Authors
1
1. Department of Architecture, Ah. C., Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran.
2
Department of Architecture,, Ah. C., Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran.
3
Department of Architecture, Ah. C. Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran.
4
Department of Architecture, Aza, C, Islamic Azad University, Azarshahr, Iran.
10.48306/juem.2026.590040.1168
Abstract
This research investigates the potential of integrating smart materials to optimize energy consumption and enhance thermal performance within Near-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB), specifically focusing on the “Noor Aram” school located in the challenging cold and mountainous climate of Tabriz, Iran. To achieve high-fidelity results, a detailed four-story model was developed using DesignBuilder software, leveraging the robust EnergyPlus simulation engine for thermal analysis. The study evaluated three distinct performance-enhancement scenarios: the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCM), the application of Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glazing, and the implementation of advanced thermal insulation, comparing each against a standard baseline model.
The simulation findings demonstrate that while all evaluated smart materials contribute to energy savings, their overall efficacy is heavily dictated by the local climate and the specific composition of the building envelope. Advanced thermal insulation emerged as the most critical strategy, yielding a significant 34% reduction in total heating load and facilitating the building’s transition toward NZEB standards. Furthermore, the application of PCMs provided a 23% reduction in annual heating requirements by effectively buffering thermal fluctuations. In contrast, Low-E glazing showed a more marginal impact, primarily due to the limited ratio of transparent openings relative to the total heat loss occurring through opaque surfaces. Consequently, this study concludes that in cold regions, sustainable design must prioritize the optimization of opaque envelopes. It recommends that future building regulations adopt holistic, climate-aware strategies, combining high-performance insulation with strategic thermal mass management.
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