Optimizing the dimensional ratio and orientation of residential buildings in the humid temperate climate to reduce energy consumption (Case: Rasht Iran)

Abstract

Today, the increase in the number of cities and greenhouse gas increases has led to the intensification of global warming. The construction industry has had a significant impact on this crisis. Therefore, using passive solutions such as optimizing building proportions and proper orientation in any climate can significantly help reduce building energy consumption and greenhouse gases. The research aims to optimize the proportions of residential buildings and their orientation to minimize the building's energy consumption in the city of Rasht with a moderate climate. For this purpose, a three-story building with dimensions of 1:1 was selected, and the energy consumption of the building, including the load of cooling, heating, and lighting, was calculated in the north-south and east-west dimensions up to the ratio of 1–10. This research has used validated software to calculate energy consumption. Then, the most optimal mode was selected in terms of proportionality; the energy consumption of the building with a different orientation compared to the geographical north was calculated for each degree up to 360°. The results showed that the energy consumption of the building with a ratio of 1:4 with east-west elongation was 155.29 kWh/m2, which has the lowest energy consumption compared to other modes and is also compatible with the construction and building industry. Also, the building with zero-degree orientation to the geographic north and east-west elongation has the lowest carbon dioxide production and annual energy consumption, which are 2107 kg/m2 and 146.28 kWh/m2, respectively. By using two primary parameters, i.e., building orientation and aspect ratio, this research presents a valid innovation in optimizing the energy consumption of buildings. This research is focused on the detailed analysis of the environmental performance of a building in Rasht climate and determining the best form and orientation to reduce energy consumption and environmental efficiency.