Environmental, energy and economic aspects in a zero-emission façade system design

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and quantify environmental, energy and economy aspects in a zero-emission façade system design.

Design/methodology/approach

The efficient design of a zero emission façade system cannot focus solely on the energy performance, but should as well include the economic an environmental aspects in order to make the solution feasible and sustainable in whole life cycle of the façade. In this paper a full environmental impact analysis of six different façade panels was carried out by evaluating the LCA of the panels with MIPS technique. Economic aspects were incorporated into the analysis on the basis of costs of manufacturing, whereas the panels’ energy performance was determined from ESP-r modeling tool.

Findings

Subsequently, an optimal façade design based on highly isolative panels covered with CIS photovoltaic modules and double skin façade window system was proposed. Systematic and holistic analysis of environmental, energy and economic aspects is crucial for development of optimal zero-emission façade system.

Practical implications

The proposed solution has been applied in development of an experimental façade built within the framework of German-Polish Energy Efficiency Project.

Originality/value

The paper provides a multi-objective approach (economy, environment, efficiency) for finding the best solutions for the façade system design. The methodology and the results reported in this research can be used for designing or improving performance of zero-emission façades.

Citation

Barecka, M.H., Zbicinski, I. and Heim, D. (2016), "Environmental, energy and economic aspects in a zero-emission façade system design", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 27 No. 6, pp. 708-721. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-05-2015-0105