Abstract

The building envelope plays a pivotal role in determining the energy performance and thermal comfort of built environments. As the global demand for energy-efficient solutions intensifies in the face of climate change and urbanization, optimizing the building envelope has emerged as a key strategy for reducing operational energy consumption and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents a comprehensive review of contemporary strategies, advanced materials, and emerging technologies aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of building envelopes. The study begins by examining the fundamental functions of the building envelope including thermal insulation, air sealing, moisture control, and daylight modulation followed by an exploration of passive design strategies such as orientation, shading, and natural ventilation. Subsequently, the paper delves into highperformance materials including vacuum insulation panels, phase change materials (PCMs), aerogels, and dynamic glazing systems, highlighting their thermo physical properties, integration challenges, and lifecycle implications. A comparative analysis of conventional versus next-generation envelope assemblies is also provided to underscore performance improvements and cost-benefit trade-offs. Furthermore, the role of digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and machine learning in simulating, optimizing, and monitoring envelope performance is discussed. The final sections address the policy frameworks, certification systems (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, and Passive House), and market trends that are shaping the future of energy-efficient envelope design. Emerging concepts such as biomimicry, adaptive façades, and net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) are examined for their potential to revolutionize how envelopes respond to environmental stimuli and user behavior. By synthesizing current knowledge and projecting future directions, this paper aims to inform architects, engineers, researchers, and policymakers on holistic approaches to designing sustainable building envelopes that align with both environmental targets and occupant well-being.