Hong, S M; Paterson, G; Mumovic, D and Steadman, P (2014) Improved benchmarking comparability for energy consumption in schools. Building Research & Information, 42(1), pp. 47-61. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
The method behind the UK Display Energy Certificate (DEC) improves the comparability of benchmarking by accounting for variations in weather and occupancy. To improve the comparability further, the incorporation of other features that are intrinsic to buildings (e.g. built form and building services) deserve exploration. This study investigates the impact of these features and explores ways to improve further comparability in benchmarking the energy performance of schools. Statistical analyses of approximately 7700 schools were performed, followed by analyses of causal factors in 465 schools in greater detail using artificial neural networks (ANNs), each designed to understand and identify the factors that have significant impact on the pattern of energy use of schools. Changes in the pattern of energy use of schools have occurred over the past four years. This fact highlights issues associated with static benchmarks. A significant difference in energy performance between primary and secondary schools meant that it was necessary to re-examine the way non-domestic buildings are classified. Factors were identified as having significant impact on the pattern of energy use. The characteristics raise new possibilities for developing sectorspecific methods and improving comparability.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | benchmarks; building stock; CO2 emissions; display energy certificate; energy performance; energy use; schools |
| Index terms: | building stock, statistical analysis, artificial neural network, secondary school, non-domestic building, building service, CO2 emissions, display energy certificate, energy use, accounting, energy performance, built form, weather, benchmarking, variation, exploration, energy consumption |
| Subjects: | educational institutions, asset management, contractual condition, performance measurement, urban form and morphology, energy systems, data science, economic analysis, sustainability and energy, modelling and simulation, environmental resource management, engineering systems, construction type, air quality |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Construction Technology, Sustainability, Quality Management, Urban Studies, Education, Contract Administration |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
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