Life cycle cost minimization through optimization of building envelope insulation under Moroccan climatic context

This work aims to perform a simulation-based optimization methodology by analyzing the potential reduction of heating and cooling costs for buildings in Morocco. Six different climates were simulated with the purpose to find the optimum insulation thickness of envelope walls and roofs which reduces building energy demands in addition to the life-cycle cost (LCC), through combined performance modeling and genetic Optimization. A well-validated model of a real building located in the Marrakech region (Morocco) was used in this work. Through the analysis, the optimum envelope design lessens the annual energy consumption significantly, leading to an optimal life cycle cost of the building while maintaining an improved indoor environment for the occupants compared with the original building. The obtained energy savings can range between 58%-68% depending on climate type.