Towards Net-Zero-Energy Buildings in Tropical Climates: An IoT and EDGE Simulation Approach

Rizal Munadi, Mirza Fuady (), Raedy Noer, M. Andrian Kevin, M. Rafi Farrel and Buraida
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Rizal Munadi: Electrical Engineering Department, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Mirza Fuady: Architecture and Planning Department, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Raedy Noer: Architecture and Planning Department, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
M. Andrian Kevin: Architecture and Planning Department, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
M. Rafi Farrel: Architecture and Planning Department, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Buraida: Civil Engineering Department, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-20

Abstract: Buildings in Indonesia’s tropical climate face significant barriers to energy efficiency due to high cooling loads and electricity intensity. Previous studies have primarily addressed technical optimization or policy frameworks, but few have provided an integrated and data-driven evaluation model for tropical conditions. This study develops an Internet of Things (IoT) and EDGE-based hybrid framework to support the transition toward Net-Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) while maintaining occupant comfort. The research combines real-time IoT monitoring at the LLDIKTI Region XIII Office Building in Banda Aceh with simulation-based assessment using Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE). Baseline energy performance was established from architectural data, historical electricity use, and live monitoring of HVAC systems, lighting, temperature, humidity, and CO 2 concentration. Intervention scenarios—including building envelope enhancement, lighting optimization, and adaptive HVAC control—were simulated and validated against empirical data. Results demonstrate that integrating IoT-driven control with passive design measures achieves up to 31.49% reduction in energy use intensity, along with 24.7% improvement in water efficiency and 22.3% material resource savings. These findings enhance indoor environmental quality and enable adaptive responses to user behavior. The study concludes that the proposed IoT–EDGE framework offers a replicable and context-sensitive pathway for achieving net-zero energy operations in tropical office buildings, with quantifiable environmental benefits that support sustainable public facility management in Indonesia.

Keywords: Internet of Things (IoT); EDGE simulation; energy efficiency; Net-Zero-Energy Buildings; tropical climate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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