Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Facade material selection is crucial for improving building performance and reducing environmental effect, as evidenced by the growing demand for sustainable architectural solutions, especially in educational institutions. The use of typical, non-sustainable facade materials in Egyptian educational buildings is a major cause of the country's high energy consumption, poor indoor air quality, and rising carbon emissions. This research explores the possibility of using cuttingedge facade materials to promote sustainability in Egyptian university buildings in order to close this crucial gap. The study incorporates a mixed-methods approach and begins with a qualitative theoretical review that includes a thorough literature analysis. A quantitative empirical study was then conducted on Building A at the British University in Egypt (BUE) using Design Builder simulation software. Various facade materials, such as fiber cement panels, timber cladding, aluminum, and clay plaster, were tested for thermal and energy performance in comparison to a standard base case. The simulation findings conclusively demonstrate how clay plaster provides significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency and overall sustainability, especially when paired with Low-E glazing. This ideal setup significantly decreased the number of pain hours each year by 172 and saved more than 21,000 kWh of power. According to these results, strategic facade design that makes use of appropriate materials is essential to attaining significant energy savings, enhancing internal comfort, and encouraging sustainable development in Egyptian higher education settings. The study promotes a change to more ecologically friendly material choices and offers helpful suggestions for incorporating these sustainable practices into the design of educational buildings

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