Identifying building archetypes based on energy performance as the major criteria: a case of Jaipur, India

ABSTRACT The demand for energy in residential structures is set to outstrip the supply soon. Most studies rely on national databases or previously published datasets. It is crucial to approach this topic using a bottom-up methodology. Therefore, this research aims to analyse the energy consumption pattern of residential buildings in Jaipur by utilizing primary datasets. The present study takes Jaipur as a case study and proposes a way to define architectural archetypes in Indian towns based on their energy efficiency. The collection and analysis of 2,327 primary data samples included energy use statistics and socioeconomic information. This research applies multivariate analysis in a bottom-up manner to a primary database. The clustering method was utilized to determine the energy consumption of Indian families in Jaipur. Low- and middle-income families tend to purchase more appliances when their income increases, yet their energy usage does not increase proportionally. Therefore, residential building standards should not solely be based on per-square-foot energy consumption. This study can help develop energy policies, benchmark energy use, establish tariff structures, determine minimum levels for starting labelling programmes, and create incentive plans based on energy efficiency.