Optimizing energy and carbon emissions in Egyptian residential buildings using simulation‐based EDGE standards

Sustainable design focuses on enhancing environmental quality and improving indoor conditions while minimizing negative impacts. This study optimizes energy consumption and carbon emissions by examining the influence of building orientation and thermal insulation in Egyptian residential buildings. The objective is to identify the optimal thermal insulation thickness for building envelopes based on Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) standards. Simulations were performed in 11 cities (Aswan, Cairo, Alexandria, Hurgada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Port Said, El Dakhla, El Quesir, Ismailia, and Suez) spanning six climate zones with various facade orientations and climatic conditions. The results demonstrate that applying extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation reduces cooling energy consumption by 11% to 67%, influenced by climate conditions, local habits, and building orientation. Additionally, carbon emissions decrease by 3.9% to 11.26%, while annual cost savings per building range from 1,319 to 3,710 EGP, emphasizing the economic and practical benefits of sustainable practices. These findings provide essential guidelines for reducing energy demand and improving thermal efficiency in Egyptian residential buildings. The study’s insights contribute to urban planning strategies, national energy policies, global sustainability goals, and raising awareness of energy-efficient solutions, supporting energy-efficient design and fostering sustainable urban development across diverse regions and climatic environments effectively.