Role of urban morphology integrated building envelope materials in achieving zero emissions: A simulation-based study in complex-shaped urban blocks

Cities significantly impact global energy demand and play a crucial role in the challenges posed by global climate change. This research investigates how building envelope materials integrating urban forms influence the carbon neutrality of nine urban blocks in Bangkok's commercial district. The urban energy consumption and potential solar energy simulations were conducted using the parametric platform in the Rhino-Grasshopper with microclimate and energy simulation plugins. Forty-eight envelope designs with varying window-to-wall ratios, walls, and glass U-values were examined. Results indicate that the average energy use intensity (EUI) ranged from 67.12 to 114.89 kWh/m 2 ·yr with estimated CO 2 emissions ranging from 26.7 to 60.3 kgCO 2 e/m 2 ·yr. The solar energy production intensity (PVI) was 17.7–235.5 kWh/m 2 ·yr. The areas with a high residential-to-commercial ratio exhibit lower average EUI than those with low residential-to-commercial ratios. Buildings with a lower floor area ratio (FAR) demonstrate substantial potential for solar energy production of twice their consumption, achieving zero energy consumption. Conversely, higher-density blocks face challenges due to limited roof space. To achieve a zero-energy building, the urban block requires the roof area to be at least 50 % of the building floor area. The novelty of this study provides valuable insights for architects, urban planners, and policymakers to maximize energy efficiency and move towards zero-emission in irregular urban patterns with mixed-use functions. The findings could be used to inform policymakers, architects, and city planners in the early stage of building construction, to avoid the carbon lock-in. • Parametric simulation of EUI and PVI in nine urban blocks. • Identified impact of envelope material and urban form factors on EUI and PVI. • CO 2 emissions were calculated on the building’s operational phase. • Urban material strategies to achieve zero block-scale emissions were proposed. • Energy storage is required for zero energy urban blocks.