Low-energy building design--the process and a case study

Designing and constructing low-energy buildings (buildings that consume 50% to 70% less energy than code-compliant buildings) require the design team to follow an energy-design process that considers how the building envelope and systems work together. A design team must set energy efficiency goals...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ASHRAE transactions 1999-01, Vol.105 (PART 2), p.802-810
Main Authors: Torcellini, Paul A, Hayter, Sheila J, Judkoff, Ron
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Buildings
Computer simulation
Cooling
Costs
Daylighting
Energy conservation
Solar heating
Structural design
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Summary:Designing and constructing low-energy buildings (buildings that consume 50% to 70% less energy than code-compliant buildings) require the design team to follow an energy-design process that considers how the building envelope and systems work together. A design team must set energy efficiency goals at the beginning of the pre-design phase. Detailed computer simulations are then used throughout the design and construction phases to ensure the building is optimized for energy efficiency and that changes to the design do not adversely affect the energy performance. Properly commissioning the building and educating the building operators are the final steps to successfully constructing a low-energy building. This paper defines this energy-design process and shows an actual project where energy costs were reduced by 63%. These energy savings were achieved by incorporating daylighting, passive solar heating and cooling, and energy efficiency strategies into the building design.
ISSN:0001-2505