The Role of Exterior Paints in Enhancing Energy Efficiency: An Analysis of Buildings in Cities

Abstract

Energy efficiency has become a significant issue in the construction industry today. Reducing the energy consumption of buildings is a crucial step to provide environmental sustainability and economic advantages. In this context, the impact of exterior paints on energy efficiency is being examined to determine how they can be used to reduce the energy consumption of structures. A study conducted in the cities of Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Kars, Kayseri, Konya, Mersin, and Tokat has developed a model for energy efficiency analysis. In this study, the absorptance values of external facades for each city were adjusted to 0.1, 0.4, and 0.7 using different types of paints. The building under investigation was chosen to have a U-value of 0.28 W/(m² °C) and an R-value of 20 h.ft²°F/Btu. Building models with these paint values were created using the Energy 3D program, and separate analyses were conducted to evaluate them.
 The aim of the study is to examine the impact of colors used in exterior paints on the energy efficiency of buildings in cities. Therefore, models were created using different absorptance values of paints. The results obtained were evaluated separately for each city. Analyses revealed differences in energy consumption for buildings painted with different types of paint. Exterior facades with low absorptance values reflect sunlight and keep the interior temperature low, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing energy consumption. Energy efficiency analyses conducted for Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Kars, Kayseri, Konya, Mersin, and Tokat have revealed the potential for energy savings by using different absorption values (0.1, 0.4, 0.7) for exterior paint colors in these cities. These findings can be considered a crucial factor in the selection of colors for exterior paints to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings and to achieve sustainability goals in the respective regions.