Comparative analysis of residential building envelopes newly implementing the building insulation code in Damascus

Abstract The selection of envelope construction technique has the highest impact on sustaining indoor thermal comfort while reducing energy consumed for heating and cooling. Numerous insulation codes are implemented worldwide to improve building modification. Each country set transmittances criteria, materials, techniques simulation tools differently based its climate zones sector adaptability. housing in Syria is focus conservation being responsible half consumption country. Syrian post-conflict residential buildings challenged by new implementation Building Insulation Code. This code opted a “fabric first” dwellings design approach with mandatory U -value standards. Hence, like many energy-related regulations it been dropped because not able cope them, forced speculators keep costs low. Another reason that performance modeling used comply Syria. research aims examine potential relevance Code informing post-war social structures Damascus. It evaluates compliant compared conventional terms transmittance properties, simulated loads (IESVE) cost–energy trade-off. findings reveal an improvement -values 78.5%, 31.5%, 92.7% 90.2% achieved cases 1, 3, 4 5, respectively, case-2. demonstrated best total up 85% case-4. improved lead winter but overheating summertime. was found useful enough optimize through interdisciplinary decision contributes positively circumstances. cost analysis increase wall initial costs, amounting 36.4%, 27.3%, 54.6% 45.5% 5 long payback periods. These spark agenda improvement. proposed simplified criteria offer practitioners more understanding customize their own list structure parameters climatic zone resulting shift from input output oriented.