Optimizing Multi-Family Homes for Future Weather

A University of Hawaiʻi team addresses rising heat impacts in Hawai‘i to improve community quality of life and climate equity while informing heat-resilient building guidelines, incentives, and energy planning. Many multifamily buildings currently lack mechanical cooling, leading to thermal discomfort, higher future cooling needs, and increased energy burdens on low-income residents and the electrical grid. Using whole-building energy modeling with projected hotter weather, the research quantifies occupant comfort, energy use, and emissions, identifying building features—such as exterior shading, optimized glazing, reduced window area, natural ventilation openings, and ceiling fans—that most improve comfort while minimizing energy demand. Findings support utilities, government, and policymakers in planning for grid impacts, renewable energy sizing, GHG reduction, and proactive infrastructure resilience, helping communities remain secure and climate-ready.