Energy-efficiency measures to achieve zero energy buildings in tropical and humid climates

Chung-Camargo, Katherine; González, Jinela; Solano, Thasnee; Yuil, Olga; Velarde, Vivian; Chen Austin, Miguel

doi:10.5772/intechopen.1002801

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…The current mandatory building energy regulations in certain regions (e.g., the hot summer-cold winter region of China) were deemed insufficient to achieve significantly lower carbon emissions, suggesting the need for more ambitious regulations [85]. Opportunities for achieving nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB) and enhancing energy efficiency in tropical climates were highlighted as part of the retrofit opportunities [86].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in Retrofitting Strategies for Energy Efficiency in Tropical Climates: A Systematic Review and Analysis

Chung-Camargo,

González,

Chen Austin

et al. 2024

Buildings

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The global construction industry significantly contributes to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating immediate action for sustainable development. Recognizing the impact of buildings on emissions, the United Nations has set ambitious energy-related goals for 2030. Retrofitting buildings emerges as a strategic method for reducing energy consumption, offering lower environmental impact and life cycle costs. However, retrofitting is a complex process influenced by diverse factors such as policies, available resources, techniques, building-specific data, and uncertainties. Thus, this paper reviews the existing literature on retrofitting strategies for tropical and humid climates to identify effective approaches for enhancing energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and overall building performance in these regions. Through comprehensive analyses, including bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer version 1.6.18 and systematic assessments, this study investigates various retrofitting strategies. This study categorizes tropical climates into Af (Tropical Rainforest Climate) and Aw (Tropical Savanna Climate) based on the Köppen climate classification. It reveals distinct emphases, with Af climates concentrating on office buildings and Aw climates prioritizing residential structures. Passive strategies were predominantly favored in office buildings, with glazing being the most commonly implemented approach. Residential structures, on the other hand, adopted a combination of passive strategies such as phase change materials along with active methods like appliance replacement. Educational buildings tended to rely on passive strategies, including roof covers, shading, and glazing. The absence of specific cost values underscores the importance of establishing baseline metrics, revealing significant challenges in retrofit techniques. This study further highlights an opportunity to explore passive methods in educational buildings, stressing the need for comprehensive guidelines, especially in institutional settings. Moreover, it emphasizes the urgency for ambitious regulations to address carbon emissions and optimize energy efficiency in tropical climates.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in Retrofitting Strategies for Energy Efficiency in Tropical Climates: A Systematic Review and Analysis

Chung-Camargo,

González,

Chen Austin

et al. 2024

Buildings

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“…The results demonstrated that the application of optimal EEMs reduced electricity consumption by approximately 60% and renewable energy generation capacity by approximately 10%. Similarly, Chung-Camargo et al 30 analysed the energy efficiency measures implemented to retrofit buildings in tropical and humid climates to achieve zero energy buildings. Moreover, Gupta et al 31 investigated the energy and environmental performance of an optimised vernacular dwelling for passive cooling in India.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility and performance analysis of a net-zero energy residential building in tropical climates: A case of Congo-Brazzaville

Elenga,

Zhu,

Tongora

et al. 2024

Indoor and Built Environment

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Current building techniques in developing countries have become extremely critical. The net-zero energy concept has emerged as an essential strategy for minimising energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, its implementation, particularly in developing countries, remains a critical challenge. The purpose of this work is to assess the feasibility of achieving a net-zero energy building by combining energy-efficient design practices and renewable energy systems under the climatic conditions of the Republic of Congo. To achieve the stipulated objectives, DesignBuilder software was utilised for building modelling, energy load assessment and multiobjective optimisation of building energy efficiency measures, and the multicriteria energy optimisation was carried out using the HOMER tool. The optimisation results showed that the implementation of energy efficiency measures resulted in 39.15% energy savings, 43.45% thermal load savings and 55.68% discomfort hours reduction. Furthermore, the renewable energy system can provide 100% of the building’s energy load and a total savings of 3341.84 kgCO2eq/year. The system’s levelised cost of energy was estimated at 0.256 $/kWh, with a net present cost of $20,231, while the overall life cycle cost was calculated at 188.91 $/m2.

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Status, Challenges and Future Directions in the Evaluation of Net-Zero Energy Building Retrofits: A Bibliometrics-Based Systematic Review

Xiaoxiang,

Junjia,

Haron

et al. 2024

Energies

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Net-zero energy building (NZEB), an initiative to address energy conservation and emission reduction, has received widespread attention worldwide. This study aims to systematically explore recent challenges in NZEB retrofit research through a mixed-method approach and provide recommendations and future directions. A review of 106 documents (2020–2024) retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases found that the globalization of NZEB retrofit research is unstoppable. Assessment methods are diverse, ranging from modeling energy efficiency (using different software such as DesignBuilder 7.0, PVsyst 7.4, EnergyPlus 24.1.0, etc.) to multi-attribute decision-making methods (e.g., DEMATEL-AHP/ANP-VIKOR) and comparative analysis. Current assessment metrics are dominated by economic benefits (e.g., net present value, dynamic payback period, and total operating cost) and energy consumption (e.g., electricity consumption and generation), with less consideration of environmental impacts (e.g., carbon reduction), as well as comfort (e.g., thermal comfort and indoor comfort). The study found that current challenges mainly include “Low economic feasibility of retrofitting”, “Building retrofit energy code irrationality”, and “Insufficient understanding, communication, and trust between stakeholders”. To overcome these challenges, the study also proposes a framework of strategies to address them, including (1) maximizing natural space, (2) introducing a tenant equity system, (3) upgrading waste management, (4) strengthening energy monitoring, (5) establishing complete life cycle mechanisms, (6) providing systemic solutions; (7) promoting the use of low-carbon building materials, and (8) increasing policy support.

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Energy-efficiency measures to achieve zero energy buildings in tropical and humid climates

Cited by 3 publications

References 55 publications

Advances in Retrofitting Strategies for Energy Efficiency in Tropical Climates: A Systematic Review and Analysis

Advances in Retrofitting Strategies for Energy Efficiency in Tropical Climates: A Systematic Review and Analysis

Feasibility and performance analysis of a net-zero energy residential building in tropical climates: A case of Congo-Brazzaville

Status, Challenges and Future Directions in the Evaluation of Net-Zero Energy Building Retrofits: A Bibliometrics-Based Systematic Review

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