Measurement Science Roadmap for Net-Zero Energy Buildings

V. WHOLE BUILDINGSThe Whole Building concept views the building as a system, rather than acollection of subsystems and components, and provides a broad, integratedperspective of overall building performance, including energy consumption.Viewing the building as a system allows full integration of energy managementand other building processes, enabling better overall building performance.This topic area focused on identifying the technologies and measurement scienceneeds relevant to a whole building energy indicator, assessment, and projection ofenergy performance including simulation models, intelligent design, systemsintegration, modeling and model validation, and other relevant systems and tools.Also addressed were indoor air quality control technologies that may enableenergy savings, such as heat-recovery ventilation, novel ventilation concepts, andapproaches to reducing outdoor air requirements, such as filtration, air cleaning,and low-emitting materials. Technologies applicable to both new and existingbuildings were considered. .A. Characteristics of the Future Built EnvironmentThe potential characteristics of future whole buildings are summarized in TableV-1. Anticipated designs of whole building concepts begin with greatercollaboration between the architects, engineers, and contractors in the planningphases. Ultimately, whole buildings will be designed with seamless integration ofcomponents into a single system that reduces energy consumption whilemaintaining occupant comfort and productivity.Whole Building DesignTable V‐1. Whole Buildings – Future Built Environment• Changes in the initial stage of design lead to more communication between architect, engineer, andcontractor.• Climate‐specific solutions are utilized to take advantage of the local environment; i.e., Denver offersdifferent opportunities than Miami• Buildings integrate passive cooling, cross‐ventilation, and alternative technologies• Different technologies work together to save energy while maintaining focus on human comfort andincreased satisfaction• Future performance metrics will focus on people, without needing to account for energyWhole Building Systems• Buildings perform as designed without losses due to single malfunctioning components• Buildings are designed and operated to minimize source energy use and emissions• An energy‐producing building that goes beyond net‐zero can operate off the grid or provide surplusback to the grid• Occupants work efficiently, as the whole building meets telecommunication needs• Occupants can understand the energy implications of various decisions and actions36 Measurement Science for Net-Zero Energy Buildings