Enhancing Energy Performance in Aswan’s Residential Buildings Using Thermal Insulation

Hassan Mohamed Bakir, Mohamed Samir; Abdelhamid, Mohamed; Saleh, Nasser; Arandah, Wafaa

doi:10.21608/erjsh.2025.363097.1400

Enhancing Energy Performance in Aswan’s Residential Buildings Using Thermal Insulation

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

¹ Civil Engineering Department, Higher Technological Institute 6 of October city, Egypt

² Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Benha University, Kalyobia, Egypt

³ Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, Cairo, Egypt

⁴ Civil Engineering Department, Housing and Building National Research Center, Dokky-Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/erjsh.2025.363097.1400

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of thermal insulation on energy consumption and carbon emissions in residential buildings in Aswan, a region characterized by extreme summer temperatures. Utilizing the EDGE simulation program, different thicknesses of Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation were applied to external walls and roofs to determine their influence on energy demand and environmental sustainability. The methodology included an assessment of the selected insulation material, simulation of building energy performance under varying insulation thicknesses, and identification of insulation thickness that provides the best balance between energy savings and cost. The results revealed that applying 0.05 m of insulation to the roof and 0.04 m to the walls led to a 6.61 kWh/m² annual reduction in energy use, with a corresponding 0.8 tCO₂e/year decrease in carbon emissions. Additionally, a cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that this insulation strategy reduces cooling energy expenses by approximately 53.35% annually, translating to a financial saving of 11.67 EGP/m2/year. These findings highlight the critical role of thermal insulation in enhancing energy efficiency and mitigating environmental impact in hot climate zones. By providing insights into the optimal insulation thickness, this study supports sustainable urban development strategies and offers practical guidelines for policymakers and construction professionals in Egypt and similar regions.

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