On modelling of resiliency events using building performance simulation: a multi-objective approach

Abstract

Climate change brings several challenges to BPS practitioners beyond GHG emission mitigation. Adaptation to grid-outage events, caused by both acute and chronic stresses, requires consideration of how building services can be provided to occupants in a time of need. At the moment, we lack both the tools and processes to quantify key metrics such as thermal resiliency in tandem with annual performance indicators. This paper proposes a multi-objective approach using thermal resiliency, annual net-energy, and life-cycle cost to better quantify building performance during grid-outages. The approach can handle a variety of events, using shortened simulation periods, and consider cost-implications of outages by applying the value of the lost load to annual operational costs. The methodology is demonstrated using a case-study and a historical grid-outage from an ice-storm event. Resiliency indicators are improved by two times and the payback of upgrade packages is decreased to 14 years for a single outage event.