Sustainability of building-integrated bioclimatic design strategies depending on energy affordability

Abstract

Bioclimatic design strategies have proven their efficiency in improving the sustainability of buildings. However, their economic benefits, regarded as the main incentive for building owners to incorporate such strategies into buildings, are still unclear since they depend on several factors including the countries' energy accessibility level. This study explores the role of energy affordability level and climatic conditions in incorporating bioclimatic design strategies. Therefore, the effectiveness of integrating seven bioclimatic approaches into a common residential building in six different locations worldwide with disparate climatic conditions, gross domestic products and electricity prices is assessed. The outcomes of each strategy are generated using EnergyPlus software and evaluated based on key energy, economic and environmental metrics. The findings reveal that, for most bioclimatic design strategies, the highest economic profits are achieved in regions where the electricity price to gross domestic product (EPGDP) ratio is high (i.e., where energy is unaffordable). Indeed, the shortest discounted payback period is obtained by using suitable glazing size in hot/moderate climates with higher EPGDP ratio (0.04/0.13 years) and thermal insulation in cold ones (1.17 years). Moreover, the greatest net present values are acquired by integrating thermal insulation in hot/cold zones with up to k$14.04/k$76.73, and window opening design in moderate climates (k$7.32). Additionally, the investigated strategies exhibit significant energy savings and carbon emissions mitigation. This study confirms the benefits of bioclimatic design; nevertheless, awareness campaigns and incentive programs are also essential in motivating households to integrate sustainable strategies into their buildings, especially in regions where energy is affordable.