Flawed energy efficiency modeling is the reason many green buildings fail to live up to expectations on energy efficiency, according to a U.K. researcher.
David Coley, a University of Bath specialist, led a team that surveyed 108 architects, engineers, and energy consultants who routinely use energy performance models. They asked participants to look at a typical British semi-detached home recently updated to meet current building codes. Then they asked test subjects to rank which improvements made the most difference to energy performance.
Their answers didn’t match up with reality, suggesting a performance gap between modeling and the real world. There were cases where the modelers produced a savings measure that was more than the energy use of the house.
Energy models showing unreasonable results are evident at the preliminary stage on half of projects going through the LEED certification process, according to a U.S. Green Building Council official. Designers have a tendency to accept outputs without evaluating the reasonability of the results, she said.
Part of the reason for the performance gap is that modelers do not usually go onsite to see how the building operates and compare that to the design. Typically there is no expectation that they’ll even talk to the building manager at year one and ask how energy usage compares with the original model.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 12, 2021
GSA will likely shrink federal office space post-COVID
Agency also needs to address maintenance backlog.
Codes and Standards | Nov 10, 2021
Los Angeles launches fast-track office tenant improvements program
Red tape to be cut to make interiors healthier and safer.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2021
Florida state building professionals call for mandatory high-rise building inspections
Group recommendation comes in wake of Surfside condo collapse.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2021
Dept. of Energy to fund 10 pilot smart building projects
Connected communities will accelerate renewable energy adoption and grid resilience.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2021
Fact sheets offer strategies to improve indoor air quality in schools
Center for Green Schools at USGBC document for people without a technical background.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2021
Rapid acceleration of affordable housing development expected over next five years
Federal government programs will spur construction.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2021
New bird-friendly technical design guide released
National Glass Assn. document offers design and installation best practices for glazing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2021
World’s first chief heat officer tackles how to protect Miamians from extreme heat
Focus on chronic exposure for outdoor workers and for those that can’t afford AC.
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2021
Design competition launched to show role of mass timber in decarbonization
Forest Service and Softwood Lumber Board will award $2 million in grants to winning teams.
Codes and Standards | Oct 27, 2021
Texas reforms series of contractor laws
Measures seen as making it easier to do business in the state.