Building envelope performance index for commercial building energy conservation

Abstract

The role of thermo-physical and geometrical characteristics of a building envelope that plays in the air-conditioning load of the commercial sector is highlighted. A standard methodology of quantifying a performance index for the building envelope is reviewed and upgraded incorporating local climatic, material and architectural features. The methodology which is a trade-off between prescriptive and performance criteria can be easily used to form a basis for an energy efficiency building code (EEBC) for Sri Lanka. The methodology is illustrated through a case study.