Eco-efficient green building design: integrating ecosystem-technology for energy efficiency and low-carbon in a cold and dry climate

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to design a residential green building using a sustainable approach from an ecosystem-technology perspective in the Darakeh area in the north of Tehran.Design/methodology/approachFirst step: based on climatic and geographical data, the study area is defined and a preliminary building design is developed. Second step: sustainable architecture principles and comfort zone requirements are analyzed to inform the design process. Third step: Building modeling and energy simulation are conducted using DesignBuilder software, incorporating green technologies. Final step: the building's energy performance and environmental impact are assessed.FindingsThe results show that the amount of annual production of electricity due to the installation of solar collectors on the roof of the building is 12,236 kWh. Considering the building's total area of 463 m2 and its annual energy consumption of 17,676 kWh, the energy consumption per square meter of building surface per year is 38 kWh.Originality/valueThe obtained findings showed that the designed building complies with the criteria of sustainable development and green building. A Giovanni-based EchoTech (ecosystem-technology) approach was used in this research, which greatly increases the reliability of the results.