English

Mixed mode buildings are attracting a considerable amount of interest due to their apparent potential to deliver comfortable, healthy conditions with significant energy and environmental benefits. BRE and WBA are currently engaged in a three year research programme to generate the guidance necessary to achieve the effective integration of various mixed mode strategies into the most appropriate building forms, considering the occupying organisation's mode of operation. The project will culminate in the production of a CIBSE Applications Manual.

The BRE is developing an energy rating scheme for non-domestic buildings on behalf of the DoE, designed to encourage voluntary good practice and for possible future use within the Building Regulations. The scheme will allow building specifiers, occupiers and others to define and compare building performance in simple. terms. The UK programme is in its early stages, and a key part of its technical development and implementation involves consultation with a wide range of potential users. This paper outlines the policy and commercial needs driving the programme.

BRE, working with a group of industry and property representatives, have developed a simple method for assessing the likely energy efficiency of air conditioned and mechanically ventilated buildings. For new buildings, the method uses information available at the early design stages. It therefore provides designers with a tool to assess the implications of various plant and envelope options from the beginning. It can be used as a label or target for energy efficiency and, as such, as a means of assessing buildings in both voluntary systems such as BREEAM or perhaps in Building Regulations.

Fifty six office buildings in nine European countries were audited during the heating season of 1993-1994 using an agreed upon procedure to investigate the indoor air quality and energy consumption. The results of this IAQ-Audit project show that the largest indoor pollution sources in office buildings are construction materials furnishings and indoor activities, immediately followed by the HV AC systems themselves. Thus, priority must be given to source control.

There has been a recent growth of interest in the use of passive cooling in buildings, particularly in the use of chilled ceilings, including both beams and radiant panels. However, there is still concern about the risk of condensation on cold surf aces and water dripping onto occupants or furnishings, especially where there is no control over the level of humidity for instance in naturally ventilated buildings.

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technologies particularly chilled water storage are being applied increasingly by Services Engineers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reduce electrical demand and lower energy consumption in buildings. This development has received added impetus by the introduction in 1995 of the Load Reduction Programme by the electricity supply authority. The programme aims at managing the shortfall between available electrical supplies and the rapidly increasing demand.

Design for good indoor air quality IAQ) aims to prevent occupant discomfort, irritation, and illness. Sick building syndrome symptoms, discomfort and irritation can easily be the result of other, non-IAQ environmental variables. There is evidence that many such symptoms or complaints result from noise, poor lighting, lack of privacy or control, and other environmental factors that can cause these symptoms and complaints.