Fatema Khurshid

BE4003

The IDL & WBD studio focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon emissions of buildings through the use of both passive and active strategies. The whole building simulation process encompasses multiple aspects, starting with the development of an ECBC 2017-compliant standard case design. The project, a commercial OPD located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (a composite climate zone as per ECBC), reported a standard case Energy Performance Index (EPI) of 101.2 kWh/m².year, which served as the baseline. The proposed case was designed by optimizing daylighting, the building envelope, mixed-mode operation, and the HVAC system, combined with an economic benefit analysis at each stage. This approach aimed to develop a solution that is not only energy-efficient but also economically viable and comfortable for occupants. Evaluations included EPI, system sizing, unmet hours, peak loads, and electricity consumption on hourly, daily, monthly, and annual levels. Climate analysis and the feasibility of passive strategies were assessed and integrated into the proposed case. Additionally, an onsite renewable energy system was incorporated, and a life cycle assessment was conducted to account for the building's embodied and operational carbon emissions. The proposed case achieved an EPI of 75.8 kWh/m².year, and incorporating renewable energy systems further reduced grid energy consumption by 40%.