Study on the influence of building envelope on indoor thermal comfort and heating energy demand

Mengmeng Hou; Muhamad Azhar bin Ghazali

doi:10.30822/arteks.v11i3.5246

Authors

Mengmeng Hou University of Science Malaysia
Muhamad Azhar bin Ghazali University of Science Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30822/arteks.v11i3.5246

Keywords:

Building envelope, Cold climate, Heating energy demand, Indoor thermal comfort, Simulation

Abstract

Building envelope design is one of the effective parameters for reducing energy consumption and enhancing thermal comfort. This research explores the impact of building envelope performance on indoor thermal comfort and heating energy consumption in university classrooms located in cold regions of China. A numerical model was established using field measurement data and subsequently validated. Four building envelope optimization schemes were designed by altering wall thermal resistance, roof insulation thickness, and window solar transmittance. Results indicate that enhanced wall insulation yields the most significant benefits: winter indoor temperatures increase by up to 0.72°C, summer temperatures decrease by 1.33°C, and annual energy use intensity(EUI) drops by approximately 34%. While roof insulation and reduced window solar transmittance provide weaker improvements in comfort and EUI reduction, they still contribute to enhanced indoor environments. The optimized building envelope effectively reduced winter cold discomfort and summer heat gain, stabilizing indoor conditions. However, even under optimal envelope conditions, complete thermal neutrality could not be achieved during extreme cold spells, indicating the need for supplemental heating strategies. These findings provide quantitative guidance for designing climate-adaptive building envelopes in educational facilities located in cold regions.

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Author Biographies

Mengmeng Hou, University of Science Malaysia

Mengmeng Hou is a postgraduate researcher in the field of environmental design and sustainable buildings. Her research focuses on thermal comfort, green building design, and building energy performance. She is particularly interested in climate-responsive design and indoor environmental quality in educational buildings. She has published research in SCI-indexed journals.
Muhamad Azhar bin Ghazali, University of Science Malaysia

Dr. Muhamad Azhar Ghazali is a research fellow with over 14 years of experience in renewable energy, sustainable architecture, techno-economic research, and adaptive construction technologies. He has published extensively in leading scientific and social science journals and conference proceedings. His research interests include renewable energy, low-carbon buildings, sustainable architecture, building-integrated photovoltaics, green building technologies, and 3D concrete printing. His work focuses on energy-efficient design, advanced materials, and digital fabrication to enhance building performance and support sustainable urban development.

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