Investigation of Façade Contribution in Energy Efficiency of a Low Rise Office Building in Mediterranean Climate

Abstract

The way that buildings are designed and constructed today has a negative impact on building energy consumption. Facade components are essential in determining the building energy demand during the operational phase. This paper aims to investigate what role the building façade plays in improving the energy efficiency of a low rise office buildings in a Mediterranean climate. Verification of the façade energy performance for one of the Eastern Mediterranean University buildings in Northern Cyprus, namely Rector’s Office Building is the second phase of the study. To conduct the present study, a literature review is used, as well as, an analyze for a group of contemporary low rise office buildings with LEED certification from the Mediterranean climatic zone is achieved to attain the investigation and to set the verification checklist. The study has established the important role that building facade can play to reduce the annual building demand for energy in the Mediterranean low rise office buildings through a set of strategies. Different techniques were used to apply these strategies. According to the verification, the study revealed an attempt to achieve an energy efficient building through the façade design by using specific techniques. Some suggestions have been recommended in order to improve the facade energy performance for this type of buildings.