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 | Oct 7, 2020
More energy efficiency programs are encouraging zero-energy projects
At least 20 programs for new construction, major renovations emerge.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2020
LEED, GBCI rating systems spur resilience-enhancing strategies
Expanded programs, resources address impact of climate change.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2020
International Code Council to hold inaugural online education event
Week-long ICC Learn Live will include panel conversations, keynotes, and breakout sessions around key topics in building safety.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2020
Guides addressing fenestration anchorage updated
First update to decade-old technical documents released.
Codes and Standards | Oct 1, 2020
Deadline extension for LEED 2009 project certifications
Delivery timeline delays due to COVID-19 pandemic prompt action.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2020
New drinking water standard criteria further restricts lead leaching in plumbing products
Tightened standard applies to endpoint devices that dispense drinking water, and other plumbing components
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2020
Groups sue CDC over eviction moratorium
Natl. Apartment Assn. and New Civil Liberties Alliance want hearing by October.
Codes and Standards | Sep 24, 2020
Benefits of building enclosure commissioning include reduced costs
Savings achieved in less rework and fewer and shorter punch lists.
Codes and Standards | Sep 23, 2020
Intl. Code Council aims to stay ahead of new tech, efficiency trends, and resiliency
Passive survivability, social resiliency, and community health among the goals.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2020
Air cleaners, chemical and UV treatments among tools to safeguard indoor air amid pandemic
Strategies augment social distancing, increased air flow to combat COVID-19 spread.