Comparison of NZ’s Energy Efficiency Regulation and Verification Assumptions to Real Building Loads and Operation

Shaan Cory,Michael Donn,Andrew Pollard

doi:10.3390/buildings5010116

Shaan Cory, Michael Donn + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings5010116

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Abstract

The New Zealand building design industry assumes various building model inputs for the consumption of energy through lighting and appliances. It also makes assumptions regarding when these energy consumers are considered to be “turned on”. This paper aims to better inform industry energy modellers about the real load and operation of real commercial buildings in New Zealand when compared to New Zealand Standard energy efficiency requirements and assumptions. The paper presents a set of New Zealand relevant commercial building operation information. Typical operation information is provided for three commercial building types: (1) Office; (2) Retail; and (3) Mixed/Other. The information provides low, typical, and high installed building load and operation pattern scenarios for the three building types. The typical data presented in this paper is significantly different to the load requirement and operation modelling assumptions presented in the New Zealand Building code. The results established in this paper are informed by data gathered in the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) Building Energy End-Use Study (BEES). The purpose of BEES is to increase knowledge on energy use patterns for the entire New Zealand building stock. The intention of this paper is to disseminate the established knowledge that will eventually update the assumptions used in New Zealand commercial energy models.

Highlights

This paper presents typical, high and low building load densities and patterns of use for commercial buildings in New Zealand
This work highlights the differences between the assumptions made when using the modelling verification method to meet the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) and what is occurring in real buildings [1]
This paper compares the building loads found in real commercial buildings to the loads regulated in the New Zealand Standard (NZS) 4243 and the assumptions used in the modelling method for comparing energy use to prove the building code has been met

Summary

Introduction

This paper presents typical, high and low building load densities and patterns of use for commercial buildings in New Zealand. The goal is to better inform building energy modellers about typical lighting and equipment end uses. This work highlights the differences between the assumptions made when using the modelling verification method to meet the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) and what is occurring in real buildings [1]. BEES aims to provide more insightful knowledge of energy use patterns for the entire New Zealand commercial building stock [3]. Real data is collected within selected premises through the BEES programme from the monitoring of temperature, humidity, light levels, CO2 levels, occupant and equipment schedules, internal loads and fuel consumption

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