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
Retrofitting School Building Envelopes for Energy Efficiency in Moderate Climates: Insights from Kolhapur, India 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 - The growing demand for energy and the urgent need to address climate change have placed significant emphasis on improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Educational facilities, with their high occupancy rates and long operational hours, are particularly important targets for energy conservation. In India’s moderate climatic zones, retrofitting the building envelope can substantially improve thermal comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. This paper presents a strategic framework for retrofitting school building envelopes in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. It integrates passive design principles, cost-effective material choices, and phased intervention planning, aligning with national energy efficiency guidelines. Measures such as cool roofs, optimized shading devices, targeted insulation, and improved ventilation are discussed, with recommendations tailored to the climatic and operational realities of Kolhapur’s schools. Key Words: Building Envelope, Retrofitting, School Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Moderate Climate, Kolhapur
1.INTRODUCTION This document is template. Educational buildings in India are often designed without full consideration of climate-responsive strategies, leading to high energy consumption and poor indoor comfort. In moderate climatic zones like Kolhapur, summers are warm and humid, winters are mild, and monsoons bring heavy rainfall. This climate offers an opportunity to significantly improve comfort and energy performance through targeted retrofitting of building envelopes. The building envelope—comprising the walls, roof, windows, and doors—functions as the primary interface between the indoor and outdoor environment. A well-designed envelope limits unwanted heat gain, enhances ventilation, optimizes daylight, and manages moisture, directly influencing energy performance and indoor comfort. Retrofitting these elements is particularly relevant for existing school buildings where full reconstruction is impractical. Retrofitting involves updating, modifying, or integrating modern technologies into older systems or structures. In recent years, the term has become closely linked to upgrading existing facilities for purposes such as improving power plant efficiency, strengthening buildings against earthquakes, or enhancing energy performance through advanced solutions. The International Energy Agency’s Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme (IEA-EBCP) highlights that educational buildings are among the major consumers of energy, making them strong candidates for retrofitting. Their energy use, however, depends on various factors, including the type of activities carried out, the hours of operation, and the number of students, staff, and faculty members. Although the advantages of energy-efficient retrofitting are well established, many projects still neglect it. This is often due to limited awareness about the investment required and the potential effectiveness of energy-saving measures. Furthermore, the technical complexity of retrofitting and challenges in securing financing remain significant barriers, discouraging wider adoption.
2. RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY Kolhapur, located in Maharashtra’s western region at an elevation of around 550 meters, experiences a moderate climate with average summer highs of 33–35°C, cooler nights, and annual rainfall exceeding 1000 mm. Humidity rises sharply during the monsoon season, while winters remain mild and dry. These conditions necessitate building envelope solutions that:
Reduce solar heat gain in summer. Enhance natural ventilation to manage humidity. Protect building elements from monsoon moisture damage.
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