From Thermal Comfort to Energy Conservation: A Dynamic Energy Simulation Building Study in Errachidia

Abstract

In hot desert climates like Errachidia, Morocco, passive design strategies offer a sustainable pathway to reduce cooling loads and enhance thermal comfort. This study presents a dynamic simulation-based assessment of insulation, glazing optimization, shading, and night ventilation in a typical single-family home, using DesignBuilder and local Typical Meteorological Year weather data. Results show that an integrated passive retrofit reduces annual cooling energy demand by 47 percent, from 7,800 to 4,100 kWh, and increases thermal comfort hours by 26 percentage points, from 56 to 82 percent. A sensitivity analysis identifies low-cost measures such as external shading and cool roofs as highly cost-effective. The findings provide actionable, climate-responsive design guidance for arid regions of North Africa, while highlighting the need for real-world validation and policy support to enable widespread adoption.