Exploring sustainability potential of integrated modeling approach for a residential building in composite climate of India: A case study

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and a growing population are intensifying the challenges of climate change, with the construction sector emerging as a significant contributor. As this sector expands at an accelerated pace, its rising energy demands urgent attention and sustainable intervention. In this context, the present study explores the sustainability potential of an integrated modeling approach by utilizing it in a residential building located in diversified climatic conditions of Jammu, Jammu Kashmir, India. The study presents a comprehensive framework by combining traditional architectural practices with advanced simulation tools to assess building performance across various design configurations and lifecycle stages. A Benefit-Cost (B/C) analysis is also introduced to quantify the trade-offs between building performance and spatial modifications at the preconstruction phase, offering a holistic metric for design efficiency. The findings reveal significant variations in performance across different window-to-wall ratios (WWR) and geometry configurations, with square windows at 20% WWR demonstrating the highest B/C ratio. This configuration shows substantial potential in developing energy-efficient and cost-effective structures. Additionally, the implementation of energy-efficient strategies reduced the annual energy consumption to 49570 kWh, representing an approximate savings of 30.1% compared to the reference case. The study provides actionable insights for data-driven decision-making that can be used for retrofitting as well as new construction.