In this paper, we model energy use in commercial buildings using empirical data captured through sMAP, a campus building data portal at UC Berkeley. We conduct at-scale experiments in a newly constructed building on campus. By modulating the supply duct static pressure (SDSP) for the main supply air duct, we induce a response on the main supply fan and determine how much ancillary power flexibi...

The percent of energy consumed by plug load equipment in commercial buildings is on the rise. Research conducted in the past has included surveying plug load equipment, measuring plug load electricity consumption and equipment operating patterns, and studying plug load reduction solutions in office buildings, but plug load energy use across other building types is poorly understood. A universit...

Vapor intrusion (VI) has been recognized since the 1990s as a potential pathway of concern at contaminated sites. VI is the migration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the subsurface soils into overlying buildings. The major sources of organic vapors are waste disposal sites (landfills), contaminated old industrial sites, contaminated subsurface soils, and contaminated groundwater. The ...

In this paper, we describe an automated technique for estimating power consumption by computers in buildings by processing visual imagery collected during a walkthrough of the building. This is an important problem since desktop and laptops are the largest contributors to electricity consumption in most large commercial buildings. The images used for estimation are obtained by a backpack equipp...

The paper presents the description and initial evaluation of a number of commercial large scale buildings situated across Germany. The study has been carried out within the framework of the demonstration program SolarBau, which has been initiated and funded by the German Ministry of Economy and Technology. The program funds up to 25 demonstration buildings and their collective evaluation. Fundi...

The residential and commercial buildings demand increase with rapidly growing population. It leads to the vertical growth of the buildings and needs proper ventilation and day-lighting. The natural air ventilation system is not significantly works in conventional structure, so fans and air conditioners are mandatory to meet the proper ventilation and space conditioning. Globally building sector...

BACKGROUND The indoor built environment has the potential to influence levels of physical activity. However, the extent to which architectural design in commercial buildings can influence the percentage of people choosing to use the stairs versus elevators is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if buildings with centrally located, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing staircase...