Simulations for energy efficiency of residential and office building skyscrapers

As of 2007 more than half of the world's population is living in urban areas (a figure expected to rise to 60% by 2030). Thus, the livability of the high-density city is gradually becoming a central point of focus and concern. The skyscraper, as a successful model of urban planning could provide the possibility to increase city-space vertically as opposed to the current continuous expansion outward, which has obvious environmental consequences. However, contemporary skyscraper examples need to comply with current strict regulations on building energy efficiency. In this process, studies on the skyscraper's energy consumption become very important. Nevertheless, the work produced so far on the skyscraper's operations is not up to date with the large amount of skyscrapers constructed on a worldwide basis. This paper, which is part of a wider research, studies the heating and cooling loads of an office and residential tower, located in Tel Aviv, Israel. Conclusions are reached on the relationship between energy needs and local climate, building use, building envelope and building heights. The towers are designed in accordance with the updated, however still voluntary, Israel's Green Building Standards, primarily SI 5282 Energy Rating of Buildings.