Application of the Principles of Solar Architecture in Civil Engineering for Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings

Abstract

Global warming driven primarily by human activity, underscores the urgency of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The construction sector alone accounted for a staggering 37% of all carbon emissions in 2021. The application of solar architectural principles is emerging as a key strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of civil buildings. This approach includes passive and active solar techniques, alongside energy-efficient measures. Passive strategies include optimal building orientation, envelope improvements to minimize heat exchange, and the use of shading devices. Active measures include the integration of renewable energy sources. In a practical demonstration, a residential building in Russia’s Kaliningrad region illustrates the implementation of these principles. Using passive solar measures and rigorous energy calculations, the building achieved an A+ energy saving class. In addition, the integration of active solar elements, including a 4.5 m² evacuated thermal collector and 3.56 kW photovoltaic panels, along with an air-to-water heat pump, resulted in a 72% reduction in annual energy consumption for heating, hot water, and electricity—from 27.695 to 7.697 kWh. This results in a significant reduction of 10 tons of carbon emissions per year. This illustrates the potential of solar architecture in advancing sustainable building practices.