Effectiveness of single and multiple energy retrofit measures on the energy consumption of office buildings

Abstract

Energy retrofit measures (ERMs) are applied to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. The effectiveness of any ERM depends on many building specific factors, such as location, size, operation, building envelope, electrical, heating, cooling and ventilation system properties. It is common for multiple ERMs to be applied to a building to reduce its energy consumption. However, the reduction in energy consumption when multiple ERMs are applied is not the sum of the impact of individual ERMs. Effectiveness of multiple ERMs depends upon their interactive effects. Using representative office buildings and an energy modelling computer program, the effectiveness of individual and multiple ERM was assessed providing a better understanding of their interactive effects.