Key Architectural Parameters for Optimizing energy efficiency of Building Envelopes: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Energy efficiency in building design has emerged as a pivotal concern due to escalating urbanization and its associated environmental impact. This paper critically examines the architectural parameters influencing the energy performance of building envelopes, with a specific focus on passive design strategies applicable to hospital buildings in India's composite climate. Hospitals, being high energy consumers, are key to achieving substantial energy savings through optimized building envelope design. The study explores passive techniques such as building orientation, thermal insulation, shading devices, window-to-wall ratio optimization, and material selection to minimize heat transfer and enhance natural ventilation. Insights from global and Indian case studies underscore the efficacy of these strategies in reducing energy demand, operational costs, and carbon emissions. By integrating passive measures during the initial design phase, this research advocates for sustainable hospital environments that align with India's energy conservation goals and address its unique climatic challenges.