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Providing a Framework for Modeling and Optimizing Energy Consumption in Contemporary Buildings in Iran Based on Sustainability Indicators
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Nasim Zahraei1   , Mahmoud Samiei Moghaddam *2 |
1- Department of Architecture, Da.C., Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran, Department of Architecture, Da.C., Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran.
2- Department of Electrical Engineering, Da.C., Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran , samiei352@iau.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (22 Views) |
In Iran, the growing rate of urbanization, inefficient architectural design patterns, and heavy reliance on fossil energy resources have led buildings to account for a significant share of the country’s total energy consumption. The aim of this research is to analyze methods of energy consumption modeling in contemporary buildings in Iran and to propose architectural strategies for its optimization based on selected sustainability indicators. To achieve this goal, the factors influencing energy consumption—including climatic characteristics, the type and performance of building materials, architectural organization and form, mechanical and service systems, and patterns of building operation—were first identified and modeled within a base model for a contemporary office building in the climate of Tehran. Subsequently, using energy modeling methods and building thermal simulation tools, different scenarios for upgrading the building envelope and modifying the architectural design were defined, and annual energy consumption patterns and energy performance indicators were evaluated. At the level of optimization scenarios, improving the thermal insulation of the building envelope leads to a 23.2% reduction in heating load; reducing the window-to-wall ratio on the eastern and western façades decreases the cooling load by 18.2%; and the use of shading devices proves to be the most effective strategy in reducing cooling load, achieving a 24.2% reduction. In the combined scenario, where all architectural strategies are applied simultaneously, the building’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI) decreases by 23.3% compared with the base model. These quantitative results demonstrate that integrating climate-responsive design strategies and building envelope optimization with energy modeling can significantly improve the energy performance and environmental sustainability of contemporary buildings in Iran, and can serve as an effective tool in the architectural design decision-making process. |
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| Keywords: Building energy modeling, energy consumption optimization, sustainability indicators, passive building design, thermal simulation. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1318 kb]
(19 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2025/11/2 | Published: 2025/12/1
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| * Corresponding Author Address: Department of Electrical Engineering, Da.C., Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran. |
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