Energy-efficient retrofitting of multi-storey residential buildings

Facilities ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C.P. Sing ◽  
Venus W.C. Chan ◽  
Joseph H.K. Lai ◽  
Jane Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Baseline Scenario ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Retrofit ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Research Findings

Purpose Sustainable retrofitting of aged buildings plays a significant role in reducing energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to assess the performance and effectiveness of energy retrofit measures (ERMs) for an archetype of aged multi-storey residential buildings. Design/methodology/approach The methodology consists of three parts, namely, a desktop study including the selection of a case-study building and identification of ERM options for the building; development of a computer model to simulate the building’s energy use in the baseline scenario and different scenarios of ERMs; and evaluation of the ERMs based on energy-saving rate. Findings Among the 13 ERMs tested, lighting-related ERMs were found to be optimal measures while window fin is the least suitable option in terms of energy saving. Based on the research findings, a two-level retrofitting framework was developed for aged multi-storey buildings. Research limitations/implications Future studies may take a similar approach of this study to develop retrofitting frameworks for other types of buildings, and further research paper can be extended to study retrofitting for buildings in a district or a region. Practical implications The findings of this study can serve as a reference for building owners to select effective ERMs for aged multi-storey buildings, which invariably exist in developed cities. Originality/value This study presents a pioneering work where an energy model and a building archetype were used to analyze the energy savings of a variety of ERMs that are applicable to aged multi-storey buildings.

Sustainability and cost assessment of coastal vacation homes for energy retrofits

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamalesh Panthi ◽  
Kanchan Das ◽  
Tarek Abdel-Salam
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Energy Usage ◽  
Water Heater ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modeling Software ◽  
Energy Use Intensity

Purpose Vacation rental homes, in general, have different energy usage characteristics than traditional residential homes mainly because of the occupancy pattern that changes on a weekly basis. These homes, predominantly larger in size, offer a greater scope for energy savings also because of the wasteful habits of their seasonal occupants. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causes of energy inefficiencies prevalent in these homes so that appropriate retrofit choices can be offered to homeowners. Design/methodology/approach This research presents a case study of a vacation rental home whose energy consumption was investigated in depth and energy inefficiencies identified through modeling using energy modeling software, eQUEST. Simulations were performed to identify viable retrofit scenarios. Findings While improvement in the building envelope such as providing shades/overhangs on the windows, reducing infiltration and increasing insulation of the exterior wall did not show promising results for savings on energy cost, other improvements such as use of highly efficient lamps, tank-less water heater system and occupancy sensors showed viable investment options with shorter payback periods. It was also found that energy use intensity of sampled houses was about half of the average of US residential buildings, which could primarily be attributed to the seasonal nature of occupancy of these houses. Originality/value There is a dearth of literature pertaining to energy efficiency-related retrofits of coastal vacation homes. This research fills that gap to some extent by addressing this issue with an ultimate aim of assisting homeowners in retrofit decision-making.

scholarly journals Balancing preservation and energy efficiency in building stocks

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 356-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Eriksson ◽  
Vlatko Milić ◽  
Tor Brostrom
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Step Method ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Historic Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose Energy use in buildings needs to be reduced to meet political goals; however, reducing energy use can conflict with heritage preservation objectives. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a method that combines quantitative and qualitative analyses of the potential of energy savings in an historic building stock. Specifically, this study examines how requirements of historic building preservation affect the energy saving potential on a building stock level. Design/methodology/approach Using the World Heritage Town of Visby, Sweden as a case study, this paper illustrates a step-by-step method as a basis for implementing energy savings techniques in an historic building stock. The method contains the following steps: categorisation of a building stock, definition of restriction levels for energy renovation scenarios and life cycle costs optimisation of energy measures in archetype buildings representing the building stock. Finally, this study analyses how different energy renovation strategies will impact heritage values and energy saving potentials for different categories of buildings. Findings The outcome of the study is twofold: first, the method has been tested and proven useful and second, the results from the application of the method have been used to formulate differentiated energy renovation strategies for the case study. Originality/value The study shows that it is possible to integrate techno-economic analysis with assessment of heritage values in a given building stock in order to facilitate a strategic discussion balancing policies and targets for energy savings with policies for the preservation of heritage values. The findings will contribute to sounder policy development and planning for historic building stocks.

Energy consumption optimization for AC drives position control

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Branislav Ftorek ◽  
Milan Saga ◽  
Pavol Orsansky ◽  
Jan Vittek ◽  
Peter Butko
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Position Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ac Drives ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Energy Consumption Optimization

Purpose The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the two energy saving position control strategies for AC drives valid for a wide range of boundary conditions including an analysis of their energy expenses. Design/methodology/approach For energy demands analysis, the optimal energy control based on mechanical and electrical losses minimization is compared with the near-optimal one based on symmetrical trapezoidal speed profile. Both control strategies respect prescribed maneuver time and define acceleration profile for preplanned rest-to-rest maneuver. Findings Presented simulations confirm lower total energy expenditures of energy optimal control if compared with near-optimal one, but the differences are only small due to the fact that two energy saving strategies are compared. Research limitations/implications Developed overall control system consisting of energy saving profile generator, pre-compensator and position control system respecting principles of field-oriented control is capable to track precomputed state variables precisely. Practical implications Energy demands of both control strategies are verified and compared to simulations and preliminary experiments. The possibilities of energy savings were confirmed for both control strategies. Originality/value Experimental verification of designed control structure is sufficiently promising and confirmed assumed energy savings.

scholarly journals CASE STUDY OF ENERGY CONSERVATION IN INDUSTRY BY APPLICATION OF LEAN TOOLS

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
N.Sujith Prasanna ◽  
Dr.J.Nagesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conservation ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Energy Saving Potential ◽  
Lean Tools

Energy cost is significant in many of the manufacturing activities. The efficiency of energy use is quiet low as there are substantial visible and hidden losses. Visible losses can be easily identified and corrective action can be taken. However hidden and indirect losses form a sizeable portion of the losses. Identifying these losses is not easy and requires an integrated approach which includes thorough study of process, operations and their interactions with energy use. Industries across sectors have implemented lean management principles which target various wastes occurring in the plant. This paper discusses case studies which highlight the exploitation of lean tools as a means for unearthing hidden energy saving potential that often go unnoticed. In addition to the energy savings which results in improved profits and competitiveness, the approach also aids the industry to pursue a path of sustainable manufacturing.

Understanding intentions to reduce energy consumption at the workplace by the employees: case of a developing country

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amna Akhound ◽  
Aseem Majeed Rizvi ◽  
Waqar Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Nadeem Khan
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Saving Behavior ◽  
Save Energy

PurposeEnergy-saving behavior of individuals is essential to minimize energy use and reduce the emission of toxic gases. This study's actual focus is to find out the determinants of the energy-saving behavior of individuals in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachAs a theoretical research model, the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been used to analyze the determinants of energy-saving intentions. A survey method is used to collect 289 valid data, and structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to analyze the data.FindingsThe final result shows that the variables attitude at home, subjective norm (SN) and descriptive norms positively impact intention to save energy at the workplace. In contrast, the construct attitude and perceived behavior control is insignificant in this research. On the other hand, the personal moral norm (PMN) is a powerful predictor of individual energy-saving intentions at the workplace.Originality/valueThis research provides insights that will help the organizations understand the behavior of individuals at the workplace for energy-saving intentions to formulate such policies that will enhance individuals' practice for energy savings.

Improving sustainability of residential homes: occupants motivation and behaviour

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick X.W. Zou ◽  
Rebecca J. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Improvement Measures ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
High Level

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate residential occupants’ motivations and behaviour on energy savings. Energy consumption in residential buildings is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Design/methodology/approach – By using an online survey questionnaire instrument, this research collected 504 sets of responses from households in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Findings – Through statistical analysis of the data collected, this research found that construction cost and government incentive were considered as the major influencing factors on achieving energy-efficient residential building development, and the lower bills resulted from the reduced energy and water consumption were considered as the most important benefits. The research also found that many households exhibited a high level of awareness and had implemented some sustainability improvement measures. It is suggested, based on these research findings, that governments should articulate, by means of education, the rationale and benefits of sustainable home development that are identified in this research and reduce material costs and increase government incentives. Originality/value – A framework on improving residential sustainability was proposed in this paper. Stakeholders in the sustainable home supply chain could use this framework as a reference to pave the way for energy efficient home development from their perspective

QUANTIFYING ENERGY SAVINGS FOR RETROFIT CENTRALIZED HVAC SYSTEMS AT SELANGOR STATE SECRETARY COMPLEX

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhaidi Mohd Aris ◽  
Nofri Yenita Dahlan ◽  
Mohd Nasrun Mohd Nawi ◽  
Tengku Ahmad Nizam ◽  
Mohamad Zamhari Tahir
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Linear Regression Model ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Baseline Period

Objective of this study is to estimate building energy saving at Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah from a retrofit of Water Cooling Package Unit (WCPU) system. This research calculates energy savings as recommended by International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) using Option C-Whole Facility Measurement. In this study, the baseline period is defined from July 2012 to June 2013, the retrofit of WCPU was performed on July 2013 and the reporting period is from August 2013 to July 2014. The baseline energy use and the post retrofit energy use data are collected from utility bills. On the other hand, the energy governing factors other than the retrofit such as outdoor temperature or Cooling Degree Day (CDD), number of working days (NWD) and occupancy on the building are gathered corresponding to the pre-defined baseline and post-retrofit period. These non-retrofit energy governing factors are used to model adjusted baseline energy in calculating energy savings using regression analysis. Two types of energy saving analyses have been presented in the case study; 1) Single linear regression for each independent variable, 2) Multiple linear regression. Results show that number of occupancy has the highest coefficient regression, R2 followed by NWD and CDD. This indicates that occupancy has stronger correlation with the energy use in the building than NWD and CDD. Finding also shows that the R² for multiple linear regression model are higher than single linear regression model. This shows the fact that more than one component are affecting the energy use in the building.

scholarly journals Developing students’ energy literacy in higher education

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 456-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debby R E Cotton ◽  
Wendy Miller ◽  
Jennie Winter ◽  
Ian Bailey ◽  
Stephen Sterling
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Instrumental Case Study ◽  
Energy Literacy ◽  
Case Study Site ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate students’ energy literacy at a UK university, and recommends ways in which it can be enhanced using a behaviour change model. Developing students’ energy literacy is a key part of the “greening” agenda, yet little is known about how students develop their ideas about energy use and energy saving at a university. Design/methodology/approach – The research utilised a mixed-methods approach including an online survey (with 1,136 responses) and focus groups. Findings – The research identified strengths and weaknesses in students’ energy literacy, and noted the relative influence of formal and informal curricula. The potential for aligning these curricula is highlighted through the 4Es model of enable, engage, exemplify and encourage. Research limitations/implications – The research involved a single instrumental case-study site. The wider applicability of the findings should therefore be tested further in other institutions. Practical implications – The research suggests ways in which universities might better support their students in making more sustainable energy-related behaviour choices, and it indicates the importance of knowledge as well as attitudes. Social implications – The research may have implications for the energy-saving behaviours of individuals in the wider society. Originality/value – Attempts to reduce energy use in higher education are widely seen in campus operations. This research provides an indication of the potential for enhancing energy-saving through different forms of curricula.

scholarly journals THE OBSTACLES TO ENERGY SAVING IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN NIGERIA: STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.T. Ibrahim ◽  
◽  
N.G. Fernando ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Consumption Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

Over the past three decades research on energy use in buildings has become significant due to increasing scientific and political pressure on issues concerning global warming and climate change. As part of the impact by climate change, tropical nations are faced with several challenges in achieving energy savings, particularly the energy consumption behaviour of building occupants, with very little research coming from Africa. Previous research has shown that variations due to occupant behaviour is substantial. To address these challenges in line with the objectives of some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (namely, clean and sustainable energy, as well as climate action) in residential buildings, this paper explores the perceptions of stakeholders by identifying the barriers which affect energy use from different cultural perspectives. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured telephone interviews with experts in the energy and construction fields in Nigeria. The purpose of the interviews was to provide an insight into residential energy consumption behaviour and the barriers faced in the adoption of sustainable energy sources. The results were analysed using an energy cultural framework. An analysis of the results shows that continuous awareness of energy saving behavioural change, government subsidies for renewable energy, government checks, and the standardization of energy-efficient appliances imported into the country can improve people’s trust regarding sustainable choices and can promote efficient energy use. The outcome from this work is expected to give a better understanding of energy use behaviour and inform future energy policies and interventions related to household energy saving.

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