Work

Towards a sustainable decision analysis approach for moisture-safe building envelope design

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Energy-efficient building designs, notably through adding insulation, can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by over 40 %, but may also increase risk of condensation. Therefore, a comprehensive decision analysis approach is essential for selecting optimal building envelope assemblies while considering their hygrothermal, economic, and environmental implications. This study introduces a novel decision analysis method based on the inutility decision analysis (IDA) concept, in which the building envelope with the lowest inutility is considered the optimal choice. Initially, different building envelope assemblies were assessed through probabilistic hygrothermal analysis combined with a machine learning metamodel. Subsequently, the environmental and economic consequences associated with each assembly were quantified by integrating moisture-related damage into these assessments. Combining these outputs yielded inutility indices for the case studies, guiding the selection of the most optimal alternative. The results indicated that an external wall, with a minor risk of moisture-related failure, may outperform other alternatives when considering economic and environmental metrics. However, the final decision on the acceptability of such risk should rest with the customers or owners. Balancing the trade-off between performance longevity, cost, and occupants’ health is crucial. • Building envelopes are evaluated using an inutility decision analysis method. • Proposed decision method includes hygrothermal, economic and environmental analyses. • A wall assembly without a probability of mould growth is not always the best option. • A wall assembly with lower initial costs and CO 2 emissions is not always optimal.

Source: Journal of Building Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110955

Authors: Mohsen Bayat Pour, Akram Abdul Hamid

Institution: Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Building Energy and Comfort Optimization

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,320