Energy Optimization for Fenestration Design: Evidence-Based Retrofitting Solution for Office Buildings in the UAE

With the prevalent use of large glazings, particularly in office buildings, offices receive an abundance light and are among largest consumers electricity. Moreover, extreme hot arid climate such as UAE, achieving comfortable daylighting levels without increasing solar heat gain is a challenge, which window or fenestration design plays essential role. This research adopts case study higher education (HE) building on United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) campus, selected to investigate evidence-based retrofitting solution for west façade that can be applied existing buildings UAE order reduce cooling energy load well enhance indoor environmental quality. To achieve solution, built upon comprehensive exploratory investigation included quality physical monitoring occupant satisfaction surveying. Model simulation was performed by means DesignBuilder software perform single- multiparameter sensitivity analysis three key passive parameters, i.e., window-to-wall ratio, glazing type, external shading, aimed towards minimizing annual gain, while maintaining appropriate daylight illuminance levels. The results highlight importance ratio (WWR), it single most significant parameter effecting total consumption recommend 20–30% WWR optimum range façade. However, utilizing high performance types equal savings achieved with larger WWR. Double Low E tinted 0.4 projection shading overhang side fin revealed noteworthy reduction intensity 14%. concludes final solutions recommendations aim contribute validated knowledge enhancing guide architects stakeholders apply parameters reducing improving comfort buildings.