This paper presents preliminary data on a series of building comfort experiments conducted in the field. We performed physical in-situ measurements and solicited responses from 409 (184 female; 225 male) university students in six different classrooms at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst during three seasons (fall, winter and spring). Our questions focused on student perception of comfort in varied environmental (temperature and humidity, and air speed) conditions. We collected records of student academic performance in the classes, correlating their comfort perceptions to their test scores. Statistical analysis of classroom environmental variables, thermal satisfaction, and student scores suggest that by enhancing thermal comfort, we can improve academic performance.

Three building analysis software programs, DOE-2 eQUEST, IESVE Revit Plug-in and Autodesk Green Building Studio, are used to quantify the predicted energy savings of a scheduled envelope retrofit on a university dormitory. The study includes investigating the potential energy savings created by the removal and replacement of all original windows and exterior non-structural infill brick panels coupled with installation of supplementary insulation materials between the new brick panels and the interior concrete masonry unit walls. The rehabilitation will take place in four over 7000 m² seven-storey residence halls originally constructed in 1965. Reports generated from baseline design simulations are compared with real energy consumption data in order to ascertain the accuracy of the three modelling programmes. Analysis of the retrofit proposal is carried out by comparing results of each retrofit design alternative against the baseline and assessing CO ₂ emissions reduction resulting from the proposed retrofit process. Advantages and disadvantages of each modelling programme are also discussed.

The determinant share of cities in global primary energy use and greenhouse gas emissions highlights the importance of dissemination and development of reliable urban planning and policy tools. To reach sustainable urban development, having a comprehensive understanding of the concept of urban metabolism is critical. This work is the first step toward the development of an Integrated Urban Metabolism Analysis Tool (IUMAT) that seeks to consider all three social, economic and environmental capitals of an urban region in a multidisciplinary context. This tool is intended to provide a quantitative approach to assessing the sustainability indicators in a city. A literature review on the urban metabolism and urban-scale simulation tools is carried out to highlight the achievements as well as scientific gaps in the existing research, and to determine the objectives and functionalities that are expected from IUMAT.

This paper discusses the design of a zero energy home in Panama. The standards for zero site energy as well as other performance factors are used as the basis for the analysis. A description of the construction type, energy use, active and renewable systems, and other features of this particular zero energy building are provided to facilitate a better understanding of efficient and sustainable residential design for hot-humid climates. This understanding is critical to facilitating net zero energy building development in developing regions of the world.

The purpose of this research was to conduct a pilot study of LEED certified homes in New England one to five years after occupancy to determine whether they continue to perform at the level predicted during the certification process. Four criteria were defined to assess the performance of each home: (1) energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, electronics and appliances; (2) building envelope and air infiltration; (3) operations and maintenance; and (4) occupant satisfaction and indoor air quality. Both qualitative and quantitative methods including blower door and duct blaster tests, utility bill analysis, and an occupant satisfaction survey were used to measure the post-occupancy performance of seven LEED certified homes in New England. Discrepancies were found between the original building performance as determined at the time of certification and the current level of building performance. While this is limited, initial research, these findings indicate a need for further post-occupancy research that can provide feedback to green certification programs, allowing them to be modified as necessary to better reflect the actual environmental impacts of certified buildings.

Energy conservation and efficiency is an essential area of focus in contemporary building design. The perception that the designers of buildings during the Modernist period of architecture ignored these principles is a false one. The present study, an examination of Paul Rudolph’s Milam Residence, a masterpiece of American residential architecture, is part of a larger project endeavoring to create a knowledge base of the environmental performance of iconic modernist homes. A critical examination of the Milam House allows insight into specific design characteristics that impact energy efficiency and conservation. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the Milam Residence was constructed in 1962. It was the last of a series of Florida residences designed by Rudolph, Chairman of the Department of Architecture at Yale University (1958–1965). The structure’s form is strongly related to its location on a subtropical beachfront. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the building’s solar responsiveness. Specifically, we examine design strategies such as orientation and sunscreening and their effect on daylighting, shading, and heat gain. The analysis is based on parametric energy modeling studies using Autodesk’s Ecotect, an environmental analysis tool that allows simulation of building performance. While the initial target of the program was early design, the program allows the input of complex geometries and detailed programming of zones, materials, schedules, etc. The program's excellent analyses of desired parameters are augmented by visualizations that make it especially valuable in communicating results. Our findings suggest that the building, as built and situated on the site, does take advantage of daylighting and solar shading and does so in both expected and unexpected ways.