A Review on Automatic Generation of Architectural Space Layouts with Energy Performance Optimization

Assisting the development of innovative responsive façade elements using building performance simulation

Thermal mass is usually positively associated with energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings. However, the slow response of heavyweight constructions is not beneficial at all times, as these dynamic effects may actually also increase heating and cooling energy demand during intermittent operation or can cause unwanted discomfort. This...

Improving energy performance: many small interventions or selective deep renovations?

Recent findings from a monitor containing around 1.5 million homes in the Dutch non-profit rented sector show that the energy improvement pace in the sector in the last years is too slow to meet the nationally agreed level in 2020. The findings also show that the improvement of the energy performance of the respective homes is mostly carried out...

Energy regulations for housing and the performance gap

The goals of energy saving and CO2 reductions to create an energy neutral building stock seem only to be reached by strict and supportive governmental policies. In Europe the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive are driving forces for Member States to develop and strengthen energy performance regulations...

Effectiveness of energy efficiency regulatory tools in the housing sector

The urgent need for a dramatic reduction of fossil fuels in the built environment is without any doubt. The energy saving potential of the building stock is considered to be large and to be the most cost efficient sector to contribute to the CO2 reductions. Goals set by the European Union are to build net zero energy buildings in 2020 and to...

Multi-objective and multidisciplinary design optimization of large sports building envelopes: A case study

Currently, in the conceptual envelope design of sports facilities, multiple engineering performance feedbacks (e.g. daylight, energy and structural performance) are expected to assist architectural design decision-making. In general, it is known as Building Performance Optimization in the conceptual architectural design phase. Essentially, it...

Impact of energy efficiency goals on systems of building regulations and control

Considerations of climate change, but also other political and economic reasons urge for the reduction of use of fossil fuels and the minimization of environmental impact by the built environment. The energy saving potential of the building stock is large and considered to be the most cost efficient sector to contribute to the CO2 reduction...

EnergyFacade - Operational energy optimisation for conceptual facade design

This paper presents the results of the investigation into the possibilities for the implementation of a Building Performance Simulation design toolbox during the early stages of façade design, based on the sustainability-open framework [2]. The background and development of the EnergyFacade toolbox will be discussed which has been built on the...

Developing an integrated offer for sustainable renovations

Within an ERANET-ERACOBUILD project, this study investigates the opportunities and barriers to establish a “one stop shop” with an integrated supply side, to counteract the fragmented offer in sustainable renovation of single-family houses and to increase the level of knowledge, skills and innovations. Aspects of providing reliable information...

A comparative evaluation of low-energy, passive and zero-energy houses in The Netherlands and Belgium

The presented research aims to evaluate highly energy-efficient dwellings, in particular Passive Houses (PH), in Flanders and in The Netherlands, based on end-user experiences. In the introduction the definition of PH in the Benelux countries Belgium and The Netherlands is compared with the Nordic countries and certification and comfort issues...

Energy saving goals require reform of building regulations and control

Exploring robustness of energy performance of dwellings top occupant behaviour: Renovation and post occupancy

In this paper, we focus on the influence of occupant behaviour on the energy performance of dwellings, before and after renovation process. In this context, ‘ventilation control pattern’, ‘maintenance’, and ‘heating energy demand’ are selected as the key parameters of the study. The aim is to reveal the sensitivity of energy performance of a...

Building regulations and control in the face of climate range

Since a few years the attention for building regulatory systems and enforcement procedures is growing. Various developments in society, politics and the construction industry have influenced changes in the systems of building control in the last 20 years. The influence of climate change and the related demands on buildings will have a very...

Energy regulations require strickter enforcement as response to climate change

Since a few years the attention for building regulatory systems and enforcement procedures is growing. Various developments in society, politics and the construction industry have influenced changes in the systems of building control in the last 20 years. The influence of climate change and the related demands on buildings will have a very...

Upgrade or replace?: The effect of the EPBD on the choice between improvement or replacement

What is better: improvement or replacement by new construction? The choice between life cycle extension and replacement of existing buildings is at itself a vital but very difficult decision, involving a wide range of different aspects and affecting several contrary and often conflicting interests. The emerging ecological awareness of the...

The impact of energy performance regulations on systems of building control