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Highlights: [•] Created a phovotolvtaic-electric potential map of over 17,000 buildings. [•] Used a new method which accounts for hourly irradiation data and rooftop temperature. [•] Validated new method’s calculations against measured data from two operating photovoltaic systems. [•] Predictive error using new method was found to be less than annual climactic variation. [•] Compared new method and existing methods of predicting photovoltaic urban potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simulation algorithm is proposed that predicts the lighting energy performance of manually and automatically controlled electric lighting and blind systems in private and two-person offices. Algorithm inputs are annual profiles of user occupancy and work plane illuminances. These two inputs are combined with probabilistic switching patterns, which have been derived from field data, in order to predict the status of the electric lighting and blinds throughout the year. The model features four different user types to mimic variation in control behavior between different occupants.An example application in a private office with a southern facade yields that––depending on the user type––the electric lighting energy demand for a manually controlled electric lighting and blind system ranges from 10 to 39 kW h/m2 yr. The predicted mean energy savings of a switch-off occupancy sensor in the example office are 20%. Depending on how reliably occupants switch off a dimmed lighting system, mean electric lighting energy savings due to a daylight-linked photocell control range from 60% to zero. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Exoskeletons are proposed as combined structural and solar shading elements. • We combine structural sizing with solar gains and operational energy simulations. • Reduced operational emissions of 24–48% through exterior shading are achieved. • Embodied carbon savings of up to 36% (steel) and 80% (timber) in the lateral system. We propose the use of solar exoskeletons, an integrated building system that combines material efficiency in structural load transfer with passive solar gain control. This offers an impactful way to respond to the UN climate goals, as the architecture and engineering disciplines face the challenge of delivering low carbon buildings. While reducing operational and embodied emissions is often considered independently, we can show how approaching them in tandem, through a novel building system, can offer significant savings. With large spans for maximum spatial flexibility and full glazing maximizing daylight, high-rise buildings are often suboptimal in terms of their material usage from steel frame construction and cooling demand from uncontrolled solar gains. We view solar exoskeletons as a sustainable pathway for future high-rise structures – combining solar gain control through external shading with a highly efficient structural system optimized for lateral loads in tall buildings. We present an automated workflow that combines parametric modeling of architectural elements and structural simulation with Radiance-based annual radiation simulations and an operational energy model in EnergyPlus. Evaluating embodied carbon and energy use intensity of midrise and tower buildings in timber and steel, we compare hundreds of iterations for a prototypical building in Phoenix, USA. Our results show that exoskeletons can lead to embodied and operational carbon reductions in the lateral load-resisting structural system of 37–80% and 24–48%, respectively, vis-à-vis conventional construction techniques. Adding photovoltaic modules to the external shading system can lead to net zero building solutions for the buildings investigated in this case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated the influence of the short-term dynamics of daylight on simulation-based predictions of the annual daylight availability in indoor illuminance using the radiance-based dynamic daylight simulation method Daysim. Role of lean buildings in office buildings construction; Importance of daylight concept planning; Significance of simulation methods in comparing daylight concepts; Factors considered in the use of the Daysim method.