Monitoring the performance of low energy dwellings: Two UK case studies

• We assessed the performance of low energy dwellings focusing on the post-construction phase of the building process.
• The results of the systems and fabric performance tests showed that the dwellings perform closely to expectations.
• The evaluation of the construction and monitoring processes suggested that the achievement of the targets was not an easy task.
• The findings from this study helped to identify issues that could potentially cause problems in the construction process.

Recent studies show a mismatch between expected and actual performance in low energy buildings. The differences have been attributed to occupant behaviour and poor quality of the construction. Monitoring building performance during and after construction can ensure that systems and fabric perform as designed. This study sought to evaluate the delivery process of low energy dwellings including the energy and environmental monitoring processes and the performance of the building itself. The study focused on the post-construction phase of the building process and consists of a construction review, as well as fabric and system performance tests. The results of the tests show that the dwellings perform close to design expectations. However, the performance monitoring highlighted issues that could have undermined their performance. The results of the study stress the utility of monitoring activities in low energy buildings, and specifically the need for monitoring low carbon technologies. Recommendations are given to improve the efficiency of monitoring processes in low energy dwellings.