Thermal Performance of Residential House Envelops

The residential housing sector is one of the largest energy consumers in the developed world and subsequently the larger greenhouse gas emitter. The overall impact of residential housing energy and materials consumption on global warming potential, ozone depletion, nitrification and acidification potential is significant. The ultra energy efficient residential house envelops utilising optimal thermal mass and insulation ensuring good indoor air quality and occupant comfort will not only reduce ongoing energy bills but also reduce consumption of fossil fuel and greenhouse gas emission. The paper describes the green building concept encompassing construction materials for the house envelops, windows and renewable hot water systems. The paper also focuses on current limitations and scopes for scientific research.