Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 3 Operation and maintenance-phase uncertainties
Operations and maintenance
uncertainties
Classification
Characteristics
Actual benefits of the
refurbishment
Internal
The actual benefits in energy savings of the
refurbishment can be uncertain due occupancy
behavior, equipment performance, and changes
in weather conditions (Azar and Menassa
2012b
; Masoso and Grobler
2010
; and Pless
and Torcellini
2009
)
Non-energy cost savings or
benefits
There is uncertainty in the non-energy cost savings
or benefits due to the difficulty and subjectivity
in quantifying these benefits (e.g., improved
occupancy productivity and health) (Turner
Construction
2010
)
Whole-building performance
There is uncertainty in optimizing and quantifying
energy efficiency, durability, and occupant
productivity; therefore, it is hard to determine
the future whole-building performance. This
will impact the returns from the building and
the resale value (Brown
2008
and Sisson et al.
2007
)
Revenue from building
operation
The revenue from building operation can be
uncertain due to the difficulty to quantify
benefits of the NZER and the willingness of
tenants to pay the extra premium for NZER
(McCabe
2011
)
Operation and maintenance
costs
Sources of uncertainty are the operation and
maintenance costs of the NZER due to the
limited available information to stakeholders of
how often and when maintenance will be
required as well as the timing of this
maintenance (US DOE
2012
)
Performance of renewable
energy systems
Renewable energy system's performance depends
on the building location and available space.
For example, the performance of wind turbines
and solar panel systems is very dependent on
uncertain conditions such as weather and sun
exposure (Marszal et al.
2012
and Leckner and
Zmeureanu
2011
)
Real estate market
fluctuations
External
Changes in regulation of real estate and the future
demand for sustainable buildings are sources of
uncertainty for NZER (Parker
2009
)
(continued)
