Design-Build-Operate Energy Information Modeling (DBO-EIM) for Green Buildings: Case Study of a Net Zero Energy Building

The concept of Design-Build-Operate Energy Information Modeling (DBO-EIM) is proposed. The DBO-EIM aims at creating a detailed and persistent energy model that can be used to reduce energy consumption and improveoccupant comfort throughout the life-cycle of a building. Within the framework, the model is builtto supportdecision makingin the design phase, validated and tuned during construction and commissioning phases, and then continuously used for environmental control in operation. To illustrate the first stage of the DBO-EIM process, an office buildinglive projectis used as a test bed. Itis designed to be “a net zero energy building” by its integrated building system design and on site renewable energy generation. Detailed whole-building energy simulation models are developed by using DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus programs. Baseline models are built based on U.S. ASHRAE 90.1-2007energy standard.Design alternatives and the proposed design case (PDC) modelsare created by employingvarioussustainable design strategies for comparing and decision making purpose. Load and energy reduction potentials of different sustainable strategies are compared, such as high performance building envelope, alternativeHVAC systems, and daylightresponsive lighting controls. The simulation results suggest that annual energy use intensity (EUI) for the PDC model is 86.0kWh/m 2 , which is 59.5% less than the 2003 Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) median office national average data, 43.2% less than the 2008 Department of Energy new construction median office reference building, and 39.8% less than the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline model. With 101.3kWh/m 2 annual photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation, which is predicted based on 4 months of actual measured data, the CSL is expected to achieve net zero site energy goal.The thermal performance results are examined to comply with the energy code. The building has just been completed. In the next phase,commissioning and operation data will be collected, analyzed and employed to complete the demonstrative study of the DBO-EIM framework.