Cooling Load Reduction Strategies for Mosque Towards Attaining Sustainability - A life cycle cost perspective

Abstract

In an era of rapid development, the pressing need for energy conservation has underscored the imperative of establishing sustainable practices in mosque construction. Many nations have responded by formulating regulations and techniques to enhance energy efficiency and longevity in existing mosques. Nevertheless, the upfront expenditures associated with these solutions often deter decision-makers, prompting them to explore alternative avenues, even if they entail higher operational costs. Addressing this challenge, ongoing research delves into a comprehensive investigation of how distinct cooling load reduction strategies, encompassing both active and passive approaches, could influence the overall cost dynamics of mosques over time. Concentrating on the context of a hot and arid climate, guided by principles of environmentally conscious construction, a spectrum of strategies including exterior wall insulation employing cellular polyurethane, external shading utilizing horizontal single panels, HRBLUE2 windows, R10 polystyrene roof insulation, night ventilation practices, and LED lighting systems were carefully selected after through elaboration and evaluated. The objective was to distinguish the optimum combination of these strategies to find out the least cooling load. Their efficacy in curbing heat accumulation was assessed via simulations executed using the DesignBuilder V7.0.2 software. Moreover, the research aimed to compute the life cycle costs attributed to these cooling strategies. The life cycle cost of all identified strategies was thoroughly calculated. The recommendations involve indication of combination of strategies that efficiently reduce cooling loads, indication of combination of strategy with minimal life cycle costs, and lastly, option with optimal overall performance, specifically tailored for mosque environments.