Energy Performance Evaluation and Retrofitting Strategies for Sustainable Hostel Buildings in Pakistan

Abstract

The building sector is a significant contributor to global energy consumption and carbon emissions, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. This study presents a comprehensive energy audit of a multi-story hostel building, identifying inefficiencies and proposing sustainable retrofitting solutions to reduce energy consumption. Using simulation tools such as Ecotect, the energy performance of appliances and building components was assessed before and after retrofitting measures. The analysis revealed that replacing traditional appliances with energy-efficient alternatives, optimizing insulation, and implementing passive cooling techniques significantly reduced the building’s energy consumption from 10,150.69 kWh to 6,466.93 kWh per month. The study also evaluates the economic impact of these retrofitting measures, with a payback period of 5.3 years, emphasizing their long-term financial and environmental benefits. The findings underscore the importance of data-driven energy audits and sustainable retrofitting practices to address Pakistan’s energy challenges, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, building managers, and energy professionals to improve building efficiency and reduce operational costs.