Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Office Buildings Through Façade Retrofit Strategies in the Tropical Regions

Façade retrofit represents a strategic approach to improving energy efficiency, particularly in tropical climates where extensive building surfaces are exposed to high solar radiation throughout the year. Integrating passive façade technologies into old buildings with poor thermal performance offers a more sustainable and effective means of achieving long-term energy conservation compared to the exclusive enhancement of mechanical systems. Despite the advantages of advanced façade materials in the market, its adoption for retrofit applications remains notably low. This is primarily due to the uncertainty of potential energy savings, along with limited knowledge among building owners, technical challenges and the structural constraints associated with existing buildings. This research aims to comprehensively evaluate the energy performance of several passive façade technologies via simulation in Malaysia. Five clusters of advanced façade technologies were selected to perform simulations for 30 single options and 45 combined choices, aimed at achieving optimal energy savings. The performance of each simulation scenario was evaluated against a baseline model to quantify improvements in energy efficiency. The final results indicated all selected façade technologies outperformed the baseline façade in terms of energy efficiency. A maximum energy savings of up to 37% was achieved through the integrated application of aerogel-filled double glazing, aerogel blanket insulation, and aluminium louvres with 60% shading coverage. These technologies are particularly effective in Malaysia's tropical climate, where managing solar heat gain is crucial. The overall findings underscore the importance of passive façade technologies in improving the building energy performance, suggesting retrofit decisions that are climatically and technically feasible within the local context. This research offers valuable insights for all building stakeholders, helping to accelerate façade retrofit initiatives and support the shift toward more sustainable construction practices.