Energy Efficient Building Design Research Articles

Building Mass Optimization to Reduce Solar Radiation in High Rise Building by Using Parametric Approach

Buildings use 40% of global primary energy, therefore their design and use affect climate change. Building performance analysis can assist architects predict performance before construction with parametric design tools. Radiance can be reduced via a parametric mass, lowering cooling load and energy use. The study uses theoretical and computational research to explain, forecast, and analyze events, whereas parametric design optimizes complicated geometries using mathematical parameters and algorithms. Environmental analysis in Grasshopper with the Ladybug plugin uses Rhinoceros. This plugin provides solar radiation, and climate analysis capabilities. To determine the most energy-efficient building design, the research links independent and dependent variables such solar radiation intensity and building mass. The study uses Surabaya weather data and high rise buildings. The land is formed like a square, with a 15-degree slope to the north and is flanked by low-rise buildings. As a result, the location receives the most direct sunlight during the day. Then, solar radiation analysis. It helps optimize passive solar design solutions. According to the modelling results, solar radiation on the top and west sides are particularly large and dominant in 65.37 and 32.69 kWh/m2. Meanwhile, the north, east and south sides receive very little solar radiation. The following simulation considers the optimal direction, which is to extend west-east and face to the south. A multi-towered megastructure is a high-rise building that responds best to solar radiation. The total solar radiation value is 3,718,100 kWh. It can accommodate large spaces with large mass composition but relatively low total solar radiation values. The building towers provide shade to each other, thereby reducing direct radiation from the sun to the building. The sides of the building's podium are also shaded, so the top of the building is partially red.

Improving building natural ventilation simulation accuracy: calibration of standard k − ε closure coefficients using design of experiment

Abstract The objective of this study is to improve the accuracy of the standard k − ε (SKE) turbulence model for natural ventilation simulation, a critical component in the analysis and design of energy-efficient buildings. The methodology involves generating 17 design points for the four closure coefficients (C ɛ 1,C ɛ 2,C µ ,σ k ) for the SKE model using 2k full-factorial design of experiment (DOE) with a centre point. A sheltered single storey-building with windward and leeward openings is modelled and simulated using computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to obtain the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Factor of two observation (FAC2) for each design point. Response models for RMSE and FAC2 are then generated, and optimization is employed to maximize FAC2, minimize RMSE, and the combination of both. The results are validated and compared with experimental and simulation data reported in existing literature. The findings indicate that the indoor velocity profiles with closure coefficients obtained by maximizing FAC2 are better aligned with the actual experimental results. Compared with the existing calibration method, the proposed calibration method can yield superior results with fewer sampling points, highlighting the efficiency of the proposed approach. The calibration framework developed in this study can be extended to other simulation scenarios, contributing to the robust and efficient modelling of natural ventilation systems in various contexts. This research presents a novel calibration method for the SKE model in natural ventilation simulation, providing a more accurate and efficient approach compared to existing methods. The results have important implications for researchers and practitioners working in the field of building energy simulation and sustainability.

Evaluating the Urban Heat Mitigation Potential of a Living Wall in Milan: One Year of Microclimate Monitoring

Urban heat island (UHI) mitigation and adaptation are urgent needs in a built environment, which requires us to search for sustainable solutions to limit the urban heat island effect and improve the energy efficiency of building envelopes. Among these solutions, vertical green structures (VGSs) have recently attracted significant attention for their potential to mitigate adverse effects, especially in densely built areas. This study presents a comprehensive data analysis of the microclimate of a living wall in Milan, Italy. Our aim was to evaluate this VGS’s performance in mitigating temperature increases caused by the UHI effect. In the literature, similar studies are limited to shorter monitoring periods (mostly in cooling seasons) and specific orientations (mostly facing south). However, the VGS presented in this case study here faces northwest and was continuously monitored for one calendar year. During this continuous in situ monitoring campaign, air temperature data from sensors either embedded in vegetation or exposed on a bare wall were collected and analysed over a whole calendar year, which is a novelty compared to the existing literature focused on VGSs due to the long duration. The findings indicate that the studied VGS has the ability to influence the outdoor microclimate depending on the season, the precipitation events, the wall exposure, the type of vegetation, and the vegetation’s phenological attributes. The analysis showed that the VGS consistently maintained cooler temperatures than the bare wall, with mean temperature differences ranging from 2.8 °C in autumn to 0.8 °C in spring through the winter. The vegetation acted as a natural insulator by reducing the air temperature during the hot summer and in early autumn, corresponding to the growing period of the vegetation. Thus, VGSs show potential to mitigate the global warming effect. These findings provide valuable insights on vegetation’s capability to act as a thermal regulator for sustainable urban planning and energy-efficient building design and retrofitting.

Thinking of Green, Low Carbon, and Energy-Saving Designs Based on the Variable Ventilation of Natatoriums: Taking the Jiading Natatorium of Tongji University as an Example

With the increasing demand for sports activities, sports architecture is flourishing. Creating a comfortable and healthy fitness environment while reducing energy consumption has become a focus for architects. Taking the Jiading Natatorium at Tongji University in Shanghai as an example, this study researched green energy in the variable ventilation of sports venues. The Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2011 was used to conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation analyses on four scenarios of opening and closing the swimming pool’s roof, with ventilation velocity as the primary evaluation indicator to assess the ventilation environment of each scenario. The relationship between the opening ratio of the roof and the ventilation environment of sports buildings was explored. The results showed that when the opening ratio is 37.5%, it achieves good ventilation effectiveness and avoids excessive wind pressure. The study also summarized six common forms of opening and closing roof structures and compared the differences in wind environments of different roof forms. The results indicated that the shape and opening ratio of the roof has a decisive impact on the distribution of indoor wind speed in buildings. Six optimal opening ratios for different roof forms in summer and suitable site conditions were summarized, providing a reference for the design and selection of swimming pool roofs. Furthermore, the wind speed distribution of different roof types showed a trend of gradually becoming uniform with the increase in opening area. However, the position of the wind speed peak is related to the form and size of the roof opening. This research provides valuable references for the low carbon and energy-efficient design of future swimming pool sports buildings.

OPTIMIZING ELECTROCHROMIC SMART GLASS WINDOWS PERFORMANCE WITH SOLAR CONTROL FOR SUSTAINABLE OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS IN THE HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE OF SAUDI ARABIA

ABSTRACT Energy-saving strategies are of paramount importance, especially in office buildings located in hot-humid climates. This study explores the potential for energy savings and assesses visual comfort in such environments by introducing Electrochromic (EC) smart glass in the window glazing. To bolster credibility and provide essential information, we employ a state-of-the-art building simulation tool. The research focuses on evaluating the energy performance and visual comfort of EC glass windows when controlled by solar controllers. Through meticulous simulations, we pinpoint the optimal setpoint radiation levels for EC glass windows across all building orientations. The results conclusively indicate that deploying EC glass windows with solar controllers, each set to the recommended radiation levels, leads to remarkable energy savings, up to 20%. Importantly, these savings are achieved without compromising visual comfort in any of the building's zones, regardless of orientation. This research underscores the potential for EC glass windows to significantly improve energy efficiency in office buildings, emphasizing their applicability in hot-humid climates. The findings call for further exploration in different building types and climate zones, as the practical implications of these results could revolutionize energy-efficient building design and retrofits.

Effectiveness of building envelope parameters and adopting PV panels to reduce reliance on local generators in hot-dry climate

The growing energy demand, associated with the inability of the current infrastructure to satisfy this demand, has presented numerous challenges in Iraq's electricity sector. As a result, there has been an increased dependence on local diesel generators to mitigate power outages in homes. However, these generators raise environmental concerns and are associated with high operating CO₂ emissions. Here, using the DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus simulation software, the effectiveness of different building envelope modifications and photovoltaic panels as alternative energy sources was examined. Specifically, the impact of wall and roof insulation, window glazing, and shading devices on energy efficiency was analyzed. The results indicated that roof insulation is the most effective in reducing energy consumption by 28.8%, followed by wall insulation by 13.01%, while the effect of windows glazing and shading devices was insignificant. Furthermore, the installation of solar panels led to a significant reduction in energy demand by 53.6%, thereby decreasing operating carbon dioxide emissions and providing a practical alternative to the use of local generators. Our study offers valuable insights into the design of energy-efficient residential buildings in hot and dry climates. It highlights the importance of selecting appropriate building materials and integrating renewable energy sources, presenting a more environmentally effective solution to mitigate energy shortages.

Mitigating urban heat island and enhancing indoor thermal comfort using terrace garden

The United Nations advocates for sustainable urban planning and design, emphasizing green infrastructure initiatives to mitigate urban heat island effects and enhance the resilience and livability of cities globally. To address urban heat challenges, a study was conducted in Chennai, India, from April to June 2023. The study focused on assessing temperature dynamics on a building's terrace by comparing a well-maintained garden area with an exposed region. Temperature and humidity sensors were deployed in both the garden and exposed areas of the terrace, as well as within rooms beneath it, to monitor hourly temperature fluctuations. The findings indicate a significant reduction in internal room temperatures in areas with rooftop gardens, ranging from 4 to 11 °C, depending on the time of year and sun's position, compared to rooms with fully exposed roof configurations. Additionally, simulation studies were performed to validate these findings, suggesting that optimizing the distribution of soil beds and plant density across the roof could yield an additional temperature reduction of 3–4 °C, resulting in an overall difference of up to 14–15 °C. The study highlights the efficacy of rooftop gardens in providing cooling effects during daylight hours and maintaining temperature parity post-sunset. Through analysis of sensor data, the research elucidates the intricate relationship between green infrastructure and thermal comfort, offering insights for energy-efficient building design and resilient urban planning. The findings underscore the potential of rooftop gardens in fostering a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable urban living environment.

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.

Integration of BIPV design and energy efficient technologies for low energy building in meeting net zero target

Based on the World Energy Transition Outlook, almost two thirds of the CO2 emissions released in the world are related to energy emissions with 36 Gigatonnes of energy related CO2 released in 2015. To reduce CO2 emissions by 70 % before 2050, energy efficiency parameters and renewable energy systems will have to be incorporated together to achieve a more sustainable future. The synergy between these two systems could potentially decrease the total final energy consumption of the world by 25EJ, which is by 5 % by the year 2030. One of those synergy methods would be the incorporation of energy efficient building designs and technologies with BIPV systems. Energy efficient building design is the process of upgrading or constructing buildings or elements that are able to maximize the consumption of energy supplied to them by reducing energy losses, through various innovative and effective systems and technologies. BIPV systems are PV products and components that are integrated into the buildings structure. In Malaysia, research and applications of BIPV are just emerging and is still in early development. In the final report submitted to the United Nations Development Program, Malaysia aimed to achieve an increase of 330 % in installed BIPV capacity. This paper aims to simulate an energy efficient building through a specific 3D modelling software, Autodesk Revit, that incorporates BIPV design systems. The method used to create this model will be performed in four stages. First, the development of a comprehensive 3D model of a suitable building. Second, analysis of photovoltaic system of the model. Third, an intricate energy analysis of 3D building and BIPV system via Revit and Autodesk Insight. Lastly, evaluation of the energy consumption of the building and CO2 emissions. This research has managed to reduce the Final Energy Use Intensity of the building from 194 kwh/m2/year to 140 kwh/m2/year and the CO2 emissions from 258 tnes CO2e to 186 tnes CO2e a year. This research presents the integration of energy efficient designs and technologies, with BIPV systems toward low energy building target.

Techno-economic analysis of grid-connected PV and second-life battery systems for net-zero energy houses

Net-zero energy houses (ZEHs) rely on energy-efficient building design and the incorporation of distributed generation and battery energy storage units. Nevertheless, two primary concerns arise: high investment cost of these units and harmful environmental impact of batteries. Using second-life batteries can overcome these concerns by reducing the cost of photovoltaic (PV)-battery systems and mitigating the adverse environmental effects of battery supply chain. Therefore, this study examines the techno-economic feasibility of utilizing second-life batteries for PV storage in grid-connected ZEHs in two provinces (Antalya and Istanbul) of Türkiye. First, two ZEHs with air-to-water heat pumps are designed using BEopt software. Next, the optimal PV-battery capacity in the ZEHs is determined using HOMER Grid software. Finally, the economic feasibility of using three types of batteries (new lead acid, new Li-ion, second-life Li-ion) in ZEHs is compared. The optimal design for a typical ZEH comprises a 5.92 kW PV and an 8.96 kWh second-life Li-ion battery in Istanbul (northern Türkiye), yielding an NPV of $10,906, and a 7.54 kW PV and an 11.52 kWh second-life Li-ion battery in Antalya (southern Türkiye), yielding an NPV of $16,402. The results indicate that using second-life Li-ion increases the NPV of PV-battery systems by 15 % in Istanbul and by 21 % in Antalya. The feasible system configuration categories for Türkiye's economic and climatic conditions are ranked as: PV-second-life Li-ion > PV-no battery ≅ PV-new Li-ion > PV-new lead acid. Incentivizing the use of second-life batteries due to their environmental contribution could result in an even higher NPV increase.

Comprehensive evaluation of natural ventilation potential of buildings in urban areas under the influence of multiple environment-related factors

Realistic natural ventilation potential estimation is critical for energy-efficient building design. For buildings in urban areas, evaluations using design expectations tend to overestimate potential. This study presents a comprehensive framework and corresponding method to predict the natural ventilation potential of buildings, integrating multiple key environmental factors of climate features, local wind status, and air pollution level. It addresses their complex interplay. Climate impacts are evaluated through simulating using a pre-set natural ventilation rate. Computational fluid dynamics models typical neighbourhood wind fields, giving empirical wind pressure coefficient distributions by layout and wind direction to enable real-time ventilation rate calculation. Substituting real-time for pre-set rates, the natural ventilation potential considering the community layout can be obtained. Based on the data-driven rapid pollutant prediction model established in the previous study, the predictions of the temporal and spatial distributions of particulate matter can be obtained. Filtering excessive pollution periods yields air quality-integrated potentials. Natural ventilation potentials are compared under different analysis scenarios for a case-study building. Hotter climates and more frequent heatwaves lower the potential. Morphology-based potentials are significantly lower than design expectations using constant ventilation rates. Deteriorating urban air quality also directly limits ventilation use, substantially decreasing potentials when filtering for poor conditions. By capturing complex environmental interactions, this research provides a robust platform to reveal localization potentials and limitations.

Green building energy: Patents analysis and analytical hierarchy process evaluation

In the dynamic sphere of building energy systems, this study explores advancements in energy integration, storage technologies, management practices, and occupant behavior, assessing sustainable energy practices, including emerging technologies like fuel cells and energy storage systems. It underscores the significance of efficient energy management, considering both renewable and conventional energy mechanisms. The study comprises four key strata: (i) a thorough literature review of recent energy trends, (ii) a comparative study of global energy patents using the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database, (iii) a comprehensive analysis of building-energy patents, and (iv) expert-guided Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) evaluation. These realms encompass five primary sources: (i) energy-efficient building design, (ii) intelligent building automation, (iii) optimizing energy systems integration, (iv) energy storage, and (v) energy management and optimization. Findings reveal energy storage's dominance, with water energy storage and emerging hydrogen technology leading the trajectory. Global energy patent scrutiny underscores China, the United States, and Japan as influential players in optimizing energy markets. The research shapes energy futures, identifies gaps, and drives sustainable energy practices within the built environment, serving as a compass for policymakers and researchers.

A comprehensive experimental characterization of cement mortar containing sodium sulfate dehydrate/calcium chloride hexahydrate/graphite shape-stable PCM for enhanced thermal regulation in buildings

The current research on integrating phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelopes is driven by the need to optimize thermal performance while preserving material properties. Integrating PCM into cement mortar faces challenges in balancing heat storage capacity and material strength. Using higher PCM content may compromise strength, but smaller content may limit heat storage capacity. To overcome these hurdles, integrating high-conductive SSPCM at lower percentages can enhance thermal performance without compromising material integrity. Yet, research in this domain is lacking. This study investigates integrating a shape-stable PCM into plaster to ascertain the ideal PCM content while maintaining vital characteristics. Experimental analysis of five composites, with PCM percentages ranging from 3% to 10%, showed that all met physical property criteria except the 10% PCM composite. Despite a slight decrease in mechanical strength, it remained within acceptable standards for mortar materials. The composites exhibited improved thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and heat storage capacity significantly with increasing PCM content. This study convincingly demonstrates the feasibility of maintaining thermal effectiveness even with low PCM content, offering crucial insights for developing energy-efficient building designs and promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry.

A Review of Cooling and Heating Loads Predictions of Residential Buildings Using Data-Driven Techniques

Energy efficiency is currently a hot topic in engineering due to the monetary and environmental benefits it brings. One aspect of energy efficiency in particular, the prediction of thermal loads (specifically heating and cooling), plays a significant role in reducing the costs associated with energy use and in minimising the risks associated with climate change. Recently, data-driven approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques, have provided cost-effective and high-quality solutions for solving energy efficiency problems. This research investigates various ML methods for predicting energy efficiency in buildings, with a particular emphasis on heating and cooling loads. The review includes many ML techniques, including ensemble learning, support vector machines (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANN), statistical models, and probabilistic models. Existing studies are analysed and compared in terms of new criteria, including the datasets used, the associated platforms, and, more importantly, the interpretability of the models generated. The results show that, despite the problem under investigation being studied using a range of ML techniques, few have focused on developing interpretable classifiers that can be exploited by stakeholders to support the design of energy-efficient residential buildings for climate impact minimisation. Further research in this area is required.

Solar Wall Technology and Its Impact on Building Performance

Solar walls provide transformative solutions by harnessing solar energy to generate electricity, improve thermal comfort, and reduce energy consumption and emissions, contributing to zero-energy buildings and mitigating climate change. In hot and humid regions, solar walls can reduce indoor temperatures by 30% to 50%, significantly improving energy efficiency. Optimizing the performance of solar walls includes factors such as glazing, shading, solar orientation, ventilation, and catalytic techniques, allowing them to be adapted to different climates. Innovative solar wall variants that include photovoltaic panels, water storage, and phase-change materials offer multifunctionality and sustainability in building design and are in line with global energy efficiency and environmentally conscious goals. In addition, innovative solar wall variants that combine photovoltaic panels, water storage, and phase-change materials promise even more sustainability in building design. These multifunctional solar wall systems can efficiently heat, cool, and generate energy, further reducing a building’s environmental impact. Solar walls have the potential to significantly reduce heating energy consumption; align with global goals for energy-efficient, environmentally conscious, and climate-responsive building design; and offer dynamic and adaptable solutions for sustainable architecture.

The Windcatcher: A Renewable-Energy-Powered Device for Natural Ventilation—The Impact of Upper Wing Walls

In recent years, there has been increased interest in natural ventilation solutions as a means to achieve sustainable and energy-efficient building design. Windcatchers, ancient Middle Eastern architectural elements, have surfaced as viable passive cooling devices in modern architecture, thereby enhancing interior air quality and reducing the reliance on mechanical ventilation systems. Integrating upper wing walls (UWWs) is hypothesized to augment a windcatcher’s effectiveness by optimizing wind capture, air circulation, and thermal regulation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the influence of incorporating a two-sided windcatcher with UWWs, with a particular emphasis on the effect of the UWW angle on ventilation performance within building spaces. To achieve this aim, a series of numerical simulations were conducted to assess the synergy between the windcatcher and the wing wall configuration with varying UWW angles and under varying wind speed conditions. As the first step of the research methodology, the CFD model was validated through a comparison between the numerical results and the experimental data. The findings showed good agreement between these methods. In the next phase, windcatchers with different UWW angles spanning the range of 0° to 90° were subjected to rigorous evaluation. The results revealed that the configuration with a 30° angle exhibited the optimal performance concerning critical ventilation parameters encompassing the airflow rate, air change rate, and mean age of air. Finally, the selected configuration underwent an evaluation under diverse wind speed conditions, which affirmed that even under low-wind-speed conditions, the windcatcher provides ventilation levels that align with the standard requirements.

A data-driven approach to thermal transmittance (U-factor) calculation of double-glazed windows with or without inert gases between the panes

Understanding the thermal performance of window units is of utmost importance for the advancement of energy-efficient building design. Thermal transmittance (U-factor) is one of the most important indicators of a window system's efficiency, especially in colder climates. Presently, the Window U-factor is typically calculated using one of two standard approaches: experimental methods and computational modeling both having significant limitations. This makes it crucial to develop methods that can calculate the thermal performance of windows in the field and more on already installed windows. This research introduces a data-driven approach to calculating the U-factor of double-glazed windows filled with and without inert gases. The study is confined to double-glazed windows containing either air or a defined percentage of inert gases (75 % Argon, 85 % Argon, and 95 % Argon). The study reveals that the center of glazing, due to its prominence in window construction, plays a significant role in determining the window's thermal attributes. It also establishes a correlation between glass emissivity and center of glass U-factor (thermal transmittance). Furthermore, our developed data-driven approach exhibits considerable reliability in calculating the thermal transmittance of double-glazed windows, as validated by comparison with industry-standard NFRC 100-certified U-factor values. The insights garnered from this research contribute significantly to the understanding of double-glazed window design and the development of more energy-efficient fenestration products. It provides a robust foundation for industry professionals aiming to reduce energy consumption and work towards a sustainable future.

Development of a Green Building Assessment System at The Green Building Planning Stage in Indonesia

The fact that more people are living in cities is an important challenge for the construction industry in designing and developing cities. This industry emphasizes to have sustainable construction development principles, one of which is Green Building strategies. Because of this, several developed countries have implemented Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS) to assess Green Building achievements. Green Building Rating Systems were developed to help professionals measure building performance, and meet the requirements of sustainable design and construction. In Indonesia, there are 2 assessment standards as a Green Building Rating System, namely PUPR Ministerial Regulation No. 21 of 2021 which is a regulation issued by the Ministry of PUPR as the Ministry in charge of Public Works and Public Housing Affairs in this case includes buildings and GREENSHIP as a product of the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI), which is a independent institution. Different GBRS have similar objectives such as verifying the environmental performance of buildings, using natural resources efficiently, estimating the energy performance of buildings, and encouraging more energy-efficient building designs. The purpose of this research is to identify Green Building variables that are most suitable and relevant to the current conditions in Indonesia with a comparative analysis.

IMPACT OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION ON ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY IN SELECTED SCHOOLS OF ARCHITECTURE IN LAGOS MEGACITY

The gap between learning and the practical aspect of energy sustainability is getting narrower when viewed in the overall content of the sustainable development goals (SDG’s) agenda; therefore, this study is needed at this time. This study aims to investigate the impact of architectural education on energy sustainability in selected architectural schools in the Lagos Megacity. It explores the impact of architectural education in these schools of Architecture and how it has influenced the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings and, in turn, contributed to energy sustainability. This study adopted quantitative approach in data collection. An online survey was conducted among students and faculty members of selected architectural schools in the Lagos Megacity. The data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Findings on influences of architectural education in building design and construction with respect to energy sustainability revealed that 7.4% disagreed that architectural education had influence on building design and construction while 92.6% agreed that architectural education had influence on building design and construction. Also, impact of institutional policies showed that government policy had a significance impact of .292 (29.2%) with Nigerian Institute of Architects while Architects Registration council had a significant influence of .609 (60.9%). The study concluded that architectural education had influence on building design and construction in the school of architecture especially in Lagos Mega City. Also, that government policies had a far reaching influence on both institutional bodies that regulates architectural education in Lagos megacity.

Enhancing Thermal Efficiency through the Use of Graphite-Infused Phase Change Materials in Roof Structures to Reduce Building Cooling Demand

This research focuses on the thermal properties of three distinctive paraffin waxes—PCMA, PCMB, and PCMC—each characterized by a specific melting point. The crucial phase transition temperature intervals and latent heat values were examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the temperature range of 0 °C to 80 °C. These parameters are pivotal for the effective application of these phase change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes, influencing the overall heat storage performance. The study delved into the development and encapsulation of blends containing both the phase change material (PCM) and graphite. This involves combining the chosen PCM with graphite powder and examining the weight ratios of 10% and 20%. The thermal characteristics of these blends revealed that a 10% ratio of graphite powder proved effective in improving the PCM with graphite. This resulted in a reduced range of melting and solidification temperatures while maintaining the essential chemical structure of the PCM without additives. Furthermore, the practical application of PCM–graphite composites within a building’s envelope was explored, revealing a substantial reduction in heat transfer from the exterior to the interior of the building. This underscores the potential for energy-efficient building designs.