Impact of Regenerative Design Parameters on Energy Performance of I or H Shaped Office Buildings Across Different Heights

Abstract

The transition toward energy-positive buildings is a critical imperative in the global pursuit of sustainable development and climate resilience. This study investigates the impact of regenerative design parameters on the energy performance of I-form and H-form office buildings across varying heights—low-rise (G+2), mid-rise (G+5), and high-rise (G+15)—within India’s composite climatic context. Using a simulation-based methodology via DesignBuilder, the research evaluates the influence of key regenerative strategies, including envelope optimization, glazing performance, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), external shading, lighting power density (LPD), advanced lighting controls, and the integration of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems.

The findings reveal that while individual parameters contribute incrementally to energy savings, their cumulative application yields substantial performance gains. For instance, the integration of envelope, glazing, and shading strategies alone resulted in energy consumption reductions exceeding 30%. When combined with renewable energy systems, particularly PV and BIPV, energy savings reached up to 97% in high-rise configurations. The study also demonstrates that building height significantly influences the effectiveness of regenerative strategies. Taller buildings, due to their increased façade surface area, offer greater potential for BIPV integration, thereby enhancing renewable energy generation capacity and improving the Energy Performance Index (EPI).

This research underscores the necessity of a holistic, multi-parameter design approach tailored to both building form and height. The I-form and H-form geometries, often overlooked in regenerative design literature, are shown to be viable candidates for energy-positive transformation when optimized through integrated strategies. The study contributes empirical evidence and practical insights for architects, engineers, and policymakers, advocating for the strategic adoption of regenerative design principles in office buildings.

Ultimately, the research supports the evolution of conventional architectural practices toward regenerative paradigms. It emphasizes the role of simulation-driven design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy support in achieving energy-positive outcomes. The findings have implications for future building codes, energy standards, and urban planning frameworks, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions with diverse climatic conditions. By demonstrating the scalability and effectiveness of regenerative strategies across building heights and forms, this study advances the discourse on sustainable architecture and reinforces the feasibility of net-positive energy buildings in real-world contexts..