Abstract
This research contributes to facilitating an applicable approach to architects, engineers, and cross-disciplinary professionals through open-access tools-Ladybug and Honeybee V1.8.0 plugin-integrated with Grasshopper to compute Energy Use Intensity (EUI) in kWh/m²/yr. This comprehensive approach incorporates powerful input data such as appliance and lighting wattage, HVAC system specifications, and construction material layers, while also incorporating occupant behaviour, which plays a critical role in the accuracy of EUI predictions. A representative residential apartment prototype located in Cairo, Egypt, was selected for modelling and analysis. Validation was conducted by comparing the simulation results to actual energy consumption measurements, demonstrating a high degree of accuracy. The coefficient of determination (R²) of 99.54%, derived from the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), demonstrates how well the model's predicted EUI corresponds to the measured data. Additionally, the study investigates the potential impacts of climate change by incorporating future weather scenarios for the years 2050 and 2080. The findings show a significant increase in cooling loads across future scenarios when compared to the 2024 EPW baseline. Under the Sustainability Pathway (Low Emissions Scenario), cooling loads are projected to rise by 22.6% to 47.5% in 2050, and by 24.23% to 52.15% in 2080. In contrast, the Regional Rivalry Pathway (High Emissions Scenario) shows a more pronounced increase, with cooling loads rising by 30.6% to 60.1% in 2050 and by 56.49% to 88.8% in 2080.