Monitoring the performance of low energy dwellings: Two UK case studies

O. Guerra-Santin (Corresponding author), Aidan Christopher Tweed, Huw Jenkins, Shiyu Jiang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

64 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent studies show a mismatch between expected and actual performance in low energy buildings. The differences have been attributed to occupant behaviour and poor quality of the construction. Monitoring building performance during and after construction can ensure that systems and fabric perform as designed. This study sought to evaluate the delivery process of low energy dwellings including the energy and environmental monitoring processes and the performance of the building itself. The study focused on the post-construction phase of the building process and consists of a construction review, as well as fabric and system performance tests. The results of the tests show that the dwellings perform close to design expectations. However, the performance monitoring highlighted issues that could have undermined their performance. The results of the study stress the utility of monitoring activities in low energy buildings, and specifically the need for monitoring low carbon technologies. Recommendations are given to improve the efficiency of monitoring processes in low energy dwellings.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)32-40
Number of pages9
JournalEnergy and Buildings
Volume64
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

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