Murdoch University science and computing building energy simulation & mechanical engineering green building design

Yi Xin Yaw

Anchored in teaching, research and community engagement approaches, Murdoch University is setting up the development of a symbolic new mixed use campus precinct expansion which is listed as one of Murdoch University’s strategic plan. As stated above, a part of the strategic plan includes the development of a new Mechanical Engineering Building (MEB) in order to engage future Mechanical Engineering students. This newly proposed MEB would be designed and constructed as an extension building from the existing Science and Computing Building that is located at the Murdoch South Street campus. Hence, the major focus of this research study investigate the new Murdoch University Mechanical Engineering green building structure and design by analysing the energy consumption of the existing Science and Computing building. The annual energy consumption of the existing building is obtained through the identification of construction materials, building design and building operational activities. All this information is then simulated using Virtual Environment by Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES-VE). The outline of this IES-VE modelling tool and implementation procedures is illustrated in Chapter 3 (Methodology) and the simulation results used to identify the major sources of the energy use are included in Chapter 4 (Results). The results showed the massive energy consumption that being used in the current Science and Computing building and the annual energy consumption is broken down into different components that makes up the total energy use.Moreover, the possibilities for building energy consumption reduction are discussed and this is based on the low embodied energy building materials and low existing building operational energy reduction strategies. For the sake of achieving green star building standard, NABERS self rating tools are introduced by determining the building operational routines and its design structure. The existing building’s NABERS score will be recognised as a useful measure for the new MEB design ideas and the selection of appliances used in order to achieve the low energy building objectives. Furthermore, the structure and design of the new MEB are drafted based on the essential requirements using SketchUp drawing tool. The dimensions and working purpose of each individual floor are illustrated and reviewed. On the other hand, basic specifications of the MEB such as experimentation and research laboratory requirements, computer appliances and HVAC demands are determined in order to diagnose the NABERS rating and thus establish a new target for green building achievement. The estimated new building energy consumption is generated and possible strategies which include energy efficiency design, energy efficient technologies and renewable technologies are discussed in Chapter 5. Generally, a green building is achieved through an integration of energy efficient programs and environmentally friendly construction projects. Thus, an introduction of potential sustainable strategies is illustrated in Chapter 6 in order to develop Murdoch University into a carbon-neutral community. The potential sustainable strategies that are discussed in this thesis project included rainwater harvesting technology, wastewater treatment plants, timber prefabricated construction and green roof garden implementation. Lastly, project summary is included in Chapter 6 (Conclusion) and several recommendations are discussed that would be important to be evaluated and discussed for further improvement.

Murdoch University science and computing building energy simulation & mechanical engineering green building design

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