Identifying Practical Material Retrofit Measures for Energy Efficiency in Existing High-Rise Buildings in the Malaysian Climate

Abstract

With the global focus on sustainable urban development, many cities are striving to formulate effective urban transformation strategies to transition from traditional urban structures to more sustainable ones. Enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings, particularly existing structures, is recognized as a crucial element in the fight against climate change. In the Malaysian context, improvements in energy consumption are predominantly propelled by retrofitting the country's existing building stock. However, targeted strategies are needed, especially for high-rise buildings, to address the unique challenges posed by the Malaysian climate. This study addresses this gap by focusing on retrofitting strategies specifically tailored for existing high-rise buildings in Malaysia. To evaluate energy efficiency accurately, a selected case study underwent modeling and simulation using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for energy analysis. The simulation considered crucial aspects of window materials: U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, and emissivity. The study identified triple-glazed windows as the most energy-efficient choice, significantly outperforming single-glazed windows due to their lower U-factor and improved insulation properties. Light concrete bricks for walls demonstrated superior heat resistance owing to their lower density. Steel bar joists were found to enhance heat transfer efficiency in roofs. The recommended materials showed promising results, achieving a calculated energy consumption reduction to 266 kWh/m2/year. The study emphasizes that green consultants prioritize elements addressing excessive energy consumption during building upgrades, influencing their choice of retrofit options. Implementing energy-efficient retrofits can significantly reduce buildings' energy dependence, contributing to a substantial decrease in the country's overall energy consumption.