Performance gap between asset and operational energy performance rating for non-residential buildings

Abstract

This paper aims at identifying anomalies that may exist when an asset rating is compared to the actual energy consumption of a non-residential building. This study is part of an on-going Ph.D. study focusing on the performance gap phenomena between energy consumption and energy modelling using standardized energy performance software. As a first stage, it is important to identify the extent of this gap by studying various local non-residential projects with EPCs, as calculated by the Simplified Building Energy Model for Malta (SBEMmt). Discrepancies have been identified for two buildings (a large hospital and a large office building). A first approach for solving such discrepancies have been made to change or enhance the status quo, so that the EPC would become more meaningful for our local situation and for developing energy efficient buildings in the future. The peculiarity of Malta as being predominately cooling will be highlighted and contrasted.