Evaluating sustainable and green building designs using human factor approaches

Abstract: In response to government requirements for zero carbon emissions for existing and new buildings, a number of organizations committed to explore the most efficient ways to build new buildings or renovate their aging infrastructure, and to implement the necessary measures and technologies supporting net zero standards and sustainable building designs. In many cases, this means deep energy retrofits within buildings, including upgrades to the exterior and the interior building design features. By using modelling techniques and following standard specifications, a building’s performance can be optimized through a number of energy efficient measures and implementation of sustainable, net zero technologies. However, research has shown that in many cases the modelled performance is not often easily achievable in real life settings. This can be specifically relevant to cases where the comfort requirements are surpassed by an increased focus on energy efficiency measures. Methodology: This paper outlines a case study where the National Research Council Canada (NRC) has committed to complete a pre- and post-renovation evaluation of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) headquarter building, which was retrofitted to achieve net zero emissions. The main methodologies used during the data collection included occupant surveys, physical environment measurements and energy monitoring across the various stages of the project. Findings: This paper outlines the methodology used during the pre- and post-renovation data collection. The post-renovation data collection is currently in progress, therefore, only data from the pre-renovation phase is currently discussed. The results identified many opportunities for improvement through renovation, including a variety of occupant satisfaction and comfort dimensions related to the physical indoor environmental conditions.Conclusion: By using human factor methodologies and user-centric approaches, we can improve our understanding of the human factor impacts caused by sustainable and green building design practices. Successfully completed projects present great examples of how buildings, old or new, could meet modern-day needs, such as net zero standards and carbon neutrality, whilst at the same time providing efficient workplaces that support occupant wellbeing and productivity.

Keywords: sustainable design, green buildings, net zero buildings and technologies, post occupancy evaluation, environmental psychology

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1003087

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