Dynamic sensitivity analysis for performance-based building design and operation

This paper presents dynamic sensitivity analysis as a novel design analysis tool for dealing with time-varying performance aspects in the built environment. We highlight some of the limitations of conventional sensitivity analyses in building design and present dynamic sensitivity analysis as an alternative solution. The first part of this paper introduces the basic principles of dynamic sensitivity analysis. In the second part, we illustrate its potential in a simulation-based case study of a typical office zone with external solar shading. The results stress the relevance of taking time-dependent factors into account in performance-based building design and operation. Dynamic sensitivity analysis can be a valuable tool to uncover such effects.