Modelling and simulating the effects of the use of insulated building fabric in a multi-storey Maltese residential building

Abstract

Although some literature on the benefits of improving the thermal characteristics of Maltese buildings already exists, further research is required in order to quantify the full extent of these benefits. This is particularly relevant when considering that many new buildings are multi-storey complexes whose thermal characteristics differ from floor to floor on a seasonal basis. The research presented in this paper aims to improve the understanding of using insulated compared to non-insulated construction materials in a multi-storey residential building. A building simulation tool was used to simulate the thermal performance of a three-storey building assuming different building fabric scenarios. The scenarios investigated varied between two extremes; a low efficiency and a high efficiency scenario. The various measures which differentiate the two scenarios were individually simulated to assess their specific effect on space heating and cooling energy demand and internal temperatures. Results show that compared to the use of non-insulated building fabric, when using the insulated fabric the total building energy demand was reduced by 36% in summer and 32% in winter. These savings are however not uniform across the building and individual improvements tend to effect the building differently based on floor location, season and time of the day.