Functionalizing building envelopes for greening and solar energy: Between theory and the practice in Egypt

The building sector is one of the most resource-intensive industries. In Egypt, buildings consume 60% electricity, produce 8% CO 2 emissions, and anthropize agricultural land, peri-urban urban landscapes. To compensate for these consumption patterns, envelopes can become productive in terms greening energy production. This encompasses implementation systems that include (a) such as building-integrated vegetation agriculture (b) solar building-applied integrated photovoltaics. For transformation toward more still lacks a holistic understanding their status requirements. paper undergoes comprehensive analysis two systems’ classifications, benefits, challenges, aspects based on thorough assessment 121 studies 20 reports addressing them. coupled with contextual using questionnaires ( n = 35) semi-structured interviews 13) Egyptian experts suppliers. Results showed large variety studied literature exists local market. Among purchased market, according to experts, are hydroponics (selected by 75% respondents), planter boxes/pots (50%), roof-mounted photovoltaic panels (95%), water heaters (55%). main benefits identified enjoying greenery view (95%) reducing expenses (100%), respectively. high initial cost was considered barrier both systems. Multiple commonalities between spatial environmental applicability (e.g., accessibility safety, net useable area, sun exposure, wind exposure) performance demand emissions reduction, heat flow reduction) were identified. Lastly, we highlight importance analyzing solutions make use synergies maximize production potentials.