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Life cycle assessment (LCA) is considered to be the most systematic methodology that is widely used in the area of energy analysis. However, embodied energy (EE) and carbon (EC) analysis requires significant time and effort to ensure the reliability of the LCA results. Therefore, a more comprehensive model of conducting the energy analysis is required to provide more realistic EE and EC analysis in turn. Hybrid LCA has been identified as the best model in improving the completeness of EE and EC inventory data. However, such a benefit was not empirically verified extensively, especially in the Malaysian construction industry. This paper demonstrates an extended application of hybrid LCA to Malaysian building design systems, and further investigates the completeness of the model. Finally, the potential for EE and EC reduction through the allocation of low EE and EC intensities of alternative materials, products or components has been evaluated. The results revealed that the hybrid LCA improved the completeness of the EE and EC inventory data compared with other models. By using low EE and EC intensity materials, products or components, a total EE and EC reduction of 43% and 41%, respectively was achieved. The results showed that the proposed methodology can assist designers practically during the early stage of the design process in the Malaysian construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this research, an optimisation for building integrated hybrid PV/diesel generator system for zero load rejection for Malaysia is performed. The optimisation is performed considering a loss-of-load probability (LLP) less than 0.01. However, the daily averages of solar energy for Malaysia and a mathematical model of a hybrid PV/diesel generator system are used in this optimisation. The optimisation presented in this paper aims to calculate the optimum capacities of a PV array and diesel generator, which investigate the minimum system cost. An optimisation problem in terms of system units’ cost is solved graphically in this study. Moreover, the optimised system is compared to other energy source choices to highlight its feasibility. The recommended configuration of a PV/diesel system located in Malaysia is CA =1.2, CDG =0.3, while the optimum CB is 0.1. The results of the optimisation show that a PV/diesel generator choice is more feasible compared to a standalone PV system or diesel generator system because it reduces the system cost by 35%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an assessment of occupants’ opinion of the internal environment of buildings, based upon their responses to questions relating to a range of discrete factors. The survey considers many aspects of the internal environment and seeks to gain occupants responses to each of these in terms of “User Satisfaction” and “Degree of Importance”. The questionnaire utilised a seven-point bi-polar scale to score these responses against each of the factors. In addition, the questionnaire elicits a ‘fingerprint’ that combines up to 22 factors relating to satisfaction with the building. The study documents and considers aspects of the building environment for which the users noted that they were least satisfied as well as those that are considered by the occupants as being of most importance. It is critical that sustainable development results not just in resource conservation, but also in increasing productivity and occupant well-being within buildings. This study hopes to provide insight for the design community on the perceptions of occupants in relation to building performance based on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) criteria. It also seeks to add to the growing body of research on sustainable design and occupants’ perception of IEQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of night ventilation technique for residential buildings in hot-humid climate of Malaysia. This paper firstly presents the results of a survey on usage patterns of windows and air-conditioners in typical Malaysian residential areas. Secondly, the effects of different natural ventilation strategies on indoor thermal environment for Malaysian terraced houses are evaluated based on the results of a full-scale field experiment. The results show that the majority of occupants tend to apply not night ventilation but daytime ventilation in Malaysian residential areas. It can be seen from the field experiment that night ventilation would provide better thermal comfort for occupants in Malaysian terraced houses compared with the other ventilation strategies in terms of operative temperature. However, when the evaporative heat loss of occupants is taken into account by using SET*, the night ventilation would not be the superior technique to the others in providing daytime thermal comfort mainly due to the high humidity conditions. Therefore, the indoor humidity control during the daytime such as by dehumidification would be needed when the night ventilation technique is applied to Malaysian terraced houses. Otherwise, full-day ventilation would be a better option compared with night ventilation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]