Comparing the Operating Performance of High Performing Public Buildings to their Design
High performing buildings consume considerably less energy and water than conventional buildings. Through energy modeling and water use projections, design teams have been able to calculate the amount expected to be saved during the design phase. However, not much has been done to circle back and compare these projections to actual performance. This pilot study compares actual operating results to predicted in 21 public buildings in Massachusetts to learn how accurate these projections are. The study also interviewed Town staff including facility managers to learn about problems faced and lessons learned during the initial years of a school or library’s operation to inform new projects moving forward.
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CEU Information:
AIA 1.0 LU/HSW
BPI 1.0 hour
GBCI LEED BD+C, ID+C, O+M 1.0 hour
Conference-day attendance credits available from PHIUS, RESNET, and Mass. CSL
Learning Objectives:
- Calculate and compare projected energy and water use for a public school or library building project to operating utility data
- Critically assess how likely actual annual energy and water use and savings will be similar to what was projected vs. baseline use and savings
- Understand some of the issues and lessons experienced by facility operators during the first few years of operating a high performing building
- Apply some of the lessons learned from this study to public building projects during various project stages - design, construction and operation