Knowledge Pervasive Approach to Buildings Assessment against Sustainability Criteria

　　Abstract: This paper aims to introduce a novel approach to buildings assessment at design stage against sustainability criteria with particular focus on the effective use of experts’ knowledge to achieve higher energy efficiency throughout lifecycles of different buildings. To facilitate knowledge reuse in assessing buildings design, the analytic network process (ANP) method is adopted to set up assessment models. In this regard, two sets of key performance indicators (KPIs), which are quantitatively selected by using a generic approach called energy efficiency index (EEI), are then introduced to support the construction of assessment models for either building or facade system assessment. Finally, experimental case studies are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of using the new method to support decision making among design options; and demonstrations are introduced with a further application of a Microsoft Excel tool, which has been developed to facilitate the adoption of the new assessment method in buildings design. Further research and development are discussed to seek for potential collaborations.

　　Keywords: Building design　　Assessment　　Façade　　Decision making　　　Lifecycle　　Energy efficiency