Building energy performance assessment based on in-situ measurements : challenges and general framework

Subtask 1 investigated the possibilities and limitations of common data bases and monitoring systems. This subtask is strongly related to subtasks 2 and 3 by linking the available input data – as much as possible based on existing (non-intrusive) monitoring systems and data bases – to the accuracy of the predicted outcome. A state of the art survey of existing methods, their costs, timeframe and typical accuracy was made. In a second part the step from monitoring to current on board measuring methods was reviewed. Finally, the application of an on-site measured heat transfer coefficient within the global energy efficiency framework was proposed

Energy pathology : measuring a dwellings energy performance using smart meter and IoT data

This paper aims to introduce and give an understanding of the process of determining a building’s energy performance using smart meters and ‘on-board’ equipment such as sensors found in smart thermostats or even low-cost sensing equipment. The rationale for this type of examination of a dwelling is given, alongside figures around accuracy, cost and timescale. These are compared with the current and more complex methods of measuring this type of performance indicator

Renaturing a microclimate : the impact of greening a neighbourhood on indoor thermal comfort during a heatwave in Manchester, UK

Higher air temperatures in large cities like Manchester, UK, reduce human thermal comfort. In this paper, the impact of land cover on microclimate, and consequently on indoor thermal comfort is studied. Through different stages, field measurements and computer modelling were carried out for a heat wave episode in summer 2017 in Manchester: First, the urban heat island (UHI) was measured between the city centre of Manchester and the campus of the University of Salford (between May to October 2017). Maximum detected UHI was 2.3 °C at 4:00, during the hottest day of the summer. Parallel measurements within the university campus showed that the park was 0.9 °C cooler than the paved areas (maximum cooling effect was 3.6 °C at 14:45). Finally, the impact of the current land cover of the campus, and a greener land cover (as a renaturing scenario) with more planted trees on indoor thermal comfort of a house within the campus was studied. It was found that by adding 17% more trees to the campus, indoor thermal comfort was improved by 20.8% during the hottest day of 2017 in Manchester. These showed that renaturing cities could be a solution for future warmer climates

The thermal energy performance of domestic dwellings in the UK

The central contribution of this work is concerned with the understanding of the real performance of domestic retrofit measures in terms of whole house energy efficiency. The researcher has undertaken studies in a whole house test facility in a climate controlled chamber, which has allowed for work to be undertaken that challenges the existing assumptions within regulatory steady state models, such as the Standard Assessment Procedure, something that is not easily undertaken in field-based and occupied properties. The two studies, around controls and curtains indicate that relatively small changes to the building can have potentially significant impact on the performance of the building, something that is poorly addressed within the models.This work focuses on the performance gap, the difference between modelled and measured performance is investigated. As such, supporting work discusses the relationship between measured data and regulatory models, as well as considering issues with existing and the development of new methods for measuring performance in the field. These studies are undertaken within a contextual understanding of the current retrofit field from a policy and market perspective; this work is essential in terms of positioning the work in terms of ensuring it applicability and implications for the sector.The main findings indicate that the one factor at a time approach, facilitated by the controlled environment within the facility, reveals significant differences between the measured values and the regulatory models. This is demonstrated in research on building controls and window coverings

Adoption of sustainable retrofit in UK social housing 2010 – 2015

Purpose The Retrofit State of the Nation Survey has tracked the perceptions of social housing sector professionals’ views of retrofit since 2010. It has taken the form of 3 surveys conducted in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Here we bring together the three surveys to specifically address the adoption and perceived effectiveness of retrofit technology in social housing projects. This identifies the changing perceptions of social housing professionals over a period of significant policy change within in the sector. Design/methodology/approach The research takes the form of a cross-sectional attitudinal, self-completion survey, covering sections considering the adoption levels and perceived effectiveness of different retrofit technologies. The target sample was medium to larger scale registered social housing providers. The surveys were conducted in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Findings In terms of effectiveness, the reliance on tried and tested technologies is apparent. Emerging or more complex technologies have declined in perceived effectiveness over the period. It is clear that social housing has adopted a wide range of technologies, and the larger providers, with whom this survey is undertaken, potentially represent a significant pool of UK retrofit experience. Originality/value The survey provides a record of the changing attitudes of social housing providers to specific technologies over the period 2010-2015, which has seen significant changes in energy and social housing policy. The findings show the link between policy instruments and adoption, with policy instruments mapping to adoption in the sector. Perceived effectiveness reflects a preference for more established technologies, an issue that is highlighted in the recent Bonfield Review

The effect of a home-based, gamified stability skills intervention on 4-5-year-old children's physical and cognitive outcomes:A pilot study

Background: Stability skills (e.g., static/dynamic balance) are a precursor for other movement skill development (e.g., jumping, catching). However, young children consistently demonstrate low stability and movement skill ability. There is therefore a need to develop effective strategies to improve stability skills in early childhood. Aim: To pilot the effect of a home-based gamified stability skills intervention on 4-5-year-old children's physical skills, self-perceptions and cognitions. Methods: One-hundred-and-eleven 4-5-year-old children participated from three schools. Two schools were allocated into the intervention group (n = 66 children, 33 boys) and one to the control group (n = 45 children, 25 boys). Stability, fundamental movement skills, perceived motor competence, and cognition were assessed at baseline and at post-intervention. The intervention group was given a booklet detailing the 12-week gamified stability skill intervention. The control group participated in their usual weekly activities. Results: A series of ANCOVAs controlling for baseline values demonstrated significantly higher stability skills (F(1,93) = 24.79, p &lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.212), fundamental movement skills (F(1,94) = 15.5, p = &lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.139), perceived motor competence (F(1,96) = 5.48, p = 0.021, partial η2 = 0.054) and cognition (F(1,96) = 15.5, p = &lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.139) at post-test for the intervention versus control groups. Discussion: This study demonstrates that a home-based, gamified, stability skills intervention enhances stability skills, fundamental movement skills, perceived motor competence and cognition in children aged 4-5-years old.</p