English

Based on the authors’ previous works, this paper describes a new methodology that uses a bottom-up approach for accurately calculating the time series utility loads (e.g., energy, power, city water, hot water, etc.) for multi-dwelling systems, including residential buildings, residential block areas, and even the entire city. This calculation considers the behavioral variations of the inhabitants of the dwellings.

A holistic strategy to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the residential housing sector will involve the design and delivery of new houses with low or zero emissions. This paper presents a new tool for the design of individual low-emission and zero-emission houses in Australia. Based on the engine of CSIRO's AccuRate house energy efficiency rating software but with new modules and capabilities, the AusZEH Design tool combines a whole house energy consumption tool with a supply-demand matching optimisation model.

The human dimension of building performance simulation can be approached from different vantage points. This contribution addresses the following three. First, building simulation tools and environments need to exhibit a high degree of usability. They are expected to provide effective support  for  generating  building  models  and processing simulation results. Second, the representation of people's presence and actions in building  simulation  models  requires  a  sound empirical basis. It must be properly gauged toward applicable objectives of the modeling activity.

Current interest in building energy efficiency is driving an increase in demand for building energy modelling (BEM) services. Yet practitioners are challenged to deliver BEM services effectively and consistently. Contributing to this is an expansive knowledge requirement, the lack of standardized methods and the absence of defined processes. This paper introduces the concept of a BEM methods and processes (M&P) framework.

Over the last three years the understanding, adoption and use of BIM has gained international momentum.

With the increasing need for higher energy efficiency in buildings, airtightness and ventilation systems choice become major performance issues in well insulated buildings. Buildings energy requirements lead to adapt ventilation strategies in order to reduce energy losses through mechanical balanced or extract ventilation. With the new...

During the construction of a multi-family residential building the developer decided that the building must comply with the airtightness requirements for passive houses. Based on inspection work and preliminary testing, the original design was revised. The execution of the new air barrier system was supervised. Selected flats were repeatedly...

In Denmark we have decided that buildings have to be tested above 50 Pa. But is that reasonable? In this case I meant that we should have brought 15 fans in, and at the test only used 2 fans. I think not, because it gives us unreasonable costs to test very large buildings. So today a lot of my work is done...

Legislative drivers and new research with demonstrated energy impact on the importance of building and ductwork airtightness are leading to increased activity in this aspect of building energy performance. The paper reviews examples of European countries that account for both building and ductwork airtightness and thus include...

At present, a lot of test methods for leakage detection exist. Most of them have a limited application mainly due to possibility of recording, repeatability or reproducibility of the measured results. The aim of the research was creation of a test method to be incorporated into Czech technical standard...