A framework for energy performance indicators: Applying the composite indicator method for a university campus

The available methods to describe energy performance of a complex system such as a university campus are limited to building systems only with minimal reference to the surrounding context. This research is an attempt to investigate some systemic questions at both the building and urban scale and to quantify system performance in a holistic framework utilizing an aggregated performance indicator approach. The dissertation utilizes simulation tools to identify a credible set of campus energy performance indicators integrating both the building and site levels and taking into account the spatial arrangement surrounding each building. The research method propose a series of simulation experiments for a predefined group of building and site performance metrics classified under three categories: form, orientation and location. Building energy performance is calculated using building simulation tools. The remainder of the building and site level metrics are computed using environmental simulation tools. The resulting indicators are normalized, weighted and aggregated to form an urban Campus Energy Performance Index (CePI). The research outcome develops a new method to aid stakeholders in making informed decisions and can be used as a communication tool at different stages of design and planning.