Developing a new framework to bring consistency and flexibility in evaluating actual building performance

Abstract

Purpose The field of building performance evaluation (BPE) forms a fragmented whole with tools and methods that are not widely applicable. In response, the purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a novel BPE framework to bring consistency and flexibility in evaluating actual building performance. Design/methodology/approach The paper critically reviews and evaluates existing BPE methods and techniques and situates them in different building life stages. Using a hierarchical approach, a “BPE framework” is devised for new and existing buildings as well as refurbishments. The working of the BPE framework is demonstrated by applying it to four discreet BPE studies to enable cross-comparison of different BPE approaches based on their stage of application, depth and duration of BPE investigations. Findings The framework is designed to have four graduated levels starting at the “basic” level and developing incrementally to “core”, “comprehensive” and “advanced” levels, thereby focussing on “need to know” rather than “nice to have”. The framework also offers a mechanism to map different types of BPE studies with varying scope and content. Practical implications As we enter a world of smart meters and smart buildings, we are transitioning into a new future of understanding building performance. The study helps to better understand which BPE method can be used to study what aspect of building performance and in what building lifecycle stage, against time, cost and user expertise. Originality/value The graduated and flexible framework helps to bring consistency in evaluating building performance in an otherwise fragmented field, to help improve building performance.

Measurement and Verification of Zero Energy Settlements: Lessons Learned from Four Pilot Cases in Europe

“…For new-built projects in the era of net ZEB, where the IDP has emerged as the proposed approach for achieving the seamless design, construction, and operation of buildings, the M&V needs to be viewed as part of the project management and development process. This was also confirmed by the approach of Gupta et al [12]. Therefore, the present paper zooms out from the specifics of energy-saving estimation methodologies and uncertainties to look at the broader M&V context and how this can be placed within new-built project management and as part of a project's design, construction and operation.…”

“…The deviation between design and actual building performance, known as the performance gap, has been well established in the literature [9][10][11], and is a strong driver for performing M&V [12]. Through measuring and analyzing actual performance, data can be fed back into simulation models allowing the quantification and evaluation of the performance gap [9], as well as the identification of causes and consequent mitigating actions [10,11], such as lack of precision in the definition of realistic boundary conditions at building and settlement level [13].…”

“…As a response to this fragmentation, they proposed a structured and flexible building performance evaluation framework, mapping the various tools to the building life stages. The framework is applicable to both existing and new buildings spanning from a basic to an advanced performance evaluation level, where increasing level is linked to increasing cost [12]. Apart from the aforementioned work, existing literature lacks a more comprehensive methodology for measuring and verifying the performance in the various phases of a new-built project, especially when shifting the scale from the single building to the settlement level of analysis.…”

Integrated and smart design for buildings and communities

“…The performance gap is a strong driver for performing M&V [106] and the availability of real data from monitoring allows for a sound assessment of the performance gap [103].…”

“…Although the M&V protocol for single net-zero energy buildings is available [98] mapping the various tools to the building life stages. The framework is applicable to both existing and new buildings spanning from a basic to an advanced performance evaluation level, where increasing level is linked to increasing cost [106].…”