Architectural Science Review

ISSN: 0003-8628 (Print) 1758-9622 (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tasr20

Exploring Synergies with Innovative Green

Technologies for Advanced Renovation using a
Bioclimatic Approach

R. A. Hyde , K. Yeang , N. Groenhout , F. Barram , M. Webster-Mannison , K.

Healey & E. Halawa

To cite this article: R. A. Hyde , K. Yeang , N. Groenhout , F. Barram , M. Webster-Mannison , K.

Healey & E. Halawa (2009) Exploring Synergies with Innovative Green Technologies for Advanced
Renovation using a Bioclimatic Approach, Architectural Science Review, 52:3, 229-236, DOI:
10.3763/asre.2009.00016

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.3763/asre.2009.00016

Published online: 09 Jun 2011.

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© 2009 Earthscan Ltd. ISSN:0003-0628 (print), 1758-9622 (online) Architectural Science Review
doi:10.3763/asre.2009.00016 www.earthscan.co.uk/journals/asre Volume 52.3, pp 229-236

Exploring Synergies with Innovative Green

Technologies for Advanced Renovation
using a Bioclimatic Approach

R.A. Hyde,*† K.Yeang,** N. Groenhout,*** F. Barram,****

M. Webster-Mannison,***** K. Healey*** and E. Halawa******

*
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
R. Hamzak and Yeang, Kulala Lumpur, Malaysia; Llewelyn Davies Yeang, London, UK
**

***
Aecom, Brisbane, Australia
****
Integrated Energy Services, Brisbane, Australia
*****
University of Queensland, Australia
******
Sustainable Energy Centre, University of South Australia
†
Corresponding author: Tel: 61 (02) 9351 5600; Fax: 61 (02) 9351 3031; Email: r.hyde@usyd.edu.au

Abstract: This paper discusses a research approach to investigating the application of bioclimatic concepts,
principles and strategies for large-scale buildings for the purposes of advanced renovation. In particular, it will
identify various (green) technologies that can be employed to significantly improve the thermal and environmental
performance of mixed-use developments. From this, arguments will be advanced for the development of new
innovative technology combinations and systems known as solution sets. Some initial research findings are presented.
Keywords: Building renovation, Energy efficiency, Bioclimatic design

Introduction
Bioclimatic design involves the way buildings filter the
relationship between humans and climate. There are principles
for low and medium scale buildings, but work on the renovation
of larger-scale buildings is limited. New research is needed
involving new ‘green’ technologies, innovative synergies in
the form and fabric of buildings and the provision of evidence
of improved environmental performance. According to the
Australian Greenhouse Office Report (AGO, 1999) energy
consumption through building, accounts for nearly 27% of all
energy related greenhouse gas emissions. In the same report
it was estimated that by 2010, emissions from buildings will
increase by 48% above 1990 levels. This projected trend is
alarming, given that Australia is obliged under the Kyoto
Protocol to limit greenhouse gas emissions to no more than
8%. The International Committee on Climate Change (IPCC,
2007) recommend the renovation of existing buildings is
necessary. Australia will need to adopt this policy if it is to
effectively achieve this target.
In recent years this approach has gained ground as a subset
of sustainable development, that is bioclimatic design principles
are now seen as a foundation to ensuring buildings are designed
to achieve sustainability targets. Barriers to this approach lie
in the current dualities in design; for example process based
dichotomies’ in architectural and engineering practice, poor
synergies in the use of green technologies and the paradox
between new building and renovation created by the shift to a
life cycle view. It is argued new research is needed involving new
‘green’ active systems technologies and innovative synergies with
passive elements focusing on the form and fabric of buildings.
It is argued this will yield new ‘solution sets’ which can be tested
for improved environmental performance, including better
comfort. The outcomes include new principles and concepts of
bioclimatic design for renovation and better understanding of
the benchmarks used for performance evaluation of large-scale
buildings. It is argued that this will address both systemic and
operational barriers for improving large-scale buildings hence
assisting organizations manage change whilst supporting the
transformation of the building industry to a more sustainable
future.
The aim of this paper is four fold. First, to describe the
background to the project and highlight the significance of
the research. Second, to examine reasons why renovations
of buildings are needed and why demolition (often called
‘detonation’ by the property industry) should be avoided
on environmental grounds. An argument is developed that
advanced renovation should involve both the hard foundations
230 Architectural Science Review Volume 52, Number 3, 2009
(technical systems) and soft foundations (human systems) if
improved environmental outcomes are to be achieved. Whilst
it is argued that innovation is needed in the area of technical
systems, it is argued the development of a comprehensive
benchmarking approach is needed to help manage change of
the type envisaged through advanced renovation. The final
part of the paper discusses findings from the research to date
and discusses future directions.
1. Background
1.1 Project Aims
The aim of this project is to explore the use of ‘green
technologies’ in novel and innovative combinations for
renovation of larger scale buildings to reduce energy
consumption and green house gas emissions. The outcomes
of the study will be to provide design guidance to assist the
transformation of the property industry to a more sustainable
future. The design guidance will include redefinition of
bioclimatic design principles, demonstrate opportunities for
synergies in technologies to reduce environmental impacts, cost
benefit information focused on renovation of multi residential
and office buildings for moderate and hot climates. The
significance of this work lies in three areas.
First, according to the Productivity Commission, the need
for energy conservation is a national imperative to be enforced
by legislation in large-scale buildings (Class 5-9) in due course
(The Australian Government Productivity Commission, 2005).
The Property Council of Australia also argue little research
and training to enable the industry meet energy targets in
this proposed legislation has been carried out (The Property
Council of Australia, 2005).
Second, research by International Energy Agency has
started into harnessing the processes of renovation to improve
environmental performance is a critical pathway for improving
the sustainability of our cities (International Energy Agency,
2005). Similar research to the IEA in Australia has yet to start.
The Property Council of Australia argues that renovation is a
neglected area. New buildings are only 1 or 2 per cent of the
building stock; the remaining stock will need to be upgraded to
achieve the new energy targets (Australian Greenhouse Office,
1999). Principles, strategies and cost benefit information are
needed to enable this transformation (The Property Council of
Australia, 2005, Australian Greenhouse Office, 1999).
Third, research into combinations of new and existing
technologies can be exploited for this process of transformation.
These systems need to be examined in terms of achieving
synergies between systems – between passive (fabric) and
active systems (mechanics) – advancing knowledge in the
key field of Passive Low Energy Architecture (PLEA, 2007).
This will involve developing bioclimatic principles, strategies
and techniques for large-scale buildings, which are presently
lacking.
1.2 Bioclimatic Design
Bioclimatic issues in architecture were identified by Olgyay
in the 1950’s and developed into a process of design in the
1960’s (Olgyay, 1963). This design process brings together
the disciplines of human physiology, climatology and building
physics; it has been integrated within the building design
professions in the context of regionalism in architecture, and in
recent years has been seen as a cornerstone for achieving more
sustainable buildings (Hyde, 2008). PLEA (Passive & Low
Energy Architecture), is ‘a commitment to the development,
documentation and diffusion of the principles of bioclimatic
design and the application of natural and innovative techniques
for heating, cooling and lighting’ (http://www.plea-arch.org/).
Hence, research into bioclimatic issues mainly takes the form
of passive low energy architecture research (PLEA-r), a well-
developed field carried out world-wide (see PLEA conferences
http://www.plea-arch.org/).
This research has led to the development of bioclimatic
design principles, which are used by design professionals as
a starting point for designing with climate in mind. So far,
they have been developed primarily for low and medium scale
buildings, since these types of buildings are relatively easy to
make bioclimatically interactive, with the form and fabric of the
buildings matched to human and climate factors to optimise
climate response (Rajapaksha & Hyde, 2002).
Large-scale buildings have largely escaped attention due to
issues of program complexity, the dense urban context in which
these buildings are usually located, and the availability of cheap
energy for cooling and providing comfort. The design principles
used have largely ignored bioclimatic influences, achieving an
adequate internal environment by using mechanical energetic
systems to add back comfort. Exceptions to this approach are
increasing, and can be found in a number of buildings, such as
the pioneering high-rise buildings of Yeang and the large floor
plate buildings of Bligh Voller Neild (Yeang, 1999).
The existence of a set of bioclimatic principles, strategies
and best practice solutions for larger-scale buildings has not yet
been acknowledged or fully researched within the field (Pedrini,
2003). Whilst a number of case studies have been written
on bioclimatic design of large-scale buildings, the extent to
which general principles can be adduced from these examples
is limited. Jones has developed some bioclimatic principles
for large buildings, concerned with: the form of energy used,
renewable or non-renewable; the efficient use of energy and
its conservation; and human wellbeing, comfort and amenity.
However, these are largely unrelated to building strategies in a
building science context, or fully demonstrated as best practice
solutions for large-scale buildings.
Furthermore, design professionals remain sceptical of such
approaches, due to the lack of workable models of large-scale
bioclimatic buildings and the cost of additional design work
such as simulation modelling to demonstrate proof of concept,
cost effectiveness and comfort of these types of building (Jones,
1998). Improving energy efficiency has centred on designing
more efficient mechanical systems rather than examining
factors, such as the passive elements of the building, in order to
engage in synergies that lead to an integrated solution.
1.3 Importance of Passive Elements — the Building’s
Microclimate, Form and Fabric
Jones suggests that the bioclimatic office building will use
5-6 times less energy over its life than a conventional office
building (Yeang, 1998). This is achieved primarily through the
use of the building’s microclimate, form and fabric, rather than
by using more efficient mechanical equipment. For example,
Hyde, Yeang, Groenhout, Barram, Webster-Mannison, Healey and Halawa
in warm climates where cooling is needed most of the year,
34% of the energy used for cooling is addressed at mitigation of
solar radiation into the building. Cooling is normally achieved
through air conditioning and so incurs large environmental
penalties — high energy use, high greenhouse gas emissions.
Bioclimatic design refocusses on providing high quality passive
design of the form and fabric of the building envelope and on
the use of new technologies. Pioneering work by Yeang has
defined a range of passive biophysical elements, which can be
used to achieve ‘net zero energy buildings’, more emphasis on
research into this area is needed (Gilijamse, 1995). Little work
has examined the application of renovation to warm climates.
1.4 Developing Environmental Targets — Towards
the ‘Net Zero-energy Building’
The ‘net zero-energy building’ is an ideal concept in which
no fossil fuels are used and sufficient electricity is generated
from natural sources to meet the service needs of the occupants.
This idea sets the optimal design target for a building in terms
of minimising the environmental effect and energy cost of the
dwelling. The appealing aspect of this idea is the availability of
‘free’ energy derived from nature such as solar and wind energy,
and of energy sinks such as air, water and earth. Ideally, this
‘free’ energy can be used to achieve the zero-energy target by
employing both passive and active solar technologies. Since the
technologies come in various forms and states of development,
it is crucial to explore how they can be synergised to achieve the
goal (Wittchen, 1993).
1.5 Emerging and Proven Technologies
Theoretically, the zero-energy dwelling concept can be
achieved by simultaneously
(1) reducing the energy demand of the dwelling by
increasing energy efficiency, through various energy
conservation measures; and
(2) utilising the solar energy incident on the walls, roof and
ground surfaces surrounding the house for electricity
generation and for satisfying the dwelling’s heating
requirement.
Implementing these measures entails careful assessment
of their economic feasibility, environmental benefits and
effects on human comfort. Various technologies for energy
conservation and solar energy utilisation are already available
or are in development. Energy conservation measures available
for reducing energy demand include proper insulation of the
building envelope and the selection of high efficiency (high
energy rating) appliances, among others.
Solar technologies can be divided into passive and active
technologies. Passive solar technologies include passive solar
heating, natural ventilation, daylighting, thermal mass storage,
ground cooling, etc. Passive solar heating and cooling employs
the structural elements of a building to collect, store and distribute
solar energy without mechanical equipment or with minimal
use of it. The Trombe wall (or bioclimatic wall) is one popular
means for collecting solar energy. The solar energy transmitted
through a transparent cover is absorbed by the outer surface of the
wall; it is either conducted through the wall, reaching the inner
surface several hours later, or picked up by air flowing through
the space between the cover and the wall outer surface (Manz &
Exploring Synergies with Innovative Green Technologies 231
Egolf, 1995). Recent research studies by Manz and Egolf; and
Stritih and Novak explored the use of phase change materials
(PCMs) as the thermal storage in the Trombe wall, a technique
that reduces energy losses and energy requirements (Hyde, 2000;
Stritih & Novak, 2002). In cooling climates the Trombe wall
has transformed into a Bioclimatic wall that combines a range
of environmental functions such as shading, rain protection,
ventilation, light diffusion and glare control (Clarke, Johnstone,
Kelly, Strachan, 1997; Yeang, 1999).
Building-integrated photovoltaic systems have been the
subject of intensive investigation in recent years. In this concept,
the roof or façade of a building is designed to accommodate
solar panels (or cells), thereby minimising the cost of their
support structures (Halawa, 2005). A similar concept has been
applied to solar thermal systems, where steel roofing is used as a
thermal absorber. To improve efficiency, PCM thermal storage
can be incorporated into the system (AIRAH, 2003).
The technologies mentioned above are only a few of those
emerging relating to the goal of realising buildings with
extremely low energy demand. Given these technologies, the
concept of zero-house buildings can theoretically be realised.
Realisation, however, depends on whether the three criteria
previously mentioned can be satisfied, namely
(1) environmental benefits,
(2) improvement in human comfort, and
(3) economic feasibility.
The first and second criteria can easily be delivered by solar
technologies; a fact that has been used by solar advocates
backing up their ‘switch to solar’ movement. The third
criterion, economic feasibility, is equally important and should
not be treated separately from the other criteria.
Until now, there have been no significant research studies
exploring the synergies of these emerging green technologies
in order to bring about new and proven solutions to the
environmental and energy problems of residential buildings.
Research efforts so far have been fragmented, with researchers
and/or research groups focussing on particular technologies
without looking at the whole problem and exploring the best
solution.
2 Why Renovate?
A central issues for design professionals is assisting the
building industry to transform the design and construction of
buildings to improve their environmental performance. The
importance of this has been identified by the private sector in
order to meet pressure to improve environmental performance.
The evidence found in studies by The Property Council of
Australia (The Property Council of Australia, 2005) and an
AIRAH members survey in 2003 (Haycox, 2003) supports this
view. A way to achieve this is to identify opportunities and
mechanisms to support change within the industry.
2.1 Renovation as a Pathway for Improving
Environmental Performance and Achieving
Sustainability
One opportunity is arising due to the inherent entropy in
the build stock. Building obsolescence and rapid expunction
of sunk cost in buildings — payback periods of 4-5 years
are common — means there is scope for rebuilding and
232 Architectural Science Review Volume 52, Number 3, 2009
renovation (Hyde, 2007). Current estimates for Melbourne
are that 10 per cent of the city’s building stock is undergoing
renovation at any given time, hence within ten years the city
will have, in theory, fully upgraded its building stock. This
provides the opportunity to improve building stock to meet
new and emerging needs for sustainability, linked to emerging
international and national initiatives through specific agencies
and organisations. The International Energy Agency’s Solar
Heating and Cooling Program (IEA SHC) (www. http://www.
iea-shc.org/) is one such scheme, and The Green Building
Council of Australia (GBCA) is another (http://www.gbcaus.
org/). These two are part of the building industry’s efforts to
self regulate in the move to sustainable ecological development;
both bring together experts in the building field to work on
transforming the industry. The GBCA’s program is applied,
working to develop environmental standards through its rating
tools and advocacy (see section E6 for transformation relative
to Advancing a Sustainable Australia), IEA is a more research
based initiative, and is therefore relevant to this research
project.
2.2 Provide Initiatives for Steering the Industry
Towards Sustainable Ecological Development
The International Energy Agencies, through its Solar Heating
and Cooling Program Tasks, has brought together experts from
many countries to investigate industry transformation related
to particular problem areas and building types. Its Task 28/36
recognised a significant opportunity for transformation in
the growing trend to ecological housing, with extremely low
purchased energy usage for heating and cooling, and minimal
CO2 emissions.
A new International Energy Task, through the Solar
Heating and Cooling Program, is under way, examining the
issues of renovation of buildings at house, multi-residential
and neighbourhood levels, called ‘Advanced Renovation.’ This
follows the work on IEA SHC Task 28/38 on Solar Sustainable
Housing, which has concluded. The methodologies developed
for Task 28/38 and the new Task will be refined and adapted to
the research project (www. http://www.iea-shc.org/task28/index.
html). This involves the identification of the most promising
and viable solar and/or green technologies and exploration
of their synergies, and can be expected to directly minimise
reliance on fossil fuels and to improve the environmental and
thermal performance of residential buildings and/or offices.
3. Don’t Detonate, Innovate
3.1 System Innovation and Solution Sets
The research will lead to innovation in application of green
technologies. These can potentially be integrated into the
renovation stage of residential buildings and/or offices and
generally have the following characteristics:
• aesthetically acceptable and unobtrusive;
• can be easily integrated into the building;
• reliable and durable;
• more environmentally friendly than conventional
systems;
• socially and economically acceptable.
The ‘solution set’ methodology was developed and tested
through the IEA SHC Task 28/38 program. A solution set
is a descriptive model of combinations of passive and active
systems that can be used to achieve energy efficiency (Yeang,
1999). Solution sets are tested in terms of meeting social,
environmental and economic targets for performance. The
research approach and training explain this in more detail. The
project provides opportunities for interdisciplinary research
primarily through its research approach, for postdoctoral
researchers to pursue research internationally in collaboration
with industry.
The proposed research will involve both theoretical and real
case studies of existing residential and/or office buildings. The
theoretical studies will lay the foundation for identification and
formulation of new solution sets that can be tested through a
range of tools using computer modelling. Real case studies of
existing buildings will allow widening the design parameters and
demonstrating the viability of the new solution and/or approach.
This follows the IEA SHC Task 28/38 methodology.
Stage 1a: Review of Green Passive Technologies
A range of passive elements using a range of biophysical
elements and issues will be examined, as follows:
• thermo hydronic — thermal mass and water sinks,
thermo syphons, chimneys
• kinetic — adaptive thermal defences
• organics — heat sinks
• aerodynamics — adaptive wind defences
• materials — phase change, heat storage, insulation,
radiant and evaporative defences
• ground effects — heat storage (Law, 2001; Szokolay,
2004; Yeang, 1999)
Further research will examine the limits of these passive
systems in terms of their heat and/or humidity modification
for warm climate.
Stage 1b: Develop a Building Typology for Building
Renovation — Office and Multi-residential Construction
A typology of building forms and fabric will be developed
for moderate and hot climates. For example, in Task 28/36, the
typology for housing was: detached, row house and apartment.
A typology will be developed for multi-residential buildings
and offices. Examples of buildings that reflect characteristics of
for the climate zones will be selected.
Stage 2a and 2b: Selection of Technologies and Energy
Targets
The research will then explore and identify available
solar and energy conservation technologies that can be used
to improved environmental and thermal performances of
residential buildings and/or offices. The NABERS Rating
tool will be used to set targets for environmental performance
(NABERS 2009). This tool has been developed for the purpose
of improving environmental performance of office buildings
by collecting data on the operational performance. Data from
the buildings will be collected to assess current performance.
The as-built buildings will act reference buildings compare
improved performance (Stephenson & Mitalas, 1967).
Stage 3: Selection of Solution Sets
The next step will lead to the development of several
Hyde, Yeang, Groenhout, Barram, Webster-Mannison, Healey and Halawa
configurations of passive and active systems applicable to
multi-residential and office buildings. Further analysis of these
configurations will lead to new solution sets that can be easily
integrated into the renovation process of multi-residential
buildings and/or offices.
Stage 4: Simulation and Cost Benefit Study
This will be followed by modelling the reference building
for each of the warm and hot climatic zones. The outcome of
this will be a reference energy demand for each building in a
different climatic zone.
Modelling and simulation of reference buildings with
alternative energy system configurations will be carried out
to show how these selected configurations contribute to the
reduction of house energy demand. The implications of the
introduction of these systems will be investigated. Finally,
various options emerging from this study will be further
investigated to determine the most promising options.
Simulation will be carried out using the TRNSYS simulation
package, which has a built-in multi-zone building model based
on the transfer function method developed by Stephenson
and Mitalas (1967), and is one of the models recommended
by ASHRAE (1989) (Cellura, Giarre, Brano, & Orioli, 2003).
TRNSYS also has built-in solar energy system models such
as solar thermal collectors, thermal and electrical storage PV
systems, thermal storage walls, etc. TRNYS is one of the most
widely used research-oriented building simulation programs
(Langston, 2001).
Cost benefits studies will follow standard practice using
Life Costing methodology and Cost-Benefit principles. The
challenge is to focus on a whole systems analysis and not on
the analysis of finite technological elements. This approach
supports capturing the benefits of sustainable solution sets.
Often finite technological solutions are not in and of their own
right cost effective, whereas when they form part of a holistic
solution set they can become cost effective. In the Orion Town
Centre project the benefits of slowing water pumping velocities
in the chilled water pipes provided a saving of over 400MWh
per annum and lowering the chilled water tempeature reduced
fan energy by 20% (Barram, 2006). This is supported by
research undertaken by the Centre for International Economics,
the Australian building sector could cost effectively reduce its
share of greenhouse gas emissions by 30%-35% and save $38
billion through energy efficiency improvements (Barram, 2007;
Centre for International Economics, 2007).
Stage 5: Principles, Concepts and Best Practice
From the results of the computer simulation work a number
of building cases of ‘best practice’ renovations will be constructed.
From these case studies a series of principles will be generalised.
4. Research Progress
Findings to date have focused outcomes from a one-day
mini-conference organised earlier this year.
4.1 Adding Value through Passive Design
It was recognised that at present a disparity exists between
the environmental and social performance of a building and
the corresponding valuation of that property. Both in Australia
Exploring Synergies with Innovative Green Technologies 233
and internationally, the linkage between sustainability and
financial worth is hindered by a lack of information and
conclusive evidence relating to costs and benefits (Prasad,
2007). There is, nevertheless, a growing perception that
green buildings represent added value through lower vacancy
risk due to improved marketability, lower outgoing costs,
increased rental growth and future opportunities in carbon
trading. There is a clear need for research to quantify costs
and benefits and to develop key performance indicators that
will aid meaningful communication between people within
the property industry (Thomson, 2007). The PMM building
in Brisbane was retrofitted through a range of strategies which
both added value and improved environmental performance.
This involved changing the functional program from only office
to retail and office. Frontage space, the original setback area
from the street, was transformed into a retail space included
new entrance to the office space behind. The setback zone
became a buffer space above the retail area and involved adding
extensive sun shading to shield the existing glass façade from
the sun reducing the heat load on the building and hence the
energy needed for cooling.
Sustainable building design has moved beyond passive solar
principles – it now takes in wide-ranging considerations such
as energy, water and waste efficiency and occupant productivity
(Cole, 2007). Ultimately, the way the interdependencies
between people, architecture, technology and the environment
work will define the success of a building.
A refurbishment needs to start from the perspective of a
new building design rather than just attempting to overhaul
the existing design. This could occur, for example, by mapping
paths for occupant circulation, natural ventilation and
daylight penetration, and using these paths to guide the design
(Loughnane, 2007). At the same time, the refurbishment should
attempt to retain or reuse materials where possible, and make
use of simple, existing strategies such as insulation, materials,
shading and glazing choices (Luther, 2007). To this end the
PMM building has a number of material strategies included
in the fit-out such as stud frame partitioning (normally steel in
commercial buildings), use of reconstituted timber decking and
minimisation of interior finishes to reduce embodied energy.
Developing the link between sustainability and property value
will require methods for measuring a building’s performance in
areas such as energy and water efficiency, acoustics, ventilation,
thermal comfort and lighting. In PMM building natural light
was introduced to the deep plan space. The existing single
zone air conditioning system was refurbished and new roof
mounted systems were installed to service specific zones when
the building was not fully occupied.
4.2 Active Systems Approach
Case studies presented at the mini-conference examined
recent Australian renovation projects. The renovation of 388
George Street in Sydney involved the replacement of chillers
and boilers and a lighting upgrade (Lord, 2007). Variable
speed drives were introduced for the cooling towers, ventilation
fans and pumps to reduce energy use at part load. New control
systems are being installed that will let the ventilation system
use economy cycle and allow intelligent control of the lighting.
Simulation of daylighting, thermal performance and energy
234 Architectural Science Review Volume 52, Number 3, 2009
Figure 1: Left: PMM building involved renovation of an office building in Brisbane using passive features including
shading, thermal chimney and other environmental strategies.
Right: The existing building, before renovation, comprised poor performing glass façade, facing west.
use has predicted that the energy performance will improve its
Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR) from 2.8 stars
(average) to 4.5 stars (excellent). A black water system is also
being installed which is predicted to save 12.5 ML per year.
55 St Andrews Place in Melbourne is another renovation
project which focused on remedying existing problems which
were due to poorly performing or outdated services and
improving the energy, water and waste efficiency of the building.
An ESD building improvement plan, involving the architects,
services consultants, owner’s representative, environmental
manager and a dedicated ESD consultant, was created as a
first step and considered the site, form, fabric, services and
resources. This led to a re-think of the glazing systems and air
intakes and the introduction of better insulation and shading
and new paths for daylight penetration. A typical renovation
approach would have focused on replacing the services, fixtures
and fittings and refitting the interior, and would have failed to
deal with the building’s inherent problems.
4.3 Performance Measures
This can be done through computer simulation of parameters
such as thermal comfort, energy systems or daylighting
performance (Miller, 2007). Alternatively, direct measurement
using systems such as MABEL can be used to quantify the
performance of an existing building using measures such as air
change effectiveness or predicted mean vote (Luther, 2007).
Occupant satisfaction can be also quantified through surveys,
which can glean more subjective, behavioural or operational
insights (Loughnane, 2007). These techniques are increasingly
being practised in the industry, and are helping to develop a
knowledge base and bridge the gap between design expectations
and as-built performance. Whilst post occupance studies
do yield valuable data, a more objective method assessing
the dilapidation of buildings is needed which focuses on
physical measurements of occupant comfort, lighting, thermal
ventilation and acoustic conditions (LTVa).
The diagnostic approach can focus on the ISO14000 model,
which measures, evaluates strategies and implements. Larsson,
(2008) suggests this ‘triage’ approach (a metaphor from medical
practice) priorities are established for the kind of treatment that
is provided (Larsson, 2008). Given the extent of the renovation
problem such a rule-based approach may offer similar benefits
found in the medical profession. More effective and decisive
action can be provided in a given situation, rather than excessive
monitoring and diagnostic activity.
Conclusions
The outcomes from the research to date stress the
importance of benchmarking groups of buildings rather
than working on single buildings and trying to improve the
building stock incrementally. Hence, advanced renovation,
unlike new build, has at its core a different design conception,
methodology and process. The research project therefore aims
to work with a fieldwork group such as a developer’s portfolio
of buildings to test a range of strategies to raise the base line
performance of these buildings though renovation.
This research project is expected to make a significant
contribution to the transformation of the building industry
towards ecological sustainability through the provision of
information and training. This will assist organisations to
move from the status quo to transforming organisations that
adopt environmental thinking, strategies and standards as
part of their core business. The project will use renovation as
the context for research as this is seen as a new and important
opportunity for sustainable and ecological development,
given that buildings that exist now will continue to make up
the vast majority of Australia’s building stock in the years to
come.
Results to date suggest that passive design can add value to
the renovation of existing buildings by adding an exostructure
which can be used to offer diversity to the program. This
adds value and improves performance. The benefit is that
the building can remain in operation during the renovation
phase. Active systems are more commonly used for retrofit
and can give a large improvement to performance (Lord,
2007; Loughnane, 2007). Little work appears to be done
where a whole systems approach has been used involving
integration of both passive and active systems.
The size of the renovation problem is immense, most buildings
in the last 40 years have been designed in an economic climate
of cheap energy and minimal building investment to maximise
profit. In a low climate world many are obsolete given the
urgent need to meet carbon pollution reduction targets. A triage
approach is proposed which establishes priorities, principles
and clear guidelines to address international imperatives for
advanced renovation (IPCC, 2007). Hence, a new typology
Hyde, Yeang, Groenhout, Barram, Webster-Mannison, Healey and Halawa
is emerging; those buildings which should be demolished and
their components reused and recycled, those amendable to
addition of passive systems, those that simply need an active
system replacement and fit out, and those that can benefit from
a synergy of the three types.
The outcomes of the research work will be diffused into
the building industry through the production of a handbook
through the International Energy Agency. A web-based toolkit
will be utilised to serve as a database. Continuing professional
development courses will be developed through the Institution
of Engineers, Australia and the Royal Australian Institute of
Architects. Finally, the work will continue to be presented
at national and international conferences and published in
journals.
Acknowledgements
Australian Research Council, T.R. Hamzak & Yeang SdN. Bhd,
Llewelyn Davies Yeang. UK. Bassett Applied Research Integrated
Energy Services.
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