Advancing Energy Efficiency in Educational Buildings: A Case Study on Sustainable Retrofitting and Management Strategies

Public educational buildings, particularly schools, are often overlooked in energy efficiency initiatives, despite their potential for substantial energy and cost savings. This study presents an integrative, measurement-informed, calibrated model-based approach for assessing and enhancing energy performance in elementary schools located in Israel’s hot-arid climate. By combining multiscale environmental monitoring with a rigorously calibrated Energy Plus simulation model, the study evaluates the impact of three demand-side management (DSM) strategies: night ventilation, external envelope insulation, and a combination of the two. Quantitative results show that night ventilation reduced average indoor temperatures by up to 3.3 °C during peak occupancy hours and led to daily energy savings of 10–15%, equating to approximately 1500–2200 kWh annually per classroom. Envelope insulation further reduced diurnal temperature fluctuations from 7.75 °C to 1.0 °C and achieved an additional 9% energy savings. When combined, the two strategies yielded up to 20% energy savings and improved thermal comfort. The findings provide a transferable framework for evaluating retrofitting options in public buildings, offering actionable insights for policymakers and facility managers aiming to implement scalable, cost-effective energy interventions in educational environments.