New Equation for Optimal Insulation Dependency on the Climate for Office Buildings

The comparison of building energy efficiency in different climates is a growing issue. Unique structural solutions will not ensure the same use, but differences also remain if cost-optimal are applied. This study developed new equation for assessment envelope optimal insulation office buildings. method suggests determining actual degree days from simulated heating need and thermal conductance building, avoiding such way use base temperature. was tested four validated against solved with optimization. accuracy assessed sensitivity analyses key parameters as window-to-wall ratios (WWRs), window g-values, costs heating, electricity. These results showed that existing square root overestimated climate difference effect so calculation cold U-value resulted less than warmer climates. Parametric revealed power value 0.2 remarkably improved well performance worked all cases can be recommended default value. Sensitivity broad range maximum 5% underestimation 7% overestimation an average area-weighted another climate. allows objectively to compare easy apply similar buildings requirements comparison.