The effect of balconies on energy efficiency of multi-unit residential buildings: A state of art review

Multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) has become common in urban areas in order to accommodate the demands of the increasing urban population and make use of limited urban land. These buildings are high consumers of energy and natural resources with significant carbon footprints. Efforts are hence needed to make new and existing MURBs more energy efficient and environmentally. Balconies in MURBs can help decrease operational energy in addition to providing a connection to the outdoor environment for the residents. If properly designed, MURBs balconies in cold climates can help in enhancing solar gains while in warm climates, they can be useful in providing a sub-space capable of cooling …