Thermal Performance and Energy Consumption Analysis of Alternative Masonry Materials for Residential Buildings in Lahore

Abstract

This research project examines the performance of different masonry building materials used for the building envelope, primarily external walls, and their impact on the air-conditioning loads of a domestic building in Lahore's climate. A 10 Marla house is selected as a base case for this study. The thermal analysis of the selected case is conducted using locally available materials. Multiple software tools (Ecotec 5.5, Eco Mat, Energy Plus) are used to calculate total heat gains and annual energy consumption for the selected house using alternative materials available in the local market. This research aims to select suitable materials to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings in Lahore. This quantitative research indicates the potential to reduce cooling loads by 26% by selecting appropriate external wall materials for residential buildings in Lahore.