Life Cycle Energy Analysis of a Multifamily Residential House: A Case Study in Indian Context

Talakonukula Ramesh, Ravi Prakash, Karunesh Kumar Shukla

Department of Applied Mechanics, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India.

DOI: 10.4236/ojee.2013.21006                

Abstract

The paper presents life cycle energy analysis of a multifamily residential house situated in Allahabad (U.P), India. The study covers energy for construction, operation, maintenance and demolition phases of the building. The selected building is a 4-storey concrete structured multifamily residential house comprising 44 apartments with usable floor area of 2960 m². The material used for the building structure is steel reinforced concrete and envelope is made up of burnt clay brick masonry. Embodied energy of the building is calculated based on the embodied energy coefficients of building materials applicable in Indian context. Operating energy of the building is estimated using e-Quest energy simulation software. Results show that operating energy (89%) of the building is the largest contributor to life cycle energy of the building, followed by embodied energy (11%). Steel, cement and bricks are most significant materials in terms of contribution to the initial embodied energy profile. The life cycle energy intensity of the building is found to be 75 GJ/m² and energy index 288 kWh/m² years (primary). Use of aerated concrete blocks in the construction of walls and for covering roof has been examined as energy saving strategy and it is found that total life cycle energy demand of the building reduces by 9.7%. In addition, building integrated photo voltaic (PV) panels are found most promising for reduction (37%) in life cycle energy (primary) use of the building.

Keywords

Residential House; Life Cycle Energy; Embodied Energy; Operating Energy; PV Panels

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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