Khorramabad Pioneers Zero-Carbon Architecture for Energy Savings

In the heart of Iran, a city named Khorramabad is set to become a beacon of sustainable architecture, thanks to groundbreaking research led by Niloufar Azizifard from the University of Kurdistan. Her study, published in the journal ‘مهندسی و مدیریت ساخت’ (translated to English as ‘Engineering and Construction Management’), explores the design of buildings based on a zero-carbon architectural approach, offering promising solutions to the global energy crisis.

Azizifard’s research is a response to the pressing need to replace non-renewable resources with renewable ones, a challenge that has captured the world’s attention. Her study focuses on designing buildings that consume little to no energy, a concept known as zero-energy or zero-carbon architecture. “The aim of this thesis is to design a building based on a zero-carbon architectural approach in Khorramabad city,” Azizifard explains.

To achieve this, Azizifard conducted a descriptive-survey research method, interviewing 12 experts and surveying 136 individuals. The analysis, performed using RISREL version 22 software, led to the identification of 11 main indicators crucial for zero-carbon building design. These include appropriate construction design, energy optimization, environmental considerations, and the optimal use of building materials.

The findings of Azizifard’s research are significant for the energy sector, particularly in commercial buildings where energy consumption is typically high. By implementing the identified indicators, energy consumption can be reduced optimally, leading to substantial cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint. “The research findings showed that the indicators extracted for designing a building based on a zero-carbon architectural approach have a significant relationship with each other directly and indirectly at the 99% level,” Azizifard notes.

The implications of this research are far-reaching. As cities worldwide grapple with the energy crisis, the principles outlined in Azizifard’s study could shape future developments in urban planning and architecture. The focus on zero-carbon design could lead to a paradigm shift in the construction industry, with buildings designed not just for aesthetic appeal or functionality, but also for their minimal environmental impact.

Moreover, the commercial impacts are substantial. Buildings designed based on these principles could attract environmentally conscious tenants and investors, leading to increased property values and a competitive edge in the real estate market. The energy savings could also translate to significant cost savings for businesses operating in these buildings.

As the world continues to seek sustainable solutions to the energy crisis, Azizifard’s research offers a promising path forward. Her work serves as a reminder that the built environment can be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, and that the principles of zero-carbon architecture can be applied anywhere, even in a city like Khorramabad. The study’s publication in ‘مهندسی و مدیریت ساخت’ underscores its relevance and potential impact on the construction and energy sectors.

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