Decision making tool for retrofitting of existing building for energy reduction in higher learning institution

Abstract

Retrofitting of existing building in Higher Learning Institution (HLI) has becomes the priority action due to the concern to improve the current energy utilization and indirectly to overall environmental impact. However, prior to retrofitting, it is crucial to evaluate several factors because it's dealing with complex process such issues of design, type of green technologies and system efficiency which regards to decision making in order to ensure the achievement of realistic and rational solutions. This paper highlights a development of decision-making tool for retrofitting of existing building for energy reduction known as Multi-Criteria Retrofitting Building Energy Efficient Building (MCREEB). MCREEB helps to directly indicate the type of practice (best practice, good practice, moderate practice and basic practice) and preferences (exemplary, proficient, apprentice and novice) based on the weightage achieve and the number of criteria selected. Two case studies on building which is M50 Faculty of Civil Engineering and T05 Faculty of Science at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia were used to assess the utilization of MCREEB tool. The assessment considered all relevant retrofitting criteria which identified in this study. The radar chart is cast to portray the most likely influence of criteria during the decision of retrofit. Lighting and occupancy sensor are among green technologies used for retrofitting in the case studies, and its response to criteria of design, economic, environmental, occupants comfort, building physical and technical. This study contributes to the stakeholders in HLI, building industry professional, national or international organization who preferred to ops for sustainable building practices. McREEB provide a way to conduct retrofitting idea through the assessment criteria which would benefit to the actual implementation and aid the decision makers in retrofitting evaluation.