Performance of new build non-domestic energy-positive buildings

Jones, Christopher 2025. Performance of new build non-domestic energy-positive buildings. MPhil Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Climate change and global warming driven by anthropogenic activities, represent the most critical environmental challenges facing future generations. The adoption of energy-positive buildings is essential for achieving carbon reduction targets. However, the complexity of non-domestic energy-positive buildings, particularly the performance gap between predicted and actual energy demand and the variability of renewable generation, poses significant challenges. Energy professionals have identified that current industry practices lack time-efficient assessment methods, tailored monitoring procedures and structured benefit frameworks to validate energy performance during the project delivery of energy-positive buildings. The findings and contributions of this research are as follows:  A test assessment method was developed and applied to the Bay Technology Centre, which demonstrated that achieving energy-positive status is possible at the design stage; however, operational performance fell short due to technical issues.  Energy metering and monitoring practices were critically reviewed, which identified the need for more targeted guidance to support non-domestic energy-positive building projects.  The Bay Technology Centre’s metering strategy met and exceeded regulatory requirements. The thesis proposes enhanced energy balance, cumulative and monthly monitoring techniques to detect performance issues at an early stage.  A comparative analysis between an energy-positive and a conventional office building revealed significant energy and carbon performance advantages, with nearly equivalent operational energy costs, challenging the perception that energy-positive buildings are more expensive to operate. This study developed a novel energy system assessment model and performance check methodology tailored for energy-positive projects. It also proposed a framework for quantifying energy, carbon, and cost benefits, offering a replicable model for future projects. Overall, this research validates the potential of energy-positive buildings when supported by rigorous assessment, monitoring, and operational strategies. The findings provide actionable insights to advance decarbonisation in non-domestic building provision and contribute to achieving the Welsh Government’s net zero ambitions.

Item Type:	Thesis (MPhil)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1. Energy-positive buildings 2. Renewable energy variability 3. Energy monitoring and metering 4. Energy system assessment 5. Energy Performance gap 6. Decarbonisation
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	12 December 2025
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2025 08:58
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183078

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