Simulation of environmental impacts of commercial building systems

Hourly energy simulation  was used in combination with a life cycle assessment framework to model the environmental effects of energy consumption in buildings. The energy efficiencies and environmental impacts resulting from the construction and operation of alternative technnologies for providing space and water heating, cooling, and electrical power for equipment and lights in commercial buildings is evaluated. The analysis shows that building load characteristics are one of the main factors affecting the selection of technologies  and  operational strategies   to   limit   the   environmental   impacts  of building energy systems.