Proceedings of Energise 2023 : Lifestyle, Energy Efficiency and Climate Change

Futureproofing with Passive Buildings: Is It Cost Effective and Is It Thermally Adequate?

Amanda Thounaojam

Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Bangalore, India
Corresponding Author: amandat@iihs.ac.in

Prasad Vaidya

Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Bangalore, India

Sanjay Prakash

SHiFt- Studio For Habitat Futures, Delhi, India

Cite this article

Thounaojam, A., Vaidya, P., Prakash, S. (2024). Futureproofing with Passive Buildings: Is It Cost Effective and Is It Thermally Adequate? In Proceedings of Energise 2023- Lifestyle, Energy Efficiency, and Climate Action, pp 197–205, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy. https://doi.org/10.62576/KLGU6818

Highlights

  • The paper summarizes the calibration process used to analyze thermal comfort and LCC in different wall assemblies.
  • The calibration process met the thresholds for Mean Bias Error (MBE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) outlined in ASHRAE Guideline 14.
  • The calibrated model proved useful in identifying problems with the measured data.
  • Preliminary results indicate that insulated walls are cost-effective in a 50-year lifecycle analysis when the entire building is air-conditioned.
  • The study underscores the significance of including future weather files in Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis, enhancing accuracy, and facilitating informed decision-making in construction and energy efficiency.

Abstract

The paper aims to highlight the importance of employing a robust Life Cycle Cost (LCC) method that incorporates future weather files and a calibrated model. The study evaluates a 50-year LCC for wall insulation in an experimental building in Bangalore. It compares the LCC calculated using the future weather data with results obtained using the Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) file, providing a more accurate assessment of long-term cost-effectiveness. 

The results show that insulated walls have a lower LCC when fully air-conditioned, while mixed-mode settings show higher LCC. A detailed thermal comfort analysis indicates that insulated walls offer adequate thermal comfort (11-13% discomfort hours) under full adaptation to thermal conditions. Without full adaptation, when the adaptive comfort equation of the National Building Code (NBC) does not work, discomfort could rise to 31%. However, with ceiling fans (6-7 ºC cooling power index), it would suffice to provide comfort in the experimental building. The study underscores that well-designed buildings in Bangalore with insulation, passive strategies, and natural ventilation can ensure prolonged comfort without mandatory air-conditioning.

Keywords

Calibrated Model; LCC Analysis; MBE and RSME; Adaptive Thermal Comfort; Future Weather File

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