A review of homes implementing green technologies in two climates

Abstract

Much effort has been focused on energy saving of green technologies, however, their actual performance is not widely known. This dissertation elucidates the performance of implemented green technologies in homes under two different climates, namely, tropical and cold climates. The aim is to firstly investigate the discrepancy between estimated performance during the designed phase and actual performance after occupancy. Secondly, to explore the impact of the occupants’ behaviours on the performance of these technologies in energy saving. Lastly, to estimate the lifecycle saving of these technologies throughout their lifetime duration. The research focuses on green housing developments in Malaysia and the UK, where broad range of implemented technologies has been distinguished. Mesra Terrace Development in Kuala Lumpur was chosen to represent the context in Malaysia, while BedZED Development in Sutton in the UK was selected under the cold temperature zone. The study employed a quantitative method for the data collection. The empirical assessment of the after occupancy performance is based on the analysis of energy power and water consumptions as well as savings in both designed and operational phases. The findings indicate that simulation and modeling approaches, in some cases, did not reflect the actual performance of the green homes. Moreover, it shows how the occupants’ behaviours and practices are important, when explaining households’ energy savings. Public ecological awareness and green education have significantly contributed in directing the occupants towards proper practices, in terms of operating and utilizing the benefits of the green technologies. In addition, it has been asserted that lifecycle saving of the implemented green technologies in homes is determined by their green cost premiums, which depend on the green market and on their lifecycle maintenance and operational costs.