Measurement of building energy intensity towards potential of building retrofit for M50, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Abstract

As Malaysia aims to become a developed country, tremendous development cause the electrical energy consumption to increase. This consumption is somehow can be reduced by implementing energy efficient technology in the new and existing building. With this effort, it will help to reduce energy consumption and electricity costs spend by the building. The aim of this study is to identify the Building Energy Intensity (BEI) towards potential for retrofitting initiatives, M50 building in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The first approach was by studied the recent energy consumption, layout of floor area, information of electrical equipment (type, power and frequency of the usage) and also the energy efficient technologies that were installed of M50. The data collected were used to identify the actual BEI which then was compared with the monthly building energy index. The result showed that the demand of building energy intensity was not reached maximum utilization. The highest utilization of energy recorded was only 40%. In order to understand the nature of electrical usage by the occupants, a set of questionnaires were distributed. From the feedback of the questionnaires, the building user possessed positive behaviors toward energy saving. They were also satisfied with the performance of electrical appliances and facilities in the building. Besides that, majority of the occupants preferred solar photovoltaic (PV) to be installed at the building as priority option of retrofitting technology. Therefore, a series of interviews with the qualified PV service provider companies were conducted. The implementation cost for the solar system is RM 129,600 with the return of investment 26.0 to 21.9 % for the range from 1 to 22 years and the payback period is 3 years and 11 months.