Advancing Sustainable Compressed Earth Blocks Practices: A Critical Application of Simulation and Optimization in Reducing Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Emissions in Green Building
Yaser Khaled Al-Sakkaf, Faizah Mohammed Bashir, Mohamed Ahmed Said Mohamed, Emmanuel Falude, Taha Gammoudi, Yakubu Aminu Dodo, Mohsen Nazoktabar
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study investigates the viability and benefits of utilizing compressed earth blocks (CEBs) as a sustainable construction material under varying climatic conditions, focusing on two cities in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, representing a hot desert climate, and Abha, representing a cooler, high-altitude climate. A comprehensive simulation-based methodology was employed, which included energy performance modeling and optimization using EnergyPlus software, climate data analysis, environmental impact assessment, and cost analysis. To further verify the results, the EnergyPlus simulations were validated using a machine learning model, specifically the gradient boosting regressor (GBR), to ensure accuracy and reliability. The simulations demonstrate that CEBs provide substantial benefits in terms of structural performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. For instance, CEB buildings showed reduced cooling loads by 35% in Riyadh and 25% in Abha, while also maintaining high indoor air quality and thermal comfort, leading to 80-85% occupant satisfaction. The use of CEBs contributed to significant reductions in carbon emissions, with 90% renewable materials, and proved to be cost-effective over the long term. The GBR validation confirmed less than 2% variation from the EnergyPlus simulations, further ensuring the reliability of the results. Environmental impact assessments revealed substantial reductions in carbon emissions, resource consumption, and waste generation through the adoption of CEBs. Although the initial cost of CEBs may be slightly higher than traditional materials, the long-term energy savings and reduced maintenance costs make them an economically viable option, particularly in regions with extreme climates. This study underscores the potential of CEBs as a versatile, efficient, and sustainable building material, offering significant benefits in energy efficiency, environmental impact reduction, cost-effectiveness, and occupant comfort—all based on robust simulation and modeling results.
期刊介绍:
Energy Science & Engineering is a peer reviewed, open access journal dedicated to fundamental and applied research on energy and supply and use. Published as a co-operative venture of Wiley and SCI (Society of Chemical Industry), the journal offers authors a fast route to publication and the ability to share their research with the widest possible audience of scientists, professionals and other interested people across the globe. Securing an affordable and low carbon energy supply is a critical challenge of the 21st century and the solutions will require collaboration between scientists and engineers worldwide. This new journal aims to facilitate collaboration and spark innovation in energy research and development. Due to the importance of this topic to society and economic development the journal will give priority to quality research papers that are accessible to a broad readership and discuss sustainable, state-of-the art approaches to shaping the future of energy. This multidisciplinary journal will appeal to all researchers and professionals working in any area of energy in academia, industry or government, including scientists, engineers, consultants, policy-makers, government officials, economists and corporate organisations.