Evaluation of the Role of High-Quality and Sustainable Materials in Reducing Construction and Maintenance Costs of Green Buildings

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of double-skin façade (DSF) systems and hybrid green high-performance concrete (HP-G-HyFRC) composites on reducing construction, maintenance, and energy costs of green buildings. The study employed COMFEN5 energy modeling and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to analyze five scenarios combining solid walls (SW), double-skin façades (DSF), single glazing (SG), double glazing (DG), and expanded polystyrene (EP). The functional unit consisted of a standard bedroom. Cooling energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, U-factor values, embodied energy of materials, and structural performance were evaluated. Mechanical properties of HP-G-HyFRC were assessed through flexural testing. Embodied energy and carbon emissions were calculated using the Green Concrete LCA tool. Energy modeling results showed that the DSF system reduced cooling energy consumption by 10.6% compared to SW. The combined DSF+DG configuration reduced energy use by 18% relative to the baseline (SW+SG). Adding EP insulation to DSF produced an additional 14% reduction. Although HP-G-HyFRC exhibited higher embodied energy than normal-strength concrete, CO₂ emissions in the DSF system were 16% lower as a result of incorporating industrial waste materials such as fly ash and slag. Flexural tests revealed that DSF elements had higher ductility and stiffness relative to solid wall elements, supporting superior mechanical performance and improved durability. U-factor analysis confirmed significantly improved thermal resistance in DSF and DSF+EP configurations. DSF systems combined with HP-G-HyFRC composites effectively enhance thermal performance, reduce operational energy consumption, lower maintenance costs, and mitigate environmental impacts in green buildings. Utilizing industrial by-products in sustainable concrete formulations provides additional ecological and economic advantages, supporting the broader transition to environmentally responsible construction practices.