Abstract papers of the third annual TSBE EngD conference · 2012-07-24 · 2 TSBE EngD conference...

Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments Centre

Abstract papers of the third annual TSBE EngD conference

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TSBE EngD conference 2012 TSBE EngD conference 2012

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Abstract papers of the third annual TSBE EngD conferenceHeld at Henley Business School, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6UD, 3 July 2012

Welcome to our third Engineering Doctorate Conference, showcasing work of the Research Engineers at the Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments (TSBE) Centre at the University of Reading.

This year we wish to highlight the importance of research for a greener built environment by hearing the latest results from our Research Engineers. Their presentations are intended to stimulate debate and discussion amongst the delegates, guided by our academic session chairs who will contribute their own perspectives on current research and real-world drivers. Full papers will be published in electronic format and distributed to all delegates at the Conference.

The conference includes sessions on different aspects of our research into the technologies we need to achieve sustainable built environments: energy technologies and infrastructure; designing for sustainability; exploiting data for sustainability; digital tools for decision making; and people in the built environment. Our research includes not only new technological solutions and how to implement them successfully, but also the technologies available to aid sustainable designs and decision-making.

My thanks go to many people who have contributed considerable time and effort to make this conference a success. Firstly, the Research Engineers themselves for their dedication to their work and passion for communicating it; and to their supervisors on both the academic and industrial sides for contributing time, ideas and commitment to the EngD projects and the TSBE Centre itself. I am also grateful to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for sponsoring our conference for a second year, and particularly to Senior Vice President Peter Jacobs for delivering our first keynote presentation. Many thanks also to Professor Tim Broyd for giving our afternoon keynote talk, and for sharing his perspectives at Halcrow, and as Chairman of the Institute for Civil Engineering. I am grateful to our new Vice Chancellor Sir David Bell for launching proceedings with a short address. Last but not least, I must thank Emma Hawkins, Jenny Berger, Georgie Watson and Mary Muscroft for their hard work not only towards this conference, but all year round for the TSBE Centre.

I hope you all enjoy the conference, and find it useful and stimulating.

No responsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any of the methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the materials herewith.

Dr Janet BarlowTSBE Centre Director

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TSBE EngD conference 2012

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TSBE EngD Conference 2012

Peter graduated from City University, London in 1979 and joined the Property Services Agency to design complex structures for research establishments before becoming a project manager administering government contracts as a client representative.

In 1983, Peter joined Trollope and Colls Ltd as senior engineer and contracts manager working on traditional projects in Central London before moving to Bovis in 1987 as a Project Manager responsible for projects around London and the SECC (Armadillo) in Glasgow.

During 24 years at Bovis Lend Lease, Peter spent 10 years as a Director and was responsible for a range of prestige projects including Paternoster Square, Treasury PFI, Chiswick Park, Bankside 123, Chelsea Bridge Wharf, BBC W1, W8 Regent Street, Unilever House, BBC Pacific Quay (Glasgow) and Project Horizon (Norwich) culminating in the Athletes Village in Stratford for the London 2012 games.

Peter also led the Incident & Injury Free Cultural Change Program across Lend Lease EMEA. This behavioral safety program was innovative and ground breaking. Peter remains totally committed to the safety and wellbeing of everybody in the construction industry.

Peter’s current role is as Regional Managing Director for Morgan Sindall in London, rapidly building a team and increasing the presence of the business in the London market. Peter also leads the Morgan Sindall Airports business with substantial presence at Heathrow, Gatwick and seven regional airports across the UK.

Peter joined the CIOB Trustees in 2008 and is currently Senior Vice President. Peter sponsored the CIOB Strategic Review in 2010/2011 and is passionate about the role CIOB should play at the centre of a modern professional construction industry.

Throughout his career Professor Broyd has worked at the interface between industry practice and academic thinking in the construction and infrastructure sectors, including in roles with a formal responsibility for influencing business and government leaders to embrace and drive innovation through their organisations.

His experience includes five years as chief executive of industry research body CIRIA, as well as a number of years as the corporate research and innovation director of Atkins. He recently founded a national centre for construction innovation and excellence in Scotland, is the founding Chair of the ICE’s Policy Panel, and is actively involved in national innovation forums related to both construction and infrastructure. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Civil Engineers, a Visiting Professor at both the University of Reading and the University of Dundee and External Examiner of MSc courses at UCL and Cambridge. He has maintained an active engagement in the development and deployment of BIM techniques for over a decade, and is Vice Chairman of BuildingSmart (UK) Ltd. He is also a Director of CEEQUAL Limited, and has become Vice President of the Institution of Civil Engineers in November 2011.

Professor Broyd has particular experience in conceiving and deploying strategy, policy and applied research to deliver business advantage across a broad spectrum of international markets. His credentials as an innovative thinker and leader are exemplified by the following invited appointments:

• chairing the Executive Advisory Board of the Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium, a 5-year, £7m interdisciplinary research programme on long term dynamics of interdependent UK infrastructure systems

• membership of the Engineering and Interdependency Expert Group of Infrastructure UK

• membership of Expert Panels set up to steer feasibility studies for tidal power in the Severn and Mersey estuaries

• chairing the Board of Urban Buzz, a 2-year, £7.5m knowledge transfer programme aimed at the development of sustainable com-munities and with a particular focus on the Thames Gateway

• chairing the ConstructIT network for a number of years

• chairing the most recent Government Foresight study on the con-struction sector

• membership of the ‘high level engagement group’ which helped steer Carbon Vision, a £10m research programme jointly funded by the Carbon Trust and EPSRC and aimed at carbon reduction in the UK’s building stock

Professor Broyd graduated from the University of Birmingham with a First Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering, and remained there to study for a PhD in the mixing of salt and fresh waters in natural British estuaries.

Professor Timothy William Broyd FREng FICE FRSA PhD BSc(Hons), Halcrow Group Director of Technology, Innovation and Sustainability

Peter JacobsCIOB Senior Vice President

Keynote speaker Keynote speaker

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AbstractsEnergy efficiency interventions in office buildings: refurbishment, interactive technologies Michelle Agha-Hossein 8

A comparison of methods for calculating the carbon footprint of a product Tony Barnett 9

The virtual pyranometer: Development and results of early field applications Peter Burgess 10

Analysis of low temperature district heating network performance serving experimental zero carbon homes in Slough, UK Robert Burzynski 11

A case study to investigate the life cycle carbon emissions and carbon storage capacity of a cross laminated timber, multi-storey residential building Howard Darby 12

Sustainable design benefits and analysis of ROI from the adoption of BIM processes and technologies within a (property & real estate) business Ruth Dowsett 13

Energy reduction and benchmarking in commercial kitchens Samantha Hearnshaw 14

Using evolutionary techniques to improve the multi sensor fusion of environmental measurements Andrew Hood 15

Sustainable community tools: What do tool users really want? Mohamed Ismail 16

A review of what data from sensors worn on the body can tell us about human behaviour Trevor Keeling 17

A Simulink model of an RTG crane Christopher Knight 18

The value of reducing minimum stable generation for integrating wind energy Marek Kubik 19

Sustainability assessment framework for renewable energy technology Soi Luong 20

A participatory design approach to the wicked problem of designing sustainable communities Tim McGinley 21

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD): Study for an augmented vertical axis wind turbine (AVAWT) Rosario Nobile 22

Adaptive buildings facades for thermal comfort in hot-humid climates Bridget Ogwezi 23

Smart Grids: A new incentive for SME carbon reduction? Jeremy Rawlings 24

Characterising and managing domestic electrical demand: A literature review Dan Saker 25

Wind lobby analysis: Effects of uncontrolled ventilation in food supermarkets Sahm Sawaf 26

Building information modelling and management in infrastructure programmes: A scoping study in crossrail Angelos Stasis 27

The impact of occupant behaviour on the variation between the design and in-use energy consumption of non-domestic buildings: An experimental approach Richard Tetlow 28

The likelihood of entanglement when bats meet breathable roofing membranes Stacey Waring 29

The impact of office productivity Cloud Computing on greenhouse gas emissions Dan Williams 30

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Energy efficiency interventions in office buildings: refurbishment, interactive technologiesAbstractImproving the energy performance of non-domestic buildings can play an important role in meeting UK energy targets. Halcrow aim to investigate whether/how innovative interventions can be employed to save energy without compromising occupants’ satisfaction, well-being and productivity. Halcrow’s recently refurbished HQ, known as Elms House (EH), has been taken as a case study for this research. Employees were moved to EH from two other London offices, one of them being the old HQ, Vineyard House (VH), adjacent to EH.

This research looks at two different interventions: the first (and main) intervention was to provide a newly refurbished work environment, while the second is to introduce interactive posters to the building which will encourage employees to save energy at their workplace. An employee benchmark survey and two post-occupancy surveys were conducted to indicate to what extent the first intervention has improved employees’ level of satisfaction with their environment. Also, a full year’s energy data were collected in order to assess whether the new building is likely to be more sustainable than VH.

The results showed that, in terms of energy consumption per m2, the first intervention was a success. However, in terms of performance gap, CO2 emission at EH in 2011 was 3 times higher than what anticipated. The new environment has increased the level of satisfaction of employees, but not significantly so. It was also noticed that spaces are not efficiently in use in the new building.

KeywordsEnergy saving, Non-domestic buildings, Occupants’ behaviour, Refurbishment and Post-Occupancy Evaluation

A comparison of methods for calculating the carbon footprint of a productAbstractCarbon footprinting is a way of estimating greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person. Methods for carbon footprinting are relatively new, and there are two emerging approaches: the process model and the input-output model. The carbon trust provided data from 365 products, that is analysed in this paper using two such methods. One method is an input-output model developed by the Centre for Sustainable Accounting and implemented by @UK PLC.

The other is a process model analysis conducted by PAS2050, a standard which lays out how to assess greenhouse gas emissions of a products life cycle. In addition to direct comparison of the results we use spectral clustering to examine relative similarities in the outputs of the two techniques and try to determine areas where the ratio between the carbon footprint of products is similar across the two techniques.

The outcome of the direct comparison shows that the resulting value of the two footprinting techniques have no significant direct linear relationship. The results of the spectral clustering show that, based on the selected similarity graph, there are no distinct clusters, and hence no meaningful relationship between the relative differences of products, across footprinting techniques.

KeywordsProduct carbon footprint, PAS2050, environmental impact, spectral clustering.

M.M.Agha-Hossein1*, A.Rowell1, A.A.Elmualim2, J.Ellis3, M.Williams4

1 Halcrow Group Ltd, London, W6 7EF

2 School of Construction Management and Engineering, University of Reading

3 School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading

4 Registered Occupational Psychologist (HPC)

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

A. Barnett1*, R. W. Barraclough2, V. Becerra3, S. Nasuto3

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments Centre, University of Reading, United Kingdom

2 @UK PLC, Aldermaston, United Kingdom

3 School of Systems Engineering, University of Reading, United Kingdom


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The virtual pyranometer: Development and results of early field applicationsAbstractA method for evaluating the radiation received on a tilted photovoltaic (PV) array at an intermediate location based on global horizontal radiation measurements from a network of weather stations in the United Kingdom (UK) is presented. The objective of this method is to provide accurate estimates of solar radiation on any PV system in the UK at lower cost than using competing approaches. This will allow for weather corrected condition monitoring.

While large PV systems can afford dedicated weather monitoring equipment, this is not economically feasible for smaller systems (<50 kWp). The use of a virtual pyranometer to augment the monitoring of such systems could allow the benefits of detailed radiation monitoring to be expanded to the >85% of UK PV capacity in systems of 10kW or less.

A three step process is described with spatial interpolation done using an inverse distance weighting method, diffuse and direct component separation done using a logistic function of hourly clearness index, daily clearness index, solar altitude, apparent solar time a persistence factor for global radiation developed by Boland et al. The third and final step is the transposition of the direct component using basic trigonometry and the Perez anisotropic model of the sky dome for the diffuse component.

The concept of the virtual pyranometer system is described and initial results of testing the elements of the virtual pyranometer model against real data are presented.

KeywordsSolar resources, condition monitoring, photovoltaics, pyranometer

Analysis of low temperature district heating network performance serving experimental zero carbon homes in Slough, UKAbstractProviding space heating and hot water to buildings via district heating (DH) schemes is a well known concept of heat supply to residential, commercial and industrial buildings. However, this technology has been utilised in UK only to a limited extent. Whereas large scale DH schemes serving hundreds and even thousands of dwellings are economically viable, smaller schemes serving low energy houses are very challenging. New building regulations impose higher energy efficiency standards and hence reduce the heat demands from new connections to DH schemes. Consequently, the proportion of heat lost from DH network to heat taken by customers is increasing. This paper presents the main characteristics and key design parameters of a small, low temperature district heating network, along with real operational parameters and energy performance of the district heating network.

The DH network supplies heat for space heating and domestic hot water to an experimental development of eight, mixed size, low energy homes and two apartments. The results of the analyses show noticeable difference between design parameters and the measured ones. Remedial works on the insulation of the connection pipework in each house and in the energy centre only had a very small effect on the DH network heat loss parameter. However, optimised settings of the Hydraulic Interface Unit and increasing heat exchange area of the heating coil in the ventilation system in each house helped to reduce the average DH return temperature, which had positive effect on performance of ground source heat pumps housed in the energy centre. Furthermore, the DH network proved itself as a reliable and flexible way of supplying renewable heat to residential buildings.

KeywordsLow Temperature district heating, energy performance, heat losses, low energy homes.

P.A. Burgess1*, M.M. Vahdati1, E.A. Essah1, S.K. Philip2 and D. Davies3

1 University of Reading, United Kingdom

2 SSE Contracting, United Kingdom

3 Solarcentury, United Kingdom


R. Burzynski1*, M. Crane2, R. Yao3 and V.M. Becerra4

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments, University of Reading, UK

2 SSE Utility Solutions, Thatcham, UK

3 School of Construction Management and Engineering, University of Reading, UK

4 School of Systems Engineering, University of Reading, Reading, UK


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A case study to investigate the life cycle carbon emissions and carbon storage capacity of a cross laminated timber, multi-storey residential buildingAbstractForests are a store of carbon and an eco-system that continually removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. If they are sustainably managed, the carbon store can be maintained at a constant level, while the trees removed and converted to timber products can form an additional long term carbon store. The total carbon store in the forest and associated ‘wood chain’ therefore increases over time, given appropriate management.

This increasing carbon store can be further enhanced with afforestation. The UK’s forest area has increased continually since the early 1900s, although the rate of increase has declined since its peak in the late 1980s, and it is a similar picture in the rest of Europe.

The increased sustainable use of timber in construction is a key market incentive for afforestation, which can make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

The case study presented in this paper demonstrates the carbon benefits of a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) solution for a multi-storey residential building in comparison with a more traditional reinforced concrete solution. The embodied carbon of the building up to completion of the construction is considered, together with the stored carbon during the life of the building and the impact of different end of life scenarios.

KeywordsBuilding; timber; carbon dioxide emissions; embodied carbon; life cycle.

Sustainable design benefits and analysis of ROI from the adoption of BIM processes and technologies within a (property & real estate) businessPresentation only This EngD project will investigate how new working processes utilising emerging BIM technologies can be developed to deliver more sustainable design processes, and to produce demonstrable benefits of these processes across the whole life cycle for wider implementation within the construction sector. The project will undertake a detailed empirical case study of the current practices of a leading organisation in the sector, and will then follow and participate in the process of developing and implementing new processes for sustainable design, focussing on both benefits realised and ROI. Linking new approaches to simulation and analysis within sustainable design to enhanced coordination of information via BIM throughout the construction process allows both reduction of rework and waste and the realisation of ‘designed-for-performance’ of new buildings and infrastructure.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of the context of the project, the research strategy, interim progress and the planned future direction of the research

KeywordsBIM, sustainable design, ROI, construction.

H. J. Darby1*, A.A. Elmualim2, F. Kelly3

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-ments, University of Reading, UK


3 Peter Brett Associates LLP, Reading, UK


R.M. Dowsett

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Energy reduction and benchmarking in commercial kitchensAbstractCommercial kitchens are one of the most profligate users of gas, water and electricity in the UK and can leave a large carbon footprint. It is estimated that the total energy consumption of Britain’s catering industry is in excess of 21,600 million kWh per year. In order to achieve sustainability, there are many avenues of investigation and innovation that may be applied. Achieving large savings within commercial kitchens may be attained by more appropriate kitchen design, equipment and menu design and staff operating behaviours. Resulting savings would be transferred directly to the net-profitability of the operators.

In order to facilitate appropriate energy reduction within a large chain of commercial kitchens, energy use must be translated into a form that can be compared between kitchens to enable operators to assess how they are improving and to allow rapid identification of facilities which require action. A review of relevant literature and current benchmarking methods are discussed in order to assist in the production and categorization of benchmarking energy reduction in commercial kitchens. Energy use within an industry leading operator was analysed using automated meter reading (AMR) data for the purpose of benchmarking and analysed in terms of factors such as size and output.

Recommendations are made to further improve the current benchmarking methods to attain a robust, reliable, transparent and easily updatable basis for the benchmark, such as the introduction of normalised performance indicators to include operational and environmental energy use.

KeywordsBenchmarking, commercial kitchen, energy-reduction.

Using evolutionary techniques to improve the multi sensor fusion of environmental measurementsAbstractWithin the Environmental Sciences, the ability to accurately collate, combine and present data from various sensors is important to validate research. Whilst measuring data from a single sensor is a standard practice, fusing the output of more than one sensor can be a complicated and computationally intensive process. Outlined is a brief introduction to the art of multi sensor fusion and a suggestion that fusion optimisation and analysis could be improved with the use of Evolutionary Techniques common within the field of Artificial Intelligence. Evolutionary techniques are used in a wide array of research areas, but their application and initial parameter settings are often unique to the specific task at hand.

By combining these two relatively established practices it is suggested that a new approach could be determined to provide a combined sensory output far superior to that of individual readings.

KeywordsArtificial Intelligence, sensor, fusion, evolutionary techniques, environmental

S. A. Hearnshaw1*, E.A Essah1, A. Grandison1 and R. Felgate2

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-ments, JJ Thomson Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 220, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AF, UK.

2 Mitchells & Butlers PLC, 27 Fleet Street, Birmingham, B3 1JP, UK


A.L. Hood1*, V.M.Becerra2 and R.Craddock3 1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-

ments Centre, University of Reading, UK

2 School of Systems Engineering, University of Reading, UK

3 Thales Research, Reading, UK


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Sustainable community tools: What do tool users really want?AbstractThe objective of the current research is to develop a sustainable community toolkit that can be used to identify a community’s priority sustainability objectives based on the community’s particular needs and issues, and then deliver tailored sustainability guidance for the community to achieve these objectives.

However, in order to develop the tool to be as practical, effective and accessible as possible for those who will use it, it is essential to consider in detail how such a tool should best be structured. In particular, what are users of the tool are actually seeking in terms of format and outputs, and what do they wish to avoid in terms of constraints. The paper sets out the methodology undertaken to determine this:

• analysis of the structural aspects of 36 sustainable community tools worldwide

• identification of the categories of people who are responsible for implementing sustainable community tools (“Tool Stakeholders”)

• identification of particular relevant Tool Stakeholders from the relevant categories (local authorities, developers, consultants and local community groups) with whom to consult

• preparation of a questionnaire for consultation with the Tool Stake-holders based on the structural analysis

• consultation with the Tool Stakeholders, which took place over April 2012

• analysis of the results of the consultation and drawing of appropri-ate conclusions.

The paper sets out key findings from the structural analysis of the existing tools, including in relation to tool origin, development approach, format (i.e. self-assessment, independent assessment, bespoke guidance or planning policy) and measurement comparison. The paper then goes on to set out the key findings from the Tool Stakeholder consultation and the consequent decisions made as to the structure and format of the new sustainable community toolkit.

KeywordsSustainable community tools, tool structure.

A review of what data from sensors worn on the body can tell us about human behaviourAbstractA range of data collection technologies now exist that can be worn on the body. These can provide large amounts of information about a person’s location, the surrounding physical environment, personal activity, physiology and their mood. This paper evaluates these particularly in terms of the type of data collected, its use in understanding behaviour in buildings and the level of intrusion of the device.

The data collected falls roughly into four types, measurements of physiological variables such as skin conductivity, measurements of position or acceleration, measures of the physical environment and complex information devices such as sound or video recorders. The level of intrusion varies, devices are embedded in clothing, worn around the neck, head and arm; some require user input most do not.

KeywordsUbiquitous monitoring, human behaviour, buildings, energy, data collection.

M. H. Ismail1, J. Doak2, D. Nicholson3, R. Yao4, A. Yates5

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-ments Centre, University of Reading, UK,

2 Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK

3 Herefordshire County Council, Hereford, UK


5 BRE Global, BRE, Watford, United Kingdom


T. Keeling1,3*, D. Clements-Croome2, R. Luck2 and P. Pointer3

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-ments, University of Reading, UK

2 School of Construction Management & Engi-neering, University of Reading, UK

3 Buro Happold, London, UK


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A Simulink model of an RTG crane AbstractIn this paper, the power system and operation of a Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) Crane is outlined and the process of creating a suitable mathematical model to allow testing of energy storage is presented. The UK Governments emissions targets combined with the rising cost of fuel are causing industry to look for fuel efficiency technology and strategies. Critically the plant machines cannot be taken off-line for testing due to the cost implications. So a method of evaluating efficiency solutions avoiding this, must be devised. The results show that a SimPowerSystems model is capable of providing a computer test bench fulfilling this need.

KeywordsRTG crane; SimPowerSystems; simulation; power

The value of reducing minimum stable generation for integrating wind energyAbstractThe integration of wind energy is a major driver toward grid decarbonisation in a number of electricity systems. However, no large-scale electricity grid is able to operate without some minimum level of conventional generation, which is required for both system security and to maintain power quality. This minimum stable generation level caps the amount of wind energy that can be used to satisfy system demand, and any excess must be curtailed if it cannot be stored. The curtailment of wind generation is undesirable for wind developers, as it reduces their economic viability, and increases costs for the system. It is also undesirable for the goal of reducing the carbon intensity of the grid, as zero-carbon generation is held back in order for fossil fuel based conventional generation to run. With increasing wind capacity, this problem becomes more severe.

Certain modifications can be made to conventional generation to reduce their minimum stable generation levels, with differing cost implications. This paper examines the system benefits of reducing the minimum stable generation level of Kilroot power station for the Northern Ireland electricity system under the 40% wind penetration level planned for 2020.

KeywordsVariability, intermittency, conventional generation, minimum stable generation

C. Knight1*, V. Becerra2, W. Holderbaum2, R. Mayer3

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environment Centre, University of Reading, JJ Thomson Building, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AF

2 School of Systems Engineering, University of Reading, Systems Engineering, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AY [email protected] [email protected]

3 3CRESS Ltd, Sciotech Office, Department of Engineering, University of Reading, RG6 6AY [email protected]


M. L. Kubik1*, P. J. Coker2, Mark Miller3 and J.F.Barlow1

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments, University of Reading, United Kingdom

2 School of Construction Management and Engineering, University of Reading, United Kingdom

3 AES Kilroot, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, United Kingdom


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Sustainability assessment framework for renewable energy technologyAbstractThe UK government has identified energy use in non-domestic buildings as one of the major contributors of carbon emissions in the UK. In order to help businesses to reduce the carbon emissions from their buildings the government has developed a number of incentive schemes designed to encourage renewable energy production. Consequently renewable energy technologies, such as solar PV and wind turbines, are becoming a more popular and affordable alternative energy solution. While providing a practical option for supplying clean energy, considered holistically these solutions may not always provide the most sustainable option.

The scope of this research specifically considers commercial offices and in particular aims to provide those with building management responsibilities with a mechanism to assess the sustainability of renewable energy technologies. Based upon a review of literature, a set of performance indicators has been developed taking into consideration economic, social, environmental and technical factors. The resulting framework of factors enables building managers to assess the suitability and sustainability of particular renewable energy technologies for their buildings.

KeywordsSustainability assessment framework, renewable energy, renewable technology, indicators

A participatory design approach to the wicked problem of designing sustainable communitiesAbstractLegislative mechanisms from the Localism Act in the UK, provide opportunities for communities to explore their future development aspirations through ‘neighbourhood planning’. The legislation assumes that non experts in dynamic and informal community systems will be able to: engage their community; capture their requirements; and develop and fund a plan that is representative of the needs of the community, this presents a series of challenges. Rittel and Webber have referred to this type of social policy challenge as a ‘wicked problem’.

Ackoff’s three rules for participation state that: participation needs to make a difference for the participants; that implementation of the results should be likely; and finally that it should be fun to participate. We investigate approaches including community engagement and community led planning as well as participatory design games and a new approach of science fiction prototyping (SFP). SFP provides an approach to encourage participation and increase engagement that is fun and creative. We assess the approaches to see which would be most appropriate to the challenge of designing a participatory system in the context of localism.

From the requirements of the localism legislation and participatory design we argue that a system to address this wicked problem should support users to: develop their vision of the future; provide a ‘roadmap’ to achieve their vision; and a mechanism to attract support. We investigate the feasibility of presenting the wider sustainability impact of the proposals to the users whilst engaged in the participatory design process. This investigation leads to a proposal for a new tool to provide communities with the support they require to plan and fund sustainable visions for their future.

KeywordsSustainable communities, participatory design games, science fiction prototyping, wicked problems.

S. Luong1*, K. Liu2, James Robey3


2 Informatics Research Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6UD [email protected]

3 Capgemini UK, Forge End, Woking, S urrey, GU21 6DB [email protected]


T.McGinley1*, K. Nakata2

1 Technology for Sustainable Built Environments, University of Reading, UK

2 Informatics Research Centre, University of Reading, UK


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Computational fluid dynamics (CFD): Study for an augmented vertical axis wind turbine (AVAWT)AbstractIn this paper a numerical study is conducted in analysing the flow inside and around a stator of an Augmented Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (AVAWT). Several simulations are presented (using the ANSYS CFX 12.0 software) for different sized stators, vane angles and conical surfaces on the top and bottom of the stator. A Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model is used during the simulations. The fluid domain is discretised with an unstructured tetrahedral mesh and the quality of the mesh is achieved by using metric quality tools. The aim of the paper is to understand if the presence of a stator around the rotor of a VAWT can be beneficial to the energy output of the machine. The diffuser/concentrator theory is revisited, as it can play an important role in the development of small wind turbines in the built environment.

KeywordsVertical axis wind turbine, diffuser augmented wind turbine, computational fluid dynamics, built environment, airfoil, small wind turbine

Adaptive buildings facades for thermal comfort in hot-humid climatesAbstractPassive design and low energy strategies have been researched, developed and effectively put into practice in buildings and the effectiveness of these strategies is closely linked to the specific climate in which they are used. Mid-latitude or temperate climates tend to benefit the most from passive design and significant energy savings are possible.

In hot and humid climates, for those that can afford it, air conditioning is a standard requirement and designers generally intend their buildings to include some sort of mechanical cooling system. However, providing thermal comfort in naturally buildings in this climate is a big challenge. The dominant factor affecting thermal comfort is the relative humidity; even an increase in air movement might not significantly improve the body’s ability to lose heat to the atmosphere if the air is saturated or close to saturation. This paper highlights the issues surrounding thermal comfort in hot and humid climates, the limitations of current practices and introduces a new and adaptive facade system aimed at reducing the moisture content in indoor air to improve comfort conditions, taking Mumbai as a case study.

Keywordsadaptive facades, hot-humid climates, thermal comfort, natural ventilation, passive design.

R. Nobile1*, Dr M. Vahdati1, Dr J. Barlow1, Dr A. Mewburn-Crook2

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Envi-ronment Centre, University of Reading, JJ Thomson Building, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AF

2 Matilda’s Planet Manufacturing Ltd, One Green Place, Unit 36, Kenfig Industrial Estate, Margam Port Talbot, Swansea, SA13 2PE [email protected]


B. Ogwezi1*, G. Jeronimidis2, G. Cook2, J.Sakula3, S. Gupta3


2 School of Construction Management and Engineering, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AW

3 Buro Happold, 17 Newman Street, London, W1T 1PD


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Smart Grids: A new incentive for SME carbon reduction?AbstractCollectively SMEs are significant energy users although many are unregulated by existing policies due to their low carbon emissions. Carbon reduction is not a priority for many small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) but smart grids may create a new opportunity. A future smart electricity grid will give suppliers a clearer picture of energy flows to consumers in real-time and the opportunity for consumers to engage in demand side management, through pricing incentives. Smart grids can ease the challenge of matching electricity supply and demand throughout the coming decade as the proportion of renewable electricity increases and existing coal and nuclear power stations close. Managing unregulated electricity consumption will become more important as more renewable electricity is generated. As well as incentivising local carbon reduction, engaging SMEs with smart grids has potential for contributing to wider grid decarbonisation.

Modelling of buildings, business activities and technology solutions is needed to identify opportunities for carbon reduction. The diversity of the SME sector complicates strategy development. SMEs are active in almost every business area and occupy the full range of property types. This paper reviews previous modelling work, exposing valuable data on floor space and energy consumption associated with different business activities. Limitations are seen with the age of this data and an inability to distinguish SME energy use.

By modelling SME energy use, electrical loads are identified which could be load-shifted on demand, in a smart network. Initial analysis of consumption, not constrained by existing policies, identifies opportunities for future smart grid research. These include heating and cooling in retail and commercial offices. Hot water in hotel and catering and retail sectors may also be significant because of the energy storage potential. Areas to consider for energy efficiency schemes are also indicated.

KeywordsNon-domestic buildings, carbon emissions, SMEs, smart grids

Characterising and managing domestic electrical demand: a literature reviewAbstractThis article presents key findings from literature regarding household electricity demand data that has been both simulated and measured. The various methodologies and approaches found in the literature have been contrasted and analysed to provide an accurate description of a typical daily demand profile for dwelling’s in the UK. Statistics showing the ownership of appliances is reported alongside their usage patterns for the purpose of characterising the aggregation of domestic loads in the UK.

Analysis of residential demand data highlights its highly volatile nature, with the largest peaks being observed in the evening period. It is recognised within the energy industry that this unpredictable domestic electricity demand arising from unregulated appliance usage is both uneconomical and unsustainable, particularly if the UK is to shift from fossil fuel electricity generation to renewable sources. This article further examines where the greatest potential is to reduce or shift household electricity demand by recommending strategies based on what is widely documented in the literature.

KeywordsElectricity load profiles, demand side management, appliances.

JM Rawlings1*, PJ Coker2, AJ Doak3 and B Burfoot4

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-ments Centre, University of Reading, UK


3 School of Real Estate and Planning, University of Reading, UK

4 Reading Borough Council, Civic Centre, Reading, UK


D.Saker1*, S.Millward2, M.Vahdati3, and E.Essah3 1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-

ment, University of Reading, UK

2 SSE Energy Efficiency, Vastern Rd, UK



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Wind lobby analysis: Effects of uncontrolled ventilation in food supermarketsAbstractEntrances in supermarkets are an aspect of uncontrolled ventilation, where airflow is determined by door sizes, positions and opening frequency. Draught is caused by wind-induced pressure forces and buoyancy forces and these often act together. In order to reduce their impact, building designers often specify wind lobbies, which are often costly and may not always be effective. However, limited information is available in current literature regarding the success of such wind lobbies in buildings.

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a wind lobby in reducing uncontrolled ventilation in a food supermarket. To improve upon current knowledge, data logging sensors were installed to monitor the temperature and the relative humidity in a centrally air-conditioned store. The selected store is in Yorkshire, where the recorded average winter temperatures in 2010 were 4.1°C, -1.0°C, and 1.5°C for maximum, minimum and mean values respectively. The store has an approximate sales area of 5000m2, but the research focuses on the front of the store, where an air curtain and a wind lobby are installed.

The wind lobby dimensions are 10 × 5.3 × 3.7 m for the length, width and height respectively. Tinytag data loggers recording every two minutes are installed inside the lobby at 1.1m and 2.2m heights and inside the store at 1.0 m and 2.2 m height. Monitoring has taken place since February 2012 for one year to assess the variability in uncontrolled ventilation and how it is related to external weather conditions. Results will be presented concerning the temperature distribution around the wind lobby, and thus how effective it is in reducing cold air infiltration to the store.

KeywordsUncontrolled Ventilation, Mechanical Ventilation, Wind Lobby, Temperature Sensors, Temperature Variation.

Building information modelling and management in infrastructure programmes: A scoping study in crossrailAbstractThe UK Government’s Construction Strategy has huge implications for public procurement. Of particular interest is its Building Information Modelling and Management (BIM) Agenda, which calls for radical changes in the management and delivery of technical information for public projects to address issues of cost, value and carbon. Empirically-grounded research in engineering project organisations theorise current modes of organising, processing and managing technical information as a ‘digital infrastructure for delivery’ that supports the physical infrastructure. This digital infrastructure consists of the standards, repositories and various types of technical information required for delivering a project; it provides a mechanism for coordination, accountability and control, as well as for knowledge sharing.

Based on ongoing research in Crossrail, an ambitious UK public infrastructure programme, this paper examines how a digital infrastructure has become central to its delivery. Crossrail and Bentley Systems, its technology partner, are responding to the latest Construction Strategy, by focusing on advanced processes and systems for BIM. This initial scoping study draws from existing programme data, hands-on usage of digital collaboration tools, interviews, meetings, discussions and overall immersive research in Crossrail’s technical design and innovation. The findings articulate how integrated software forms a digital infrastructure for delivery, through the combination of three distinct repositories of technical information: documentation (and asset documentation), building models and geographical systems. In light of the policy ambitions to support sustainable infrastructure through better quality data in BIM, the configuration of this ‘digital infrastructure for delivery’ provides a new means of organising, processing and managing technical information for handover to owners and operators.

KeywordsInformation management, technical information, digital infrastructure, BIM, design, innovation.

S. Sawaf1*, J. Barlow1, E. Essah2, J. Broadbent3 and B. Gregson3

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-ments Centre, University of Reading, UK

2 School of Construction, Management and Engineering, University of Reading, UK

3 Johnson Construction, Gatehead Business Park, Delph, UK


A. Stasis1,2*, J. Whyte2, T, Stephens3 and R. Dentten4

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments Industrial Doctorate Centre, University of Reading, United Kingdom

2 Design Innovation Research Centre, University of Reading, United Kingdom

3 Bentley Systems Plc, United Kingdom

4 Crossrail Ltd, United Kingdom


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The impact of occupant behaviour on the variation between the design and in-use energy consumption of non-domestic buildings: An experimental approachAbstractThere is an increasing demand on the construction industry to deliver energy efficient non-domestic buildings but there is evidence to suggest that, in practice, designs regularly fail to achieve the anticipated levels of in-use energy consumption. One of the key factors behind this discrepancy is the behaviour of the building occupants. Expanding on a previous paper which highlighted the need to target both “automatic” and deliberative action when attempting to influence behavior, this paper explores how insights from experimental psychology can be used to reduce the gap between the predicted and actual energy performance of buildings.

It reports on the findings of an experiment where normative prompts, are used to encourage occupants to switch off the lights when leaving meeting rooms in a commercial office building. Additionally, it outlines the development of a further experiment which incorporates aspects of prospect theory into real-time electricity feedback. The paper concludes that achieving energy efficiency in buildings is not solely a technological issue and that the construction industry needs to adopt a more user-centered approach to the design process.

KeywordsOccupant behavior, normative prompts, feedback, electricity consumption.

The likelihood of entanglement when bats meet breathable roofing membranesAbstractTraditional roofing felt such as bitumen felt, has for the past century been considered a safe option for use within bat roosts, with only rare reports of problems. Modern roofing methods favour non-woven materials such as breathable roofing membranes (BRMs) and since their introduction into UK roof construction around 15 years ago, the production of non-woven materials has more than trebled. However, most modern BRMs are thought unsuitable for use within bat roosts, following a number of reports and anecdotal evidence of death through entanglement in fibres which have been pulled loose.

Through the study of bat claws and modification of industry standard testing methods, we have investigated the likely outcome of bat interactions with these membranes. The results presented show that whilst industry tests consider standard stresses within a roof, they do not give an accurate interpretation of what happens when bats come into contact with such membranes. The likelihood of entanglement in a number of roosting scenarios is discussed. The ultimate aim is to use the data to aid the production of clear mitigation guidelines for use by those working towards bat conservation and those in the roofing industry wanting to meet increasing energy efficiency targets by using modern roofing materials.

KeywordsBats, Roofing Membranes, Entanglement, Conservation.

R.M. Tetlow1*, C. P. Beaman2,3, A.A. Elmualim4 and K. Couling5

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments, University of Reading, UK

2 School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, UK

3 Centre for Integrative Neuroscience & Neurodynamics, University of Reading, UK


5 AECOM, Bristol, UK


S.D.Waring1*, E.A.Essah2 and K. Gunnell3

1 Technologies for the Sustainable Built Environment Centre, University of Reading

2 School of Construction Management, University of Reading

3 Bat Conservation Trust, Kennington Lane, Vauxhall


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The impact of office productivity Cloud Computing on greenhouse gas emissionsAbstractA cloud computing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) model has been used to quantify the impact of Microsoft’s Office 365 (O365) software suite. The standalone office 2010 (O2010) suite was used as a control. O365 is a cloud based software companion to O2010. Previous research has indicated cloud computing can be more energy and GHG efficient than traditional computing; although, it is highly dependent upon computing type. Comparable products from each suite were selected and activities were defined for each product to represent a different computing type.

The model has been split into three key stages of data centre, networking and user device energy consumption. Microsoft provided highly confidential data for the data centre stage. Networking and user device stages were measured directly. For the user device stage a new measurement and software apportionment approach has been defined and utilised. This allowed the power consumption of cloud services to be directly measured on a user device.

Results indicated that cloud computing for the Excel and Outlook products emitted less GHG than in O2010. Outlook O2010 and Excel O2010 respectively emitted 88% and 107% more GHG than Outlook O365. However, Word in O2010 emitted considerably less GHG than Word O365.

KeywordsEnvironment, Green IT, Cloud computing, GHG, software.

Daniel R. Williams*1, Yinshan Tang2

1 Technologies for Sustainable Built Environ-ments (TSBE) Centre,University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AF, United Kingdom

2 Informatics Research Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6UD, United Kingdom


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Abstract papers of the third annual TSBE EngD conference

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Abstract papers of the third annual TSBE EngD conference · 2012-07-24 · 2 TSBE EngD conference...

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