A Model for the Energetic-Economic Optimization of Office Buildings

Abstract

Energy consumption for heating, cooling and lighting of buildings holds a major part of total energy consumption. Significant savings may be achieved through climate-responsive design of office buildings and conservation practices in office buidings. In this work, an optimization model is proposed as a tool for improving the design of office buildings and for the implementation of a new energy code for them. A case study is presented for Israel, but the model is applicable worldwide. The optimization model generates recommended prescriptions for the design of good energetic-economic office buildings. Following these prescriptions will create thermally comfortable workplaces in summer as well as in winter, while maintaining a good energetic-economic performance of the building.