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CIB Conferences

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of high-performance polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (P(VDF-HFP)HP), a reflective material, on the energy performance and Indoor Thermal Autonomy (ITA) of a primary school building in Montreal under historical and future climate scenarios. Energy simulations, conducted using Rhino-Grasshopper, analyze heating and cooling demands for an ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 school prototype designed according to the 8th edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), reflecting construction practices the 1980’s. The results reveal that reflective materials slightly increase heating demand due to reduced passive solar heat gains during winter but significantly lower cooling demand by minimizing solar heat absorption. In a heating-dominated climate like Montreal, this trade-off leads to a net reduction in total energy use under future climate scenarios. As the warming climate lessens heating requirements, the substantial decrease in cooling demand contributes to overall energy savings. Reflective materials thus prove particularly advantageous in warmer future climates, where the cooling energy savings outweigh the heating penalty, improving overall building energy performance. In addition, reflective materials enhance ITA, albeit marginally, with a maximum increase of 3%, improving indoor comfort under both historical and future climate conditions. These findings highlight the potential of passive building envelope enhancements to contribute to energy efficiency and climate resilience. By promoting sustainable solutions, reflective materials align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action).

The paper will be presented:

In-person

Primary U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Climate Action - - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Secondary U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Affordable and Clean Energy - - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Primary CIB Task Group OR Working commission

W083 – Roofing Materials and Systems (also RILEM RMS)

Secondary CIB Task Group OR Working commission

W116 – Smart and Sustainable Built Environments

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