Evaluating building energy knowledge of architects to implement building energy code in Iran

Following the global environmental crisis, most countries were committed to mitigating their share of carbon emissions. Hence, several regulations and codes have been implemented in building design and construction in developed countries for decades. In Iran, the 19th topic of the National Building Regulations is the sole code related to energy efficiency in buildings. Approved more than two decades ago, this code is not followed in design or construction. This study investigates the current energy knowledge Iranian architects need to implement building energy codes. A survey-based method and a semi-structured questionnaire are used to collect data. The results identify deficiencies in architects’ energy knowledge and in architectural education. More than 56% of professional architects have limited knowledge of building energy. Meanwhile, 66% of them self-reported that they cannot use building energy simulation tools. Currently, only 12% of companies have employees familiar with energy simulation tools, with more than half of respondents never using such software in their projects. Recommendations are prioritized in short- and long-term actions aligned with stakeholder responsibilities to create a feasible path to raise architectural energy literacy, integrate energy considerations into design projects, and move toward a built environment that complies with the national building energy code.