Increasing efficiency with biomimetic approach in thermoregulative building envelope strategies supporting internal thermal comfort

Abstract

There has been a plea for sustainable use of resources since the twentieth century. Buildings are known to consume forty percent of the world’s resources. Resources such as gas, oil, coal and electrical energy used in heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings are limited, as well as causing air pollution and climate change. For this reason, the energy resources used in the buildings should be used effectively, considering environmental concerns. The aim of this study is to describe the shift in efficient use of energy in buildings using a biomimetic approach in thermoregulative building envelope strategies that support internal thermal comfort. In this study, passive systems integrated into buildings which use solar energy, one of the renewable energy sources for heating, cooling and ventilation purposes have been examined. The methods followed by nature in using solar energy are discussed with the biomimetic approach and suggestions have been made to support the increase of energy efficiency by applying the obtained teachings to passive building envelopes.

Keywords: biomimetics; building envelope; kinetic building envelope; passive strategies; Thermal comfort