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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 08 | Aug 2025

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

www.irjet.net

Climate-Responsive Design Strategies for Energy-Efficient School Building Envelopes in Moderate Climatic Zones: A Case of Kolhapur City Ar. Chinmayi Dilipkumar Patil 1, Prof. Dr. Gayatri Patil-Kinikar 2, Prof. Dr. Anjali Jadhav 3 1 Post Graduate Student, M.Arch., S.P.S.M.B.H.’s College of Architecture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. 2

Professor, M.Arch., S.P.S.M.B.H.’s College of Architecture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

3 Professor, M.Arch., S.P.S.M.B.H.’s College of Architecture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract - This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the built environment, particularly focusing on

energy-efficient school buildings in Kolhapur’s moderate climate. It highlights the growing energy demands and environmental challenges associated with traditional construction practices and emphasizes that educational buildings—due to their high energy use and need for thermal comfort—require innovative envelope design strategies. The research aims to develop climate-responsive envelope strategies that integrate both passive and active techniques. It stresses the importance of revisiting traditional, climatesensitive design methods which are often overlooked in favor of modern but energy-intensive approaches. Through a mixed-method approach—including literature review, field surveys, case studies, and questionnaires—the study identifies key envelope elements such as roof and wall insulation, window-to-wall ratios, shading, and ventilation. Findings reveal that combining traditional wisdom with modern technology can substantially reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort. The study also explores retrofit strategies for existing schools, showing potential energy savings of 40–50% with moderate investment. The final outcome is a set of adaptable and context-specific design guidelines that can be used not only for new constructions but also for retrofitting older buildings. These guidelines aim to support architects, planners, and policymakers in enhancing energy efficiency in school infrastructure while maintaining comfort and sustainability. Key Words: Energy Efficiency, Building Envelope, School Buildings, Moderate Climate Zone, Kolhapur

INTRODUCTION

This In the wake of escalating environmental concerns and rising energy demands, energy efficiency in the built environment has emerged as a critical area of focus. Educational institutions, especially school buildings, are high-energy-demand structures due to long operational hours and the need for thermal comfort. In India, buildings account for nearly 33% of total energy consumption, a figure projected to rise annually. The adoption of energy-efficient design principles, particularly in the domain of school infrastructure, can lead to significant long-term benefits in terms of both environmental sustainability and economic viability. The building envelope, comprising the roof, walls, windows, and doors, acts as the interface between indoor and outdoor environments. A well-designed envelope plays a crucial role in controlling heat transfer, natural lighting, air quality, and ventilation, ultimately influencing the building's energy consumption. Climate-responsive architecture that is attuned to local weather patterns is essential in optimizing envelope performance. Kolhapur, with its moderate climatic profile, offers a unique context to explore these strategies.

II. RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY Kolhapur lies within the moderate climatic zone of India, characterized by warm summers, mild winters, and significant monsoonal rainfall. Temperature fluctuations range from 16°C to 33°C, with relatively low humidity levels during most of the year except during the monsoon season. The climatic stability of Kolhapur allows for effective implementation of passive strategies such as thermal massing, shading, natural ventilation, and daylight harvesting. Design solutions tailored to this region should focus on minimizing solar heat gain, enhancing natural ventilation, and ensuring effective insulation. Orientation, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), shading mechanisms, and roof design should be strategically planned to respond to local climatic parameters. The adoption of traditional design wisdom, such as deep overhangs, courtyards, and verandahs, in conjunction with modern technologies, can significantly enhance energy performance.

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