Abstract
This paper presents the methodology and results of in situ testing of building fabric thermal performance to calibrate as-built energy models of three low-energy dwellings in the UK, so as to examine the gap between as-designed and as-built energy performance. The in situ tests included repeat testing of air permeability (AP) integrated with thermal imaging survey and heat flux measurements of the building fabric elements, along with concurrent monitoring of indoor temperature during the pre-occupancy stage. Despite being designed to high thermal standards, wall and roof U-values were measured to be higher than expected. Thermal imaging surveys revealed air leakage pathways around door/window openings, penetrations and junctions between walls and ceilings, indicating poor detailing and workmanship. AP was found to have increased after the initial test due to post-completion alteration to the building fabric. Though the results did not meet design expectation, they were within the UK Building Regulations. Calibration of energy models with temperature monitoring provided a less extreme energy performance gap than simply replacing the designed values with test results. Insights from this study have reinforced the need for building regulations to require integrated testing of building fabric as part of housing delivery to ensure performance targets are realised.
Highlights
There have been several studies in the UK to evaluate the as-built fabric performance. To contribute to this growing body of research, this paper presents the methodology and results of in situ testing of building fabric thermal performance to calibrate as-built energy models of three low-energy dwellings in the UK, so as to examine the gap between the as-designed and as-built energy performance
In consideration of lack of studies using concurrent temperature measurements and building fabric performance testing to calibrate as-designed energy models, this paper presents the methodology and findings of using the fabric thermal performance data to inform and calibrate as-designed energy models of three case study dwellings designed to high thermal standards
This paper has empirically examined the gap between as-designed and as-built energy performance of three low-energy dwellings by undertaking repeated and integrated in situ testing of building fabric thermal performance
Summary
For the period 2008–2019, UK emissions have reduced by. According to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), despite having the strongest record of emissions reduction in the G20 over the last decade and a position on track to meet the third carbon budget (2018–2022), the UK is currently not on track to meet fourth and fifth carbon budgets (2023–2032). These carbon budgets were based on the previous over-arching goal of reducing emissions to 80% below
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