Building Envelope Structure Research Articles

Research on Energy-Saving Transformation of Rural Residential Building Envelope Structures and Heating Modes in Northeast China

Rural areas in Northeast China present a large demand for heating energy in winter, but there are problems in such areas with poor thermal performance of building envelopes and poor indoor thermal comfort. In addition, coal-fired boilers are still widely used. China’s “Dual-Carbon Goals” and “Clean Heating” policy call for the creation of a green and comfortable living environment for rural residential buildings. This paper considers the impact of the improvement of the thermal performance of envelope structures on the initial investment of the transformation program and the rated power of the ASHP and proposes an energy-saving transformation method to replace traditional coal-fired boilers with the ASHP on the basis of the improvement of the thermal performance of envelope structures. By establishing a typical rural residential building model in Northeast China, this energy-saving method is simulated based on TRNSYS. The results show that the payback period of investment of the transformation method of “envelope structure + heating system” is not superior to that of the transformation method of only improving the thermal performance of the envelope structure, but it has advantages in the comprehensive life-cycle benefits and it has great advantages in improving the satisfaction of rural residents in the use of heating systems.

A scheme of installing ALC wall panels based on autonomous mobile robot

Autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC) wall panels are widely used in building envelope structures. Due to the limitations of their sizes and architectural environment, installing ALC wall panels is very complex, requiring significant labor and time costs. Construction robots provide enhanced efficiency, yet current façade installation robots lack comprehensive on-site automation. In this study, an on-site wallboard installation robot with sensors, a mobile base, and a mechanical gripper was self-designed. Based on this robot, an automated installation scheme with integrated functions was proposed for the multiple steps from grasping to installing the wall panel. The robot could recognize and judge the posture of the wall panel through a robot vision algorithm and was able to navigate according to the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). The proposed scheme achieved good results in both simulation and field testing. The robot automatically completed multiple tasks, from grasping to placing ALC wall panels, significantly reducing the difficulty of manually installing ALC wall panels and avoiding construction hazards.

Adaptive Building Envelope Structures

Climate changes which are increasing year by year are impacting not our environment but also our daily lives. One of the problems is the emission of greenhouse gases which are produced by householdings using heating fuel. Buildings in the Europe Union represents for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. It’s very necessary to think about how to reduce consumption of energy and emissions. To design a strong building nowadays is very difficult and complex task, due to a growing to fulfil sustainability in the built environment, societal and economic performance requirements. Technologies, methods, and technical solutions are changing in building construction. More and more we have passive, active or net-zero buildings, and it’s the first step to reduce emissions in householding sector. Moving forward, adaptive building envelope structures which incorporates using biomimicry principles, are the next step to find solutions how to save energy and consumptions. Biomimicry teaches a way how to find and integrate the processes from nature and use them in research and design. The main goal is to identify physical characteristics of animal thermoregulation strategies such as fur, fats, vasoconstriction, and work harmony with the nature. For better results, it is important to collect all data, systemize, filter, and arrange it to create a database with the nature properties and technical information. After that the results shows the potential of a new adaptive building envelope structure database which can be used by environmental specialists, also other engineers as well as architects and civil engineers.

Research and simulation of electromagnetic wave absorbing performance for lightweight cement-based materials containing expanded polystyrene with different particle sizes and carbon black

The electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing performance of cement-based materials incorporating expanded polystyrene (EPS) with varying particle sizes is comprehensively studied through a combination of experimental and simulation methods. The addition of conductive carbon black (CB) to the cement matrix significantly increases the conductivity and dielectric constant, thereby improving the loss capacity. The frequency shift behavior of single and three-layer absorbing materials adheres to the effective medium theory and interference cancellation principle. The enhancement in overall EM parameters leads to a shift of the reflection loss (RL) peak towards lower frequencies. For three-layer materials, an increase in the thickness of absorbent layer proves beneficial for enhancing absorption performance. Simulations can effectively model cement-based materials by employing uniform material settings, with the size of EPS particles serving as the primary variable. The simulation results reveal that an increase in EPS particle size, in both single-layer and multi-layer materials, causes a shift of the RL peak towards lower frequencies. Additionally, analysis of electric field mode distribution and EM power loss density distribution indicates that scattering at the curved EPS interface alters the propagation direction of EMWs, increasing opportunities for loss inside the cement-based material. Moreover, the three-layer absorbing material, with a density ranging from 850 to 900 kg/m3 and compressive strength exceeding 4 MPa, is suitable for EMW absorption in building envelope structures. In conclusion, an increase in EPS particle size and CB content leads to a low-frequency shift of the RL absorption peak. This discovery not only provides an empirical foundation for the development of absorption materials tailored to specific frequency bands but also offers an efficient approach for repurposing waste EPS of diverse sizes. Furthermore, the grading of EPS with different particle sizes has important practical significance for increasing the content of EPS and preparing lightweight cement-based materials.

Research on Multi-Objective Optimization Design of University Student Center in China Based on Low Energy Consumption and Thermal Comfort

Ensuring optimal building performance is vital for enhancing student activity comfort and fostering energy-saving initiatives toward low-carbon objectives. This paper focuses on university student centers in China, aiming to diminish building energy consumption while enhancing indoor thermal comfort. Parametric modeling of typical cases is executed using the Grasshopper 1.0.0007 software package, and the simulation of building energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort relies on the Ladybug and Honeybee plug-in. Employing a multi-objective optimization design method and the Octopus multi-objective optimization algorithm, this study integrates numerical simulations and on-site surveys to analyze how factors like building form, orientation, envelope structure, and others impact the indoor and outdoor environment. A comprehensive optimization design approach is implemented for the building’s exterior components, including the walls, windows, roof, and shading system. After conducting a comparative analysis of the annual comprehensive energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort before and after the optimization plan, it is determined that implementing these measures reduces the annual comprehensive energy consumption of the building under study by 58.8% and extends the duration of indoor thermal comfort by 53.0%. This study presents a practical optimization design methodology for university student center architecture in China, aiding architects in decision making and advocating for energy-efficient building designs.

Humidity regime of building envelope structures of the drying compartment tula brewery

The article presents the results of a study of the humidity regime of building enclosing structures of the drying department of the brewery located in Tula. The assessment of the humidity regime was carried out in order to identify the causes of damage to external, internal walls and attic floors, and the task was also set to develop technical solutions for steam and waterproofing of the above-mentioned enclosing structures. To solve the tasks set, thermophysical calculations of building enclosing structures were performed, as well as an assessment of their moisture accumulation during the operation of the building. The position of the plane of possible condensation was determined using the author’s methodology. The results of thermophysical calculations showed the presence of moisture accumulation in the above-mentioned structures, which is associated with the use of PVC polyethylene film as wind protection. It was also revealed that there was a discrepancy with the regulatory requirements for thermal protection of the external wall of the electrical panel. In order to eliminate these problems, recommendations were made, which consisted in using an Isospan A type film as a vapor barrier, increasing the thickness of the insulation, organizing natural supply and exhaust ventilation of the attic room, as well as waterproofing the structures of the outer wall made of monolithic reinforced concrete.

Multi-objective optimization of residential building energy consumption, daylighting, and thermal comfort based on BO-XGBoost-NSGA-II

The energy consumption, daylighting, and thermal comfort of buildings directly affect the three key goals of residents. However, there is little research on the optimization of energy consumption, daylighting, and thermal comfort in residential buildings in China. Therefore, this study proposes an optimization framework that combines Bayesian optimization with extreme gradient boosting trees (BO-XGBoost) and non-dominated genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) to study the multi-objective optimization of residential building performance. This paper first uses Grasshopper to simulate and obtain a dataset through Latin hypercube sampling (LHS). BO-XGBoost is used to establish the regression relationship between building envelope design parameters and residential building performance. Then, the obtained regression model is used as the fitness function of NSGA-II to get the Pareto optimal solution set. Finally, the ideal point method is used to obtain the optimal combination of building envelope structure parameters for residential buildings. Taking a residential building in a hot summer and cold winter area as an example, the effectiveness of this method is verified. The results show that (1) BO-XGBoost has excellent predictive performance, with R2 values of 0.997, 0.960, and 0.994 for energy consumption, thermal comfort, and daylighting, respectively. (2) The proposed BO-XGBoost-NSGA-II can effectively achieve multi-objective optimization. Compared with the initial scheme of the case building, energy consumption is reduced by 44.1%, thermal comfort index is reduced by 10.9%, and daylighting performance is improved by 1.7%. Therefore, the proposed method can effectively optimize the performance goals of residential buildings and provide practical ideas for similar problems.

Prefab Light Clay-Timber Elements for Net Zero Whole-Life Carbon Buildings

"Net zero whole life carbon" is an ambitious climate target that refers to neutralizing and offsetting the entire LCA-based carbon footprint of a building, including both operational and embodied greenhouse gas emissions. Especially in the Northern climate, viable building envelope structures must, therefore, provide good thermal insulation and low embodied emissions. Carbon offset is typically based on excess on-site renewable energy or purchased carbon offsets disconnected from the building and the site. Viable strategies for carbon neutrality start by minimizing material-related and energy-related CO2e emissions. As a result, new kinds of building envelope structures have been recently introduced in the academic literature and experimental building projects. Traditional construction materials, such as timber and clay, have been sourced locally and processed manually, providing good results for the embodied emissions in life cycle assessment. Recent studies on clay-based construction materials have concluded that more research on clay as a construction material is needed, in particular considering its environmental performance. One specific concern in the Northern climate is that the weather conditions limit clay construction outdoors and prevent industrial-scale application of these solutions. The methods of prefabrication can address these issues. This study introduces the critical technical and environmental properties of a new prefabricated wall element based on a combination of light timber frame and light clay. In a hybrid light clay-timber structure, a mixture of clay and hemp shives is cast between the timber studs. On the one hand, the novelty of this wall structure is the prefabrication that enables industrial applications and upscaling without the limitations of weather conditions. On the other hand, the study assesses the climate impact of a light clay-timber wall element : cradle-to-gate emissions, thermal insulation, and the climate benefits outside the system boundary (carbon handprint) reported in the D-module of the LCA framework. The study also shows that natural materials require a different approach than synthetic materials from industrial processes. There may be variations in the properties of hemp and clay, especially when local sourcing is prioritized for better environmental performance. Moreover, the mixing and installation processes have a significant impact on the final properties and the performance. We show that constructing a light clay wall is a knowledge-intensive process that may result in very different technical properties.

Carbon emission measurement of the envelope of a university teaching building in Hefei City

Abstract In response to the challenges posed by global warming, China has formulated dual carbon goals. In this context, the construction industry, a key carbon emitter, is vital for implementing energy-saving and emission-reducing strategies. This study zeroes in on the pivotal role of building envelope structures in carbon emissions, with a focus on a university building in Hefei. Commencing with onsite measurements to gather initial data, the study leverages simulation software to conduct an in-depth analysis. Employing orthogonal experimental design and variance analysis, it meticulously assesses the carbon emissions associated with different materials used in exterior walls, roofs and windows, considering both the material production and building operation phases. The research scrutinizes the impact of these materials on carbon emissions, with a special focus on the performance of seven distinct building retrofit schemes. Key findings of the study underscore that the type and thickness of exterior wall materials substantially influence carbon emissions during the production phase. Conversely, the choice of window materials emerges as more critical in reducing emissions during the building operation phase. The implementation of the various retrofit schemes demonstrates a tangible reduction in overall building carbon emissions. Specifically, these schemes yield a yearly reduction in carbon emissions of 2.96–3.62 tons during operation and a substantial decrease of 30.36–165.97 tons in the production phase, compared to the original structure of the case study building. These insights not only offer practical and viable strategies for the construction industry’s low-carbon development but also provide theoretical underpinnings and references for future building designs and retrofits.

Analysis of thermal characteristics of building envelope structure for night storage heating

In order to understand the thermal characteristics analysis of nighttime thermal storage heating, the author proposes a study on the thermal characteristics analysis of nighttime thermal storage heating of building envelope structures. In some places, the writer will use an office room as a research object. The main purpose of the experiment is to measure, compare and analyze the surface temperature and heat flow rate of the room sample volume under two conditions: constant power 24 hour heating and night constant thermal power (12 hours) heating. In order to verify the accuracy of the dynamic thermal process of the heating room, the indoor air time variation will be performed along with the simulation results. Thermal performance parameters and characteristics of building thermal envelope heating effect of storage room were studied. The mathematical model of the thermal dynamic process of the heating room was established using the heat balance method and verified by experiments. According to the experiment, when the heating time increases from 5-12 hours, the additional heating consumption of the building heating system decreases by 500 Wh, and the additional heating consumption decreases to 19.4. In addition, it is important to change the heating time of the night-time packing model and the total heat accumulation. In addition, external wall insulation is useful in reducing additional heating consumption and building heating costs, but all heat transfer between model blocks is low. As the weather changes and the heat transfer coefficient of the external window increases, the additional amount of heat consumption and the additional value of heat consumption for heat storage of the building will increase. In the process of continuous heating operation, the additional heat consumption of the building heating system, the additional heat consumption gradually decreases, the heating equipment changes per hour, and the total heat accumulation of the night packing structure is important.

Research on evaluation methods for thermal bridge treatment measures for building envelopes

Along with the promotion of low-carbon and zero carbon buildings such as ultra-low energy buildings, near zero energy buildings, and zero energy buildings, there is higher and higher demand to the thermal performance of building envelopes. Thermal bridges have a crucial impact on the thermal performance of building envelope structures. In order to achieve the goal of energy conservation and carbon dioxide reduction in building structures, it is necessary to conduct refined calculations and evaluations on thermal bridge treatment measures. In this paper, three thermal bridge treatment measures evaluation methods from different dimensions are presented: evaluation method based on reduction degree of thermal bridge effect, evaluation method based on carbon dioxide emissions from thermal bridges, and evaluation method based on technical economy of thermal bridges.

Composite phase change materials with thermal-flexible and efficient photothermal conversion properties for solar thermal management

Composite phase change material (CPCM) with the advantages of high enthalpy and constant temperature phase change, has been widely used in many fields, such as photovoltaic thermal system, building envelope structure and so on. However, conventional CPCM is often rigid, poor light absorption and low thermal conductivity, which limits the application of solar energy utilization. In this paper, a novel Paraffin wax/Thermoplastic elastomer/Carbon nanotube(PA/SEBS/CNT) with shape stability, thermos-flexibility and high photothermal conversion efficiency was prepared, PA as the phase change material, SEBS as the flexible material and CNT as the light-absorbing material. The results show that the addition of CNT increases the absorbance of PA/SEBS from 0.3 to 1.0, and the photothermal conversion efficiency of PA/SEBS/CNT-10 % is as high as 96.17 %. In addition, the CPCM also has a high enthalpy value of 180 J/g, and a high thermal conductivity of >0.3403 W/(m·K), and also exhibits shape-driven memory. At the same time, outdoor photothermal experiments show that PA/SEBS/CNT has excellent photothermal conversion performance under real sunlight, and the highest temperature can reach 99.51 °C. The new CPCM developed has a broad application prospect in solar thermal systems.

Efficient thermoelectric properties and high UV absorption of stable zinc-doped all-inorganic perovskite for BIPV applications in multiple scenarios

The widespread adoption of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is vital in the transition from carbon-based energy systems to renewable energy. Traditional photovoltaic modules are difficult to meet the requirements of building materials. In this paper, all-inorganic perovskite zinc-doped CsPb0.875Zn0.125X3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) systems studied through first principles calculation. The results indicate that the doped materials have better structural and mechanical stability. Pugh's ratio is higher than 1.75, which has good ductility. CsPb0.875Zn0.125Cl3 has high mechanical strength, ensuring the load-bearing requirements. CsPb0.875Zn0.125I3 exhibits high compressibility and can be easily shaped according to specific requirements. This characteristic makes it highly suitable for applications in areas such as flexible photovoltaic buildings and flexible power generation. The low extinction coefficient and refractive index, ranging between 1.45 and 2.00, along with a transmittance of 88.7 % in the visible light range, indicate its potential for application in semi-transparent devices. The peak absorption coefficient of CsPb0.875Zn0.125Br3 reaches up to 6.11 × 105 cm−1 in the ultraviolet region, with a transmittance of 73 % lower than the other two. This makes it more suitable for building envelope structures. CsPb0.875Zn0.125Cl3 exhibits a peak value of the figure of merit at 300 K is 0.34, demonstrating application potential in building temperature difference power generation. CsPb0.875Zn0.125I3 ultra-thin monolayer has an average sound transmission loss greater than 2 dB, which has more sound insulation potential. This article provides a theoretical basis for the regional application of BIPV.

Heat loss characteristics of typology-based apartment building external walls for a digital twin-based renovation strategy tool

Information about existing building structures is necessary for creating a renovation strategy. Older buildings are often built using typical building envelope structures. However, this information is presented in the building register at a general level, specifying the material type but not its characteristics. For a cross-regional reconstruction strategy, it is necessary to link the scarce information in the building register with the heat loss characteristics of the building envelope structures. In the current study, we classified external wall solutions according to building typologies and linked this with building register information. The typology database includes log, timber frame, brick, concrete, and aerated lightweight concrete external wall structures. Comparing the typology-based values and the actual situation showed that the wall structures’ expected and actual heat loss characteristics agreed. However, there were also significant deviations, primarily because the data from the building register did not allow for precise classification. Nevertheless, data showed that building typology-based heat loss properties are necessary for developing a district-based renovation strategy.

Construction of Building an Energy Saving Optimization Model Based on Genetic Algorithm

The building envelope structure is the cause of a major part of energy consumption, with exterior walls and windows being the main energy-consuming components. Traditional building energy conservation measures often overlook the demand for human comfort, especially in areas characterized by hot summers and warm winters. For this paper, the authors concentrated on indoor comfort, with a focus on optimizing the heat transfer coefficient of windows and exterior walls using a genetic algorithm. They used a genetic algorithm to explore the performance optimization of exterior walls and windows in the enclosure structure. To aid this effort, they constructed a building energy-saving optimization model. In addition, they created an optimization model in an attempt to reduce building energy consumption. They took the heat transfer coefficients of the outer window and the outer wall as the optimization parameters of the established model, and they compiled the optimization program using MATLAB. The experimental results showed that the heat transfer coefficients of exterior walls and windows in cold regions are 0.4459 and 2.7875, respectively, while the heat transfer coefficients in warm winter and hot summer regions are 0.66, 1.98, 1.026, and 1.59. The conducted work provides a reference for the optimization design of the heat transfer coefficient of external walls and windows as a measure to enhance building energy efficiency.

Building Thermal and Energy Performance of Subtropical Terraced Houses under Future Climate Uncertainty

Due to global temperature increases, terraced house (TH) residents face a threat to their health due to poor indoor thermal environments. As buildings are constructed by low-income residents without professional guidance, this study aims to investigate the indoor thermal comfort and energy resilience of THs under the future climate and determine the optimal passive design strategies for construction and retrofitting. By exploring the effects of building envelope structures, adjusting the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and designing shading devices, EnergyPlus version 22.0 was used to optimize the thermal environment and cooling load of THs throughout their life cycle under future climate uncertainties. Unimproved THs will experience overheating for nearly 90% of the hours in a year and the cooling load will exceed 60,000 kWh by 2100 under the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 8.5 scenario. In contrast, optimization and improvements resulted in a 17.3% reduction in indoor cooling load by increasing shading devices and the WWR, and using building envelope structures with moderate thermal insulation. This study can guide TH design and renovation, significantly reducing indoor cooling load and enabling residents to better use active cooling to combat future overheating environments.

Thermal assessment of vertical enclosing structures taking into account thermal effects

Introduction. The hot and unfavorable climate, affecting both the person and the building as a whole, increases more and more every year. This trend of temperature increase is noted not only in the cities of the southern region of the Russian Federation, but also in the world, which is caused by the problem of global warming. Identification of the values of thermal effects on buildings and structures in the aspect of increasing the energy efficiency of buildings is a priority.
 
 Materials and methods. The calculation method is presented in the form of a formulaic mathematical model and a numerical method using a software package. The object of the study is a residential building with a frame system construction and frame scheme. Enclosing structures are made of aerated concrete blocks with the device of wet and ventilated facade.
 
 Results. Qualitative and quantitative results of the study are presented in the form of graphical calculations. The results of the energy audit of enclosing structures under conditions of loading by thermal influences are obtained. Temperature dependences between the surface outside of the envelope and inside are established. Critical temperatures on the surface of enclosing structures outside the room at which unfavorable conditions are observed on the surface inside are determined. Problems in the field of determining the threat of external thermal factors on the enclosing structures taking into account their vulnerable parts in the application of two methods of thermal loads control in the conditions of unsteady heat transfer have been solved.
 
 Conclusions. A calculation procedure using the finite element method by means of a software package under conditions of thermal effects on the enclosing structures has been developed, which allows to predict the temperature shifts on the wall surface inside the room. A comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the recommended structures used for building envelope design is carried out. The conditions for energy efficiency improvement in the application of two methods of thermal load control under unsteady heat transfer conditions have been identified, and recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of building envelope structures have been developed.

Comparative analysis of residential building envelopes newly implementing the building insulation code in Damascus

The selection of envelope construction technique has the highest impact on sustaining indoor thermal comfort while reducing energy consumed for heating and cooling. Numerous insulation codes are implemented worldwide to improve building envelope modification. Each country has set envelope transmittances criteria, materials, techniques and simulation tools differently based on its climate zones and construction sector adaptability. The housing sector in Syria is the focus of energy conservation being responsible of half of the energy consumption in the country. Syrian post-conflict residential buildings are challenged by the new implementation of Building Insulation Code. This code has opted for a “fabric first” dwellings design approach with mandatory U-value standards. Hence, like many energy-related regulations in Syria it has been dropped because the construction sector has not been able to cope with them, forced by speculators to keep costs low. Another reason is that building thermal performance modeling has not been used to comply with the new insulation code in Syria. The research aims to examine the potential relevance of the Insulation Code in informing post-war social housing envelope structures in Damascus. It evaluates compliant building envelope structures compared to conventional building in terms of transmittance properties, simulated thermal loads (IESVE) and cost–energy trade-off. The research findings reveal an improvement in U-values of 78.5%, 31.5%, 92.7% and 90.2% achieved in compliant cases 1, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, compared to conventional case-2. The simulation demonstrated best improvement in total heating loads up to 85% achieved in case-4. Hence, the improved U-value lead to improvement in winter heating loads but overheating in summertime. The simulation was found useful but not enough to optimize envelope performance through interdisciplinary decision that contributes positively to Syrian post-war circumstances. The cost analysis found an increase in wall initial construction costs, amounting to 36.4%, 27.3%, 54.6% and 45.5% in cases 1, 3, 4 and 5 with long payback periods. These findings spark a new agenda for Insulation Code improvement. The proposed simplified criteria offer practitioners more understanding to customize their own list of envelope structure parameters based on the climatic zone resulting in a shift in envelope selection from input to a more output oriented.

Experimental study of the thermal behavior of PCM and heavy building envelope structures during summer in a temperate climate

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of PCM and traditional masonry construction on the summer thermal performance of the non-air-conditioned residential building in a temperate climate. The research was conducted in three rooms. In the first case, the lightweight frame construction of the walls and ceiling was covered with gypsum board on the inside, while in the second, a layer of Rubitherm® RT25HC was placed. The third room used masonry walls and a reinforced concrete roof. All rooms had identical flooring. The study was conducted between 13.08 and 18.09.2020. For the night period, various rates of mechanical ventilation were used to maintain the room temperature within the range of optimal PCM melting temperatures. The results of the study indicate significantly higher effectiveness of traditional high thermal capacity building materials than PCMs for lowering high indoor temperatures in summer. This occurs when there is a marked increase in outdoor temperature on at least one day, while at the same time the indoor temperature does not significantly exceed the PCM's melting temperature range specified by the manufacturer. Studies have further shown that the cooling efficiency of PCMs remains at a reasonably high level only for a small number of days in summer. This occurs when there is a marked increase in outdoor temperature on at least one day, while at the same time the indoor temperature does not significantly exceed the PCM's melting temperature range specified by the manufacturer.

Optimization and Economic Analysis of Green Public Building Envelope Structure in Chongqing

Public buildings such as colleges and universities in Chengdu can be studied from the aspects of the main factors influencing buildings’ energy consumption. This study analyzed the indoor thermal environment of the buildings and characteristics of their palisade structures, with their thermal performance and energy consumption, as main influencing factors of energy consumption. In the present study, these public buildings have been considered as the research object, their data has been measured through field investigation and theoretical analysis, numerically simulated- based on the actual features- and compared by computer simulation to describe the influence of thermal performance of different envelope structures on energy consumption. Also, the relationship between different thermal performance indexes and energy consumption is established. The advantage of this study is mainly to our green and energy-saving society. “Building a conservation-oriented and environmentally friendly society” is a basic state policy of China. Due to their high energy consumption ratio and greater difficulty in energy conservation, public buildings are the key places in emission reduction. The selection of appropriate green building technology is the key to sustainable development of public buildings.