Performance gap? energy, health and comfort needs in buildings

Research on performance gap suggests that the actual energy consumption in buildings can be twice as much as expected. Energy models rely on predictive indicators and assumptions that are usually done at design stage, without acknowledging behavioural patterns of actual users. Moreover, in the context of performance gap, it is evident that energy efficiency is overemphasised while other key issues such as health and comfort of occupants, indoor air quality, noise levels etc. have been less stressed and discussed. This paper discusses the performance gap using surveys and physical measurements in a case study building at the University of Cambridge and reports findings of a research workshop with graduate students working on environmental performances of the built environment. The workshop addressed research issues related to energy, comfort and health, used as a method to understand the complexities of and trade-off between different aspects of sustainable buildings. According to the results, it is possible to balance energy, health and comfort needs in building projects. Lessons can be learned from the university’s old and new building projects to inform future research and policies.