trees at the
1. Thebuildsoinugthiseassutr aronudn sdoiuntghwbyestrt eeelsevaatttihoens, which
southeast and southwest elevations, which This causes overheating in
southeasdtraonpds ssooumthew shesatdeel eovna ptiaorntss, owf hthiceh building. This causes overheating in
dro2p ssomdTrheoopsuhsg ashdo,e maote nm sphidaadrdtaesy oo onfn tph taehrbets uf aoilcfd atidhneegs .b tuhialdt ifnagce. Thistthhcaeeu sssuuemmsmmoveeerrr,,h wweahhtiiiccnhhg iiinnnccrrtheeaaessseeu mmer,
2 Though, at midday on the facades that face the cooling energy demand.
the sun direction, radiation shines verticalwlyh ichthinec croeaoslientgh eenceoroglyin dgeemnearngdy. demand.
the sun direction, radiation shines vertically
2. Though,oant mgliadzdinagy ponartths.e facadesthatfacethe
on glazing parts.
sundirection,radiationshinesverticallyon
glazingparts.
Sustainability2017,9,399 6of15
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 6 of 15
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 6 of 15

FFiigguurree 44.. TTyyppiiccaall ssttuuddiioo iinntteerriioorr vviieeww..
TTaabbllee 33.. AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff aa ttyyppiiccaall iinntteerriioorr vviieeww ooff tthh ee ssttuuddiioo..
Observed Facts AuthorEvaluation
Figure 4. Typical studio interior view.
ObservedFacts AuthorEvaluation
1 Typical interior window blinds are being used for These is insufficient shading
1. theT sytpuidcaiolisn’ tweriinordwToawibnlsde o i3nw. tAebnrlnainlaydlslsiysa ordfe uab etey itpnoigc tahul siene tldearciokr ovife w of btheec astuusdeio t. hey obstruct daylight
extfeorriothr eshstauddiinosg’ dwOeinvbdisceoerwsv setdoin Fptearrconttsaelclyt dthuee utosethrse fromTh eseiasninds Authfufietch vioeinrstuEsvahal aleudfaifnitcigoiebnne ccayu osef
1o velarThcykepaoitcfiaenlx gitn eatreniordiro sgrh lwaadrineind. gowde bvliicnedsst oarper boeteinctgt uhseed fotrh eyoTbhusestsreeur cisst, idinnascyurlfiefgaihcsitienanngt d sthhthaede livingigsh utainlg
usersfromoverheatingandglare.
2 Artitfhicei astlu ldigiohst’i nwgin ids obwesin ingt eursneadll yd udurien tgo tthhee ldaacky .o fe fficiebnedccyeamuosfaeu ntshdee r[ys1, o8inb].sc tr reuacstin dgaythlieght
exterior shading devices to protect the users froml ightianngdd tehme avnisdu[a1l8 e]f.ficiency of
2. AorvtiefirchieaaltliiTnggahb tailnnegd 4 i.gs Albanereian.l ygsuiss eodf idnuterrinngalt hvieedwa yo.f the atriuumse arsn, din ccorreraisdionrgs .t he lighting
2 Artificial lighting is being used during the day. demand [18].
Observed Facts Author Evaluation
Table4.Analysisofinternalviewoftheatriumandcorridors.
A large skylight is plaTcaebdl ei n4. tAhnea laytsrisiu omf in otefr nthale v iew of Tthhei ast riinusmu affnidc iceonrrti duosras.g e of artificial lighting
building to provide enough daylight to corridors increases lighting energy consumption
OObbsseerrvveeddF Faacctsts AuAthuothroErv Ealvuaalutiaotnion
and inside deep spaces, though lamps are being and causes overheating of the atrium and
A large skylight is placed in the atrium of the This insufficient usage of artificial lighting
Alargeskylightisplacedintheatriumof Thisinsufficientusageofartificiallighting
usedb dutuhiledriibnnuggi lttdohi enp grdotavoyidp. ero evnidouegehn oduagyhligdhaty tloig chotrtroidorsi ncircneocarsreeraisdsleiogsr hlsit gidnhugtirneinnge ger ngtehyrecg oysnu csmounmmsupemtrio.p ntiaonnd
ancdo rirnisdiodres daenedpi snpsaidceesd, ethepousgpha cleasm,tphso aurgeh being cauasneds ocvauershees aotvinegrhoefatthinega torfi uthme aantrdium and
usleadm dpusrairnegb tehien gdauys.e dduringtheday. corcroidrorirdsodrus rdinugrinthge tshuem summemr.er.

Figure 5. Internal view of atrium and corridors.
FigFuigruer5e. 5I.n Inteternrnaall vviieeww ooff aattrriiuumm aanndd cocrorridriodrso.r s .
Sustainability2017,9,399 7of15
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 7 of 15
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 7 of 15

(a) (b)
Figure 6. (a) Northeast façade; and (b) internal view from the northeast facade.
Figure6.(a)Northeastfaçade;and(b)internalviewfromthenortheastfacade.
Table 5. Analysis of the facade construction material.

Table5.Analysisofthefacadeconstructionmaterial.
(a) (b)
Observed Facts AuthorEvaluation
1 Typical winFdigouwOre mb 6s.ae (traev)r eiNadlosFr aathrcetes amsta fdaeç aodf es;i nangdle (b) intePronoarl vinieswul afrtoiomn Atohfue wt nhioonrrdtEhoevwaassl tui nfaa ttcihaoidnse b. uilding
clear 4 mm thickness glass, with PVC frames. negatively influence the level of heating loss during
2 1. WaTlylsp iacrael mwainddeo owutm oaf t2eT0rai cabmllse at 5hr.ei cAmkn araedldyes boisrf ioscifkn t.gh lee facadweP iocnootnresrin tarsunucdlta ihotienoa nmtionafgtew griaianilnd. odwursiningt shuismbmuielrd, iwnghich
3 Noc leexatrra4 imnsmultahtiicoknn mesastgerlaiaslss, awriet hbePiVngC ufrsaemd.e s. innecrgeaatsivee tlhyei ncoflouleinngce/htehaetilnegv eelnoefrhgyea dtienmgalonsds.
Observed Facts AuthorEvaluation
duringwinterandheatinggainduringsummer,
3.21.2 C. asTeW ySpatuilcldsayla :wr eSinimmdaoudwlea tmoiouantt eoFrfiian2l0ds icanmrges tm haiancdkde rA eodnf asbilnryigscilkse. Pwohoirc hinisnuclraetaiosne othf ewcionodloinwgs/ ihne tahtiisn gbuilding
clear 4 mm thickness glass, with PVC frames. neengeargtiyvedlyem inafnlude.nce the level of heating loss during
3. Noextrainsulationmaterialsarebeingused.
2 AsW ita hllsa sa rbe emenad set oautet do fb 2e0f ocmre t hinic kth ree dM beritchko. dologyw sinetcetri oannd, thheea tcinagse g asitnu dduyr ihnags s bumeemne ar,n walhyiczhe d via
com3 putNero esxotfrtaw inasruel attiooonl sm a(tAeruiatolsd aersek b eEincgo utescetd). accoridnicnrega steo t hiet sc ooolriinggi/nhaela tionrgi eennteartgiyo nd emanadnd .w eather
3.2. CcaosnedSittiuodnys.: BSyim eunltaetriionng Ftihned binugilsdainngd eAnnvaellyospise parameters and material specifications and glazing
3.2. Case Study: Simulation Findings and Analysis
transparency, the program can analyze the inputs and provide accurate data on an annual basis
As it has been stated before in the Methodology section, the case study has been analyzed
whichA hse lipt sh taos ebveaelnu sattaet eddif fbeerfeonrte pina stshive eM deetshiogdno elloegmye snetcst itohna,t tihnef lcuaesnec set uthdey e hnaesr gbye eenff aicnieanlyczye dof v tihae
via computer software tools (Autodesk Ecotect) according to its original orientation and weather
bucoilmdipnugt.e r software tools (Autodesk Ecotect) according to its original orientation and weather
conditions. Byenteringthebuildingenvelopeparametersandmaterialspecificationsandglazing
conTdhiteio annsa. lByys ise notfe rdianygl itghhet ibnugi lhdains gb eeennv ecloonpdeu pcaterdam aectceorrsd ainngd tmo athteer isaul ns ppeactihfi cdautiroinngs tahned ygelaarz ianngd
transtphtaerra etnrnascpnyas,rmethnitectaypn, rctohe gea rnpadrmo sgiczraaenms o acfn atanhl eya zwneailntyhdzeoew itnhsp ei nui ntaspllua ontsrd ieapnntdrao tpvioriodnvse.i daTech ceau crrceaustruealttdes asdthaaotoaw n omna noarnae n tahnnaunnau l1a1lb 0ab0sa islsuisxw hich
helpsiltlwouhmeivcinhaa lhunecaletp eso dft oid fefaevyraleilgunhatttpein adgsi fsifniev rteehndet episnaitsgesnriivoeerl edsmepsaeicgnents s,e lttehhmea etynientlslfl otuwhae tnc oicnleoflrtu hereannceegn ete hrsegh yeonweefsrfi gacy i heeifngfichcy ieleonvfceytlh oaefb btohuveei l ding.
Tthbhauet ilardeniqnauglyi.r seids, oafs dsaeyenli ginh tFinigguhrea s7 bdeueen tcoo nthdeu lcatcekd oaf cecxotredriionrg sthoadthinegs udnevpicaetsh, edsupreicniaglltyh oefy tehaer and
thetrsaonusthmwTithetseat n afncaeaclayadsniesd, oswfi zdheiacsyhlo igffhatcthienesg w thhiaens dmboeoewsnts csionunnda ulrlcaotderdiiae tanicotcnao triddouinnrgsin. tgoT htthheeer sesusunum lptmastehsrh dosuewrainsmogn ot hraeen ytdhe aacrna au1ns1de0s 0lux
illumoinvtheaernh tcereaantoisnfmgdi attotya ltnihcgeeh iatnintndegr sioiinzre stsph oaefc ietnhste. e wriionrdsopwasc iens ,atllh oeriyeenltlaotwioncso. lTohrer raensgueltss hshoowws maohrieg thhalenv 1e1l0a0b luoxv ethat
illuminance of daylighting in the interior spaces, the yellow color range shows a high level above
required,asseeninFigure7duetothelackofexteriorshadingdevices,especiallyofthesouthwest
that required, as seen in Figure 7 due to the lack of exterior shading devices, especially of the
facade,whichfacesthemostsunradiationduringthesummerseasonandcausesoverheatingtothe
southwest facade, which faces the most sun radiation during the summer season and causes
interiorspaces.
overheating to the interior spaces.

Figure 7. Daylight analysis of typical floors (first and second floors) of the case study.

Figure 7. Daylight analysis of typical floors (first and second floors) of the case study.
Figure7.Daylightanalysisoftypicalfloors(firstandsecondfloors)ofthecasestudy.
Sustainability2017,9,399 8of15
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 8 of 15
The skylight in the atrium provides acceptable daylight levels (red colour range) to the deep
spacesinthebuildingsuchasthecorridorsduringtheday. Onanannuallybasis,thisshowsthatthe
The skylight in the atrium provides acceptable daylight levels (red colour range) to the deep
artificiallightsarenotrequiredduringtheday.
spaces in the building such as the corridors during the day. On an annually basis, this shows that the
Intermsoftheinteriorenvironment,onanannualbasis,Figure8showshourlytemperatures
artificial lights are not required during the day.
whicharIene txearmmsin oefd thtoe dinetfienrieotrh eentveimropnemraetnut,r eonv aarnia abnlenubaelt wbaeseins, sFeiagsuornes 8i nshthoweisn hteoruiorlrys tpeamcepse.rTathuersees are
usedwthoiccha lacruel aexteamthienecdoo tloi ndge/fihneea tthien gtelmoapderdaetumrea nvdareidabtlhea bteptwroeveind esesatshoenrsm inal tchoem inftoerrtiofor rspoaccceusp. aTnhtess,ea nd
detearrme iunseesdt hteo toctaalcluhleaatet gtahien caococolirndgi/nhgeattointgh elobaudi lddienmgacnodnesdtr uthcatito nprmovaitdeersia ltsh(ewrmaallls aconmdfworitn dfoorw s).
Theorcecsuupltasnatsr,e aansd fdoelltoerwm:ines the total heat gain according to the building construction materials (walls
and windows). The results are as follow:
(1) FromNovembertoMarch(winterseason): theaverageinternaltemperatureisbetween8◦Cand
(1) From November to March (winter season): the average internal temperature is between 8 °C
15◦ C.
and 15 ° C.
(2) FromApriltoOctober(summerseason):theaverageofinternaltemperatureincreasestobetween
(2) From April to October (summer season): the average of internal temperature increases to
20◦bCetwaneden3 230◦ °CC. and 33 °C.

FiguFriegu8r.e 8H. oHuorulyrlyt etmemppeerraattuurree aannaallyyssiiss dduurirning gthteh eyeyaer.a (rA. )( DAu)rDinugr tihneg wthinetewr;i nantedr ;(Ba)n ddu(rBin)g dthuer ing
thessuummmmeerr..
Sustainability2017,9,399 9of15
Accordingly,electricenergydemandforheating/coolingincreasesduetothefollowingbuilding
envelopesolargainbreakdownchart,asseeninFigure9,whichshowswheretheheatlossorgain
comingfrom:
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 9 of 15
• About60%(redcolor)ofthebuildingthermallossinwinteriscausedbymaterialconductivity
Accordingly, electric energy demand for heating/cooling increases due to the following building
because of the poor thermal insulation while just 7% of the total gain is from the same factor
envelope solar gain breakdown chart, as seen in Figure 9, which shows where the heat loss or gain
comininsgu fmromm:e r .
• About 12% gain is from sol-air (brown color) because of the monocular heating of the
 About 60% (red color) of the building thermal loss in winter is caused by material conductivity
bubielcdaiunsge mof athteer piaolo.r thermal insulation while just 7% of the total gain is from the same factor in
• Disruemctmseorl.a rradiation(yellowcolor)isresponsiblefor38%ofheatgainthroughtheyearbecause
 ofAthboeulta 1c2k%o gfaeixnt iesr firoorms hsoald-aiinr g(baronwdnt hcoelowr)i nbedcoauwsse otrfa tnhes pmaorneonccuyl.ar heating of the building
material.
• Openingsizes,whichhaveadirectimpactonventilation,aremajorfactorscausinga26%drop
 Direct solar radiation (yellow color) is responsible for 38% of heat gain through the year
(greencolor)intotalthermallossduringthewinter.
because of the lack of exterior shading and the windows transparency.
•  AbOopuetni3n1g% sizoefsg, waihnicihs hfraovme ai ndtireercnt aimlsppaactc eosn (vbelnuteilactoiolno,r a)raen mdaajosr mfaactlolrasm caouusinntgo af 2g6a%in daronpd lossisfrom
th(egrdeiesnt rciobluort)i oinn tobteatlw theeermnadl ilfofsesr ednutrisnpg athcee sw(iinntteer.r -zonalindicator).
 About 31% of gain is from internal spaces (blue color) and a small amount of gain and loss is
from the distribution between different spaces (inter-zonal indicator).

Figure 9. Yearly gains breakdown of the case study.
Figure9.Yearlygainsbreakdownofthecasestudy.
Sustainability2017,9,399 10of15
Sustainability 2017, 9, 399 10 of 15
In addition to the previous data findings, an interview was organized with the technical office
Inadditiontothepreviousdatafindings,aninterviewwasorganizedwiththetechnicaloffice
engineer at Eastern Mediterranean University to provide the technical data of the building. Taking
engineeratEasternMediterraneanUniversitytoprovidethetechnicaldataofthebuilding. Takinginto
into consideration the internal loads and operating timetables, artificial light efficiency, in addition
considerationtheinternalloadsandoperatingtimetables,artificiallightefficiency,inadditiontothe
to the HVAC systems and operating schedules, the building was simulated in software (eQuest) to
HVACsystemsandoperatingschedules,thebuildingwassimulatedinsoftware(eQuest)toanalyze
analyze the annual energy consumption of the case study to accurately understand the energy
theannualenergyconsumptionofthecasestudytoaccuratelyunderstandtheenergyconsumption
consumption capacities on an annual basis. The energy breakdown was as follows, and as seen in
capacitiesonanannualbasis. Theenergybreakdownwasasfollows,andasseeninFigure10.
Figure 10.
• Greater than 30% of the annual consumed energy is for cooling during the summer due to
 Greater than 30% of the annual consumed energy is for cooling during the summer due to
insufficient windows insulation and low thermal heat loss materials that are used for walls,
insufficient windows insulation and low thermal heat loss materials that are used for walls, as
asmentionedaboveinFigure9. Ventilationhasnoeffectoncoolingloadduringsummer.
mentioned above in Figure 9. Ventilation has no effect on cooling load during summer.
• Eigh teenEipgehrtceeennt opfetrhceenatn nouf atlheen earngnyuiasl ceonnesurgmye dis focornlisguhmtinedg dfoure tliogthhteinlgac kduoef etxot etrhioe rlsahcakd oinf gexterior
devices(duringthedayblindsarebeingusedtopreventoverglare,soartificiallightisbeing
shading devices (during the day blinds are being used to prevent over glare, so artificial light is
turnedon)inadditiontotheinsufficientusageofartificiallightingincorridorsduringthedayas
being turned on) in addition to the insufficient usage of artificial lighting in corridors during the
seeninFigure5.
day as seen in Figure 5.
• Onl y8%Oonflyth 8e%a nonf uthael eannenrugayl uensaegrgeyis ufsoarghee iast finorg hdeuartiinngg tdhuerwinign ttehre. winter.

Figure10.Annualelectricconsumptionpercentage.
Figure 10. Annual electric consumption percentage.
TheelecTthriec ecloencstruimc cpotniosnumpeprtimono nptehr wmaosnftohu wndasa fsofuonlldo wass ,foalnlodwass,s ahnodw ans isnhFoiwgunr ien1 F1i:gure 11:
• Hig hanHniugahl eannenrugayl ceonnesrugym cpotniosnum(1p16ti0onM (W11h6/0y MeaWr)h./year).
 Energy consumed during the summer (July–September) is greater than the energy consumption
• Energyconsumedduringthesummer(July–September)isgreaterthantheenergyconsumption
during the winter (November–February).
duringthewinter(November–February).
 Maximum energy consumption is about 140 MWh in August.
• Maximumenergyconsumptionisabout140MWhinAugust.