ENERGY AND ARCHITECTURE (ARC61904)
TUTOR: Dr Siti Norzaini Zainal Abidin
Assignment 01 :
Low Energy Building Analysis
The module emphasizes the role of energy efficiency in low energy building in architectural design through an analysis and evaluation of a selected low energy building (Residential/Institutional/Commercial/Office/Hospitality). It is vital for us to be aware of the differences of the implementation of energy-efficient strategies when discussing low-energy buildings or energy-efficient buildings. We, students are to consider the implementation as holistic components of architectural design, which may be critically assessed with theories followed by performance in practical. Specific topics of energy-efficient strategies are to be addressed and identified namely façade, building system, management, and how these affect the performance of the building. The module equips us with knowledge of building science and skills in the use of effective technology in energy and building design as a whole.
REFLECTION
In this project, I've learnt the importance of teamwork in order to ensure the successful completion of the project. Everyone has to be responsible and contribute their part in the tasks they are assigned. I'm glad that I have great team members who worked well with me. Through this project, I've also learnt to analyse and identify the different energy-efficient strategies applied in a low energy building as well as the significance and impact of the strategies towards our environment in ensuring its sustainability.
Assignment 02 :
A walkthrough Energy Audit E-Report
This assignment emphasizes the role of a walkthrough audit as a process used to establish an overall practice of the potential energy savings through visual presentation. HVAC, lighting, building maintenance and other factors affecting the energy consumption of the building which in this context, it is our own home. Simple calculation is done to quantify the current and potential implementation of the identified Energy Conservation Measure (ECM). Usually it is carried out in 1-2 days with/without a team depending on the scale and complexity of the building with the usage of the tools (lux meter, thermometer, hygrometer) will serve the purpose. For this exercise, we had to carry out a field measurement to establish the incoming load profile, major energy usage (segmentation), HVAC and lighting system of your own home. Following that, we had to provide suggestions on the renewable management system (Passive Cooling/Lighting, retrofitting lighting system with LED light source/dimmer, effective waste management, controlling Heat/Glare with Façade or device) to achieve energy efficiency
REFLECTION
Through this audit e-report, I have gotten the chance to inspect my home and identify the principles of energy-efficient systems and the overall practice of potential energy savings applied. Besides that, I have realised the significance and impact of energy-efficient systems as well as behavioural practices in the overall energy consumption of a building. Before this, I was not aware of my energy consumption habits and the huge carbon footprint caused in my own household. Hence, I hope to apply more energy efficient and saving strategies in my household to reduce energy consumption as well as ensuring minimal harmful impact to the environment. Through the comparison of estimated and actual electrical and water bills, daily, weekly and monthly energy usage, I was able to evaluate the energy consumption and the implementation of its strategies to reduce energy usage in design to deliver low energy architectural design. Moreover, I was also exposed to the different energy-saving strategies that utilise renewable energy and practices that can be implemented in my own home among the occupants for the betterment of the environment.