Energy-Efficient and Renewable Energy-Supported Buildings in Hot and Humid Regions

Abstract

Appropriately designing buildings in hot and humid climates is challenging when environmental factors and the needs of the building’s occupants are considered thoroughly. Because of the serious issue of climate change, coupled with a scarcity of conventional energy sources and a high demand for better indoor environments, advancements in the design of buildings so that they are environmentally friendly and occupant-friendly houses are indispensable. The application of new building technologies intended for tropical climates is especially needed. Outdoor environmental considerations of available on-site and off-site renewable energy sources must be taken into account when designing buildings. An evaluation of comfortable and healthy indoor environments is also important factors. The optimized utilization of available energy sources is necessary for hybrid building operation. Increasing the energy efficiency of buildings makes operating the building significantly cheaper by lowering the energy consumption which could be sourced on-site. When a building is designed to take advantage of alternative energy sources, the building is energy independent from grid-connected electricity and, thus, is not prone to power failure. Such a building can rely on different energy sources to make the building work as an energy generator. Having energy-efficient and renewable energy-supported building in hot and humid climates reduces the conventional energy consumption of the area in which these buildings are located. It also lowers the energy required from the grid line, thus minimizing grid line stress. From this, greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute significantly to climate change, can be minimized.