A matrix tool for assessing the performance of intelligent buildings

Techniques and technologies for use in designing, constructing and operating intelligent buildings are well known or available on the market and many intelligent buildings have been built. However, just how intelligent these buildings actually are in comparison to conventional buildings is often a question. Due to the lack of a commonly accepted method and pertinent supporting data, the assessment of the overall performance of intelligent buildings cannot be carried out. It remains difficult, if not impossible, to carry out a fair comparison between different buildings in term of intelligence. As a result, the construction industry proceeds without adequate knowledge about the best practice in intelligent building. The concept of intelligent building appeared initially in the early 1980s. Since then, the definition of intelligent building has been evolving with different emphasis, mainly driven by the development of relevant technologies and the changing needs for the built environment. This has resulted in differing notions of what constitutes an intelligent building. For the purpose of assessment the definition of an intelligent building has been reviewed and refined. Based on the adopted definition, a matrix tool has been developed. The objective of this tool is to provide facilities managers with an effective methodology for improving the energy and indoor environmental performance of their building stock. With appropriate development, the methodology could also form the basis of voluntary or regulatory methodology for building intelligence accreditation.