Highlighting the Design and Performance Gaps: Case Studies of University Buildings

Abstract

Buildings are one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases globally. To reduce the detrimental effects of buildings on the environment and recognise their potential for emissions reductions, a transition towards sustainable building solutions has been observed globally. This trend and the associated benefits have been discussed and argued for more than three decades now. However, the impacts of sustainable buildings are yet to be demonstrated at macro, meso, and micro levels in the community, as the actual versus expected performance of such buildings are still being questioned. Consequently, this entry discusses the concepts underpinning sustainable buildings outlining the drivers and practices to achieve sustainable built environment solutions from the design to operation stage using university buildings as a case study. The chapter also recommends evidence-based solutions on understanding the actual and perceived gaps to achieve expected performance using “Green Star” rated academic buildings in Australia.

Examine the impact of green methods and technologies on the environmental sustainability of supportive education buildings, perspectives of circular economy and net-zero carbon operation

“…This leads building occupants to negligently use resources, effectively reducing the efficiency of GMTs (Iravani et al , 2017). Kashyap et al (2016) argued that facility managers must establish a clear link between assessment measurement and performance management by using an effective assessment mechanism. An assessment mechanism tool will support facility managers with daily operations and strategic decisions, thus, improving the future proofing of building operations through these decisions.…”

Exploratory Data Analysis for Building Energy Meters Using Machine Learning

“…Existing structures use around half of overall global energy consumption [1]. Since 2020, European building energy consumption laws require "structures that virtually match the NZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) requirements", particularly for new buildings [2], [3]. Smart meter infrastructure for urban structures is focused on properties and districts.…”