Multi-Objective Optimization of Building Envelopes Considering Embodied Energy

This research paper proposes a new approach to address thesimulation-based multi criteria optimization problems and toovercome important limitations of the optimization of thebuilding energy performance. In this investigation, themulti-objective genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) method iscoupled with EnergyPlus building energy simulationsoftware to find optimum design parameters of exteriorwalls considering the embodied energy which leads toincrease the building energy performance. Based on theresults, concrete and cement block are the best masonrymaterials due to their low embodied energy. In addition, thetype of insulation layer material and its thickness dependson the climatic region.