The impact of window orientation, glazing, and window-to-wall ratio on the heating and cooling energy of an office building: The case of hot and semi-arid climate

Abstract

Adopting suitable design strategies in buildings throughout the design stage provides increased energy-saving potential. In this study, factors influencing window design, such as the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and window orientation, along with different glazing materials, are being investigated in the city of Kirkuk, Iraq for possible energy consumption reduction. The study presents a simulation-based analysis on a typical office building in the area; evaluating four WWRs, four orientations, and three window glazing materials, e.g., clear, gray, and theoretical, as well as single and double-glazed windows. The results indicate that minimum heating consumption could be achieved with double clear glass for south-facing windows if WWR was 100 %. For north-facing windows, minimum cooling consumption is achieved with double theoretical-197 glass with a 25 % WWR. These measures can be utilized by architects and construction managers to communicate information to customers in an understandable manner and make better window design decisions.