Identification and prioritization of passive energy consumption optimization measures in the building industry: An Iranian case study

Optimizing building's energy consumption is a significant issue in cities. Due to the huge rate of energy usage, increase in fossil fuel, CO2 emissions and the environmental destruction, a satisfactory solution must be provided. The aim of this research is to identify and prioritize passive energy reducing measures in order to apply them on both existing and historical buildings, which are located in Shiraz, Iran, so that less energy is consumed. SWARA and COPRAS are used in this paper to achieve these objectives. Required data were collected by questionnaires, interviews with experts and literature review. Passive measures are categorized into three groups (thermal, lighting and acoustic) according to their nature. The results show that “Reduction of energy consumption”, “Compatibility” and “Durability” were the top three passive measure selection criteria. Finally, it was illustrated that “increasing building's thermal mass”, “using sunspaces” and “improving building's air tightness” were the most suitable passive measures in thermal, lighting and acoustic group, respectively. The obtained results of this paper would assist the members of construction industry to reduce energy consumption. •Passive energy consumption optimization measures were identified.•Selection criteria for selecting suitable passive measures were ranked.•Passive measures were categorized into three groups according to their nature.•Passive measures were prioritized in their own groups.