Effectiveness of Passive Measures on Energy Efficiency and Carbon Production of Commercial Building in Various Climate Zones

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat, resulting in rising global temperatures and increased energy demands. Commercial buildings, being substantial consumers of energy, are at the forefront of this challenge. This research addresses a critical gap in the literature, which lacks comprehensive studies on the long-term efficacy of passive design strategies under both current and future climate conditions, particularly in the context of rapidly urbanizing regions like Pakistan. This study investigates the role of passive design measures in enhancing the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and reducing carbon emissions across different climate scenarios. Using building energy simulations for a commercial structure, the research explores the effectiveness of various insulation materials, including expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene (XPS), and bio-phase change materials (BioPCM), under present and future climate conditions projected for 2050 and 2080. Results demonstrate that expanded polystyrene applied on the roof and polyurethane foam on the walls provide the highest energy savings, achieving reductions of 21.9% in current climates, 15.1% by 2050, and 9.1% by 2080. Additionally, a 20% reduction in carbon emissions was observed. When applied to Karachi’s climate, these passive measures yielded an 18.88% reduction in energy consumption, indicating their broad applicability. The study emphasizes the potential of passive strategies in achieving Net Zero Carbon goals and promoting sustainable development.