A building performance indicator ontology: Structure and applications

Abstract

This paper introduces a proposal for a comprehensive ontology of Building Performance Indicators (BPI). To establish this ontology, we utilize an extensive review of BPIs in thermal, air quality, visual, and acoustical domains. For each domain, categorical classification schemes are established first. We then list, for each category, illustrative instances of common BPIs. Subsequently, the ontology's structural core is introduced, together with a systematic specification of the attributes of building performance variables. To demonstrate the general applicability of the ontology, it is tested against a diverse sample of BPIs. Finally, we exemplify the utility of the ontologically structured BPI information with visualization application as a case in point.