Abstract:
Energy-conscious design of school buildings can contribute to significant energy savings and improve students’ learning environment. The purpose of this research is to formulate design recommendations for school buildings specific to Malaysian climatic zone and propose a suitable approach in meeting future energy requirements. A post-occupancy evaluation on the contemporary school design was conducted to assess problems regarding passive heat gains. Objective measurements of physical and operative data consisted of building orientation, layout, site planning, temperature and humidity monitoring, daylight ratio was taken from a number of case studies that included both refurbished smart and standard design schools. With the aim of providing specific design modifications for the newer modern classrooms, basic energy requirements were summarized, and those that can vary to achieve better performance were identified. A base-case classroom model with a set of variables was then constructed by taking commonly used values from the field study. Using computer simulation techniques, each of the models were tested and compared with each other to find the passive design components that most contributed to the internal heat gain and discomfort. An analysis of a photovoltaic system implementation was also tested to determine if integration of this technology as part of building design was sufficient to assist with supplying future energy requirements. A complex interdependence among the design variables were found and discussed. The positive results achieved from the solar analysis also provided evidence how alternative energy sources would be beneficial in future-proofing schools.