Coursework - Developing proposal for low-energy renovation of existing case study projects

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the whole life cycle performance of buildings;

2. Apply the principles of building energy and environmental assessment methodologies to evaluate building performance

3. Critically evaluate the benefits and challenges of low carbon refurbishments of existing non-domestic buildings;

Task and Mark distribution:

Introduction

Consider the following scenarios:You have been provided with a case study building and commissioned to investigate the performance of the building to provide holistic solutions for performance improvement;

1. Provide a detailed performance assessment of an agreed case study non-domestic building;

2. Propose strategies for improving the energy and environmental performance of the case study building;

3. Using detailed performance analyses, prioritise the strategies based on the following
a. Energy and environmental performance;
b. Indoor environmental quality
c. Cost;

2 Assessment and Project Tasks;

2.1 Task 1: Interim
You should prepare a short preliminary report on the building condition, focussing on indoor and outdoor environmental conditions of the building;
1. Provide photographic and text description of the building, including Location, shape, size, year of construction etc.
2. Evaluate the micro-climatic conditions that can affect the comfort and energy performance of the case study; (presented in the form of a site plan, tables and graphs);
3. Using Climate Consultant programme critically assess the macro climatic conditions that can affect the performance of the case study building.
4. Present a preliminary assessment of the indoor environmental quality problems in the case study building;

2.1.1 TASK 1:
Maximum of 4 pages report including a softcopy of the submission; alternatively, you can present your work using A1, A2 or A3 poster;

2.2 TASK 2:
In this section, you are expected to present detailed evaluation of building performance and develop a detailed proposal for low-energy refurbishment;
1. Provide detailed description of the building and its condition including layout and thermal properties of construction materials (there should be a clear explanation of how these parameters are established);
2. Evaluate the current building condition in terms of indoor environmental conditions (e.g. thermal comfort, lighting, air quality etc).
3. Evaluate the energy and environmental performance of the building using differentobjective and subjective performance evaluation methodologies/protocols;
4. Develop a detailed industry quality proposal for building performance improvement, this should focus on:
a. Building energy and environmental performance;
b. Indoor Environmental Quality - There should be clear strategy for avoiding overheating in climates similar to that experienced in summer 2018;
c. Carry out comparative analysis of all the proposed strategies and technologies;
d. Present drawing and sketches of relevant technologies and passive strategies;

5. Evaluate your proposal based on any one of the following environmental assessment rating systems:
a. BREEAM International Refurbishment and Fit-out;
b. PassivhausEnerPHit standard;