Methodology for Simultaneous Optimization of the Thermal, Visual, and Acoustic Performance of Building Envelope

Abstract

Thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort are among the major parameters of overall occupant comfort and indoor environmental quality in buildings. Early stage design and selection of building envelope parameters require due consideration to all these three aspects of comfort to enhance envelope performance, productivity, and wellbeing of occupants. Several methodologies have been proposed by researchers for optimization of thermal and visual performance of the envelope, both individually and simultaneously, but the acoustic performance, that is, mainly noise insulation, has remained largely disregarded or left to be dealt with at a later stage. The lack of a proper methodology for simultaneous optimization of thermal and visual performance of building envelope with acoustic performance has led to degradation of the acoustic environment inside green buildings. The present study aims to propose a methodology for simultaneous optimization of the thermal, visual, and acoustic performance of the building envelope to minimize operational energy consumption and enhance thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort for the occupants.