Energy Efficiency, Thermal and Visual Comfort – Integrated Building Performance Modelling and Measurement

Improving the energy performance of buildings is one of the main aims of a good design process. In this process, also indoor environmental quality should play a vital role. By looking beyond the mere energy use and considering also human wellbeing and behavior, the discrepancy between calculated and measured values can be minimized.

This study focuses on the analysis of visual and thermal aspects which, being closely linked to the effects of solar radiation, affect both energy consumption and comfort perception. It shows a way of simulating and representing comfort distribution in terms of time and space which, coupled with the energy use profile, is able to better synthesize the global performance of buildings.