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Integrated Testing of Building Fabric Thermal Performance for Calibration of Energy Models of Three Low-Energy Dwellings in the UK

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  • Rajat Gupta

    (Low Carbon Building Research Group, School of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK)

  • Matt Gregg

    (Low Carbon Building Research Group, School of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK)

Abstract

This paper presents the methodology and results of in situ testing of building fabric thermal performance to calibrate as-built energy models of three low-energy dwellings in the UK, so as to examine the gap between as-designed and as-built energy performance. The in situ tests included repeat testing of air permeability (AP) integrated with thermal imaging survey and heat flux measurements of the building fabric elements, along with concurrent monitoring of indoor temperature during the pre-occupancy stage. Despite being designed to high thermal standards, wall and roof U-values were measured to be higher than expected. Thermal imaging surveys revealed air leakage pathways around door/window openings, penetrations and junctions between walls and ceilings, indicating poor detailing and workmanship. AP was found to have increased after the initial test due to post-completion alteration to the building fabric. Though the results did not meet design expectation, they were within the UK Building Regulations. Calibration of energy models with temperature monitoring provided a less extreme energy performance gap than simply replacing the designed values with test results. Insights from this study have reinforced the need for building regulations to require integrated testing of building fabric as part of housing delivery to ensure performance targets are realised.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajat Gupta & Matt Gregg, 2021. "Integrated Testing of Building Fabric Thermal Performance for Calibration of Energy Models of Three Low-Energy Dwellings in the UK," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:5:p:2784-:d:510708
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Reilly, Aidan & Kinnane, Oliver, 2017. "The impact of thermal mass on building energy consumption," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 108-121.
    2. David Johnston & Mark Siddall, 2016. "The Building Fabric Thermal Performance of Passivhaus Dwellings—Does It Do What It Says on the Tin?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Gupta, Rajat & Kotopouleas, Alkis, 2018. "Magnitude and extent of building fabric thermal performance gap in UK low energy housing," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C), pages 673-686.
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