Role of BIM and energy simulation tools in designing zero-net energy homes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahryar Habibi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Energy Simulation ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Zero Net Energy

Purpose The purpose of this study is to design a zero-energy home, which is known to be capable of balancing its own energy production and consumption close to zero. Development of low-energy homes and zero-net energy houses (ZEHs) is vital to move toward energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. To achieve zero or low energy targets in homes, it is essential to use the design process that minimizes the need for active mechanical systems. Design/methodology/approach The methodology discussed in this paper consists of an interfacing building information modeling (BIM) tool and a simulation software to determine the potential influence of phase change materials on designing zero-net energy homes. Findings BIM plays a key role in advancing methods for architects and designers to communicate through a common software platform, analyze energy performance through all stages of the design and construction process and make decisions for improving energy efficiency in the built environment. Originality/value This paper reviews the literature relevant to the role of BIM in helping energy simulation for the performance of residential homes to more advanced levels and in modeling the integrated design process of ZEHs.

scholarly journals Optimization of building design process by using energy simulation tools

2018 ◽  
Vol 174 ◽  
pp. 01033
Author(s):  
Piotr Ziembicki
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Detailed Balance ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Energy Simulation ◽  
Efficient Operation ◽  
Energy Simulations ◽  
Polish Law

Requirements concerning energy efficiency of buildings, as well as the emission of energy sources working for their needs, are constantly growing. It is related to the Polish law, as well as European Union directives. It is obvious that in the coming years, further regulations and directives will impose additional requirements in this area. Therefore, the requirements for the operation of buildings and process of their designing are changing already today. In the past, the design process, in particular in the aspect of energy consumption, was based primarily on the procedures of static analysis of the building's structure (partitions, glazing, etc.). A typical calculation of a building heat demand did not take into account other aspects of the building's operation, such as user behaviour, heat gains or thermal accumulation of the building. Therefore, in modern designing, it is extremely important to use advanced computer techniques to develop a detailed balance of energy, which takes into account all its useful forms, including heat and electricity. Only such a comprehensive approach will render it possible to achieve the energy efficiency indicators required by law, as well as an economically efficient operation of the building, with a minimal bad influence on the environment. In general, the manuscript presents methods of comprehensive computer energy simulation of buildings, which can be used for optimal designing of buildings for any purpose. The article also presents an overview of available computer tools, which are recommended for the building design process. There are also some examples of using a simulation software for the analysis of residential buildings, along with the analysis of the results of energy simulations carried out with its help.

Optimising building performance through integrating risk management and building information modelling during the design process

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Fatma Othman Alamoudy
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Building Performance ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information

Purpose This paper aims to develop a framework for optimising building performance through the integration between risk management (RM) and building information modelling (BIM) during the design process. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this aim, a research strategy consisting of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire is designed to accomplish four objectives. First, to examine the concepts of design process, building performance, RM and BIM; second, to present three case studies to explain the role of using RM and BIM capabilities towards optimising building performance; third, to investigate the perception and application of architectural design firms in Egypt towards the role of RM and BIM for enhancing building performance during the design process; and finally, to develop a framework integrating RM and BIM during the design process as an approach for optimising building performance. Findings Through literature review, the research identified 18 risks that hamper optimising building performance during the design process. In addition, 11 building performance values and 20 BIM technologies were defined. Results of data analysis showed that “Design budget overrun”, “Lack of considering life cycle cost” and “Inefficient use of the design time” were ranked the highest risks that affect the optimisation of building performance. Respondents ranked “Risk avoid” or “Risk transfer” as the most risk responses adopted in the Egyptian context. In addition, “BIM As Built” was ranked the highest BIM technology used for overcoming risks during the design process. These findings necessitated taking action towards developing a framework to optimising building performance. Originality/value The research identified the risks that affect optimising building performance during the design process. It focuses on improving the design process through using the capabilities of BIM technologies towards overcoming these risks during the design process. The proposed framework which integrates RM and BIM represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

Energy consultants calculating sustainability for residential buildings

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 825-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Andre Søraa ◽  
Håkon Fyhn ◽  
Jøran Solli
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Building Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the role of a particular energy calculator in enhancing the energy efficiency of existing homes by asking how this calculator was developed and how it is domesticated by craftspeople working as energy consultants.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on qualitative interviews with users and producers of the energy calculator (n= 22), as well as participation in energy consultation training.FindingsThe paper finds that, in the energy calculator, there is a striking lack of connection between the domestication and script because of lack of energy consultants’ involvement in the design and implementation process.Practical implicationsThe enrolment of energy consultants as energy calculator users earlier in and throughout the design process could be valuable in making the transition to an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building sector.Social implicationsThe paper argues for recognition of the role of energy consultants, especially craftspeople, as participants in the design process for tools of governance. This is a call to acknowledge the value of particular skills and experiences possessed by craftspeople doing home consultation.Originality/valueBy understanding the intricate developer–user synchronicity in tools developed for upgrading the building sector, energy mitigation can be made more effective.

scholarly journals Using EEG to examine the role of attention, working memory, emotion, and imagination in narrative transportation

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 92-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Gordon ◽  
Joseph Ciorciari ◽  
Tom van Laer
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Brain Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Responses ◽  
Narrative Transportation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to present a study using encephalography (EEG) to investigate consumer responses to narrative videos in energy efficiency social marketing. The purpose is to assess the role of attention, working memory, emotion and imagination in narrative transportation, and how these stages of narrative transportation are ordered temporally. Design/methodology/approach Consumers took part in an EEG experiment during which they were shown four different narrative videos to identify brain response during specific video segments. Findings The study found that during the opening segment of the videos, attention, working memory and emotion were high before attenuating with some introspection at the end of this segment. During the story segment of the videos attention, working memory and emotion were also high, with attention decreasing later on but working memory, emotion and imagination being evident. Consumer responses to each of the four videos differed. Practical implications The study suggests that narratives can be a useful approach in energy efficiency social marketing. Specifically, marketers should attempt to gain focused attention and invoke emotional responses, working memory and imagination to help consumers become narratively transported. The fit between story object and story-receiver should also be considered when creating consumer narratives. Social implications Policymakers and organisations that wish to promote pro-social behaviours such as using energy efficiently or eating healthily should consider using narratives. Originality/value This research contributes to theory by identifying brain response relating to attention, working memory, emotion and imagination during specific stages of narrative transportation. The study considers the role of attention, emotion, working memory and imagination during reception of stories with different objects, and how these may relate to consumers’ narrative transportation.

The role of facilities management in green retrofit of existing buildings in the United Arab Emirates

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Mawed ◽  
Vinay Tilani ◽  
Karima Hamani
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Actual Case ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Green retrofitting is acknowledged as an essential strategy toward achieving long-term sustainability in the built environment. To implement this strategy successfully, the role of facility managers cannot be ignored. The purpose of this paper is to investigate present practices that are used in managing the existing facilities, to highlight the elements that govern the process of green retrofitting, and discuss the efforts and contribution of facility managers in enhancing the environmental performance of the existing facilities stock in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach This study suggests that an adequate level of awareness of the benefits of green retrofit amongst owners and decision-makers is mostly dependent on facilities management (FM) professionals, who must establish effective communication channel with senior management. FM professionals in the UAE are well equipped and competent in greening existing buildings and can simultaneously lead a building to the path of achieving green building certification. Findings To examine the role of FM in a green retrofit and its current status in the UAE built environment, a two-step qualitative method was adopted. The study started by conducting semi-structured interviews with FM professionals and then assessing the insights obtained from the interviews against an actual case study of a LEED Existing Building certified facility. Research limitations/implications Interviews were limited to FM professionals in the private sector and the results from one case study should be considered cautiously. Originality/value This paper emphasizes the primordial role of FM professionals in promoting green retrofit in the UAE.

Informing sustainable building design

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 194-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathilde Landgren ◽  
Signe Skovmand Jakobsen ◽  
Birthe Wohlenberg ◽  
Lotte Bjerregaard Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interdisciplinary Design

Purpose In recent decades there has been a focus on reducing the overall emissions from the built environment, which increases the complexity of the building design process. More specialized knowledge, a greater common understanding and more cooperation between the stakeholders are required. Interdisciplinary design teams need simple and intuitive means of communication. Architects and engineers are starting to increase their focus on improving interdisciplinary communication, but it is often unclear how to do so. The purpose of this paper is to define the impact of visually communicating engineering knowledge to architects in an interdisciplinary design team and to define how quantifying architectural design decisions have an impact during the early phases of sustainable building design. Design/methodology/approach This work is based on a study of extensive project materials consisting of presentations, reports, simulation results and case studies. The material is made available by one of the largest European Engineering Consultancies and by a large architectural office in the field of sustainable architecture in Denmark. The project material is used for mapping communication concepts from practice. Findings It is demonstrated that visual communication by engineers increases the level of technical knowledge in the design decisions made by architects. This is essential in order to reach the goal of designing buildings with low environmental impact. Conversely, quantification of architectural quality improved the engineer’s acceptance of the architects’ proposals. Originality/value This paper produces new knowledge through the case study processes performed. The main points are presented as clearly as possible; however, it should be stressed that it is only the top of the iceberg. In all, 17 extensive case studies design processes were performed with various design teams by the 3 authors of the paper Mathilde, Birthe and Signe. The companies that provided the framework for the cases are leading in Europe within sustainability in the built environment, and in the case of Sweco also in regards to size (number of employees). Data are thus first hand and developed by the researchers and authors of this paper, with explicit consent from the industry partners involved as well as assoc. Professor Lotte B. Jensen Technical University of Denmark (DTU). This material is in the DTU servers and is in the PhD dissertation by Mathilde Landgren (successful defence was in January 2019). The observations and reflection is presented in selected significant case examples. The methods are descriped in detail, and if further information on method is required a more in depth description is found in Mathilde Landgrens PhD Dissertation. There is a lack in existing literature of the effect of visualisation in interdisciplinary design teams and though the literature (e.g. guidelines) of integrated design is extensive, there is not much published on this essential part of an integrated design process.

Does “clean” pay off? Housing markets and their perception of heating technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 575-596
Author(s):  
Jonas Hahn ◽  
Jens Hirsch ◽  
Sven Bienert
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Real Estate ◽  
Housing Markets ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Price Premium ◽  
Environmental Friendliness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Energy Consumption ◽  
Heating Technology

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of distinct types of heating technology and their price impact in German residential real estate markets, considering a wide range of other housing market determinants. The authors aim to test and to verify specifically, whether the obsolescence of heating technology leads to a significant price discount and whether higher technological standards (and environmental friendliness) come with a price premium on the market.Design/methodology/approachThe authors create housing market models for rental and sales segments by constructing generalized additive models with explicit multi-layered spatial components. To elaborate a profound and contemporary answer using these models, the authors perform large-sample regression analyses based on more than 400,000 observations covering German residential properties in 2015.FindingsFirst and foremost, the heating system indeed shows significant explanatory importance for measuring housing rents and purchasing price. Second, the authors find that it makes a difference whether clean “green” technologies are implemented or whether “brown” systems with obsolete technology or fossil energy sources is on hand. Ultimately, the authors conclude that while low energy consumption indeed comes with a price premium, this needs to be interpreted together with the property’s heating type, as housing markets seem to outweigh the “green premium” by “brown discounts” if low energy consumption figures are powered by a certain type of heating technology system.Research limitations/implicationsAside of a possible omitted variable bias, the main research limitation is constituted by the integration of asking prices in the analysis, as actual transaction prices are not systematically transparent on national level in Germany. Limitations are discussed at the end of the paper.Practical implicationsThis work supports investors who face the challenge of making environmental- and energy-related decisions as well as appraisers who deliver financial fundamentals for such. Third, the paper supports both asset managers as well as investment strategists in argumentation pro-environmental investments beyond all ecological necessity.Social implicationsThis paper contributes to the current discussion on climate change and the eclectic role of real estate in this context. The authors deliver evidence on pricing effects as a measure of socioeconomic acceptance of progressive heating technology and environmental friendliness as an imperative of twenty-first century societies.Originality/valueThis is the first study on “green premiums” or “brown discounts” that includes heating technology as a potential and distinct driver of value and rents. It is a contemporary contribution and delivers original information on the quantitative impact of contemporary and anachronistic technology in heating to researchers as well as investors and appraisers.

Property valuation in the UK: energy efficiency legislation and its impact on valuation

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick French ◽  
Jason Antill
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Valuation Task ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Value Changes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rental Value

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into how the new energy efficiency legislation in the UK is impacting upon the valuation of certain properties. This paper looks at how to adapt implicit valuation models to reflect the new risks of the impact of legislation. Design/methodology/approach This practice briefing is an overview of the new legislation and comments on the appropriateness of valuation models in different scenarios. Findings This paper analyses the likelihood of capital and rental value changes under the new energy efficiency guidelines. Practical implications The role of the valuer in practice is to identify the impact of the new legislation on the value of the subject property and choose the correct model for the valuation task in hand. Originality/value This provides guidance on how valuations can be undertaken to reflect any impact of the new energy efficiency legislation.

scholarly journals Energy efficiency, resilience to future climates and long-term sustainability: the role of the built environment

2010 ◽  
Vol 368 (1914) ◽  
pp. 1083-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
The Uk

Just under half of all energy consumption in the UK today takes place indoors, and over a quarter within our homes. The challenges associated with energy security, climate change and sustainable consumption will be overcome or lost in our existing buildings. A background analysis, and the scale of the engineering challenge for the next three to four decades, is described in this paper.

Energy efficiency of Iran buildings: a SWOT-ANP approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 726-746
Author(s):  
M. Khojaste-Sarakhsi ◽  
Seyed Hassan Ghodsypour ◽  
S.M.T. Fatemi Ghomi ◽  
H. Dashtaki-Hesari
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Energy Market ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Efficiency Improvement ◽  
Network Process ◽  
International Investors ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of energy efficiency improvement of Iran building sector and develop strategies based on them and finally prioritize these strategies according to experts’ judgments. This SWOT analysis is developed based on a detailed study in Iran energy market along with consulting with several energy specialists and has not been conducted before. Design/methodology/approach Since SWOT analysis is not capable to rank the developed strategies, analytical network process method is applied to prioritize them according to experts’ judgments. Results are compared with the results of the hierarchical network process (AHP). Findings Numerical results show that modification of the energy tariff system is the most important strategy. Besides this strategy, four other ones are related to the role of government in Iran energy market, while the remaining ones can be accomplished by domestic or international companies. They are about worn out appliances, inefficient buildings and inefficient lighting systems. Originality/value The SWOT analysis and the developed strategies can provide an insight into the improvement of buildings’ energy efficiency in Iran and some similar countries. All the developed strategies have two sides. One is the regulatory and supporting role of the government and the other is about the investment and implementation considerations. As most of the required rules have been established, the ground is prepared for domestic or international investors to start or develop their energy-related businesses in Iran market.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document