Evaluation of the effectiveness of an energy efficient demonstration building

Stefan Tylak

Demonstration projects play a vital role in the development and acceptance of new and improved technology because of the reluctance of society to engage in perceived risky investments in unfamiliar and often unproven technology. To this regard, energy efficient demonstration buildings should be able to prove their long-term performance and viability in order to stimulate more widespread acceptance of energy efficient building practices by effectively informing society of the potential benefits that are on offer. This research project evaluated the effectiveness of Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre as an energy efficient demonstration building three to four years after its commissioning in 2001. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the thermal performance of the Centre, its residual energy demands, visitor numbers, objectives, operation and maintenance regime as well as its Building Management System was conducted. The Centre frequently overheated during the summer time. Substandard night ventilation operation and a lack of surrounding vegetation were largely responsible for the regular overheating of the building. Incorrect user operation was also an influencing factor over the thermal performance of the building. Given these facts, there are opportunities for improvement in the thermal performance of the Centre. Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre provides a unique sustainable technology education and demonstration facility that can offer an increased level of awareness and education in the community about important environmental issues, including energy efficiency. Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre requires active, knowledgeable participation by the users, as well as regular maintenance to optimise the building‟s performance, thus ensuring its integrity. Demonstrating the performance, feasibility, practicality and desirability of energy efficient buildings to the general public, industry, utilities and governments, combined with information dissemination, promotion and marketing should advance the widespread adoption of energy efficient buildings.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of an energy efficient demonstration building

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