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    • Related References
  • DOE , (2001), High-performance commercial buildings - a technology roadmap




    		• Essay:

    Whole buildings approach

    By This link was checked on Dec. 2006BTS (www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/commercial_roadmap/whole_buildings.html)

    "...

    What is the "Whole-Buildings" Approach?

    Today's commercial buildings employ complex and diverse technologies in their construction, operation, and maintenance. Building materials, components, and subsystems traditionally have been designed and implemented based on standardized criteria that are largely independent of one another. For example, water-heating loads are considered to be solely a function of building use and are calculated independently of a building's plumbing design. Potential interactions between the two functionsˇŞfor example, heat recovery from outgoing wastewater for pre-heating the incoming supplyˇŞare usually ignored.

    Through a whole-buildings approachˇŞsometimes referred to as "systems engineering"ˇŞall of the building components and subsystems are considered together, along with their potential interactions and impact on occupants, to achieve synergies. The fundamental goal is to optimize the building's performanceˇŞin terms of comfort, functionality, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, economic return, and life-cycle value. The whole-buildings approach crosses disciplinesˇŞrequiring the integration of planning, siting, design, equipment and material selection, financing, construction, commissioning, and long-term operation and maintenance. Implementing a whole-buildings approach has been shown to enhance air quality, lighting, and other key aspects of the building indoor environment. The natural environment benefits as wellˇŞthrough energy and waste reduction and more effective land use.

    ...."


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