Influence of building and indoor environmental parameters on designing energy-efficient buildings

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen O. Eromobor ◽  
Dillip Kumar Das ◽  
Fidelis Emuze
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Window Width ◽  
University Buildings ◽  
Building Parameters

PurposeArguments for the design of sustainable university buildings have emerged in South Africa. Energy being a major determinant of the sustainability of buildings, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of various building and indoor environmental parameters on the energy performance of university buildings in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey research method, administered within the context of university buildings in South Africa, was used. Data about 16 buildings from three universities were collected. Relevant, inferential statistical analyses were conducted to examine the relative influence of the building parameters on the energy consumed in the buildings. Also, regression models within building parameters were developed independently and in a combination that could be used to estimate energy consumption in the university buildings.FindingsFindings suggested that building and indoor environmental parameters of humidity, indoor temperature, volume, illumination, and window width ratio (WWR), in that order, influenced energy consumption significantly, and also, had direct empirical relationships.Practical implicationsOptimising the building and indoor environmental parameters in design will enhance energy-efficiency in university buildings in South Africa.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature in terms of understanding the order of influence of building parameters on energy consumption in university buildings in the temperate climatic zone of South Africa. It also established empirical models between building and indoor environmental parameters and energy consumption, both independently and in combination, that could assist in designing energy-efficient and sustainable university buildings.

Recommended angle of a modular dynamic façade in hot-arid climate: daylighting and energy simulation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyedeh Samaneh Golzan ◽  
Mina Pouyanmehr ◽  
Hassan Sadeghi Naeini
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Arid Climate ◽  
Visual Comfort ◽  
Building Envelopes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Optimum Angle ◽  
Energy Efficient Buildings ◽  
Hot Arid Climate

PurposeThe modular dynamic façade (MDF) concept could be an approach in a comfort-centric design through proper integration with energy-efficient buildings. This study focuses on obtaining and/or calculating an efficient angle of the MDF, which would lead to the optimum performance in daylight availability and energy consumption in a single south-faced official space located in the hot-arid climate of Yazd, Iran.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consists of three fundamental parts: (1) based on previous related studies, a diamond-based dynamic skin façade was applied to a south-faced office building in a hot-arid climate; (2) the daylighting and energy performance of the model were simulated annually; and (3) the data obtained from the simulation were compared to reach the optimum angle of the MDF.FindingsThe results showed that when the angle of the MDF openings was set at 30°, it could decrease energy consumption by 41.32% annually, while daylight simulation pointed that the space experienced the minimum possible glare at this angle. Therefore, the angle of 30° was established as the optimum angle, which could be the basis for future investment in responsive building envelopes.Originality/valueThis angular study simultaneously assesses the daylight availability, visual comfort and energy consumption on a MDF in a hot-arid climate.

Architecture as a strategy for reduced energy consumption? An in-depth analysis of residential practices’ influence on the energy performance of passive houses

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solvår Wågø ◽  
Thomas Berker
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Passive Houses ◽  
The One ◽  
Actual Energy Consumption

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how architectural solutions may influence residential practice and energy consumption. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is part of a larger study based on qualitative investigations of six energy-efficient housing projects in Norway. Here, the authors examine one of these projects, Løvåshagen in Bergen, the first Norwegian passive house flat building. Based on a combination of 14 interviews with household members and energy consumption data for all flats, the authors show how residential practices influence energy consumption. In the discussion and conclusion, the authors focus on the role of the architecture in these practices. Findings – On the one hand, Løvåshagen reflects a mainstreaming approach to sustainable building, attracting a wide array of different occupants. On the other hand, the specific add-ons that are intended to make the buildings energy efficient require new definitions of comfort and new skills to achieve the promised energy savings. This combination can explain why Løvåshagen, after four years of occupation, has a large variation in actual energy consumption. Practical implications – In designing new energy-efficient housing, greater attention should be paid to the level of end-user control and adaptability, the level of system complexity, and the need for adequate information. An alternative to the mainstreaming approach would be to actively use architecture to influence residential practices towards reduced energy consumption. Originality/value – The use of qualitative methods to analyse quantitative energy data is original and provides promising opportunities to understand the significance of residential practices regarding actual energy consumption.

Action for increasing energy-saving behaviour in student residences at Rhodes University, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Ancha Lindelwa Bulunga ◽  
Gladman Thondhlana
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Behaviour ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In response to increasing energy demand and financial constraints to invest in green infrastructure, behaviour change energy-saving interventions are increasingly being considered as a tool for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour in campus residences. This paper aims to report on a pilot programme aimed at reducing energy consumption via behaviour change interventions, variably applied in residences at Rhodes University, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via structured questionnaires, energy consumption records and post-intervention programme focus group discussions. Findings Participant residences that received a mix of different interventions in the forms of pamphlets, face-to-face discussions, incentives and feedback recorded more energy reductions of up to 9 per cent than residences that received a single or no intervention. In post-experiment discussions, students cited personal, institutional and structural barriers to pro-environmental energy-use behaviour. Practical implications Overall, the results of this study suggest that information provision of energy-saving tips combined with regular feedback and incentives can result in energy-use reductions in university residences, which may yield environmental and economic benefits for universities, but addressing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour might maximise the results. Originality/value Given the lack of literature on energy conservation in the global South universities, this study provides the basis for discussing the potential for using behavioural interventions in universities for stirring pathways towards sustainability.

scholarly journals Spaces in-between impacts on indoor environment and energy efficiency in dwellings

2019 ◽  
Vol 282 ◽  
pp. 02071
Author(s):  
Catarina F. T. Ribeiro ◽  
Nuno M. M. Ramos ◽  
Inês Flores-Colen
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Indoor Environmental Quality ◽  
Climatic Regions ◽  
Minimum Energy Consumption ◽  
Acoustic Comfort

Throughout history, it has always been recognised that the spaces in-between in dwellings have the advantage of working as environmental buffer spaces. The aim of this paper is to provide a literature review of the different spaces in-between in dwellings – balconies, shaded balconies and glazed balconies - and their impacts on comfort and on energy performance. The effects of the spaces in-between depend on their design, on the characteristics of the buildings and on the surroundings. They have important impacts on the four factors that contribute to the indoor environmental quality: thermal comfort, lighting comfort, acoustic comfort and indoor air quality. These factors are interrelated and the lack of balance between them can lead to poor indoor environmental conditions and to excessive energy consumption. Based on the review, a synthesis of the key environmental parameters that can be used as indicators for those factors is established. The impacts of spaces in-between on the factors and sub-factors of indoor environment are defined, considering different climatic regions. A holistic approach that conciliates all the above-mentioned factors should be a contribution to the design of spaces in-between in both new construction and rehabilitation projects, in order to achieve better indoor environment with minimum energy consumption.

Using energy profiles to identify university energy reduction opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandarani Maistry ◽  
Harold Annegarn
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Calendar ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline efforts at the University of Johannesburg, a large metropolitan university in Gauteng province, to examine energy efficiency within the context of the green campus movement, through the analysis of electricity consumption patterns. The study is particularly relevant in light of the cumulative 230 per cent increase in electricity costs between 2008 and 2014 in South Africa that has forced institutions of higher education to seek ways to reduce energy consumption. Design/Methodology/Approach – A quantitative research design was adopted for the analysis of municipal electricity consumption records using a case study approach to identify trends and patterns in consumption. The largest campus of the University of Johannesburg, which is currently one of the largest residential universities in South Africa, was selected as a case study. Average diurnal consumption profiles were plotted according to phases of the academic calendar, distinguished by specific periods of active teaching and research (in-session); study breaks, examinations and administration (out-of-session); and recesses. Average profiles per phase of the academic calendar were constructed from the hourly electricity consumption and power records using ExcelTM pivot tables and charts. Findings – It was found that the academic calendar has profound effects on energy consumption by controlling the level of activity. Diurnal maximum consumption corresponds to core working hours, peaking at an average of 2,500 kWh during “in-session” periods, 2,250 kWh during “out-of-session” periods and 2,100 kWh during recess. A high base load was evident throughout the year (between 1,300 and 1,650 kWh), mainly attributed to heating and cooling. By switching off the 350 kW chiller plant on weekdays, a 9 per cent electricity reduction could be achieved during out-of-session and recess periods. Similarly, during in-session periods, a 6 per cent reduction could be achieved. Practical implications – Key strategies and recommendations are presented to stimulate energy efficiency implementation within the institution. Originality Value – Coding of consumption profiles against the academic calendar has not been previously done in relation to an academic institution. The profiles were used to establish the influence of the academic calendar on electricity consumption, which along with our own observation were used to identify specific consumption reduction opportunities worth pursuing.

Building performance in the context of industry pressures

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-543
Author(s):  
Craig Robertson ◽  
Dejan Mumovic
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Energy Gap ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Performance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the relationship between designed and actual building performance as represented in an Royal Institute of British Architects- and Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers-backed web-based comparison platform and the industry perception of the pressures surrounding building performance assessment. European directives and UK Parliamentary Acts have resulted in a range of mechanisms aimed at encouraging monitoring of energy consumption, responsive management and evidence-based design. Web-based feedback platforms aim to feed evaluation data back to industry anonymously; however, there exists a range of barriers and disincentives that prevent widespread and habitual engagement with building evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – Using energy data from the CarbonBuzzweb platform and a series of semi-structured interviews, a mixed-methods study has been carried out. Analysis of the characteristics of the existing energy discrepancy between designed and actual performance shows where variance typically occurs. Interviews with industry actors presents a synopsis of the perceived and actual legislative and procedural pressures that exist in relation to building performance assessment. Findings – The conclusions of this paper identify weaknesses in the current legislative and incentivisation mechanisms with regard to targeting building energy performance and industrial pressures that hinder broader industry engagement with post-occupancy evaluation. Originality/value – The recommendations arising from this study are for adjustments to the existing legislative framework to increase participation in meaningful building energy evaluation targeted at the specifics of the energy gap and the motivations of industrial actors. This will specifically help to reduce building energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

scholarly journals Understanding the energy performance GAP: case studies of energy efficient homes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moe Otsubo
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Initial Energy ◽  
Energy Simulation ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Energy Models ◽  
Dynamic Energy Simulation ◽  
Actual Energy Consumption

The energy performance gap between the predicted and actual energy consumption of 3 LEED for Homes certified buildings were investigated. The actual energy consumptions of the homes were found to be 23 to 77% higher than the initial energy consumption predictions made during the design stage. Revisions to the HOT2000 models to account for changes made between the design and occupancy phase of the buildings helped reduce the gap (9 to 40%). The sources of the discrepancies were found to be related to the energy modeling program’s limitations, inconsistency between the energy model and the actual building, and additional loads in the homes. The HOT2000 program, which is used for obtaining the EnerGuide rating for LEED certified homes, was compared against a dynamic energy simulation program to assess the applicability of the use of the former for energy efficient homes. The use of EnergyPlus not only allowed for a more accurate representation of the actual homes in the energy models, but an increase in the EnerGuide rating for the home was seen, which in turn equates to additional points for the home under the “Energy & Atmosphere” category for the LEED for Homes certification process

Effects of occupant behaviour on energy performance in buildings: a green and non-green building comparison

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1939-1962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Almeida ◽  
Vivian W.Y. Tam ◽  
Khoa N. Le ◽  
Yujuan She
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Occupant Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Simulations ◽  
University Buildings ◽  
Input Variables ◽  
The Impact

PurposeOccupants are one of the most impacting factors in the overall energy performance of buildings, according to literature. Occupants’ behaviours and actions may impact the overall use of energy in more than 50%. In order to quantify the impact that occupant behaviour has in the use of energy, this study simulated interactions between occupants and the systems present in two actual buildings. The main aim was to compare the deviations due to occupant behaviour with the actual conditions and energy use of the two buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe buildings used as a case study in this research were green buildings, rated according to the Australian Green Star certification system as a 6-star and a non-rated building. The two buildings are university buildings with similar characteristics, from Western Sydney University, in Sydney, Australia. A comparison was performed by means of building simulations among the use of energy in both buildings, aiming to understand if the green rating had any impact on the energy related to occupant behaviour. Therefore, to represent the actual buildings' conditions, the actual data related with climate, geometry, systems, internal loads, etc. were used as input variables in the simulation models of the green and the non-rated buildings. Both models were calibrated and validated, having as target the actual monitored use of electricity.FindingsOccupants were categorized according to their levels of energy use as follows: saving, real and intensive energy users. Building simulations were performed to each building, with varying parameters related with lighting, plug loads, windows/doors opening, shading and air conditioning set points. Results show that occupant behaviour may impact the buildings' energy performance in a range of 72% between the two extremes. There is no significant relationship between the green rating and the way occupants behave in terms of the energy use.Originality/valueThis study intends to show the impact of different categories of occupant behaviour in the overall energy performance of two university buildings, a non-rated and a green-rated building, having as reference an actual representation of the buildings. Additionally, the study aims to understand the main differences between a green-rated and a non-rated building when accounting with the previous categories.

Integrated design experiences for energy-efficient housing in Chile

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-255
Author(s):  
Ernesto Echeverria-Valiente ◽  
Rodrigo Garcia-Alvarado ◽  
Flavio Celis-D’Amico ◽  
Gerardo Saelzer-Fuica
Keyword(s):  
Energy Loss ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Central Chile ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Central

Purpose This paper aims to review the application of integrated design strategies in several cases of housing in south-central Chile in search of ways to significantly reduce energy loss and demand. Design/methodology/approach First, seven main design features of energy-efficient buildings in developed countries were identified. Second, these features were reviewed in two professional case studies from architectural practices and two academic exercises on residential design in south-central Chile. In all cases reviewed, characteristics of integrated design were verified to reductions in energy loss and demand. Finally, the procedure implemented was evaluated through surveys of those practitioners responsible for each experience studied. Findings This process made it possible to highlight four main features of integrated design, namely, pre-established performance goals, interdisciplinary collaboration, regular broad-ranging meetings and the use of performance assessment tools. With these techniques, reductions of more than 50 per cent in the energy requirements of the housing designs were achieved, while safeguarding the functional, aesthetic and economic aspects of the projects. Research limitations/implications However, professionals currently working in this field did express their concern regarding responsibility for the design and the time needed to complete the process. Practical implications Furthermore, this experience also identified similar modifications made to the design of the houses, which revealed general possibilities for improving energy performance. Social implications The conclusions obtained have been exposed in conferences and graduate programmes and applied in two real projects for the benefit of society: first, the improvement of building envelopes in social housing in Temuco; and second, CASA+, a modular, prefabricated and energy efficient house prototype. Originality/value This paper carried out a novel review of an integrated design process in housing cases of developing countries, and identified the key features, which improve the environmental performance of dwellings.

Energy-saving parameterized design of buildings based on genetic algorithm

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 785-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kele Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Conservation ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Building Energy Consumption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Parameters

PurposeWith the problem of environment and energy becoming prominent, energy conservation and emission reduction have received more attention. In the using process, buildings not only have the inherent energy consumption but also have the energy consumption of equipment that is installed for improving the indoor environment. This study aims to investigate how to reduce the energy consumption of buildings through utilizing natural resources.Design/methodology/approachThis paper briefly introduces three objective functions in the building energy-saving model: building energy consumption, natural lighting and natural ventilation. Genetic algorithm was used to optimize the building parameters to achieve energy conservation and comfort improvement. Then a two-story rental building was analyzed.FindingsThe genetic algorithm converged to Pareto optimal solution set after 10,000 times of iterations, which took 61024 s. The lowest energy consumption of the scheme that was selected from the 70 optimal solutions was 5580 W/(m2K), the lighting coefficient was 5.56% and Pressure Difference Pascal Hours (PDPH) was 6453 h; compared with the initial building parameters, the building energy consumption reduced by 3.40%, the lighting coefficient increased by 11.65% and PDPH increased by 9.54%.Originality/valueIn short, the genetic algorithm can effectively optimize the energy-saving parameters of buildings.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document