Evaluating Thermal Comfort in Zero-Energy Developments: A Case Study of BedZED

Cherian, Benjamin A; Tokbolat, Serik; Rodrigues, Lucelia

Abstract

The significant energy consumption attributed to buildings in Europe underscores the critical need to balance thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) emerged as a pioneering model in the early 2000s, aiming for energy neutrality and minimal CO2 emissions. However, recent evaluations reveal shortcomings in its performance, highlighting evolving challenges in maintaining energy efficiency over time. Through the aid of a simulation model and dynamic simulation, this paper investigates BedZED's current performance and projects its future trajectory. Furthermore, the study seeks to evaluate how BedZED responds to minor interventions intended to enhance thermal comfort. The findings demonstrate a persistent rise in overheating risk over successive projected years (up to 2080), yet interventions prove effective in substantially alleviating this issue. Moreover, the study suggests that while the sunspace concept may have been viable previously, current trends indicate a need for retrofitting to mitigate solar gains and counteract escalating temperatures during hot summer periods.

Citation

Cherian, B. A., Tokbolat, S., & Rodrigues, L. (2024, July). Evaluating Thermal Comfort in Zero-Energy Developments: A Case Study of BedZED. Presented at 1st International Conference of Net Zero Carbon Built Environment, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: 1st International Conference of Net Zero Carbon Built Environment
• Start Date: Jul 3, 2024
• End Date: Jul 5, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-07
• Deposit Date: Oct 2, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 6, 2024
• Journal: The 1st International Conference of Net Zero Carbon Built Environment
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-11
• Keywords: energy efficiency; cooling; passive strategies; building fabric
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/39163737
• Related Public URLs: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/low-carbon-energy-and-resources-technologies-research-group/international-conference-of-net-zero-carbon-built-environment.aspx