The residential housing sector consumes a significant amount of fossil fuel energy and thereby produces a large percentage of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change. At present, approximately 40% of the total household energy used is required for space heating/cooling and a substantial amount of that energy is lost through the house walls. Despite the importance of house walls for energy efficiency, most published literature focuses mainly on thermal comfort, environmental impact and economic costs of residential buildings. Little information is available on energy efficient house wall systems that can be used and adapted for varied climate conditions with minimal design change and associated cost. Therefore, the primary objective of this paper was to undertake a thermal performance study of two house wall systems with single and double glazed windows under variable climate conditions. The study was undertaken using thermal performance simulation software AccuRate®. The findings indicate that a significant energy saving can be achieved using the new house wall system compared to currently used brick veneer house wall system.

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The energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission by the residential housing sector are considered to be one of the largest in economically developed countries. The larger energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission not only put additional pressure on finite fossil fuel resources but also cause global warming and climate change. Additionally, the residential housing sector will be consuming more energy as the house demand and average house floor area are progressively increasing. With currently used residential house wall systems, it is hard to reduce energy consumption for ongoing house space heating and cooling. A smart house wall envelope with optimal thermal masses and insulation materials is vital for reducing our increasing energy consumption. The major aim of this study is to investigate thermal performance and energy saving potential of a new house wall system for variable climate conditions. The thermal performance modelling was carried out using commercially developed software AccuRate®. The findings indicate that a notable energy savings can be accomplished if a smart house wall system is used.