Professor Rajat Gupta
BArch MSc PhD FRSA
Professor of Sustainable Architecture and Climate Change, Director of OISD and LCB Group
School of Architecture
Role
Rajat Gupta is Director of the multi-disciplinary Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) and Low Carbon Building Research Group. He holds senior professorial chair in sustainable architecture and climate change at level 4 (highest level).
Teaching and supervision
Courses
Modules taught
- Building performance evaluation: ARCH 7025
Professor Gupta’s teaching interests lie in building performance evaluation (BPE) and low carbon building technologies. He has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the School (formerly Department) of Architecture at Oxford Brookes University. Currently he leads a postgraduate module on building performance evaluation (formerly post-occupancy building evaluation) (since 2004) as part of the MSc Sustainable Architecture: Evaluation and Design. From 2008-2011, Prof Gupta developed and led the Low carbon building technologies (LCBT) module (2008-2011), as part of the MSc Sustainable Building: Performance and Design programme. These modules are informed by cutting-edge research on carbon counting, building performance evaluation and low carbon building.
The BPE module (one of its kind) uses an innovative experiential learning-by-doing approach, whereby students, in groups of three or four, assess the actual sustainability performance of real case study buildings and live projects designed by leading architectural practices such as Penoyre & Prasad Architects, PRP Architects and Ridge & Partners. Learning from the BPE studies are shared with the respective design and engineering practices through reports and student-led workshops (held in architects’ offices), resulting in effective collaborations between academia and industry.
Supervision
Current supervisor of PhD students as Director of Studies in Oxford Brookes University:
- Luka Oreskvoic (Expected completion 2021), Evaluating the real environmental performance of an exemplar eco-housing development in Oxfordshire
- Jonida Murataj (Expected completion 2022), Investigating the most effective retrofitting strategies for improving comfort and energy use in residential buildings in Albania
PhD students supervised to successful completion:
- Marina Topouzi (2016) Occupants’ interaction with low-carbon retrofitted homes and its impact on energy use. Oriel College, University of Oxford, UK (As Second Supervisor)
- Joaquim Flores (2014) Introduction of energy efficiency measures in the refurbishment of traditional buildings in Porto, Portugal. Oxford Brookes University, UK (As Second Supervisor)
- Robert Irving (2013) Assessing the potential of heat pumps to reduce energy-related carbon emissions from UK housing. (As Director of Studies)
- Paula Naukkarinen (2012) Energy-efficient renovation of hotels: the case of Cyprus (As Director of Studies)
- Daniel Santana (2011) Socio-technical study of water use and conservation in Brazilian dwellings (As Director of Studies)
- Ahmadreza Foruzanmehr (2010) Integrating vernacular passive-cooling systems into modern buildings in warm dry climates of Iran (As Director of Studies)
External PhD examination:
- Andrew Marsh (2021) Thermal control in UK student accommodation. University College London, UK
- Mikkel Poulsen Rydborg (2020) Climate change adaptation of low-energy, low-rise housing in oceanic climate zones. Aalborg University, Denmark
- Salah Krimly (2020) Prospects for improvement in the design of residential building in Jeddah integrating passive ventilations technology and enhanced social interaction. University of Nottingham, UK
- Martin Fletcher (2020) Thermal comfort in sport facilities: an evaluation of conventional methods and perspectives. Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Sleiman Farah (2019) Impacts of climate change and use of energy storage in residential solar systems on the grid. University of South Australia, Australia
- Rajat Aggrawal (2018) Optimization of energy efficient building envelope, IIT Delhi, INDIA
- Michelle Lakeridou (2017) The potential for introducing minimum cooling set points in air conditioned offices: a UK case study. University College London, UK
- Md Mohataz Hossain (2017) Improving environmental condition of workspaces of multi-storied ready-made garment factories in Bangladesh. University of Nottingham, UK
- James Pittam (2016) Thermal analysis of residential housing.Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland
- Tia Kansara (2016) Impact of increasing temperatures on thermal comfort and energy demand of transition zones in Abu Dhabi. Re-submission and re-viva. University College London, UK
- Yanti Chen (2015) What is the relationship between design excellence and building performance, with particular reference to award-winning schools in the UK.University of Nottingham, UK
- Matt Fox (2015) Thermography approaches for building defect detection.University of Plymouth, UK
- Michele Agha-Hossein (2014) POE studies of an office environment.University of Reading, UK
- Tia Kansara (2014) The impact on thermal comfort, health and energy consumption by a 1ºC intervention on building transitional zones in Abu Dhabi.University College London, UK
- Rebecca Collins (2014) Local Projects for Sustainable Energy. Birmingham City University, UK
- N Zaid (2013) Measuring GHG emissions in Malaysian low-cost housing. UNSW, AUSTRALIA
- Miroslava Kavgic (2013) A city-scale physically disaggregated bottom-up energy model: technical options for decarbonising Belgrade residential stock. University College London, UK
- Jonathan Taylor (2012) Predicting Microbial Risk in Flooded London Dwellings, Using Microbial, Hygrothermal, and GIS Modelling.University College London, UK
- Meenakshi Sahu (2011) Optimization of energy efficient building envelope, IIT Delhi, INDIA
- Cathryn M Hamilton (2011) The role of local government to support community carbon reduction: an analysis of capacity to act and climate change governance,University of South Australia, AUSTRALIA
Internal PhD examination:
- Shahaboddin Resalati (2015) An assessment methodology for enviro-economic justification of new low and zero carbon building technologies, Oxford Brookes University, UK
Research
Rajat’s research interests lie in evaluating building performance from a socio-technical perspective, smart energy systems, local area energy mapping, scaling up energy retrofits, indoor air quality and overheating in care settings and homes. As Principal Investigator (PI) he has won over £13 million in research grants from UK Research Councils (EPSRC, ESRC, NERC), EU, Innovate UK, United Nations and industry to investigate these subjects.
Rajat has been academic lead on major interdisciplinary research projects that include evaluating the impacts of low carbon communities using action research (£1.14 m ESRC/EPSRC energy and communities EVALOC project, RES-628-25-0012), suburban neighbourhood adaptation for a changing climate (SNACC, EP/G060959/1), scaling up energy retrofits (Innovate UK LEMUR project) and smart storage and local sharing of solar electricity in a cluster of dwellings in Oxford (Innovate UK ERIC project).
Rajat is currently PI of the £1.3 million EPSRC-DST Newton Fund sponsored RESIDE project on residential building energy demand reduction in India (EP/R008434/1, 2017-2022) that was ranked no. 1 amongst 22 proposals. He was UK lead of the successfully-completed RAEng Newton Fund project on customising building performance evaluation for India (Learn-BPE, £50k, 2017-2019) which led to the development and application of a customised BPE protocol (I-BPE) for 10 green buildings in India. Rajat was also leader of the United Nations funded project on mainstreaming sustainable social housing in India (MaS-SHIP, 2017-2019, £140k) that produced a sustainability assessment toolkit for housing developers and policy briefings for the Government.
Rajat is presently Co-Investigator (Co-I) on the £8 million EPSRC EnergRev project on scaling up smart local energy systems, PI of the £382k EPSRC EnergyREV Plus project on smart energy tools for enhancing user engagement in local energy projects (EP/S03188X/1) and lead academic in the Innovate UK £13.8 million smart local energy system demonstrator, Local Energy Oxfordshire (Project reference: 104781). He is also lead academic on two UK Government BEIS funded projects - £1.2 million Tcosy2 project on Holistic cost-efficient cladding system with integrated mechanical ventilation and £712k Breathe project on Bringing Renewable Energy Automation To Homes Everywhere. Rajat was leader of a Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) funded seminal study on ‘Care provision fit for a future climate’ that monitored overheating risk in four care homes outside London. He is currently Co-I on two NERC funded projects worth £1.09million on climate resilience of care settings (NE/T013729/1 and NE/S016767/1). He has also led a Building Performance Network sponsored study on State of the Nation Review of Housing Performance in the UK.
Rajat is Director of the international Passive and Low Energy Architecture (PLEA) network and member of the EPSRC and ESRC peer review colleges. He was scientific chair of the international Architectural Science Association (ASA) 2019 conference held in IIT Roorkee (India) and attended by 200 delegates. Rajat has lectured widely (UK, Europe, North America, Australia and Asia) and delivered 50 conference keynotes. He has produced over 150 peer-reviewed publications that include strategic research papers on the future direction of energy demand research and evaluation of an innovative national deep renovation programme, as well as reports for UNEP/UNFCCC on greening housing and climate change adaptation of the built environment.
Rajat is on the editorial boards of Energy and Buildings journal (Elsevier), International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development (Taylor & Francis) and Advances in Building Energy Research journal (Taylor & Francis). Rajat is currently external examiner for the MSc Energy and Sustainable Building Design programme at the School of Energy & Sustainable Development, De Montfort University. He has been a member of external validation panels for Masters Programmes in the Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture and University of Bath. He has examined 20 PhD students in the UK, India, Republic of Ireland, Denmark and Australia.
Research grants and funding
Funder | Project Title | Grant reference Start-End (MM/YR) |
Value to OBU Total grant |
---|---|---|---|
BEIS |
Radical decarbonisation of social housing through whole house energy retrofits (REFINE) |
Grant no. 104781 01/21 - 06/22 |
£252k £1.35m |
UKRI |
Next generation world class lab on building performance |
Grant no. FA02151 12/20 - 03/21 |
£90k £208k |
Innovate UK |
Decarbonising your home |
Grant no. 81868 10/20 - 05/21 |
£40k £297k |
NERC |
The health and equity impacts of climate change mitigation measures on indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure (HEICCAM) |
NE/V002090/1 09/20 - 08/23 |
£20k £508k |
NERC |
Governing the Climate Adaptation of Care Settings |
NE/T013729/1 05/20 - 08/22 |
£289k £759k |
Innovate UK |
Smart local energy demonstrator: Local Energy Oxfordshire |
Grant no. 104781 04/19 - 03/23 |
£759k £13.7m |
EPSRC |
EnergyREV Plus – Smart energy tools for enhancing user engagement with smart energy |
EP/S03188X/1 04/19 - 09/23 |
£298k £467k |
NERC |
Climate resilience of care settings (ClimaCare) |
NE/S016767/1 02/19 - 01/21 |
£97.3k £251k |
BEIS |
Bringing Renewable Energy Automation To Homes Everywhere (BREATHE) |
Grant no. D117 01/19 - 03/22 |
£220k £704k |
EPSRC |
Energy Revolution Research Consortium - Core – EnergyREV Core |
EP/S031863/1 12/18 - 09/23 |
£402k £8.16m |
BEIS |
Holistic cost-efficient cladding system with integrated Mechanical ventilation (T-COSY) |
TEIF1017008 09/18 - 09/21 |
£186k £1.2m |
EPSRC |
Residential building energy demand reduction in India (RESIDE) |
EP/R008434/1 11/17 - 12/22 |
£773k £1.3m |
RAEng Newton Fund |
Learning building performance evaluation for improved design and engineering (Learn-BPE) |
Grant no. IAPPI\74 04/17 – 10/19 |
£25k £50k |
Bicester Living lab |
Eco-Bicester Living Lab PhD studentship |
2/17-01/20 |
£21k £42k |
EU-ERDF |
Low Carbon European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) |
01/17 - 12/19 |
£110k £1.6m |
UNEP |
Mainstreaming sustainable social housing in India (MaS-SHIP) |
1500012768 10/16 - 01/19 |
£140k ($181k) £140k ($181k) |
Joseph Rowntree |
Empirical assessment of summertime overheating in Derwenthorpe, York |
08/16 - 01/17 |
£21k £21k |
EPSRC |
WLP+: Whole Life Performance plus – staff productivity and indoor environmental quality |
EP/N509000/1 02/16 - 01/19 |
£151k £371k |
EU H2020 |
Zero Plus project: positive energy settlements |
Grant no: 678407 10/15 - 12/20 |
€327k (£270k) €3.6m (£2.7m) |
Innovate UK |
I-LIFE: insurance-backed warranty for whole life housing energy performance |
Project ref: 102472 10/15 - 03/18 |
£237k £552k |
Innovate UK |
HAPI: management of housing performance information through hindsight, insight and foresight |
Project ref: 132112 10/15 - 6/17 |
£125k £149k |
Innovate UK |
LEMUR: local energy mapping for urban retrofits |
Project ref: 132027 9/15 - 11/16 |
£81k £163k |
EU H2020 |
HERON: development of energy-efficient pathways taking into account socio-economic drivers |
Grant no: 649690 05/15 - 11/17 |
€130k (£105k) €959k (£711k) |
Joseph Rowntree |
Care provision fit for a future climate |
Project id: DER003 2/15 – 4/16 |
£60k £90k |
Innovate UK |
Project ERIC: Community controlled energy through virtual private energy networks |
Project ref: 101997 1/15 – 09/17 |
£75k £812k |
Innovate UK |
Invest in innovative refurbishment: Innovative refurbishment of internal wall insulation Phase 2 |
Project ref: 972157 8/13 - 6/15 |
£108k £840k |
Innovate UK |
Invest in innovative refurbishment: Innovative glazing and ventilation package in a historic building Phase 2 |
22748-157316 2/13 - 1/16 |
£77k £521k |
Innovate UK |
Future Cities Solutions: COBWEB: Common Building Energy Platform on the Web |
25717-186156 2/13 – 4/13 |
£100K £100K |
Innovate UK |
Building performance evaluation (BPE) study of Code level 4 homes in Bicester (post construction) |
22260-136317 10/12 – 6/13 |
£39k £49k |
Innovate UK |
In-use BPE of Code level 4 homes in London Borough of Hounslow |
21482-136276 10/12 – 9/14 |
£54k £60k |
Innovate UK |
In-use BPE study of College Lake Visitor Centre in Tring |
22345-113243 10/12 – 9/14 |
£50k £60k |
Innovate UK |
Design for Future Climate: Climate change adaptation strategy for Dragon School, Oxford |
13460-86190 4/12 – 7/13 |
£55k £100k |
DECC |
Local Energy Assessment Fund: DECoRuM Carbon Mapping in Bicester |
2/12 – 4/12 |
£25k £59k |
EPSRC
|
Land of the MUSCos: Multi-Utility Service Companies to encourage adaptable and resilient infrastructure |
EP/J00555X/1 12/11 – 11/14 |
£15k £575k |
Innovate UK |
Evaluator on £8m Building Performance Evaluation programme – technical peer-review of projects |
11/11 - 12/15 |
£99k £99k |
Innovate UK |
In-use BPE study of Angmering Community Centre building in Littlehampton |
6373-49157 11/11 – 10/13 |
£55k £60k |
Innovate UK |
Design for Future Climate: Climate change adaptation strategy for Queen Elizabeth-II hospital |
13782-86214 11/11 – 4/13 |
£55k £100k |
HEIF5
|
Higher Education Innovation Fund 5: Developing BPE monitoring protocols |
9/11 – 7/13 |
£41k £41k |
Innovate UK |
In-use BPE study of award-winning Crawley library building in Crawley |
1804-16370 3/11 – 9/14 |
£81k £81k |
ESRC |
EVALOC: Evaluating the impacts of low carbon communities on localised energy behaviours |
ES/I006664/1 01/11 - 03/15 |
£650k £1.14m |
Innovate UK |
BPE study of Code level 5 homes in Swindon during post construction & early occupation stage |
3927-31163 1/11 – 6/11 |
£77k £89k |
HEIF4
|
HEIF4: Counting the real carbon project |
4/10 – 7/11 |
£99k £99k |
Innovate UK |
Retrofit for the Future Phase 2: Oxford Whole House Carbon Reduction |
ZA398Y 3/10 – 2/13 |
£38k £150k |
Innovate UK |
Retrofit for the Future Phase 2: Retrofitting concrete no-fines property to reach 1/8th of carbon emissions |
ZA303S 3/10 – 2/13 |
£41k £150k |
EPSRC
|
SNACC: Adapting suburban neighbourhoods for a changing climate |
EP/G060959/1 10/09 – 12/12 |
£182k £626k |
EPSRC
|
Assessing the potential of heat pumps in reducing domestic CO2 in a changing climate |
CASE/CNA/06/82 10/07 – 8/11 |
£86k £86k |
EU |
SHADA: Sustainable Habitat Design Advisor for planning and design of sustainable buildings |
B7-301/97/0126-89 01/04 – 05/06 |
€53k (£40k) €200k (£149k) |
Awards and honours
Date | Title of award, honour, recognition | Details |
---|---|---|
Sep 2020 |
Best Paper Award, Building Simulation & Optimisation (BSO) Conference 2020 |
Research paper on Spatially-based urban energy modelling approach for enabling energy retrofits in Oxfordshire |
Sep 2020 |
Best Paper Award at SEEDS 2020 Conference |
Research paper on Performance of distributed energy resources in three low energy dwellings during the UK lock down |
Sep 2019 |
Best Paper Award at SEEDS 2019 Conference |
Research paper on Performance Evaluation Based Claims Process for Insuring Energy Performance of New Dwellings |
Sep 2016 |
Shortlisted entry for RIBA President’s award for outstanding research 2016 |
Research on low energy innovative refurbishment and building performance evaluation of a historic town council building shortlisted for the category-learning from projects |
Aug 2016 |
Two Energy awards 2016 |
Research project Energy Resources for integrated communities (ERIC) shortlisted for both the Innovation Energy Project of the Year and the Residential Energy Project of the Year categories |
Dec 2014 |
Best Paper Award at PLEA 2014 Conference |
Research paper on A quiet revolution: Mapping energy use in low carbon communities |
Sep 2014 |
International building science star |
Voted as one of 13 international building science stars and joined the Building4Change’s Virtual Academy of Excellence. |
Nov 2012 |
Shortlisted for Domestic Retrofit Project of the Year at Retro-Expo 2012 |
With Penoyre and Prasad Architects, shortlisted for this national award for the deep low carbon refurbishment and building performance evaluation of a 1990 terrace in London. |
Nov 2011 |
3R award Housing ‘small category’, Architects Journal Retrofit award |
With Penoyre and Prasad Architects, won this national award for the deep low-carbon refurbishment and building performance evaluation of a 1990 terrace in London |
Sep 2011 |
Nationwide media coverage of Oxford retrofit project |
National newspapers (Guardian, Sunday Mail); TV (BBC); Radio (BBC) on Oxford Whole House Carbon reduction project |
Jan 2010 |
Faculty Associate, Oxford University |
Appointed as an expert in the area of climate change and building, at the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment. |
Dec 2007 |
Dean’s award for Outstanding Achievement (Research) |
Won the Dean’s award for outstanding research: maintaining constantly high standards of research and publication in sustainable architecture, and developing the research cluster |
Feb 2007 |
Felicitation for the RIBA President’s award |
Felicitated by the President of the Indian Institute of Architects for receiving the 2006 RIBA President's Award for Research |
Jan 2007 |
Visiting Fellowship, Arizona State University, USA |
As Visiting Fellow to College of Design, conducted research and teaching related to carbon reduction from buildings |
Dec 2006 |
RIBA President’s award for outstanding research (inaugural award) |
Winner of the inaugural 2006 RIBA President's Award for Research: outstanding PhD thesis on DECoRuM carbon counting model. Open to international competition. |
Dec 2005 |
Dean’s award for Outstanding Achievement |
Won the 2005 Dean’s award for outstanding research and innovation in carbon counting. |
Nov 2005 |
Young Scientist Fellowship, British Council, Switzerland |
Selected to attend an international summit on Climate Change and Cities held in Berne, Switzerland |
Research impact
Rajat's impact case tudy on carbon mapping (DECoRuM®model) has been returned for REF 2021 (Unit of Assessment: 13) and REF 2014. DECoRuM® is an award-winning Geographic Information System (GIS)-based domestic energy mapping software. It can rapidly and accurately identify appropriate dwellings for area-based energy retrofits at a neighbourhood or city scale. The DECoRuM® model has provided a range of environmental, public policy and practice benefits to low-carbon community organisations, local authorities, architects and householders.
The JRF funded care provision fit for a future climate project has been widely cited in the National Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017 and led to development of Public Health England’s ‘Beat the Heat: care home overheating checklist’ that has been downloaded by over 2000 care sector organisations.
The EPSRC funded WLP+ project (2016-2019) has shown empirically a link between indoor environment and workplace productivity (8% drop in productivity over 1000ppm of CO2 levels). British Council for Offices (BCO) published the project report and shared the results with FM companies such as Emcor who have applied the project findings for management of their buildings, including the National Air Traffic Service building in Southampton.
The BEIS funded projects on thermal efficiency and demand side response have led to 50% energy reduction in 40 homes in Barnsley and block of flats in Great Yarmouth.
The Indo-UK Newton Fund sponsored Learn-BPE project has for the first time, created a customised version of building performance evaluation (I-BPE) for the Indian green building marketplace, and has been applied to 193,000 square metres of building area, while the decision support toolkit created as part of the UN funded MaS-SHIP project has been taken up by two major developers in India - Mahindra Lifespaces and Adlakha developers.
As part of the Learn-BPE project, six Oxford Brookes students from the Masters in Sustainable Architecture programme were sponsored to conduct BPE studies of eight green buildings, as part of their Masters dissertations in 2018 and 2019. This helped to strongly link research and teaching. Such recognition has helped students to find employment in India and abroad (UAE).
Further information
Centres and institutes
Groups
Projects
- Innovative learning platform for Energy Retrofit (C-mapER)
- Angmering Community Centre
- Code Level 4 Homes in Bicester - Phase 1
- Code Level 5 Homes in Swindon - Phase 1
- Code Level 5 Homes in Swindon - Phase 2
- College Lake Wildlife Visitor Centre
- Crawley Library Building
- DECoRuM® Carbon Mapping for Oxford
- Local Energy Assessment
- Local Energy Mapping for Urban Retrofit (Lemur)
- Retrofit for the Future - Nelson Street, Oxford
- Retrofit for the Future - Warwall Street, London
- Retrofit for the Future - Whitehaven, Cumbria
- SusCon Building
- Code Level 4 Homes in London - Phase 2
Projects as Principal Investigator, or Lead Academic if project is led by another Institution
- Accelerating Climate Change Adaptation Of Settings Occupied By Older PeoplE: Decision Making For Future ResliencE (led by UCL) (01/12/2024 - 28/02/2027), funded by: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- HEARTH - National Hub on Net Zero, Health and Extreme Heat (01/11/2024 - 31/10/2029), funded by: Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Clean Heat Streets Phase 2 (led by Samsung) (01/01/2023 - 31/01/2025), funded by: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, funding amount received by Brookes: £226,304
- Embedded Researcher Climate -DEFRA/MOJ (24/01/2022 - 24/01/2024), funded by: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, funding amount received by Brookes: £149,014
- Passive and Low Energy Architecture network (01/10/2021 - 30/09/2026), funded by: PLEA (Passive and Low Energy Architecture), funding amount received by Brookes: £2,861
- The health and equity impacts of climate change mitigation measures on indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure (HEICCAM) (led by Univ of Edinburgh) (01/07/2020 - 31/08/2024), funded by: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), funding amount received by Brookes: £34,205
- 150th Anniversary PhD studentship-Energy Performance Gap (03/04/2017 - 02/04/2020), funded by: Low Carbon Hub, funding amount received by Brookes: £15,000
Publications
Journal articles
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Soutar, I., Devine-Wright, P., Devine-Wright, H., Walker, C., Wilson, C., Gupta, R. and Anable, J. , 'Clear support for an unclear concept? Public attitudes towards local energy systems in the United Kingdom. '
Energy Research & Social Science 116 (2024)
ISSN: 2214-6296 eISSN: 2214-6326AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARDecentralisation offers one route to energy system decarbonisation, and local energy systems (LES) provide focal points for decentralisation. LES involve the integration of different generation, storage, and demand-side technologies across heat, power, and transport systems, within defined localities. Public support is necessary for LES deployment at pace and scale, but while past research has examined public attitudes towards individual technologies, few studies have investigated perceptions of a systemic shift towards LES. This paper presents findings from a nationally representative UK survey (n=3034) on LES. We compare two ways of exploring perceptions of decentralised energy: as a broad systemic shift, and as the cumulative deployment of multiple LES innovations. Results show high levels of public support for a systemic shift towards decentralisation, but more moderate levels of support for specific LES innovations. Regression analysis highlight the role of personal characteristics, climate concern, political beliefs, and engagement with technologies in influencing support for LES. Support is more predictable for decentralisation, whose meaning is clear in principle while containing ambiguities in practice. Support for LES innovations is less predictable and is explained by the diversity with which households interpret the multiple propositions afforded by LES innovations. For LES to benefit from majority public support for a systemic shift, policy and industry actors need to better understand the diverse set of perceptions and values that LES hold for the public and seek broader and deeper engagement with the public around specific LES innovations, as well as around systemic change more broadly.
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Fiander Joseph, Walker Chad, Rowlands Ian H., Devine-Wright Patrick, Wilson Charlie, Soutar Iain, Gupta Rajat, 'Energy democracy, public participation, and support for local energy system change in Canada'
Energy Research & Social Science 113 (2024)
ISSN: 2214-6296 eISSN: 2214-6296AbstractPublished hereIn the face of climate change and associated energy system change, there is a growing literature and more general recognition of the ‘four Ds’ (decarbonization, decentralization, digitalization, and democratization). Yet there has been very little quantitative work that analyzes public perceptions of these changes. Utilizing data from a Canada-wide, nationally representative survey (n=941), this study conducted provincial and regional assessments to spatially explore the public’s views of moves toward innovative local energy system change through the development of what we call Local Smart Grids (LSGs). Through descriptive statistics and t-tests, we sought to answer three main questions: i) To what extent does the public support energy democracy via new local energy systems? ii) What does the public desire in terms of participation? and iii) What motivates the public to participate? We find overall support for energy democracy across Canada, yet varied support among provinces and regions. Canadians seem to want to participate in moves toward energy democracy, although we found a strong preference for more passive participatory actions. Additionally, support and a desire to participate is predominantly motivated by environmental factors, including combating climate change, with community and social motivations playing a secondary role, followed by financial motivations. These findings, some of the first of their kind in the realm of energy democracy in Canada, provide useful insights relevant to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working on LSG implementation as well as others with an interest in socio-technical innovation and energy system change.
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Gupta R, Antony A, Garg V, Mathur J, 'Examining the magnitude and causes of variation in electricity use in a sample of Indian dwellings with and without air conditioning'
Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering [online first] (2024)
ISSN: 1346-7581 eISSN: 1347-2852AbstractOpen Access on RADARUnderstanding the factors that drive the use of residential electricity in India is essential for designing policies that can reduce its expected growth. This study empirically examines the magnitude and causes of variation in electricity use in a sample of Indian dwellings with and without air-conditioning (AC), using an interview-based survey approach applied in 41 dwellings located across two cities representing the composite climate of India. Statistical analysis was used to unpack the relationship between electricity use and socio-technical factors. Despite the small sample size and having the same climatological realm, there was a wide variation observed in electricity use by income groups and presence of ACs. The mean annual residential electricity consumption (REC) was observed to be highest in high-income group dwellings (5,618 kWh/year), followed by middle-income group dwellings (3,870 kWh/year) and lowest in low-income group dwellings (2,169 kWh/year). The mean REC of AC dwellings (4,208 kWh/year) was found to be nearly double that of non-AC dwellings (2,260 kWh/year) with significant seasonal variation. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that presence of ACs, household size (number of occupants), annual non-AC appliance hours, dwelling size (number of rooms) and income group accounted for 80% of the variability in REC across the study sample. Residential energy policy in India should consider these key factors that drive REC. To be effective, such policy programmes need to be customised for different income groups, adopting incentives as well as energy awareness campaigns to influence both purchasing and habitual behaviours.
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Walker C, Rowlands I H, Devine-Wright P, Soutar I, Wilson C, Gupta R, Devine-Wright H, Bishwokarma J, Ford R, 'The "Four Ds" and support for Local Smart Grids: Analysis from national surveys in the United Kingdom and Canada'
Oxford Open Energy 3 (2024)
ISSN: 2752-5082 eISSN: 2752-5082AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARLocal Smart Grids (LSGs) are emerging during the climate crisis, as governments and industry recognize the need to better integrate intermittent renewable energy, storage, transportation, heating, and smart technologies. Such projects can represent profound changes to the status quo of energy and citizen lifestyles. They are also being associated with the ‘4 Ds’, whereby LSGs are decarbonizing, decentralizing, digitalizing, and potentially democratizing energy systems. Yet due to their recent arrival, there is very little social scientific research that has aimed to better understand the views, expectations, and support for this change. We attempt to fill this important gap in the literature through the analysis of two nationally representative surveys in the United Kingdom (UK) (n=3034) and Canada (n=941). This analysis highlights within and between-country trends, including how the variation in responses regarding the ‘four Ds’, demographic factors, and other variables may explain the differences we see in terms of support for energy system change in the UK and Canada. Our analysis also shows that there are common elements including the importance of the decentralization, and especially the democratization of energy in shaping support. We hope that this study will help governments, industry, community groups, and local residents themselves in both countries come together to advance the kind of LSGs that address climate change, and represent a supported, just energy transition.
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Zahiri S, Gupta R, 'Examining the risk of summertime overheating in UK social housing dwellings retrofitted with heat pumps '
Atmosphere 14 (11) (2023)
ISSN: 2073-4433 eISSN: 2073-4433AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThe UK government has announced its Ten-point plan to annually install 600,000 low carbon heat pumps by 2028. Yet there is a lack of evidence showing potential overheating risk in dwellings retrofitted with heat pumps. This paper examines the prevalence and magnitude of summertime overheating across 24 naturally-ventilated social housing dwellings retrofitted with ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). The dwellings are located in a socially deprived area in Oxford (UK). The empirical study included longitudinal monitoring of indoor temperatures in the living rooms and bedrooms during the non-heating seasons of 2021 and 2022 (May-September), which included a record-breaking heat wave in July 2022. Indoor temperature and CO₂ levels were monitored across a subset of six dwellings in bedrooms alongside monitoring of window opening state in three bedrooms to understand the effect of natural ventilation in removing excess heat. About 136 thermal comfort surveys were conducted to ascertain the subjective responses of residents. Overheating risk assessment was carried out using CIBSE static and adaptive methods, which revealed that summertime overheating was prevalent across half the dwellings in the non-heating season of 2022, as compared to 17% overheated dwellings in 2021. Bungalows with upgraded cavity wall insulation and top floor flats facing south and south west had propensity to overheat. The variation in indoor temperature and CO₂ levels across a small sample also indicated the relationship between overheating and residents’ behaviour. Given that majority of the dwellings were occupied by retired elderly people with low income who are vulnerable to heat and cannot afford active forms of cooling, it is vital to deploy passive design measures such as appropriate shading devices suitable for a heating dominated climate and enhanced ventilation as part of home energy retrofits. Implementing reversible heat pumps coupled with solar PVs can provide cooling during heat waves, while delivering low carbon heat in the winter.
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Agarwal R, Garg M, Tejaswini D, Garg V, Srivastava P, Mathur J, Gupta R, 'A review of residential energy feedback studies'
Energy and Buildings 290 (2023)
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 1872-6178AbstractOpen Access on RADARResidential energy feedback is about providing personalized information on household energy use to consumers to encourage energy savings. This paper conducts a review of field based studies that have evaluated the impact of energy feedback on residential energy consumption. The review includes studies in real occupied homes that have deployed feedback intervention(s) and measured energy savings. Our study builds a taxonomy for energy feedback studies based on different characteristics of feedback such as frequency, type, presentation style, and methods of access. Energy savings from similar feedback types were found to differ depending on how the study was conducted. The reviewed studies deployed a range of feedback information including energy units, energy cost and tailored information conducted across diverse audiences (ethnicity, geographical positioning), varying experimental types (longitudinal, Randomized Control Trial) and, size and duration of the studies.
The duration of studies varied widely, ranging from one month to three years and revealed potential energy savings between 5% and 20%. While most studies achieved energy savings due to energy feedback, a few of them reported a increase in energy consumption which could be due to rebound effect. Most of the studies provided current and historical electricity consumption. Others used Randomized Control Trial (RCT) design, comparing energy consumption and savings information with neighbours. Most of the studies were conducted in developed countries with cold climates, with a shift towards providing real-time online feedback over the last two decades. There was lack of large-scale studies on residential energy feedback in emerging economies where growth of air conditioning is happening. These studies might also consider the human behavior and cultural influences while evaluating impact of energy feedback. Our recommendation is that the academic and policy community address this gap since energy feedback is likely to stimulate positive energy behavior change amongst householders leading to energy savings.
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Nayak BK, Sansaniwal SK, Mathur J, Chandra T, Garg V, Gupta R, 'A review of residential building archetypes and their applications to study building energy consumption'
Architectural Science Review 66 (3) (2023) pp.187-200
ISSN: 0003-8628 eISSN: 1758-9622AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARIn developing economies, residential energy consumption patterns have rapidly transformed with better energy access and service quality. Unlike other building types, residential buildings are more complex due to wide variations in their consumption patterns influenced by various factors. Researchers have characterised residential building stock based on distinct building archetypes. This paper presents a comprehensive review of relevant published research focusing on the classification of residential buildings based on their energy consumption. This review also focuses on residential archetype studies in the context of building science. The methodologies adopted by different researchers to characterise the energy use of residential building stock using an archetypal approach at different spatial scales (building to city scale and local to national scale) have been critically reviewed in this study. The paper will provide the researchers with a holistic understanding of the current directions and magnitude of ongoing research in this domain.
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Gupta R, Morey J, 'Evaluation of residential demand response trials with smart heat pumps and batteries and their effect at the substation feeder '
Journal of Cleaner Production 403 (2023)
ISSN: 0959-6526 eISSN: 1879-1786AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARResidential demand response using low carbon technologies can potentially offer energy flexibility to the electricity network along with integration of renewable generation. This paper seeks to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of residential demand response trials on a low voltage feeder of a secondary substation in Barnsley (UK). The study used a sample of 14 well-insulated dwellings equipped with home batteries, heat pumps and solar photovoltaic systems coordinated using automated control. Statistical analysis was undertaken using time-series monitoring data obtained at the individual dwelling level, dwelling sample and at the feeder level of the local low voltage network. Resident experience of the trials was assessed through qualitative data obtained from household telephone surveys. Over three weeks of trials, daily demand response interventions of two hours duration were applied to the sample of 14 dwellings. For evening peak times, the mean reduction in grid electricity import was found to be 1.3 kWh (67%) per dwelling for turn-down interventions which aimed to minimise import. For turn-up interventions between 1-3 pm, the mean increase in grid electricity import was found to be 5.8 kWh (645%) per dwelling. The effect of interventions was measured at the low voltage network level for two single-phase feeders, where penetration of trial homes was approximately one-third. A reduction in mean real power up to 21% was observed for turn-down interventions as well as an increase in real mean power up to 307% for turn-up interventions. In general, the trials had little effect on residents in terms of thermal comfort, hot water availability, noise disturbance or disruption to routines, and where such effects were noticed, they were broadly acceptable. The widespread implementation of residential demand response schemes will require increased roll-out of time-of-use tariffs, enhanced resident support and extensive monitoring of low voltage feeders in electricity substations.
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Gupta R, Zahiri S, Morey J, 'Enhancing user engagement in local energy initiatives using smart local energy engagement tools: a meta-data study'
Energies 16 (7) (2023)
ISSN: 1996-1073 eISSN: 1996-1073AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARDeploying smart local energy engagement tools (SLEETs) in local energy projects enables users to better observe and control energy, and potentially become active participants in local energy management. Using a cross-project approach, this paper examines the prevalence, effectiveness and inclusiveness of 84 SLEETs deployed in 72 local energy projects in the UK from 2008 to 2018. An original framework for characterisation of SLEETs was employed, which grouped them into seven types and characterised in terms of level of interaction and interface design. Our study shows information-driven tools were most popular in community energy groups, while digital energy platforms - or interaction tools with numeric interface - were found popular in smart local energy sysem (SLES) initiatives. In contrast, interaction tools with visual interface, and tools offering control were found to be less popular. Spatial analysis revealed SLEETs were mostly deployed in areas with grid constraints (technology), active community energy groups (people) and engaged local authorities (policy). Effective SLEETs were found to stimulate engagement amongst people (social engagement), and between people and technology (operation and control), while inclusive SLEETs enabled inclusion of vulnerable and low incomes households. The acceptance and implementation of SLES initiatives can be enhanced by having effective and inclusive SLEETs that align with local users’ requirements and are supported by local stakeholders to foster trust. In future there is a need to develop appropriate metrics (key performance indicator) or scoring methods to measure their prevalence, effectiveness, and inclusiveness in a consistent manner.
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Gupta R, Morey J, 'Empirical evaluation of demand side response trials in UK dwellings with smart low carbon technologies '
Renewable Energy 199 (2022) pp.993-1004
ISSN: 0960-1481 eISSN: 1879-0682AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARLow carbon technologies along with smart control have a role in residential demand side response (DSR) to shift the timing of household energy consumption away from peak times and align it with generation of renewable electricity. This paper empirically evaluates the impact of DSR trials on grid electricity import and resident experience regarding disruption to daily routines, thermal comfort and noise disturbance in 17 thermally efficient social housing dwellings (Barnsley, England). Four types of DSR trials were run through 22 interventions performed in March to April 2021. Each dwelling was equipped with a 5 kWh electro-chemical battery and air source heat pump, and all but one dwelling had solar photovoltaic (PV) panels (1.3-3.0 kWp). Interventions were applied against a flat (single) rate tariff as well as dynamic time-of-use tariffs. On average, secure turn-down interventions between 5-7 pm resulted in a reduction in grid electricity import of 1.2 kWh per household and a reduction in controllable load (heat pump plus battery energy) of 3.7 kWh per household. The batteries enabled 2.5 kWh per household of electricity to be exported to the grid for these interventions. On average, turn-up interventions between 1-3 pm resulted in an increase of 2.3 kWh per household in grid electricity import. Individual dwellings showed different levels of demand response depending on the levels and patterns of household electricity consumption.
The resident experience was evaluated by means of a series of telephone surveys. Householders were generally accepting of the trials in terms of changes in indoor temperature, hot water availability, noise disturbance and disruption to household routines. However, some general concerns were raised about the energy systems relating to indoor temperature, hot water temperature and energy costs. The general acceptability of automated DSR, conditional on thermal comfort limits and manual override, is promising for the wider application of residential DSR driven by price signals, although ongoing household engagement in DSR schemes will require a continued focus on the householder experience with training and support in using new technologies. A routine period of inspection should be employed to identify any issues with energy system issues ahead of DSR initiation.
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Murataj J, Gupta R, Nicol F, 'Developing Indoor Temperature Profiles of Albanian Homes for Baseline Energy Models in Relation to Contextual Factors'
Energies 15 (10) (2022)
ISSN: 1996-1073 eISSN: 1996-1073AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADAROversimplifying occupant behaviour using static and standard schedules has been iden‐ tified as a limitation of building energy simulation tools. This paper describes the use of hierarchical cluster analysis to establish the most typical indoor temperature profiles of Albanian dwellings based on monitored indoor temperatures in winter and summer, along with building and occupant surveys undertaken in 49 randomly selected dwellings in Tirana. Three statistically different pro‐ files were developed for each summer and winter, indicating that homes are used in different ways, as well as revealing possible comfortrequirements. Furthermore, statistical analysis was undertaken to determine the strength of the association between the clusters and contextual factors related to the building, household, and occupancy. A statistically significant association was found between the presence of children and the clusters in winter, suggesting that families with dependents use more energy. Building‐related factors including building type, building age, and wall insulation were found to be statistically significantly associated with clusters in summer. These profiles could provide more accurate outcomes of energy consumption of Albanian homes and energy savings from retrofits. They could also facilitate the development of low‐energy strategies and policies for specific households.
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Oreskovic L, Gupta R, 'Enabling Sustainable Lifestyles in New Urban Areas: Evaluation of an Eco-Development Case Study in the UK'
Sustainability 14 (7) (2022)
ISSN: 2071-1050 eISSN: 2071-1050AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis study evaluated the actual environmental behaviours in an eco-development case study in the UK, which was designed to enable more sustainable lifestyles. Data analysis was based on the resident responses to a development-wide questionnaire survey (n = 89), household interviews (n = 12) and waste measurements. Reported energy- and water-saving behaviours were fairly common. The mean waste recycling rates (45% to 60%) were similar to local and national averages, and were below the target of 80%. The mean rates of purchasing organic food (37%), growing food (31%) and meat consumption (in 36% of all meals) indicated that the food behaviours were not more pro-environmental. Car-based modes of transportation were used for 71% of all the reported trips on average, which was higher than the national average, and the target of 55%. Despite these reported behaviours, most of the residents regarded their new lifestyles as more sustainable. This was related to the notion of energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies, rather than changes in behaviour. The findings of this study and similar studies indicated that enabling environmental behaviours in new developments is challenging. New policies need to be more holistic and support the delivery of not only well-performing buildings, but also developments that make sustainable urban living a reality.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Building performance evaluation of low energy dwellings with and without smart thermostats'
Building Services Engineering Research & Technology 43 (3) (2022) pp.297-318
ISSN: 0143-6244 eISSN: 1477-0849AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARSmart thermostats allow continuous learning, remote scheduling and control of indoor temperature. This paper empirically evaluates indoor environmental conditions, occupant experiences and prevalence of summertime overheating in three low energy dwellings with smart thermostats and compares the results with three similar dwellings with standard programmable thermostats. The study uses building performance evaluation methods combining time-series data on temperature, relative humidity, and window opening with survey data on occupant perception of thermal comfort and heating control over the period 2019 - 2020.
While there was little difference observed in the measured and perceived indoor temperatures between dwellings with and without smart thermostats, the six dwellings were different in the way they heated their homes and controlled their indoor environment. A wide indoor temperature range of 16oC-22oC was observed in dwellings with smart thermostats during the heating season. Majority of dwellings also experienced summertime overheating with temperatures in bedrooms going up to 34oC. Individual heating preferences dominated the use of smart or standard thermostats ranging from Cool Conserver, On-off Switcher to On-demand Sizzler. It is vital that energy models consider a range of heating preferences to avoid a gap between expectation and reality.
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Gupta R, Howard A, Davies M, Mavrogianni A, Tsoulou I, Jain N, Oikonomou E, Wilkinson P, 'Monitoring and modelling the risk of summertime overheating and passive solutions to avoid active cooling in London care homes'
Energy and Buildings 252 (2021)
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 0378-7788AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARSummertime overheating in care settings has been identified as a key risk and research priority for the health and social care system. This paper examines the current and future risk of summertime overheating in two London-based care homes occupying modern and older buildings. Continuous monitoring of outdoor and indoor temperature in bedrooms, communal areas and offices in summer 2019 helped to establish the prevalence and intensity of overheating. Dynamic thermal simulation (EnergyPlusV8.9) of the two care settings assessed the potential for avoiding active cooling in future climate using passive solutions. In both care settings, indoor temperatures were observed to exceed 30°C during daytime hours, significantly higher than the recommended 26°C threshold of Public Health England. Although severity of overheating was lower in the older building, overheating was found to be prevalent and prolonged across both care settings with bedroom temperatures higher than lounges especially at night. Thermal simulation analysis showed that, with regards to temperature reduction and cooling load, nighttime ventilation was the single most effective passive solution for both buildings for the current climate, while a combination of night ventilation, external shading and high-albedo external walls was the most effective package solution. By the 2080s, air-conditioning was the most effective solution for reducing temperature, but also had the highest cooling load., highlighting the importance of balancing passive with active measures to improve thermal comfort and reduce cooling loads.
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Walker Chad, Devine-Wright Patrick, Rohse Melanie, Gooding Luke, Devine-Wright Hannah, Gupta Rajat, 'What is "local" about Smart Local Energy Systems? Emerging stakeholder geographies of decentralised energy in the United Kingdom'
Energy Research & Social Science 80 (2021)
ISSN: 2214-6296 eISSN: 2214-6296AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARAs governments worldwide address the climate crisis, energy systems are becoming both decarbonised and decentralised. In this study, we aim to increase understanding of the spatial dimensions of new forms of decentralised energy systems that integrate electricity, storage, transportation, and heating. Drawing on workshops and secondary data from three, early-stage case studies funded under a UK government programme, we examine how stakeholders responsible for development construct the ‘local’ in Smart Local Energy System (SLES) demonstrators. We employ three analytical concepts to address this aim: emplacement, place-framing, and place/boundary-making. In terms of emplacement, stakeholders use place-based narratives that draw on distinctive infrastructural, social, ecological, and political characteristics to argue that diverse locations (Oxford city, Oxfordshire, and the Orkney Islands) are ‘suitable’ places for decentralised energy. Stakeholders frame projects around non-local goals of creating technological and business models for replication across the UK and worldwide, even if some community-centred benefits are recognized. Lastly, our findings on place-making show pragmatism in flexing ‘local’ boundaries in order to align with project objectives. The three analytical concepts provide a useful framework to uncover ‘local’ complexities of early-stage decentralised energy projects, and emphasise intersections of space, place, and justice that deserve further scrutiny, notably in later stages of project implementation.
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Oreskovic L, Gupta R, Strong D, 'In-use energy and carbon performance of a true zero carbon housing development in England'
Science and Technology for the Built Environment 27 (10) (2021) pp.1425-1439
ISSN: 2374-4731 eISSN: 2374-474XAbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper systematically examines the in-use energy and carbon performance of a large case study housing development in England, designed to be net true zero carbon. Remote monitoring during a one-year period was used to gather high-frequency data on dwelling heat use, grid electricity use, solar PV electricity generation and export and community heating system performance. Based on data from 74 dwellings, mean energy use of 76 kWh/m2/year and electricity use of 27.4 kWh/m2/year per dwelling placed the case study among the lowest energy housing developments in the UK. Nonetheless, heat usage and designed fabric efficiency fell short compared to other true zero carbon housing. The mean self-consumption rate of generated energy of 23% calls for the provision of home batteries. Heat usage variance was more prominent compared to findings in other studies. Based on the 2018/19 carbon factors, dwellings emitted 20.2 kgCO2e/m2/year on average, missing the zero carbon target. As found in other studies, this was attributed to the underperforming community heating system. This study comes timely in the context of the widespread calls for net zero carbon dwellings. The findings confirm the argument that the anticipated mainstreaming of zero carbon dwellings demands shifting towards an outcome-focused design approach.
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Gupta R, Howard A, Davies M, Mavrogianni A, Tsoulou I, Oikonomou E, Wilkinson P, 'Examining the magnitude and perception of summertime overheating in London care homes'
Building Services Engineering Research & Technology 42 (6) (2021) pp.653-675
ISSN: 0143-6244 eISSN: 1477-0849AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper brings together objective and subjective data on indoor temperature and thermal comfort to examine the magnitude and perception of summertime overheating in two London-based care homes occupying modern and older buildings. Continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor temperature, relative humidity and CO2 levels was conducted in summer 2019 along with thermal comfort surveys and semi-structured interviews with older residents and staff of the care settings. Indoor temperatures were found to be high (>30 °C) with bedroom temperatures often higher at night than daytime across both care settings. Limited opening due to window restrictors constrained night-time ventilation. Overheating was prevalent with four out of the five monitored bedrooms failing all four overheating metrics investigated. While 35-42% of staff responses perceived indoor temperatures to be uncomfortably hot, only 13-19% of resident responses were found to do so, indicating that elderly residents tend to be relatively insensitive to heat, leaving them open to overheating without realising it. Residents and staff in the modern care setting were less satisfied with their thermal conditions. As hybrid buildings, care settings need to keep both residents and staff comfortable and healthy during hot weather through night-time ventilation, management of heating and supportive institutional practices.
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Ibbetson A, Milojevic Ai, Mavrogianni A, Oikonomou E, Jain N, Tsoulou I, Petrou G, Gupta R, Davies M, Wilkinson P, 'Mortality benefit of building adaptations to protect care home residents against heat risks in the context of uncertainty over loss of life expectancy from heat'
Climate Risk Management 32 (2021)
ISSN: 2212-0963 eISSN: 2212-0963AbstractPublished hereWe explore methodological issues core to the cost-benefit evaluation of building adaptations designed to protect against heat risks to residents of care homes in England in the context of the uncertainties relating to the loss of life expectancy in heat death. We used building physics modelling to quantify the impact of external window shading on indoor temperatures. We calculated associated heat mortality and loss of life expectancy under three sets of assumptions of life-shortening based on: (Method 1) an England & Wales (E&W) life-table, (Method 2) E&W life-table scaled to match observed average survival of care home residents and (Method 3) assuming that those dying of heat have a life expectancy of six months. External window shading was estimated to reduce mean indoor temperatures by 0.9 °C in a ‘warm’ summer and 0.6 °C in an ‘average’ summer. In a care home of 50 residents, the heat deaths and years of life lost (YLL) averted by such shading were estimated by the three life-expectancy assumptions (Methods 1, 2, 3) to be: 0.07, 0.47 and 0.28 heat deaths and 0.29, 0.76 and 0.14 YLL for the warm year and 0.05, 0.31 and 0.19 heat deaths and 0.20, 0.51 and 0.10 YLL for the average year. Over a 20-year time horizon and assuming an annual discount rate of 3.5%, the monetized benefit of reduced YLL would be around £90,000, £230,000 and £44,000 with the three life-expectancy assumptions. Although this range represents appreciable uncertainty, it appears that modest cost adaptations to heat risk may be justified in conventional cost-benefit terms even under conservative assumptions about life expectancy.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Integrated Testing of Building Fabric Thermal Performance for Calibration of Energy Models of Three Low-Energy Dwellings in the UK'
Sustainability 13 (5) (2021)
ISSN: 2071-1050 eISSN: 2071-1050AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper presents the methodology and results of in situ testing of building fabric thermal performance to calibrate as-built energy models of three low-energy dwellings in the UK, so as to examine the gap between as-designed and as-built energy performance. The in situ tests included repeat testing of air permeability (AP) integrated with thermal imaging survey and heat flux measurements of the building fabric elements, along with concurrent monitoring of indoor temperature during the pre-occupancy stage. Despite being designed to high thermal standards, wall and roof U-values were measured to be higher than expected. Thermal imaging surveys revealed air leakage pathways around door/window openings, penetrations and junctions between walls and ceilings, indicating poor detailing and workmanship. AP was found to have increased after the initial test due to post-completion alteration to the building fabric. Though the results did not meet design expectation, they were within the UK Building Regulations. Calibration of energy models with temperature monitoring provided a less extreme energy performance gap than simply replacing the designed values with test results. Insights from this study have reinforced the need for building regulations to require integrated testing of building fabric as part of housing delivery to ensure performance targets are realised.
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Mavrigiannaki A, Pignatta G, Assimakopoulos M, Isaac M, Gupta R, Kolokotsa D, Laskari M, Saliari M, Meir IA, Isaac S, 'Examining the benefits and barriers for the implementation of Net Zero Energy settlements'
Energy and Buildings 230 (2021)
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 0378-7788AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThe transition of the Net Zero Energy (NZE) concept from building to settlement scale has been theoretically approached in a number of studies. This paper examines the benefits and barriers associated with the implementation of the NZE concept at a settlement scale, by adopting a comprehensive approach for the design, construction, and monitoring of NZE settlements that was developed in the EU Horizon 2020 ZERO-PLUS project and implemented in four case studies. First, the ZERO-PLUS approach is presented, followed by an analysis of associated benefits and encountered barriers. Next, the roles of different stakeholders involved in the process are identified through stakeholder analysis. Finally, new dynamics that emerge and are critical to the successful implementation of NZE settlements are discussed. The ZERO-PLUS approach leads to achieving NZE settlements with an initial cost that is on average 16% lower than the cost of a typical NZEB, while achieving a net regulated energy consumption of less than 20 kWh/m2/year and renewable energy production of more than 50 kWh/m2/year. The implementation of NZE settlements revealed two main issues: 1) the external barriers that were raised by the planning policies and regulations; and 2) the challenge of managing and integrating the needs and requirements of project stakeholders. To overcome these barriers while reaping the benefits of the approach, the management of such projects needs to focus from the outset on the establishment of a project management structure that will ensure the coordination and integration of various stakeholders. The use of a standardized collaboration protocol from the preliminary design stage is recommended to facilitate future projects. Simultaneously, regulations need to be updated towards facilitating NZE settlement implementation.
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Mavrigiannaki A, Gobakis K, Kolokotsa D, Kalaitzakis K, Pisello A L, Piselli C, Gupta R, Gregg M, Laskari M, Saliari M, Assimakopoulos MN, Synnefa A, 'Measurement and Verification of Zero Energy Settlements: Lessons Learned from Four Pilot Cases in Europe'
Sustainability 12 (22) (2020)
ISSN: 2071-1050 eISSN: 2071-1050AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARMeasurement and verification (M&V) has become necessary for ensuring intended design performance. Currently, M&V procedures and calculation methods exist for the assessment of Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) for existing buildings, with a focus on reliable baseline model creation and savings estimation, as well as for reducing the computation time, uncertainties, and M&V costs. There is limited application of rigorous M&V procedures in the design, delivery and operation of low/zero energy dwellings and settlements. In the present paper, M&V for four pilot net-zero energy settlements has been designed and implemented. The M&V has been planned, incorporating guidance from existing protocols, linked to the project development phases, and populated with lessons learned through implementation. The resulting framework demonstrates that M&V is not strictly linked to the operational phase of a project but is rather an integral part of the project management and development. Under this scope, M&V is an integrated, iterative process that is accompanied by quality control in every step. Quality control is a significant component of the M&V, and the proposed quality control procedures can support the preparation and implementation of automated M&V. The proposed framework can be useful to project managers for integrating M&V into the project management and development process and explicitly aligning it with the rest of the design and construction procedures.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Assessing the magnitude and likely causes of summertime overheating in modern flats in UK'
Energies 13 (19) (2020)
ISSN: 1996-1073 eISSN: 1996-1073AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThere has been increasing recognition that climate change may lead to risk of summertime overheating in UK dwellings with potentially adverse consequences for human comfort and health. This paper investigates the magnitude of summertime overheating over one month in 2017, in four new flats built to identical thermal standards, with similar occupancy patterns and located in the same block in a development in Southeast England. Both static and adaptive methods were used to assess the overheating risk, while the variation in indoor temperatures across the flats was examined through key building characteristics including floor level, glazing orientation, exposed surface area to floor area ratio (SA/FA), glazing area to floor area ratio, and ventilation. Data collection included continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor temperature, relative humidity, CO2 levels and opening/closing of windows. Summertime overheating was found to be prevalent in all four flats but was most pronounced in two top floor flats with high SA/FA ratio and east/west facing glazing. Due to limited window opening and locational limitations of one flat, some conclusions were derived from three flats. Though the study sample is small, it is clear that overheating in new housing is a current issue and designing for avoidance of summertime overheating should become mainstream.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Domestic energy mapping to enable area-based whole house retrofits'
Energy and Buildings 229 (2020)
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 0378-7788AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARA long-standing challenge for area-based mass retrofits has been the ability to rapidly and accurately target appropriate dwellings for energy improvements. This paper demonstrates the application of a data-driven localised Geographical Information System (GIS)-based domestic energy mapping approach to create house-by-house baseline energy models and predict the potential for whole house energy retrofits in a case study of 431 dwellings in Oxford (UK). Top-down spatial datasets on energy, housing, socioeconomics and fuel poverty are combined with bottom-up energy modelling underpinned by actual dwelling details gathered through questionnaire surveys by the local community group. Multiple routes of identifying suitable dwellings were tested such as grouping dwellings with high energy use, those with high levels of fuel poverty and by common dwelling characteristics. About 300 dwellings were found to be suitable for a whole house retrofit package, equating to 89-94% mean energy reduction over baseline. While the most common dwelling typology, 1930s semi-detached had high retrofit need, it fell in area with low annual household income. The second most common dwelling typology, 1930s terrace, was dominant in areas with median level of household income. Funding programmes will need to be customised for different household segments to increase the take-up of energy retrofits.
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Gupta R, Howard A, 'Comparative evaluation of measured and perceived indoor environmental conditions in naturally and mechanically ventilated office environments'
Building Simulation 13 (2020) pp.1021-1042
ISSN: 1996-3599 eISSN: 1996-8744AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper uses a case study-based approach to comparatively evaluate the relationship between measured and perceived indoor environmental conditions in two office buildings, one naturally ventilated and one mechanically ventilated, located in south England. Environmental parameters (indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity, and indoor CO2 concentration) were continuously monitored at 5-minute intervals over a 19-month period (March 2017 to September 2018). During this time, occupant satisfaction surveys (both transverse and longitudinal) recorded occupant perceptions of their working environment, including thermal comfort, resulting in approximately 5700 survey responses from the two case studies combined.
In the NV office, CO2 levels were high (often >2000ppm) and indoor temperature was both high (>27°C) and variable (up to 8°C change in a working day). In contrast, the MV office environment was found to operate within much narrower temperature, RH and CO2 bands. This was particularly evident in the little seasonal variation observed in the CO2 levels in the MV office (rarely above 1200 ppm); whereas in the NV office, CO2 concentrations exceeded 2000 ppm on 12% of working days during the heating seasons and less than 1% in the non-heating season. Despite these differences in measured indoor environmental conditions, occupants’ overall satisfaction with their environment was similar in both buildings. Occupants of the NV building were found to be more tolerant of higher indoor temperatures while neutral thermal sensation corresponded to a higher indoor temperature, indicating the role of adaptation. This has important implications for energy use in managing the indoor environment.
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Sansaniwal S, Mathur J, Garg V, Gupta R, 'Review of Studies on Thermal Comfort in Indian Residential Buildings'
Science and Technology for the Built Environment 26 (6) (2020) pp.727-748
ISSN: 2374-4731 eISSN: 2374-474XAbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper presents the systematic review on thermal comfort studies in Indian residential buildings, helpful in identifying the present research scenario, data gaps and policy interventions. Majority of the studies are performed in composite climate (ten), followed by warm-humid (seven) and a very few from cold (two) and hot-dry (two) climates. None of the thermal comfort study is found from temperate climate. Besides, the seven studies have considered multiple climates for assessment of thermal comfort in residential buildings. This shows that thermal comfort studies in Indian residential buildings are scarce, scattered and unorganized. Further, due to differences in socio-cultural set-up and local adaptations, the prodigious variations in occupant’s comfort requirements are reported. This review argues the dynamic modifications in individual behaviours due to change in cost of building energy services and comfort requirements. Only four studies have partially considered the occupant behaviour regarding control of indoor thermal environment. The results obtained from these studies indicate that there is strong need of localised thermal comfort model that will not only help in improving comfort requirements but also the building energy performance. Moreover, this review paves way for research development in India where high residential building stock is yet to be built.
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Gupta R, Howard A, Zahiri S, 'Defining the link between indoor environment and workplace productivity in a modern UK Office Building'
Architectural Science Review 63 (3/4) (2020) pp.248-261
ISSN: 0003-8628 eISSN: 1758-9622AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARMost studies on the link between indoor environments and productivity have been conducted in controlled, static conditions often unrepresentative of the real world. This paper uses a case-study-based, real-world approach to empirically investigate the link between indoor environment and workplace productivity in a mechanically-ventilated office environment in southern England. Evidence gathered during the baseline period was used to implement two interventions limiting peak temperature and CO2 concentrations. Environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, CO2) were monitored continuously. Transverse and longitudinal surveys recorded occupant perceptions of their working environment and self-reported productivity, while performance tasks provided proxy measures of worker performance in terms of cognitive ability, speed and accuracy.
Workplace productivity was perceived to decrease when occupants perceived thermal discomfort and stuffy air. Correlations with perceived changes in productivity were stronger for perceived rather than measured environmental conditions and for perceived air quality rather than either measured RH or CO₂ concentration. This implies that occupants’ subjective feelings can impact their perceived productivity more than objective environmental conditions. Furthermore median task scores were 15% lower when conducted at CO₂ levels above 800ppm compared to below 800ppm. Insights from the study can help to optimise indoor office environments and improve workplace productivity. -
Gupta R, Gregg M, Cherian R, 'Developing a new framework to bring consistency and flexibility in evaluating actual building performance'
International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation 38 (1) (2019) pp.228-255
ISSN: 2398-4708 eISSN: 2398-4716AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARBuilding performance evaluation (BPE) is becoming an important tool for the improvement of building design and operations globally. However, with low energy buildings becoming more complex and clients increasing their interest in the evaluation of the impact of design and technologies on indoor environments, occupant health and productivity, gaps are often found between design expectations and actual performance. Often the causes are not just a result of one factor but due to complex interactions between building fabric, mechanical services and the behaviours of occupants which occur throughout the design, construction and use of a building. Although a few BPE techniques such as the Building Use studies (BUS) questionnaire survey are beginning to be used internationally to evaluate user perception and satisfaction, largely BPE forms a fragmented whole with tools and methods that are not widely applicable.
This paper develops and demonstrates a novel BPE framework to bring consistency and flexibility in evaluating actual building performance. The paper critically reviews and evaluates existing BPE methods and techniques (derived from BPE studies undertaken in UK and elsewhere) and situates them in different building life stages. Using a hierarchical approach, a ‘BPE framework’ is devised for new and existing buildings as well as refurbishments. The framework is designed to have four graduated levels starting at the ‘basic’ level and developing incrementally to ‘core’, ‘comprehensive’ and ‘advanced’ levels. The working of the BPE framework is demonstrated by applying it to four discreet BPE studies to enable cross-comparison of different BPE approaches based on their stage of application, depth and duration of BPE investigations. Such a graduated and flexible framework helps to bring consistency in evaluating building performance in an otherwise fragmented field, to help minimise the performance gap between design intent and actual outcomes and improve building performance.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Irving R, 'Meta-analysis of summertime indoor temperatures in newly-built, retrofitted and existing UK dwellings'
Science and Technology for the Built Environment 25 (9) (2019) pp.1212-1225
ISSN: 2374-4731 eISSN: 2374-474XAbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper presents the results of a meta-analysis of hourly indoor summertime temperature datasets gathered during the summer of 2013 (May to September), from 63 dwellings, located across the UK. The sample consisted of unmodified dwellings (existing); dwellings with varying levels of fabric improvements (retrofitted) and dwellings constructed to higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes (new). Indoor and outdoor temperature data from bedrooms and living rooms from these homes were collected at five-minute intervals using temperature sensors. These data were processed and analysed for summertime overheating, using both static criteria (CIBSE Guide A) and the criteria associated with the EN15251 adaptive thermal comfort model (CIBSE TM52). The results show that despite a relatively cool summer, sufficiently high temperatures were found in a high proportion of dwellings, which were overheated according to the static criteria, although the prevalence of overheating was found to be much lower when assessed by the adaptive method. Considerably higher temperatures were found in bedrooms, much higher than living rooms. Interestingly, dwellings with higher levels of insulation experienced overheating twice as frequently as uninsulated dwellings. It is necessary to consider the overheating risk during the design and retrofit of homes, to avoid air-conditioning in future.
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Gupta R, Bruce-Konuah A, Howard A, 'Achieving energy resilience through smart storage of solar electricity at dwelling and community level'
Energy and Buildings 195 (2019) pp.1-15
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 0378-7788AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper empirically evaluates the extent of energy resilience achieved in a socially-deprived community in Oxford, through deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and smart batteries (internet enabled and controllable) across a cluster of 82 dwellings (households). The methodological approach comprised dwelling and household surveys, along with high frequency monitoring of household electricity consumption, solar PV generation, battery charge and discharge data. In the monitored households, average daily electricity consumption was found to be positively related with dwelling size, number of occupants and number of appliances used. Although 117MWh of PV electricity was generated within a year across 74 dwellings, peak generation did not match peak consumption, demonstrating the need for battery storage. Home batteries were found to increase self-consumption of PV electricity and offset grid demand through discharge of stored PV electricity marginally at an average of 6%, depending on the size of the PV system, surplus PV electricity available and size of the battery. Aggregating solar generation and storage at a community level showed that peak grid electricity demand between 17:00 and 19:00 was reduced by 8% through the use of smart batteries across 74 dwellings. In future, a local energy sharing scheme could be developed, wherein not all dwellings would need to have solar PV systems, but rather have internet enabled batteries that could be monitored and controlled virtually.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Manu S, Vaidya P, Dixit M, 'Customized performance evaluation approach for Indian green buildings'
Building Research & Information 47 (1) (2019) pp.56-74
ISSN: 0961-3218 eISSN: 1466-4321AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThe green building movement in India is lacking an important link: ensuring that design intent of such buildings is
actually realized. This paper undertakes an exploratory investigation to develop and test a customized building
performance evaluation (BPE) approach (I-BPE framework) for the Indian context. As academia is considered to be
an initial primary outlet of BPE, a survey of experts is conducted to investigate the drivers and barriers for
implementing BPE-based methods in educational curricula. The I-BPE approach is tested in a case study building to
gain insights for refining the underlying methods and processes for conducting further BPE studies in a context of
India. The expert survey reveals the lack of trained people for teaching BPE as a key challenge to its adoption,
implying that trained people are needed as much as frameworks. To enable widespread adoption of I-BPE in India,
what will be necessary is a new cadre of building performance evaluators who can be trained (or upskilled) through
formal or continuing education. This will need to be driven both by policy (energy code) and market transformation
('green' rating systems). A series of delivery routes are suggested to enable rapid and deeper learning.
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Gupta R, Howard A, Zahiri S, 'Investigating the relationship between indoor environment and workplace productivity in naturally and mechanically-ventilated office environments'
Building Services Engineering Research & Technology 41 (3) (2019) pp.280-304
ISSN: 0143-6244AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper uses a case study-based approach to empirically investigate the relationship between indoor environment and workplace productivity in two contrasting office environments: one naturally-ventilated (NV), the other mechanically-ventilated (MV). Environmental parameters were continuously monitored over 19 months. Transverse and longitudinal surveys recorded occupants’ perception of their working environment and self-reported productivity, while performance tasks (numerical and proofreading) measured cognitive capability as proxy for measured productivity. Indoor temperatures and CO2 concentrations were found to be higher and more variable in the naturally-ventilated office. However, the correlation between occupant perception of their indoor environment and perceived productivity was stronger in the MV office. Occupants of the NV office were found to be more tolerant of their environment than their counterparts in the MV office. Task performance was affected by indoor environmental conditions such as indoor temperature and CO2 concentration. Interestingly in the NV office, the median scores were up to 12% higher for tests conducted at CO₂ concentrations
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Gupta R, Kapsali M, Howard A, 'Evaluating the influence of building fabric, services and occupant related factors on the actual performance of low energy social housing dwellings in UK'
Energy and Buildings 174 (2018) pp.548-562
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 0378-7788AbstractThis paper empirically investigates the influence of building fabric, services and occupant related factors on actual energy use of six case study dwellings, located in three new low energy social housing developments in UK, covering a variety of built forms and construction systems (timber frame, hempcrete, steel-frame). Physical monitoring of indoor environment and window-opening is cross-related with building fabric and systems’ performance, and qualitative data gathered through occupant surveys, review of control interfaces and handover guidance, to understand the causes of the gap between modelled and measured energy use. Actual energy use is found to exceed design expectations by a factor of three, questioning the need for whole-house mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) systems at measured air permeability rates of 6m³/(h.m²) against the design target of 3m³/(h.m²). Lack of proper commissioning of MVHR and heating systems, combined with inadequate user comprehension about their operation and control leads to occupant ‘misuse’ wherein systems are de-activated, thereby negatively affecting indoor air quality. This is confounded by occupant factors related to higher demand temperatures, unexpected opening of windows during winters due to under-performance of MVHR combined with habitual behaviours, and over-use of heating systems to compensate for higher than expected air permeability.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Assessing energy use and overheating risk in net zero energy dwellings in UK'
Energy and Buildings 158 (Jan. 2018) (2018) pp.897-905
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 0378-7788AbstractThis paper presents the methodological approach and findings of a simulation study of advanced energy conservation, generation and management technologies applied to two case study dwellings in the UK, so as to achieve net zero energy (NZE) target that includes a reduction of net regulated energy (HVAC) to 0kWh/m2 per year and energy generation of at least 50 kWh/m2 per year. The performance of the dwellings are also tested for a change in energy use and risk of summertime overheating in future climates in the short (2030s), medium (2050s) and long term (2080s).Published here Open Access on RADAR
The findings indicate that to meet the NZE targets, regulated loads need to reduce by about half (over current Building Regulations) with community (rather than building-level) renewables playing a major role. It is also found that the NZE targets, given current regulations, are not particularly difficult to achieve in design with regard to energy efficiency but are highly expectant with regard to renewable energy. Further, summertime overheating is projected to be a risk for net zero energy dwellings by the 2050s. Despite this the regulated energy use of both dwellings is projected to reduce by 11kWh/m2/yr, accompanied by a small increase in renewable generation (2kWh/m2/yr). -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Targeting and modelling urban energy retrofits using a city-scale energy mapping approach'
Journal of Cleaner Production 174 (10 February 2018) (2018) pp.401-412
ISSN: 0959-6526 eISSN: 1879-1786AbstractCity authorities, community groups and retrofit installers need to identify suitable local areas and dwellings for installing energy retrofit measures. This paper presents a localised Geographical Information System (GIS) based approach that utilises publicly-available national and local datasets on housing and energy to provide targeted low carbon measures across UK cities. The study uses a rapid city-level energy assessment approach to spatially identify suitable neighbourhoods for particular retrofit measures, based on relative energy use and fuel poverty ratings. A GIS-based carbon mapping model (called DECoRuM) is then used to estimate energy use and potential for energy reduction on a house-by-house level. The improvement measures are aggregated to encourage bulk installations and drive down installation costs. To identify an appropriate neighbourhood case study area, publicly available datasets were assessed for the town of Bicester (Oxfordshire, UK), which included Ordnance Survey Mastermap, Energy Performance Certificate data (EPC) and sub-national energy statistics available at lower layer super output area (LSOA). When the EPC data for Bicester were compared with the sub-national statistics for Bicester, the average difference was found to be ~800 kWh. This is interesting as EPCs represent dwelling specific but modelled data whereas sub-national datasets represent actual but aggregated data. Superimposing the above datasets, a neighbourhood in southwest Bicester was selected as having the highest percentage of dwellings with energy consumption >300kWh/m2/yr (EPC), most dwellings in need of wall insulation (EPC), second highest mean total energy consumption (sub-national), and third highest percentage of fuel poor dwellings (sub-national). House-level energy assessment in the selected area using DECoRuM showed that a package based approach comprising fabric and heating system upgrade and solar PVs emerged as the most effective.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Barnfield L, Gregg M, 'Exploring innovative community and household energy feedback approaches'
Building Research & Information 46 (3) (2018) pp.284-299
ISSN: 0961-3218 eISSN: 1466-4321AbstractMost research to date on the provision of energy feedback to households has focused on assessing the efficacy of numeric-based feedback. This paper describes the application and evaluation of more visual energy feedback techniques (carbon mapping, thermal imaging) at different scales, alongside traditional methods (web-based energy and environmental visualization platform, home energy reports) delivered through community workshops, home visits and the internet, across six low-carbon communities in the UK. Overall, most of the feedback approaches were able to engage and raise awareness amongst the householders. Whilst carbon mapping was felt to be aimed more at community groups and local councils by providing evidence of past and future community action, displaying carbon maps at community workshops helped to show that others were also engaged in energy action. Thermal imaging was successful in engaging individual local residents through both community workshops and home visits, especially when included in the home energy reports. This stimulated discussions on future energy savings through building fabric upgrade. However, the data-driven web-based platform had limited uptake due to online log-in requirement and information overload. Such insights are useful for those involved in scaling up the deployment of energy feedback to encourage energy demand reduction.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Kotopouleas A, 'Magnitude and extent of building fabric thermal performance gap in UK low energy housing'
Applied Energy 222 (2018) pp.673-686
ISSN: 0306-2619 eISSN: 1872-9118AbstractThis paper presents new evidence from a nationwide cross-project meta-study investigating the magnitude and extent of the difference between designed and measured thermal performance of the building fabric of 188 low energy dwellings in the UK. The dataset was drawn from the UK Government’s national Building Performance Evaluation programme, and comprises 50 Passivhaus (PH) and 138 non-Passivhaus (NPH) dwellings, covering different built forms and construction systems. The difference between designed and measured values of air permeability (AP), external wall/roof thermal transmittance (U-value) and whole house heat loss were statistically analysed, along with a review of thermal imaging data to explain any discrepancies. The results showed that fabric thermal performance gap was widespread especially in terms of AP, although the magnitude of underperformance was much less in PH dwellings. While measured AP had good correlation with measured space heating energy for PH dwellings, there was no relationship between the two for NPH dwellings. The regression analysis indicated that for every 1m3/h/m2 reduction in designed air permeability, the gap increased by 0.8 m3/h/m2@50Pa. Monte Carlo analysis showed that likelihood of AP gap was 78% in NPH dwellings designed to 5m3/h/m2@50Pa or lower. The study provides useful evidence for improving the fabric thermal performance of new housing through in-situ testing.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Kapsali M, Gregg M, 'Comparative building performance evaluation of a ‘sustainable’ community centre and a public library building'
Building Services Engineering Research & Technology 38 (6) (2017) pp.691-710
ISSN: 0143-6244AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper uses a forensic building performance evaluation approach to undertake a comparative evaluation of the in-use energy and environmental performance data (collected over two years) of two civic buildings located in Southeast England – a small community centre (
double the predicted, while they are almost five times in the case of library building. This is because the community centre management team overcame some of the issues through their continuous engagement and interest in the building’s performance, whereas the management team of the Library building failed to engage with energy management, resulting in disuse of the biomass boiler and solar thermal system.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Care provision fit for a warming climate'
Architectural Science Review 60 (4) (2017) pp.275-285
ISSN: 0003-8628 eISSN: 1758-9622AbstractThe impact of a warming climate has serious implications for older people in care facilities as they are most vulnerable to negative health effects of excessive heat. This paper uses a building simulation approach to examine the current and future risk of summertime overheating and potential adaptive response of four care and extra-care settings representing different construction, technical design and built ages across the UK. Insights from semi-structured interviews with design teams of case studies reveal their awareness and attitudes towards future-proofing design of care settings against climate change and overheating.Published here Open Access on RADAR
Modelling results demonstrate the magnitude of projected summertime overheating in care and extra-care schemes, yet there appears to be little awareness amongst designers about the risk of overheating and implementation of long-term adaptation approaches such as external shading, provision of cross-ventilation. Although age, location, and orientation are found to have notable effect on the magnitude of overheating, they are difficult aspects to change in existing buildings, yet they provide insights into adaptive responses with regard to retrofit, management and use of care settings. Designers also need to focus on long term planning of care settings rather than near future, to anticipate the effects of climate change on care settings.
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Synnefa A, Laskari M, Gupta R, Pisello AL, Santamouris M, 'Development of net zero energy settlements using advanced energy technologies'
Procedia Engineering 180 (2017) pp.1388-1401
ISSN: 1877-7058AbstractThe research activities described in this paper focus on the development and implementation of a comprehensive and cost-effective system for Net Zero Energy (NZE) settlements. The system is composed of innovative solutions for the building envelope, for building energy generation, and for energy management at the settlement level. The developed solutions will be implemented in 4 different demonstration projects throughout the EU, with varying climates and building types. The results of their implementation will be monitored, analyzed. The target is toPublished here Open Access on RADARachieve a reduction of operational energy usage to 0-20 kWh/m2 per year through a transition from single NZE buildings to NZE settlements, in which the energy loads and resources are optimally managed. In addition, investment costs will be at least 16% lower than current nZEB costs. In this paper, the methodology that was developed in order to optimize the energy, environmental and cost plans of the four case studies through the best integration and combination of the selected innovative energy technologies with excellent architectural and
engineering design is described. In addition the evaluation of the four NZE settlements in terms of energy, environmental and cost performance is presented.
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McGill G, Sharpe T, Robertson L, Gupta, Mawditt I, 'Meta-analysis of indoor temperatures in new-build housing'
Building Research & Information 45 (1/2) (2017) pp.19-39
ISSN: 0961-3218 eISSN: 1466-4321AbstractDespite growing concerns about overheating, a lack of evidence exists on the scale of the problem, particularly in contemporary UK housing. This paper presents the results of a meta-analysis of indoor temperatures in selected low-energy housing. Temperature data recorded at five-minute intervals in 60 dwellings across 19 demonstration projects (2012–14) were collated and analysed to investigate the prevalence of overheating. Findings evidence high summertime temperatures, with 27% of living rooms exceeding 28°C during August. Based on the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) threshold of 5% annual occupied hours > 25°C, 57% of bedrooms and 75% of living rooms were classified as having overheated. Overall, 30% of living rooms exceeded the adaptive comfort threshold of > 3% occupied hours ΔT ≥ 1 K. The results suggest a fundamental relationship between ventilation and indoor temperatures. The higher minimum and average summertime temperatures observed in mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) homes (p < 0.05) and lower temperature range (p < 0.001) suggest the need for greater attention to adequate summertime ventilation provision in airtight homes. The results demonstrate a high prevalence of overheating in exemplary housing, indicating the need for greater efforts to ensure the effective implementation of strategies to minimize overheating and improve ventilation in low-energy homes.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Barnfield L, Gregg M, 'Overheating in care settings: magnitude, causes, preparedness and remedies'
Building Research & Information 45 (1/2) (2017) pp.83-101
ISSN: 0961-3218 eISSN: 1466-4321AbstractResearch in UK and elsewhere has highlighted that older people are particularly vulnerable to negative health effects of overheating. This paper examines the magnitude, causes, preparedness and remedies for addressing the risk of summertime overheating in four case study residential care and extra-care settings across the UK, spanning different building types, construction and age. An interdisciplinary approach is adopted, drawing from building science and social science methods, including temperature monitoring, building surveys, and interviews with design and management teams. The findings suggest that overheating is a current and prevalent risk in the case study schemes, yet currently little awareness or preparedness exists to implement suitable and long-term adaptation strategies (e.g., external shading). There was a perception from designers to managers, that cold represents a bigger threat to older occupants’ health than excessive heat. A lack of effective heat management was found across the case studies that included unwanted heat gains from the heating system, confusion in terms of responsibilities to manage indoor temperatures, and conflicts between window opening and occupant safety. Given that care settings should provide protection against risks from cold and hot weather, design, management and care practices need to become better focused towards this goal.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Do deep low carbon domestic retrofits actually work?'
Energy and Buildings 129 (2016) pp.330-343
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 1872-6178AbstractThis paper uses a socio-technical building performance evaluation (BPE) approach to assess the pre- and post- actual performance of two discrete deep low energy retrofits in the UK – a Victorian solid-wall house and modern 1990s cavity-wall house. A ‘low-energy first, then low-carbon’ approach was adopted in both cases, to achieve an 80% reduction in annual CO2 emissions. Pre-retrofit, both houses had lower measured annual gas consumption as compared to predictions made by energy models, although the electricity consumption in the modern house was higher than modelled, due to occupancy pattern and occupant behaviour. Post-retrofit, it was found that the Victorian house achieved nearly 75% CO2 reduction, while the modern house achieved only 57% CO2 reduction over the baseline emissions. Key reasons were higher than expected air permeability rates, installation issues with micro-renewable systems, lack of proper commissioning, usability of controls, occupant preferences and behaviour. Despite the gap between expected and actual carbon emissions, occupant comfort and satisfaction was significantly improved across both retrofits. This evidence-based understanding of the process and outcomes of deep low carbon retrofits is vital not only for learning and innovation, but also for scaling-up deep retrofit programmes for meeting national and international carbon targets.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Empirical evaluation of the energy and environmental performance of a sustainably-designed but under-utilised institutional building in the UK'
Energy and Buildings 128 (2016) pp.68-80
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 1872-6178AbstractThis paper presents a systematic, socio-technical and empirical evaluation of the actual energy and environmental performance of a sustainably-designed institutional building (Southeast England), intended to be a teaching tool and ‘living laboratory’ of sustainability. Despite the building being designed to high sustainability standards (Energy Performance Certificate rating of A, low reliance on fossil fuels, natural ventilation and rainwater harvesting) and also being under-utilised during the in-use stage (lower hours of occupation and number of occupants), its actual energy-related carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions are four times more than predicted. This is due to poor energy management of the building, underperformance of the biomass boiler and wasteful energy practices in terms of excessive winter overheating in the atrium, inappropriate lighting controls, and electrical equipment being left on standby. Due to lack of training and understanding of the energy manager, the building management system was not used adequately and issues with installation, commissioning and maintenance of the biomass boiler led to its disuse; however the photovoltaic system generated electricity as expected. Findings from the study show how a mixed-methods approach of building performance evaluation (BPE) should be embedded as part of the build process, to ensure that performance outcomes are met in reality.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Kapsali M, 'Evaluating the 'as-built' performance of an eco-housing development in the UK'
Building Services Engineering Research & Technology 37 (2) (2016) pp.220-242
ISSN: 0143-6244 eISSN: 1477-0849AbstractThis paper uses a socio-technical building performance evaluation approach to forensically and systematically evaluate the actual performance of two case study dwellings located in a flagship eco-housing development in the UK, during the post-construction/initial occupation stage. The 12-month study captures the as-built' performance of the building envelope (principally heat loss) and installed equipment along with remote monitoring of energy use and environmental conditions, review of the handover processes and initial experiences of the occupants in relation to the home environment. It is found that actual annual energy use and CO2 emissions of the case study dwellings exceed design predictions by factors of 1.8 and 2.5, respectively. The main reasons for this gap are complex interdependencies that occur across the performance of building fabric and energy systems, usability of controls and occupant expectations and behaviour. Underperformance of mechanicalPublished here
ventilation and heat recovery systems and air source heat pumps results from inadequate commissioning and maintenance procedures and poor occupant control due to complex control interfaces. Furthermore, unclear user guidance and inadequate training during handover lead to poor occupant understanding of the mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems and heat pumps, resulting in their misuse. The findings have proved that building performance evaluation processes are vital for examining operational outcomes and discovering performance-related issues that would otherwise go unreported and lead to bigger problems in future. Practical application: The methodological approach for evaluating housing performance adopted in this study provides design and construction teams with a practical approach to diagnose workmanship issues with building fabric and any installation or commissioning issues with energy systems and services. Maintenance regime of heating and ventilation system should be clarified at the installation and
commissioning stage. Maintenance contracts should be set up for unfamiliar low carbon systems such as heat pumps, MVHR. Occupants need to be trained through graduated and extended handover that involves occupants trying out systems and controls in the presence of trained housing officers, supplemented by visual home user guides (developed by
the architects) offering clear guidance on the daily and seasonal operation of systems and controls. Learning from such real-world case studies, from design to early occupation, is helpful in understanding the exact causes of the performance gap and how it can be addressed. -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Do deep low carbon retrofits actually work?'
Energy Procedia 78 (2015) (2015) pp.919-924
ISSN: 1876-6102AbstractThis paper presents the findings from building performance evaluation studies of two deep retrofits in UK – Victorian house and Modern 1990s house. Both case studies were designed to achieve 17 kgCO2/m2/year (equivalent to 80 % reduction) and adopted a fabric-first approach. Post-retrofit, it was found that the Victorian house achieved a 75 % CO2 reduction, while the modern house achieved 57 % CO2 reduction over the baseline. Key reasons for these are higher than expected air-permeability rates of the building fabric post-retrofit, lack of occupant understanding in operating low carbon technologies and unusual electricity using behaviors of occupants particularly in the modern house.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Kapsali M, 'Empirical assessment of indoor air quality and overheating in low-carbon social housing dwellings in England, UK'
Advances in Building Energy Research 10 (1) (2015) pp.46-68
ISSN: 1751-2549 eISSN: 1756-2201AbstractNew low-carbon houses are designed to reduce heat losses through improved airtightness and increased insulation, raising the risk of overheating and inadequate ventilation. This paper examines the overheating risks and indoor air quality (IAQ) of three sustainable social housing developments in England (UK), by conducting building performance monitoring and post-occupancy evaluation of six case-study dwellings. All the developments have been designed for Code for Sustainable Homes Levels 4 and 5. The case-study houses cover a variety of forms and different types of construction systems, but have similar occupancy profiles. Monitoring data on environmental conditions, IAQ and window/door opening are cross-related with the performance of fabric and systems as well as occupants' understanding, habits and behaviour. Findings indicate that indoor environmental conditions and air quality are determined by the performance of building fabric and systems as well as interaction of occupants with them. High indoor temperatures during summer are linked to window opening patterns and faults with underfloor heating system. While poor IAQ is linked with insufficient fresh air supply from the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems due to inadequate commissioning of the systems, coupled with lack of user comprehension in operating these systems because of poor guidance and inadequate user training. The findings reveal that there are interrelated socio-technical factors that determine the IAQ and occurrence of overheating in low-energy housing.Published here -
Gupta R, Gregg M, Williams K, 'Cooling the UK housing stock post-2050s'
Building Services Engineering Research & Technology 36 (2) (2015) pp.196-220
ISSN: 0143-6244AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper investigates the risk of projected post-2050s overheating in existing, retrofitted and new-build dwellings in the United Kingdom. As shown in the previous research, passive measures may not be sufficient in mitigating overheating risk. Therefore, mechanical cooling technologies that may be deployed to ‘adapt’ to a warming climate are tested for energy and CO2 implications. For retrofits, heating demand is projected to remain dominant, whereas in post-2016 new-build, greater cooling system efficiency will be important. Thermal mass is shown to reduce future cooling load. The heat recovery element of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery may be rendered unnecessary in super-efficient homes. Ceiling fans coupled with natural ventilation may be sufficient in providing thermal comfort in the north of England. Ultimately, not planning for future overheating and cooling systems could create a new performance gap in design, construction and occupant behaviour.
Practical application : Overheating, already experienced in dwellings throughout the United Kingdom and projected to increase in occurrence, should be considered in all new design and retrofit. Dwellings designed to meet thermal comfort performance targets may be at risk of non-compliance as a result of a warming climate. Furthermore, dwellings designed to meet energy performance targets may be at risk of non-compliance as a result of potential need for cooling systems. The findings have implications for policy-making in relation to decarbonisation of the electricity grid, implementation of the Green Deal and upgrading building regulations to future-proof new and existing housing against a warming climate.
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Roelich K, Knoeri C, Steinberger JK, Varga L, Blythe PT, Butler D, Gupta R, Harrison G, Martin C, Purnell P, 'Towards resource-efficient and service-oriented integrated infrastructure operation'
Technological Forecasting and Social Change 92 (2015) pp.40-52
ISSN: 0040-1625AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARInfrastructure is a means to an end: it is built, maintained and expanded in order to enable the functioning of society. Present infrastructure operation is characterised by: governance based on unmanaged growing demand, which is both inefficient and ultimately unsustainable; lack of integration of the end-users, in terms of the variety of their wants, needs and behaviours; separate and parallel delivery of different infrastructure streams prohibiting joint solutions. To achieve long-term sustainability, infrastructure needs to be designed and operated to provide essential service delivery at radically decreased levels of resource use. This new approach will need to: (1) incorporate the end-user, in terms of their wants and behaviours; (2) focus on the service provided; (3) use information and communication technologies more effectively; (4) integrate the operation of different infrastructure systems; (5) be governed in a manner that recognises the complexity and interconnectedness of infrastructure systems; and (6) rethink current infrastructure valuation. Possible configurations incorporating these aspects with the explicit goal of contributing to long term sustainability could be Multi Utility Service Companies or “MUSCos”. This article presents new insights and ideas generated by considering the challenge of the transition towards a MUSCo infrastructure.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Passmore S, Stevens G, 'Intent and outcomes from the Retrofit for the Future programme: key lessons'
Building Research & Information 43 (4) (2015) pp.435-451
ISSN: 0961-3218 eISSN: 1466-4321AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThe Retrofit for the Future programme, sponsored by UK government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB) from 2009 to 2013, demonstrated innovative approaches to deep retrofitting of social housing, using a whole-house approach for achieving an 80% CO2 reduction target. The intent and outcomes of this programme (in which all authors participated) are critically examined through a cross-project meta-study of the primary data, substantiated by insights from secondary sources. Given that only three (out of 45) projects met the expected CO2 target in reality, despite generous funding and professional expertise, it suggests that decarbonizing existing housing will not be particularly easy. Important lessons are found in this initiative's formulation, target setting, monitoring and evaluation procedures, and feedback mechanisms. These lessons can inform the formulation, delivery and effectiveness of future national energy retrofit programmes. Furthermore, to support the ‘scaling up’ of effective retrofit programmes and reduce the gap between intent and outcome, it is recommended that attention be moved from what level of CO2 reductions are to be achieved to how (delivery models) these radical reductions can be achieved and by whom (supply chain). Such alternative delivery models to the ‘whole house’ approach include retrofit over time, city-scale retrofit and community-based energy retrofits.
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Gupta R, Irving R, 'Possible effects of future domestic heat pump installations on the UK energy supply'
Energy and Buildings 84 (2014) pp.94-110
ISSN: 0378-7788 eISSN: 0378-7788AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis research study investigates the effects of the large-scale installation of domestic heat pumps on the UK electricity supply over the short to medium term. A BREDEM-based dwelling energy model, incorporating a model of heat pump performance, is enhanced for the effects of varying monthly temperatures. Data from the English Housing Survey (2007) is analysed using this model to estimate electricity consumption to 2020 and 2050, and simulate scenarios for replacing existing heating systems by ground or air source heat pumps. The type of heat pump (ground or air source) is determined by dwelling plot dimensions data from the EHS. Modelling results for 2020 showed that a policy of replacing the heating systems with the highest emissions could reduce or at least minimise the increase in electricity consumption and carbon emissions. Results for 2050 showed that replacement of some 80% of current gas-
fired systems would enable the UK to meet its target of 80% carbon emissions reduction in this sector when accompanied by simultaneous decarbonisation of the electricity supply. These results provide some support for the UK government’s policy of subsidizing heat pump installations through the Renewable Heat Incentive payments whilst indicating that meeting emission targets requires far greater adoption of these systems than current ambitions. -
Gupta R, Barnfield L, Hipwood T, 'Impacts of community-led energy retrofitting of owner-occupied dwellings'
Building Research & Information 42 (4) (2014) pp.446-461
ISSN: 0961-3218AbstractPublished hereCommunity-led approaches have emerged in the UK as an alternative route for realizing reductions in domestic energy demand through changes in homeowners' understanding and behaviours when coupled with physical retrofitting. A socio-technical approach is used to develop and apply a monitoring and evaluation framework. This framework comprises assessment of longitudinal energy use, in-situ monitoring and qualitative social science surveys in order to evaluate the impacts (on changing individual and household energy behaviours) and effectiveness (on achieving real savings in energy use and carbon emissions) of energy retrofits of 27 owner-occupied homes across six low carbon communities (LCCs). Results indicate that the energy retrofits have been reasonably effective in terms of reducing energy use in dwellings (75% of homes experienced reductions in gas and/or electricity use). The research also reveals wider impacts of retrofits on indoor environmental conditions and behaviours of the occupants. Such impacts, intended or otherwise, may not be always positive; however, the LCCs appear particularly successful in facilitating the households, through increased motivations, capability, awareness and knowledge relating to energy use and behaviours. Insights from the study can help to inform future strategy implementation for reducing energy demand from existing housing to meet national CO2 targets.
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Gupta R, Barnfield L, 'Unravelling the unintended consequences of home energy improvements'
International Journal of Energy Sector Management 8 (4) (2014) pp.506-526
ISSN: 1750-6220AbstractPublished herePurpose – This paper aims to, using a systematic mixed-methods based monitoring and evaluation approach, investigate the unintended consequences of physical and technical home improvements on energy use, indoor environmental conditions and occupant behaviour in community-led retrofits. The study is part of a UK Research Council funded research project on evaluating the impacts and effectiveness of low carbon communities on energy behaviours.
Design/methodology/approach – A graduated measurement, monitoring and evaluation framework has been developed and applied to gather quantitative and qualitative data on energy use and behaviours has been developed and applied to 88 households across the UK. A mixed-methods approach is used, including occupant interviews, questionnaires, activity diaries and continuous physical monitoring of energy use, environmental conditions and low-carbon technologies.
Findings – The study has uncovered a number of unintended consequences associated with home energy improvements, both beneficial and detrimental, including improved comfort levels in retrofitted dwellings and reduction in energy use but also an increased likelihood of overheating following fabric
improvements, potential under-performance of low-carbon systems due to lack of understanding and inadequate installation and commissioning, along with adaptive energy behaviours leading to increased energy use and a widening gap between predicted and actual savings.
Research limitations/implications – Although 63 case study households are involved, it is difficult to provide statistical analysis from the emerging findings.
Practical implications – This paper demonstrates the unintended consequences of home energy improvements. It aims to bring awareness of these issues to various sectors and stakeholders involved in delivering community retrofit programmes or the National Green Deal programme.
Originality/value – The paper fulfils an identified need to study the impacts of home energy improvements within existing homes through a robust, comprehensive M&E approach.
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Gupta R, Irving R, 'Development and application of a domestic heat pump model for achieving CO2 emissions reductions from domestic space heating, hot water and potential cooling demand in the future'
Energy and Buildings 60 (May) (2013) pp.60-74
ISSN: 0378-7788AbstractPublished hereThis paper outlines the development and application of a domestic heat pump model for space heating and cooling energy. The model is intended to bridge the gap between the single Coefficient of Performance parameter currently used in the UK procedures for the assessment of the energy efficiency of dwellings and the dynamic simulation models frequently developed for the academic estimation of heat pump energy use. It is responsive to variations in source and sink temperatures whilst being simple enough to be embedded in a spreadsheet model. The model was developed by: building a regression model, using heat pump performance test results, relating heat pump coefficient of performance to the differential between source and sink temperatures - "lift"; deriving estimating rules for monthly supply temperature estimates for commonly-used heat pump sources and for demand temperatures for normal wet central heating sinks to give a monthly estimate for the source / sink differential; embedding the regression model in the UK standard model for domestic energy estimation, with additional routines to estimate energy consumption for additional heat and for space cooling. The model developed was validated by comparison with the existing BREDEM model. Compared with the standard BREDEM estimates, the resulting model showed correct response to changes in ambient temperatures, allowing correct estimating of consumption for additional heat under conditions of climate change. It showed variation of heat pump coefficient of performance across the year, allowing better estimation of winter peak load.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Du H, Williams K, 'Evaluative application of UKCP09‐based downscaled future weather years to simulate overheating risk in typical English homes'
Structural Survey 31 (4) (2013) pp.231-252
ISSN: 0263-080X eISSN: 0263-080XAbstractPurposePublished here– To critically compare three future weather year (FWY) downscaling approaches, based on the 2009 UK Climate Projections, used for climate change impact and adaptation analysis in building simulation software.
Design/methodology/approach
– The validity of these FWYs is assessed through dynamic building simulation modelling to project future overheating risk in typical English homes in 2050s and 2080s.
Findings
– The modelling results show that the variation in overheating projections is far too significant to consider the tested FWY data sets equally suitable for the task.
Research and practical implications
– It is recommended that future research should consider harmonisation of the downscaling approaches so as to generate a unified data set of FWYs to be used for a given location and climate projection. If FWY are to be used in practice, live projects will need viable and reliable FWY on which to base their adaptation decisions. The difference between the data sets tested could potentially lead to different adaptation priorities specifically with regard to time series and adaptation phasing through the life of a building.
Originality/value
– The paper investigates the different results derived from FWY application to building simulation. The outcome and implications are important considerations for research and practice involved in FWY data use in building simulation intended for climate change adaptation modelling.
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Smith, I., Williams, K., Hopkins, D., Joynt, J., Payne, C. and Gupta, R, 'Integrated suburban neighbourhood adaptation due to climate change'
Structural Survey 31 (4) (2013) pp.301-313
ISSN: 0263-080X eISSN: 0263-080XAbstractPublished herePurpose – This paper presents new research on the potential pathways for integrated adaptation that could make England's suburbs more resilient to future climate conditions. It focuses on the role of central government, local agencies and householders in making adaptations to the built and natural environment.
Design/methodology – This paper uses evidence from three facilitated workshops run with built environment and policy professionals associated with climate change adaptation in three cities in England: Oxford, Bristol and Stockport. The workshop contributions are presented in relation to the potential role that central government, local agencies and residents could play in adapting suburbs.
Findings – Central government, local agencies and householders form an interconnected network of agents responsible for adaptive action in suburbs. Professional and institutional stakeholders expect central government to take a lead and ensure planning policies and building regulations support effective adaptation. However, those local authorities and agencies that are expected to offer leadership locally do not have the resources to make adaptation happen on the ground. Overall, the stakeholders in this research believe that effective adaptation in suburbs may only happen once householders and government have experienced worsening climatic conditions. This could be a very costly stance in the long term.
Originality/value – This paper provides empirical evidence on how stakeholders engaged in suburban adaptation are making changes now, and on how they envisage change in the future. It reveals clearly the challenges involved in integrating mitigation and adaptation actions and highlight the complexities around implementation on the ground. -
Williams K, Gupta R, Hopkins D, Gregg M, Payne C, Joynt J, Smith I, Bates-Brkljac N, 'Retrofitting England's suburbs to adapt to climate change'
Building Research & Information 41 (4) (2013) pp.517-531
ISSN: 0961-3218AbstractPublished hereThe majority of the English population lives in suburbs and this is where the impacts of climate change will significantly affect people's domestic lives: heat stress, respiratory problems, flooding, drought, deterioration of green spaces and damage from storms. A recognized need exists to adapt suburbs (homes, gardens and public space) physically to mitigate against further climate change and to adapt to inevitable weather patterns. A number of potential adaptation options, addressing different risks, are identified and tested using a range of methods, including modelling, and workshops with residents and professional and institutional stakeholders. The ‘best’ solutions are those that reduce the climate risk within the context of local adaptive capacity. Solutions are effective, acceptable and feasible given the type of suburb; its location; microclimate; housing type; the climate risk it faces; the socio-economic composition of its residents and their attitudes; resources; and governance conditions. It is essential to consider both the totality of the suburban environment and the combined effects of mitigation and adaptation measures. However, the biggest challenge is implementation which entails a better understanding of the problem by a range of stakeholders, a more supportive policy context, more resources, and clearer responsibilities.
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Gupta, R. and Gregg, M., 'Appraisal of UK funding frameworks for energy research in housing'
Building Research & Information 40 (4) (2012) pp.446-460
ISSN: 0961-3218Published here -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Using UK climate change projections to adapt existing english homes for a warming climate'
Building and Environment 55 (September) (2012) pp.20-42
ISSN: 0360-1323AbstractPublished hereThis paper uses probabilistic climate change data from the UK Climate Change Projections 2009 to define extreme climate change in order to model the effect of future temperature change, particularly summer overheating on the energy consumption of, and comfort in, existing English homes (located in Oxford). Climate change risk is then analysed as a factor of climate hazard, exposure and vulnerability. With the risk of overheating theoretically identified, the risk of overheating and the future change impact on space heating energy use is then virtually detailed for four English home types modelled using future weather years in a dynamic simulation modelling software (IES). A range of passive adaptation measures are then critically reviewed with regard to their effectiveness in minimising the negative impacts of climate change and to identify the most effective measures in reducing or eliminating the negative impacts of climate change on comfort and energy consumption. In addition the adaptation options are grouped and tested as packages in order to identify the optimal solution for adaptive retrofitting of English homes. For all homes modelled, user-controlled shading proved to be the most effective adaptation. Increasing the surface albedo of the building fabric and exposure of thermal mass were also revealed to be effective although proving to be complicated and requiring detailed consideration of the optimal locations. Ultimately among the passive options tested, the research found that none could completely eliminate the risk of overheating in the homes, particularly by the 2080s.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Adapting UK suburban neighbourhoods and dwellings for a changing climate'
Advances in Building Energy Research 5 (1) (2011) pp.81-108
ISSN: 1751-2549AbstractPublished hereMitigation of climate change, and adaptation to the inevitable changes in the climate, are equally important in suburban neighbourhoods, where 84 per cent of the British population choose to live. However, the policy on climate change adaptation of the existing built environment is only beginning to emerge in the UK. In this chapter, a robust methodological framework for quantifying climate change risks on a suburban neighbourhood level is described. Climate change hazards and impacts are first detailed using the UK Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP09) data set. Climate change scenarios are then downscaled spatially and temporally, and cross-referenced with local environmental features of each city that may exacerbate or ameliorate the climate change impacts. Finally, a matrix of adaptation strategies on a neighbourhood, individual dwelling and occupant level are developed for specific suburban neighbourhoods in three UK cities (Bristol, Oxford and Stockport), in response to the impacts derived from possible future climate hazards.
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Chandiwala S, Gupta R, 'Understanding occupants: feedback techniques for large-scale low-carbon domestic refurbishments'
Building Research & Information 38 (5) (2010) pp.530-548
ISSN: 0961-3218AbstractPublished hereHow can occupant feedback methods inform the management and design of low-carbon and whole-house refurbishment of dwellings? This is particularly relevant for large-scale, whole-house refurbishment programmes tasked with achieving deep cuts in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Evidence from pre-refurbishment occupancy can influence which interventions are chosen and increase their efficacy. A critical review is undertaken of a portfolio of short- and long-term occupant feedback techniques for evaluating occupants' perception of comfort, satisfaction, behaviour, and expectations. A number of these occupant feedback techniques are then tested empirically at the pre-refurbishment stage for two discrete case-study house types as part of ongoing research. The evidence reveals wide gaps between modelled and actual energy consumption; poor indoor CO2 and daylight levels, low operating internal temperatures, as well as problematic noise transmission. Such findings influence the selection of suitable user-centred low-carbon refurbishment interventions and ensure that there is a robust learning process for building owners, occupants, designers, and building managers. To optimize time, cost, and occupant involvement, it is important that feedback from occupants on building performance focuses on 'need-to-know' rather than 'nice-to-have' factors.
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Gupta R, Chandiwala S, 'Achieving low carbon buildings using code for sustainable homes in the UK'
International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies 4 (3) (2009) pp.187-196
ISSN: 1748-1317AbstractPublished hereThis paper describes the methodological approach for development, application and analysis of findings from an interactive user-friendly Sustainability Appraisal Toolkit (SAT) developed to facilitate the assessment of the energy and carbon impact and financial viability of achieving higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes. SAT runs on MS-Excel and is used to evaluate the technical feasibility of achieving Code levels 4, 5 and 6 for a representative sample of newly built dwellings in UK for different scales of development. A range of strategies are evaluated on both demand and supply sides of energy to meet different code levels. The research emphasizes the importance of maximizing energy efficiency improvements to the fabric and form of a dwelling, before adding low/zero carbon systems, and promotes a"low-energy first and then low-carbon" approach.
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Gupta R, 'Moving towards low-carbon buildings and cities: experiences from oxford'
International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies 4 (3) (2009) pp.159-168
ISSN: 1748-1317AbstractThis paper reviews two key initiatives undertaken in the historical city of Oxford to bring about reductions in energy-related CO2 emissions on a dwelling-level as well as city-wide scale, using both bottom-up and top-down carbon-counting approaches. The development and application of a bottom-up carbon-counting approach called DECoRuM is described. DECoRuM is a Geographical Information System-based software model which estimates and maps baseline energy use and CO2 emissions on a house-by-house level, identifies"pollution" hotspots, predicts the potential for reductions in CO2 emissions and monitors reductions achieved as a result of deploying energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems. The application of DECoRuM model to a case study in Oxford shows that CO2 emission reductions above 60% are possible, at a cost of between £6 and £77 per tonne of CO2 emissions saved, depending upon the package of measures used and the scenario of capital costs (low or high) employed. Alongside DECoRuM, the author has led the development of an action-oriented Oxford Climate Change Action Plan (OCCAP) which uses top-down approaches to construct an accurate CO2 emissions inventory for Oxford city for a baseline year, establish CO2 reduction targets and propose action for each of the energy-related sectors to meet those targets. These two different, but complimentary, approaches provide a useful example for other cities in their endeavour for emission reductions.Published here
Books
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Green building interventions for social housing, UN-Habitat (2015)
ISBN: 978-92-1-132647-5
Book chapters
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Daggett, O, 'Part 1: UK case study' in Isaac S, Meir I, Pignatta G (ed.), Net-Zero and Positive Energy Communities, Routledge (2023)
eISBN: 9781003267171AbstractPublished hereThis chapter describes the design, simulation, and performance evaluation of three ZERO-PLUS dwellings in the UK. The design phase focused on simulation and optimization to balance the selection of energy generation, storage and management technologies, energy consumption/generation, and cost targets. Cost limitations, local planning permissions, and modeled energy savings and production predictions resulted in the exclusion of several technologies. However, the process, which involved technology providers, the researcher team (authors), the housing developer, and the planning authorities, resulted in designs that worked best given the constraints of the site and local restrictions. The design and construction phases were followed by pre-occupancy testing to assess the thermal performance of the fabric to ensure that as-built performance was in line with intended performance. Monitoring of indoor environment and energy use was undertaken during the in-use stage cross-related with repeated post-occupancy evaluation surveys. Results from pre-occupancy testing revealed air leakage in several locations and higher than expected thermal conductivity through the fabric and air permeability. The in-use evaluation revealed that a settlement scale approach helped the dwellings meet the project targets. Though winter heating varied widely between the dwellings, PV and batteries combined reduced peak electricity demand from the grid by 90%.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Part 2: Energy modeling of positive-energy dwellings' in Isaac S, Meir I, Pignatta G (ed.), Net-Zero and Positive Energy Communities, Routledge (2023)
eISBN: 9781003267171AbstractPublished hereThis chapter describes the modeling, simulation, and optimization methods used from the design through to evaluation of zero-energy (ZERO-PLUS) dwellings in the UK. A combination of dynamic thermal simulation and bespoke models was used to calculate the appropriateness and expected results for each proposed technology and the dwellings as a whole. As energy-related targets were being tracked, cost targets were also being simultaneously analyzed. To this end, a methodology was developed which compared the cost of the ZERO-PLUS dwellings at a settlement scale with the cost of individual comparable low-energy dwellings. Energy and environmental performance simulation was performed on the final design to help verify the energy and environmental performance of the settlement and to assist in the sizing and optimization of the selected technologies. After construction, before occupancy, the original as-designed model was calibrated to define the as-built state. Following a full year of in-use performance, the models were calibrated with in-use data to assess the gap between modeled and actual performance.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Performance of Distributed Energy Resources in Three Low-Energy Dwellings During the UK Lockdown Period' in Christopher Gorse, Lloyd Scott, Colin Booth, Mohammad Dastbaz (ed.), Performance of Distributed Energy Resources in Three Low-Energy Dwellings During the UK Lockdown Period, Springer International Publishing (2021)
ISBN: 9783030794491 eISBN: 9783030794507AbstractPublished hereUnder the scope of UK’s net zero emissions target by 2050, decarbonisation of the housing sector is necessary. With the need to move to a smarter energy system with flexible demand, there is a drive to install batteries in homes to maximise the utilisation of local renewables. This paper empirically examines the effectiveness of distributed energy resources (DERs) comprising smart home batteries coupled with rooftop solar PV on actual energy use and peak demand in three dwellings designed to high thermal standards in York, England. The paper also explores the change in daily energy use and performance of DERs during the Covid-19 lockdown period (23 March to 31 May 2020). All three dwellings were occupied continuously by families and have identical heating systems (district heating), rooftop solar PV (4 kWp) and home batteries (14 kWh). The energy use, generation and charge-discharge of the batteries were monitored every 5 min using remote sensors.
Analysis shows that the solar PV and battery combination reduced average direct grid consumption during peak hours by over 95%. Since the PV system installed for each dwelling was large (4 kWp), instantaneous self-consumption (SC) was low, ranging between 20 and 30%. The batteries helped to increase SC up to 50%, resulting in an 80% reduction in net total energy consumption over 4 months Though the occupants in two of the dwellings claimed to be ‘always at home’ even before the lockdown, there was a slight increase in electricity consumption for these two dwellings and a notable increase in the other. Space heating consumption did not reflect the same impact possibly because of the unseasonably warm weather during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
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Gupta R, Tuteja S, Seth S, Behal M, Niazi Z, Caleb P, Villanuevad J, Banerjee A, 'Evaluating the sustainability performance of building systems and technologies for mainstreaming sustainable social housing in India' in Saleem Hashmi (ed.), Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials, Elsevier (2019)
AbstractAs the Government of India aims to construct 12 million social housing dwelling units through the “Housing for All by 2022” programme, it is vital to identify what the impacts and benefits of housing production at such a massive scale and speed could be, especially when currently sustainability is not effectively mainstreamed in social housing projects. This chapter describes the wider context, objectives, methodology and findings of a two-year research study (titled MaS-SHIP) on assessing the sustainability performance of building systems and technologies for mainstreaming sustainable social housing in India. A socio-technical approach was adopted in the research, bringing together primary and secondary data collection with both quantitative and qualitative assessments, using literature review, stakeholder engagement, surveys and statistical analysis. A framework of 18 attributes was co-created, in collaboration with developers, practitioners and academics to measure the performance of 17 established and emerging building systems, against four criteria, including resource efficiency, operational performance, user experience, and economic impact. The multiplicity of attributes required rationalized valuations relative to each other. To establish consistency, inputs of a representative sample of 200 housing experts in India were invited to weigh each attribute through an online survey. The responses were assessed through Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). To help prioritise sustainability considerations in housing policy and implementation, an interactive and online toolkit called the Decision Support Toolkit (DST), has been developed comprising datasets, tools and insights to help prospective users choose sustainable building materials and integrating sustainable design principles in social housing projects. A key component of the DST, is the Sustainability Assessment Tool (SAT) which has the capability to measure the relative performance of building materials and systems for social housing projects that do not exceed four stories, using the framework of 18 attributes. A key recommendation from the study to the Indian Government is to develop a data collection strategy to fill missing information on factors such as job creation potential for new technologies, based on interventions such as instituting mandatory disclosure, funding primary data collection efforts, and developing a centralized, open source database for constant updating.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Modeling and Mapping Domestic Energy Refurbishment Measures on a Community Scale' in Droege, Peter (ed.), Urban Energy Transition: From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy, Elsevier (2018)
ISBN: 9780081020746 eISBN: 9780081020753 -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Evaluating Retrofit Performance. A Process Map' in Retrofit for Purpose: Low Energy Renewal of Non-Domestic Buildings, RIBA Publishing (2014)
ISBN: 9781859465141AbstractIt is common for claims about high performance to be made early in projects for both
new and retrofitted buildings. However, it is also common for the actual performance
of buildings to fall far short of what was imagined in these initial stages. Fortunately, rigorous methodologies exist to measure building performance and they can be adapted specifically to retrofit projects. -
Gupta, R, Chandiwala S., 'A critical and comparative evaluation of CO2 emissions from national building stocks of developed and rapidly-developing countries- case studies of UK, USA, and India' in Cities and climate change: responding to an urgent agenda. Volume 2, World Bank (2012)
Published here -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Climate change: Adaptations' in International Encyclopaedia of Housing and Home, Elsevier (2012)
ISBN: 9780080471631 eISBN: 9780080471716AbstractAdaptation of the built environment to climate change is becoming increasingly important, since it is accepted that we are committed to at least 40–50 years of climate change, whatever we do now, and in the future, to reduce our CO2 emissions. The housing sector, in particular, is not only contributing to a significant proportion (roughly 20–30%) of a nation’s CO2 emissions as a result of energy consumed for heating, cooling, lighting, cooking, and use of electrical appliances, but is also recognised to be inadequate in capacity to adapt to future climate change or even variation in the current climate. So it has become apparent that where mitigation of CO2 emissions can be achieved through retrofitting, adaptation can be as important in many locations where the risks of overheating, flooding, and water stress will in the future make daily life for some people difficult or perhaps dangerous. As shown in a case study, this is particularly evident in suburban neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom, where 84% of the British population choose to live. Though there are many different types, ages, and conditions of homes, robust methodologies have been developed for classifying existing homes for selection, evaluation, and application of a range of adaptation retrofitting measures for addressing overheating, flooding, and water stress. It is realised that cost-effective measures are currently available to increase the resilience of buildings in the face of climate change. Adaptive retrofitting will not only make homes safer and more comfortable places which consume fewer resources, but also save householders money and reduce CO2 emissions.Published here
Conference papers
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'A new local area energy mapping approach for targeting high-density deployment of
heat pumps in the UK'
(2024)
ISSN: 2522-2708 ISBN: 978-1-7750520-3-6AbstractPublished hereThis paper describes the application of an interactive and online local area energy mapping tool (LEMAP) that combines GIS-based spatial data on energy, buildings, socio-demographics, and electricity networks to identify appropriate dwellings for high-density deployment of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) in a concentrated area of Oxford (UK). The approach was designed around three stages: technical suitability, householder capability, and grid loading. The change in energy demand profiles was also assessed. Two secondary substation areas with grid loading of 40-60% were selected for their contrasting tenure of constituent dwellings. ASHP deployment was estimated to increase mean daily total electricity demand by 200% in households but eliminate gas demand, reducing CO2 emissions by 19%.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'A new local area energy mapping approach for capability assessment of households to adopt low carbon technologies'
(2023)
ISBN: 978-1-9161876-5-8AbstractPublished hereThe recent UK Government funded £102 million smart local energy system research and innovation programme has concluded that local area energy planning (LAEP) is vital for achieving net zero carbon emissions. In response, this paper presents the application of a novel local area energy mapping approach (LEMAP) to assess the technical and social capabilities of how likely households are to adopt low carbon technologies (LCT)s, and those who may be left behind in Eynsham, Oxfordshire (UK). LEMAP is an online and interactive spatial-temporal tool that has been developed for conducting analysis and visualisation of baseline energy use, targeting suitable areas and dwellings, and forecasting the take-up of LCT at property, postcode, and neighbourhood level. While technical capability was found to be moderate, digital capability was low, raising concerns about the roll out of smart energy technologies without adequate awareness raising, education and training. A significant proportion of households were considered ‘deprived’ with annual income of
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Joshi S, Garg S, 'Performance Evaluation of Green-Rated Housing Developments in the Warm Humid and Composite Climates of India'
(2023) pp.2083-2091
ISBN: 978-981-19-9821-8AbstractPublished hereIndia is among the top five countries in the world for green buildings. However, data on actual energy performance and occupant satisfaction in these buildings are lacking. This paper seeks to apply a customised post-occupancy building performance evaluation approach for Indian green buildings (I-BPE), to evaluate the actual performance of two green-rated housing developments in India—representing the warm-humid and composite climatic zones. Both developments contained flats with and without air conditioning (AC). Results showed that although flats with AC had higher electricity use than those without, there was no significant difference between measured indoor temperature and relative humidity levels. Even the level of perceived comfort was no different across the two groups indicating a high level of adaptation of residents in non-AC flats. The methods and data gathered in the study can be used to inform the design of green housing development for different income groups in India.
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Gupta R, Berry C, 'Examining the concentrations and trends in indoor air quality in existing UK social housing dwellings'
(2023)
AbstractOpen Access on RADARWhile outdoor air quality is regulated, indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes has been relatively neglected despite the links between IAQ and health. This paper empirically examines the concentrations and trends in indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), carbon dioxide (CO2), Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), VOCs (EtOH) and Isobutylene across a sample of 42 existing social housing dwellings located in West Midlands (UK). Time series data were recorded continuously at 15-minute intervals from 1 February 2022 to 30 April 2022, using Airthinx sensors located in the living rooms of each dwelling. Contextual data about the physical and household characteristics were gathered using in-person surveys. Statistical analysis revealed that under heating was dominant, with eight dwellings failing to reach the recommended 18°C indoor temperature, due to poor insulation levels and high heating costs. Mould was present in 61% of dwellings, despite mean RH values remaining below 65%. CO2 concentrations were related with occupancy, with mean values frequently above 900ppm and as high as 3,092ppm in some dwellings, due to limited ventilation to conserve heat. High PM levels were generally associated with indoor smoking, with PM2.5 concentration rising to 202ug/m3, substantially above the 15ug/m3 limit. VOCs remained low, yet indoor painting and air fresheners provided the greatest increases. The poor levels of IAQ in these dwellings makes a strong case for whole house energy retrofits that reduce unwanted heat loses, improve air-tightness and provide continuous background ventilation for removal of indoor pollutants.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Antony A, 'Evaluating the effectiveness of smart home energy management systems in the real-world'
(2023)
AbstractOpen Access on RADARSmart home energy management systems (SHEMS) digitally monitor, control and coordinate functions in a home for space heating, cooling, lighting, appliances, security, and renewable technologies. Although experimental trials and simulated studies on SHEMS are available, limited attention has been paid to the actual performance of SHEMS in the real-world. This paper identifies qualitative and quantitative criteria that have been used for evaluation of SHEMS in empirical studies globally from a technical and non-technical perspective. Using 14 criteria identified in the literature and grouped by the extent and type of interactions between technology and users, a new flexible and customisable evaluation framework has been developed. The framework will help to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of SHEMS in a smart and flexible energy system. It is useful for policymakers, academics, and industry to determine the success of SHEMS in delivering expected outcomes for the energy system and users.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Antony A , 'Wintertime patterns of residential electricity use and indoor temperature in the composite climate of India'
1196 (2023) pp.012018-
AbstractPublished hereWintertime electricity use in India has received little attention due to the growth of residential air conditioning (AC) in the summer and monsoon seasons. This paper combines monitoring (time-series) and survey (contextual) data to examine the wintertime pattern of daily electricity current, indoor temperature, and relative humidity profiles across a sample of 64 dwellings in the city of Hyderabad representing the composite climate of India. Monitoring data were recorded for 31 days (December 2021 with a mean daily outdoor temperature of 25°C) using a CT clamp meter and Bluetooth enabled sensors. Contextual data covered dwelling and household characteristics, and use of appliances. The winter peak period of electricity use was found to occur from 6:30-10:30 in the morning, likely to be for hot water (geysers) and cooking. This is different to the late evening/night-time peak observed in the summer due to use of air conditioning (AC). Only one dwelling showed potential signs of using space heating. Higher electricity use aligned with lower peak temperatures in some homes particularly in the high-income group, indicating the potential use of AC during winter. The wintertime morning electricity peak in India could be managed using thermal stores in geysers through pre-heating which could also offer demand response opportunities.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Spatial Mapping Approach to Target the Local Deployment of Distributed Energy Resources in the UK'
1 (2022) pp.266-277
ISBN: 9789561430686AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADAREnergy systems in most countries distribute electricity over centralized networks using primarily carbon intensive fossil fuels. For energy system to become decarbonised and decentralised to meet climate targets, large-scale application of distributed energy resources (DERs) that provide low carbon heating and electricity will be necessary. This paper uses a domestic energy mapping approach to baseline energy use and target appropriate dwellings for the application of DERs (heat pumps, rooftop solar, batteries) in five existing neighbourhoods (each comprising 200-450 dwellings) located in five council districts in Oxfordshire (UK). The dwellings are assessed using a bottom-up energy model called DECoRuM combined with a GIS-based approach to spatially map results. The results show that rooftop solar installation potential ranges widely depending on neighbourhood; between 1%-9% of dwellings can take up installations of 4kWp size and above, with an average size of 2.1 kWp, resulting in average energy reductions ranging from 69%-77%. The proposed approach can enable local authorities, community energy project developers and district network operators to extract local spatial intelligence rapidly and accurately for large-scale deployment of distributed energy resources. This can avoid expensive reinforcement of the local electricity networks.
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Gupta R, Howard A, 'Exposure to indoor air pollutants in a deep energy retrofit of block of flats in the UK'
(2022)
AbstractOpen Access on RADARLarge-scale retrofit projects are necessary to meet UK net zero emission targets, but better insulated and airtight homes potentially risk increasing exposure to indoor air pollutants due to reduced indoor-outdoor air exchange This paper examines indoor air pollutants in four flats of a low-rise block of flats that underwent a deep energy efficiency upgrade. Indoor air quality in terms of temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, formaldehyde, ethanol and isobutylene were measured using plug-in Airthinx sensors in living rooms: four flats captured post-retrofit data (May-December 2021), one flat also captured retrofit and early post-retrofit data (October 2020-April 2021). Ethanol, isobutylene and formaldehyde levels were found to be high from October to December 2020 corresponding to specific retrofit works (plastering, painting). Post-retrofit, these levels dropped significantly, but PM2.5 and PM10 consistently exceeded recommended limits. Retrofit projects must consider indoor air pollutants since air-tightness may prevent pollutants originating from within the building from escaping.
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Gupta R, Zahiri S, 'Indoor air quality in social housing flats retrofitted with heat pumps'
(2022)
AbstractOpen Access on RADARThe UK Government is planning large-scale deployment of domestic heat pumps, yet there is limited data on the indoor air quality (IAQ) implications of moving to low carbon heating. This paper undertakes empirical measurement of IAQ before and after smart heat pump retrofit in five naturally-ventilated social housing flats in Oxford. Plug-in Airthinx sensors monitored IAQ parameters including CO₂, Particulate Matters (PM2.5, PM10), formaldehyde (CH₂O) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs: ethanol and Isobutylene), temperature and relative humidity (RH) in the living rooms of all flats during the heating season, for one week before and one week after heat pump installation. While indoor temperatures were more stable post-retrofit, indoor pollutants including CO₂ levels fell below 900 ppm over 90% of the monitored hours in majority of flats, mainly due to change in residents’ window opening behaviour driven by constant heating provided by the heat pump. Across four flats, post-retrofit, formaldehyde levels were found to be less than WHO recommendation, while mean daily levels of PMs continued to be higher than recommended levels in three flats due to occupant smoking habit. The levels of ethanol and isobutylene showed reductions post-retrofit. It is vital that upgrades to heating system consider IAQ parameters beyond temperature and RH.
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Gupta R, Jimenez-Moreno P, Donastorg Sosa A, Devine-Wright P, 'Spatio-temporal mapping of local areas for engaging communities in the planning of smart local energy initiatives'
(2021)
ISSN: 2001-7960 eISSN: 2001-7690AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARCommunity engagement in the planning and delivery of smart local energy initiatives is essential for their long-term success. Spatial and temporal visualisation of local energy flows can be used to engage communities in a more joined-up way. This paper describes the development and trial of an online and interactive smart local area energy mapping (LEMAP) tool for planning smart local energy neighbourhoods in Oxfordshire (UK). The spatial-temporal tool has been designed for community groups and residents.
The LEMAP tool brings together public, private and crowd-sourced data on energy demand, energy resources, building attributes, socio-demographics, fuel poverty and electricity networks within the ESRI ArcGIS platform. Postcode and dwelling level energy demand profiles are generated using the CREST energy demand model. The tool has been organised around three technical and three engagement elements that include ‘baselining’ local area energy flows in relation to socio-economic characteristics; ‘targeting’ suitable properties for low carbon technologies (LCT) such as rooftop solar, heat pumps, EV chargers; and ‘forecasting’ energy demand profiles at postcode level for different LCT scenarios. The engagement elements include: ‘Participatory mapping’ to allow residents to visualise their energy demand profiles, compare against the neighbourhood and see how the profile changes with LCTs; ‘Storymap’ for creating blogs on local energy flows; and ‘Forum’ to enable chats amongst users of LEMAP and project stakeholders.
The LEMAP tool was applied to a socially-deprived but data-rich neighbourhood in Oxford comprising over 2,500 households. A social enterprise organisation in Oxfordshire was trained online to use LEMAP to plan for energy management at neighbourhood level. Participatory mapping was found to enrich the tool and engage communities to provide local data through online surveys and highlight any discrepancies in the public and private data through local data interpretation.
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Zahiri S, Gupta R, Hampton S, 'Natural experiment to measure change in energy use and indoor environment in dwellings with smart heat pump retrofits'
(2021)
ISSN: 2001-7960 (online) eISSN: 2001-7960 ISBN: 978-91-983878-9-3AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThe UK Government announced in 2020 its ‘Ten Point Plan’ for a green industrial revolution, which includes a challenging target to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028. Balancing electricity supply and demand locally is key to the success of achieving this target. This paper uses a natural experiment approach to gather early insights into the change in energy use, indoor temperature and relative humidity profiles before and after installation of smart ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) and smart controls in nine social housing dwellings (5 bungalows, 4 flats) located in a socially-deprived area of Oxford (UK). The GSHPs replaced night-storage heaters and integrate smart controls to optimise heat production in line with outside weather and resident preferences. Indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity were continuously monitored at 15’ intervals using blue-tooth enabled data loggers across the nine dwellings. In a subset of two dwellings, electricity use was monitored remotely using CT loggers from October to December 2020. Household surveys were conducted to establish the household characteristics, socio-demographics and the way residents heat their home. No correlation was observed between actual annual energy costs (self-reported) and EPC ratings. Indoor temperatures were found to be more stable across the nine dwellings after installation of heat pumps. Despite having similar size, number of occupants and occupancy patterns, there was wide variation in the range of indoor temperatures measured across the sample. Post-heat pump installation bungalows experienced higher increase in indoor temperature as compared to flats, with mean indoor temperatures of over 25°C observed in mid-terraced bungalows, due to improved air-tightness as a result of cavity wall insulation, constant heating and limited window opening. Smart controls were found to be regularly used by residents to easily increase the heating set point temperature to overcome the low output temperatures of the heat pumps. Following heat pump installation, daily electricity use increased to 14.3 kWh/day (against 7.8 kWh/day) in the bungalows, and to 9.2 kWh/day (against 6 kWh/day) in the flats, however, when normalised for weather, daily electricity use was found to be reduced by 49%. Electricity use for heating increased during the evening peak period, making a strong case for connecting to time-of-use tariffs to change the timing of electricity use so that heating is run in periods when electricity tariff is cheap and heating is avoided during the expensive peak periods.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Spatially-based urban energy modelling approach for enabling energy retrofits in Oxfordshire'
(2020)
AbstractOpen Access on RADARThe UK government has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This will require a transformation of the housing sector as it has lagged previous emissions targets. Although millions of existing homes across the UK need energy improvements, the process of identifying suitable and eligible homes is presently a time-consuming task and energy suppliers are struggling to meet their targets. To address this challenge, this paper describes the application of a data-driven geographical information system-based approach to spatially identify suitable dwellings quickly and accurately by mapping and modelling baseline energy use and potential for energy retrofit measures, singularly and in combination.
Drawing on publicly available datasets on housing and energy, combined with local datasets, a neighbourhood with high fuel poverty in Bicester (Oxfordshire, UK) was selected. The DECoRuM model was then used to estimate current energy use and potential for energy reduction on a house-by-house level. The improvement measures were aggregated to encourage bulk installations and drive down installation costs. House-level energy assessment in the selected area using DECoRuM shows that a package-based approach comprising building fabric and heating system upgrade and solar PVs is effective at significantly reducing energy consumption and energy bills, as well as fuel poverty.
This spatially based urban energy modelling approach brings together energy calculations and spatial mapping to address the barriers to mass retrofit programmes. The data collected can also be used to build brokering services amongst those who need energy improvements (households) with those can provide retrofit measures (installers) and those can sponsor energy measures (energy suppliers). -
Gupta R, Howard A, 'Comparative evaluation of the link between measured and perceived indoor environmental conditions in naturally and mechanically ventilated office environments'
(2019)
AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper uses a case study-based approach to comparatively evaluate the relationship between measured and perceived indoor environmental conditions in two office buildings, one naturally ventilated (NV) and one mechanically ventilated (MV) located in southeast England. Environmental parameters (indoor and outdoor relative humidity (RH), CO2 and indoor and outdoor temperature) were continuously monitored at 5 minute intervals over a period of 19 months (March 2017 to September 2018). During the monitoring period, occupant satisfaction surveys (snapshot and longitudinal) were conducted to record occupant perceptions of their working environment, including thermal comfort, resulting in approximately 2600 survey responses from each case study.
In the NV office, CO2 levels were high (>2000ppm) and indoor temperature was both high (>27°C) and variable (up to 8°C change). The MV office environment was found to operate within much narrower indoor temperature, RH and CO₂ bands. This was evident in the little seasonal variation observed in the indoor CO2 levels in the MV office; whereas in the NV office, CO2 concentrations were over 1400 ppm for 20% of the working hours during the heating seasons and decreasing to 3% in the non-heating seasons, when windows were frequently opened. Occupants were found to have different levels of tolerance to measured indoor temperatures - neutral thermal sensation votes corresponded to a higher indoor temperature in the NV building, indicating the role of adaptation. Insights from the study can help in improving indoor environments of NV and MV offices.
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Gupta R, Howard A, Kotopouleas A, 'Meta-study of the energy performance gap in UK low energy housing'
(2019) pp.1477-1489
ISSN: 1653-7025 eISSN: 2001-7960 ISBN: 9789198387841AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper presents new evidence from a nationwide meta-study investigating the magnitude and extent of the difference between predicted and measured energy performance (energy performance gap) of over 50 low energy dwellings in the UK. Statistical testing of predicted and measured energy use is undertaken to assess the impact of occupancy related factors (number of occupants, occupancy type, pattern) on energy performance, and to predict the likelihood of the space heating energy performance gap in UK new build housing. The dataset was drawn from the UK Government’s National Building Performance Evaluation programme – which included the final reports, Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations and Domestic Energy Assessment and Reporting Methodology (DomEARM) results – and comprises 30 Passivhaus (PH) and 62 non-Passivhaus (NPH) dwellings, covering different built forms and construction systems. The majority of the sample comprised social housing dwellings built with masonry and timber frames and equipped with mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems. Although the average annual energy use (gas and electricity) in the PH and NPH dwellings was found to be 73kWh/m2 and 117 kWh/m2 respectively, electricity use was not significantly different between the two groups. All dwellings in the sample performed better than UK Building Regulations, however average energy use was higher than predicted by an average of 60%, but as much as 147% in PH and 241% in NPH dwellings. The overwhelming majority - 13 out of 14 PH and 35 out of 43 NPH dwellings - did not meet the predicted energy use, demonstrating a performance gap of 22 kWh/m2/year and 45 kWh/m2/year respectively. Occupancy was found to influence 45% of total energy use, with occupancy pattern being more critical than occupancy type and number of occupants. Despite the high levels of fabric thermal standards, space heating was found to be the largest energy end use (28% in PH and 42% in NPH dwellings) followed by domestic hot water (28%) and small appliances (21%), while the ratio of regulated to unregulated energy was found to be 70:30. The probability of an energy performance gap in space heating occurring in the population of new build housing was found to be over 80%. The study findings are important for bridging the gap between intent and actual performance of new low energy housing.
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Gupta R, Howard A, 'Defining the link between indoor environment and workplace productivity in naturally and mechanically ventilated office environments'
(2019)
AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper uses a case study-based approach to empirically explore the relationship between indoor environment and workplace productivity in two naturally and mechanically ventilated office environments. Environmental parameters were continuously monitored over 19 months. Longitudinal surveys (online) recorded occupants’ perception of their working environment and self-reported productivity, while performance tasks (numerical tests, proof reading) measured cognitive capability.
Indoor temperature and CO2 concentrations were found to be higher and more variable in the naturally ventilated (NV) office. Occupant perception of their indoor environment strongly correlated with their perceived productivity in both case studies. Task performance was affected by indoor environmental conditions such as indoor temperature and CO2 concentration. Interestingly in the NV office the median scores were up to 12% lower for tests conducted at CO₂ levels >1400 ppm compared to those conducted below 1400 ppm, whereas in the MV office this threshold was 1000 ppm.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Singla S, 'A socio-technical performance evaluation of green office buildings in the composite climate of India'
(2019)
AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARIndia has one of the largest registered green building footprints in the world, yet there are limited studies investigating whether actual energy use and occupant satisfaction in such buildings is meeting expectations. This paper uses a socio-technical building performance evaluation (BPE) approach to assess the actual energy and environmental performance (during monsoon season) of two LEED platinum certified green office buildings located in the composite climate of India. The in-use energy and environmental performance of the buildings was examined using a technical building survey, energy data, environmental monitoring, along with occupant satisfaction surveys. Interestingly results showed that the two case study buildings used less energy annually than design predictions and performed better than comparative benchmarks. Building energy use had a high correlation with cooling degree days. However energy generation systems (rooftop photovoltaic systems) did not perform as intended. Indoor temperatures were found to be lower and CO2 levels higher in cellular offices, as compared to open plan offices. Occupant survey results revealed that users were satisfied with the overall design of the building, comfort levels and indoor air quality, but perceived indoor lighting to be more than required. Such empirical studies will help to build trust in the Indian building industry, which is currently shy of exposing itself to liability risk resulting from actual building performance.
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Gupta R, Howard A, 'An Empirical Investigation of the Link between Indoor Environment and Workplace Productivity in a UK Office Building'
1 (2019) pp.427-432
ISBN: 9789628272365AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARMost studies on indoor environments and productivity have been conducted in controlled, static conditions often not representative of the real world. This paper uses a case study-based, real-world approach to empirically investigate the relationship between the indoor environment and workplace productivity in a mechanically-ventilated office environment in southern England. Evidence gathered during a baseline period is used to implement an intervention (limiting peak temperature) with the aim of improving productivity. Environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity and CO₂) were monitored continuously. Transverse and longitudinal surveys recorded occupant perceptions of their working environments, thermal comfort and self-reported productivity, while performance tasks objectively measured productivity. Although the building was operating within narrow temperature, RH and CO₂ bands, workplace productivity was perceived to decrease when occupants were thermally uncomfortable and when they perceived the air as stuffy. Correlations with perceived changes in productivity were stronger for the perceived environment than for the measured environmental conditions. In addition, median scores were 16% lower for tests conducted when CO₂ levels were in the 1000-1200ppm range compared to those conducted below 800ppm. Insights from the study can be used to optimise indoor office environments to improve staff productivity.
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Dixit M, Manu S, Gupta R, Jain A, 'Performance evaluation of an energy efficient educational building in India'
3 (2019) pp.1041-1042
ISBN: 9789628272365AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARBuildings consume 33% of total energy (24% domestic and 9% commercial) in India and this is growing at 8% per annum. Reliance on fossil fuel and increasing demand for energy has led to having an unregulated energy use in buildings in India. Despite multiple instances of green buildings existing throughout India wide-scale adoption of green building practices have not been observed. This leads to higher than predicted energy use. Building Performance Evaluation is essential to reduce this gap and help buildings perform better. Despite the improvements in building systems and services, energy efficient building design and implementation – there is a growing gap observed between the intended and actual performance of buildings leading to higher than expected energy use. The purpose of this study is to understand this performance gap for a university building. The study evaluates the actual performance of this building through on-site measurements and provides feedback for the building to perform better.
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Gupta R, Howard A, 'Investigating the link between indoor environment and workplace productivity in an office environment'
(2018)
AbstractMost studies on indoor environment and productivity have been conducted in controlled, static conditions. This paper uses a real world case study to empirically explore the relationship between indoor environment and workplace productivity in a naturally-ventilated office environment. Environmental parameters (relative humidity (RH), CO2 concentration and air temperature) are continuously monitored during February 2017.Occupant perceptions of their working environment in winter (and summer) are recorded using the Building Use Studies (BUS) questionnaire. Analysis of the monitoring data shows that indoor RH is very low (2500 ppm). Air temperature is both high (>27 °C) and variable (up to 8 K change) indicating lack of window opening. Occupant feedback aligns with the measurements indicating low satisfaction with the indoor environment. Perceived productivity is found to strongly correlate with the perceived health and overall comfort. Insights from the study can be used to optimize indoor office environments to improve workplace productivity.Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'A new GIS based decision support tool for enabling local energy retrofits'
(2018)
AbstractOpen Access on RADARThis paper describes the application of a data-driven localised Geographical Information System based decision support tool to spatially identify (model and map) suitable households accurately and cost effectively, using a case study in Oxford (UK). Drawing on publicly available datasets on housing and energy, and combining it with local datasets and energy modelling, optimal neighbourhoods and dwellings are targeted for specific retrofit measures to meet the specific need of obligated energy suppliers in the context of the Energy Company Obligation. Findings show that dwellings most in need of insulation upgrade and relief from high energy bills are not necessarily the dwellings with the greatest energy consumption per area.
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Gupta R, Salvati A, 'Investigating the influence of physical and occupant factors on energy and environmental performance of four identical modern flats in UK'
(2018) pp.146-147
Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Howard A, 'A real-world empirical investigation of indoor environment and workplace productivity in a naturally-ventilated office environment'
(2018)
ISBN: 9780992895985AbstractMost studies on indoor environments and productivity in buildings have been conducted in controlled, static conditions often not representative of the real world, and have used self-reported assessments of productivity. This paper uses a case study-based, real-world approach to empirically investigate the relationship between the indoor environment and workplace productivity in a naturallyventilated office environment in central London. A range of environmental parameters (indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH) and CO2) were monitored continuously, alongside outdoor temperatures and RHs for six months covering both heating and non-heating periods. Transverse (BUS survey) and longitudinal surveys (Online survey) recorded occupant perceptions of their working environments, thermal comfort and self-reported productivity, while performance tasks were designed to objectively measure productivity over time in various environmental conditions. Statistical analysis of the data shows that mean indoor temperatures were more strongly correlated with mean outdoor temperatures in the non-heating season (May-July) when compared to the heating season (Feb-Apr), probably due to opening of windows. Indoor RH was found to be low (<30%) while CO2 levels were high in the heating season (peaks >2500ppm, higher diurnal ranges, higher daily averages). Results from online surveys showed that productivity was reported to decrease when there was an increase in mean indoor temperature and CO2 levels. Negative but weak correlations were found between the performance task scores and CO2 levels. Insights from the study can be used to optimise indoor office environments to improve staff productivity.Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Gregg M, Howard A, 'Comparative evaluation of actual energy use, occupant satisfaction and productivity in nine low energy office buildings'
(2018)
AbstractThis paper presents a comparative evaluation of datasets on modelled and measured energy use, air permeability, and perceived productivity across nine office buildings, gathered as part of the Innovate UK’s Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) programme. Despite being designed to high sustainability standards, it is found that measured air permeability rates of four case study office buildings are much higher than the design target, while energy-related CO2e emissions of three office buildings are over double the predicted CO2e emissions rate. Statistical analysis of occupant feedback indicates that overall comfort and summer temperatures are strongly associated with perceived productivity. Surprisingly, perceived control over ventilation and heating has weak correlations with perceived productivity. Such findings can help to provide foresight for improving future building design, specifications and performance.Open Access on RADAR -
Murataj J, Gupta R, Nicol F, 'Energy and thermal performance of apartment buildings in Albania: the case of a post-communist country'
(2018)
AbstractThis paper undertakes a comparative evaluation of the energy and thermal performance of apartment buildings in Albania built both Pre-90 and Post-91 (a year that marks the change of the political system from communism to democracy in Albania). Building surveys, occupant surveys and continuous monitoring of outdoor and indoor environmental conditions during the summer and winter to allow for seasonal variations, were conducted in 29 case study flats randomly selected to represent both periods. Electricity bills were also provided for a full year. It was found that electricity consumption has been 22% lower in flats built Pre-90 and that the average temperature in living rooms were found to be very close to 29°C in summer and 16°C in winter in both Pre-90 and Post-91. Notwithstanding that measured average temperatures were similar in the two building cohorts, higher range and variance on mean indoor temperature has been found in summer in the flats built Pre-90, which has affected the thermal sensation votes of occupants living in them. It was found that over 60% of residents living in apartment buildings built Pre-90 were feeling cold in winter and hot in summer, compared to 30-40% of residents living in apartment buildings built Post-91, who felt cold in winter and hot in summer respectively. Although the findings cannot be treated as statistical generalization, the analysis provides an in-depth contextual insight into environmental, thermal and energy performances of flats in Albania, which would help inform future energy retrofitting programmes.Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Gregg M, Manu S, Vaidya V, Dixit M, 'Developing and testing a BPE approach for green buildings in India'
(2018)
ISBN: 978-0-9955690-3-4 -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Mapping socio-economic barriers to the implementation of energy efficiency policies in the UK building sector'
(2017) pp.168-181
ISBN: 9780995569027AbstractIn 2015 the UK building sector accounted for 43% (29% domestic, 14% commercial) of thePublished here Open Access on RADAR
national energy consumption, thereby positioning this sector as critical in meeting national
energy efficiency targets. However, barriers to energy efficiency are vast and complex, and
overcoming them is a key challenge for effective implementation of energy efficiency
policies. This paper describes the findings from a review of literature and an expert survey
to map and assess the key social, cultural, educational, economic and institutional barriers
(in terms of small, medium and high impact) to implementing energy efficiency policies
across the UK building sector.
Overall the barriers are found to be strongly linked with consumer behaviour. They are
often highly complex with multiple inter-relations. The barriers with the highest impact
comprise the undervaluing of energy efficiency, lack of motivation and inertia within
consumers/end users, infrastructural and planning barriers to medium sized energy projects
as well as practical and construction-related barriers such as a lack of skills and adequate
standards. Economic barriers such as upfront/capital costs and the lack of adequate or
misaligned financial incentives also appear to be significant. Surveys of experts showed that
the top two most important barriers in the building sector to overcome were the socioeconomic
status of building users (11.7% of experts) and lack of funds or access to finance
(10% of experts). Although there are several UK policies that aim to target some of these
barriers, a number of UK’s energy policies (Green Deal, Zero Carbon Homes) have recently
been scrapped, and consultation is out on how to proceed in terms of UK national energy
efficiency policy within this sector. -
Gupta R, Gregg M, Bruce-Konuah A, 'Assessing the occurrence of summertime overheating in occupied and unoccupied low energy homes'
(2017) pp.3778-3785
ISBN: 9780992895754AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper presents an empirical study to assess the occurrence and possible causes of summertime overheating in three occupied and two unoccupied low energy dwellings in the UK. All five dwellings are identical in terms of construction and location, but have different occupancy profiles and household compositions in the three occupied dwellings. An interdisciplinary approach is adopted, drawing from building science and social science methods, including monitoring of interior environmental conditions, thermal comfort diaries and interviews with residents. Temperature data from bedrooms and living rooms from the case study homes were analysed for overheating using both static and adaptive thermal comfort analyses methods. The findings suggest that summertime overheating is prevalent across both occupied and unoccupied case study dwellings, although overheating assessment using static criteria found a much higher proportion of the rooms to be overheated than the adaptive criteria. In the dwellings a common finding was that bedrooms were found to be more prone to overheating than living rooms. Since it is likely that methods used to assess overheating will be incorporated into regulations in future affecting the design of housing, it is necessary to deploy passive design strategies to prevent the overheating risk in low energy homes.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, Sharpe T, McGill G, Mawditt I, 'Characterising the actual performance of domestic mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems'
(2017)
AbstractThis paper describes the findings and recommendations of a meta-study examining the actual in-use performance of whole-house mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems (MVHR) installed in 54 low energy dwellings in the UK, as part of a national research programme. The performance of the systems is assessed using monitored data on indoor air quality (temperature, relative humidity, CO2) and energy use, cross-related with actual experiences of operating these systems through resident surveys. Design/research team interviews were also used to ascertain the reasons for selecting MVHR as a ventilation strategy for a housing development. Cross-analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data helps to identify the key features of MVHR systems with respect to quality of design, installation and commissioning procedures.Published here Open Access on RADAR
Overall the study indicates that the rationale behind the use of MVHR systems is borne out – the rates of ventilation as evidenced very generally by CO2 levels are better, and the energy use overall is lower. However the study also highlights the prevalence of sub-optimal systems and the possible implications on both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. This would lead to houses being naturally ventilated, but relying entirely on opening windows where there is no provision for background ventilation. In some spaces where this is not possible (for example due to external factors such as noise or security), or where there is less adaptive behaviour (for example bedrooms overnight), very poor levels of ventilation are experienced.
In general the energy consumption in houses with MVHR systems was lower, but this needs to be contextualised – 77% of the MVHR dwellings with energy data were of Passivhaus construction, which in general have lower consumption within the domestic sample (albeit with MVHR as a key component). In some cases it was found that MVHR systems were selected to achieve compliance with the Code for Sustainable Homes, without much understanding of required air-tightness of the building envelope or the maintenance requirements of these systems. Key recommendations include better understanding of the design issues to ensure good airflow and avoid installation problems associated with ductwork; designing in maintenance requirements including unit location, filter cleaning and replacement; ensuring good communication of the design details with installers and commissioners in conjunction with better quality control onsite; along with improved handover processes and occupant guidance. -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Local energy mapping for urban energy retrofits'
(15) (2017) pp.2005-2013
ISBN: 9781775052005AbstractThis paper presents a localised Geographical Information System (GIS) based mapping approach using publicly available national and local datasets on housing and energy to identify spatially an area for energy retrofit (high energy using and/or high fuel poverty) within a UK town. A GIS-based bottom-up carbon mapping model (called DECoRuM) is then used to estimate energy use, and evaluate the potential of deploying a range of energy saving strategies (fabric improvements, heating system upgrades and solar measures) on a house-by-house level. The local energy mapping approach is found to be effective in visually communicating results to householders, community groups and local authorities for encouraging take-up.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'A new local energy mapping approach for targeting urban energy renovations'
(2017) pp.645-655
ISSN: 2001-7960 ISBN: 9789198387810Open Access on RADAR -
Bruce-Konuah A, Gupta R, 'Using smart energy storage to increase self-consumption of solar-generated electricity and reduce peak grid load at household and community level'
(2017) pp.1019-1029
ISSN: 2001-7960 ISBN: 9789198387810AbstractOpen Access on RADARThis paper evaluates how distributed smart storage can bring energy flexibility in a community by reducing average peak load and increasing self-consumption of local solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity at an individual household and aggregated community level, as part of a new community energy research project in a socially-deprived community in south-east England. The research study brings together solar PV power and (behind the meter) smart energy storage across a cluster of 82 households and community centre to create a virtual localised energy grid within the existing infrastructure. The batteries are linked to solar PV in each house, and also have internet connections allowing them to be virtually coupled, so as to ensure that the maximum amount of solar generated electricity is used within the community. The methodological approach of the evaluation comprises dwelling surveys, energy audits, householder interviews, monitoring and evaluation of high frequency household electricity consumption, PV generation, battery charge and discharge data. Householder feedback
shows that even in a socially disadvantaged community, as well as being anxious over rising energy bills, householders are still concerned about climate change and the future of energy supplies. In the monitored households, average daily electricity consumption ranges from 2.9 kWh to 21.7 kWh, and is found to be positively related with dwelling size, number of occupants
and number of appliances used. Although 155 MWh of solar PV electricity has been generated within a year across 47 households, electricity consumption and generation profiles
show that in most households, generation exceeds consumption, but peak generation does not match peak consumption. Analysis of the contribution of smart battery show that selfconsumption of PV electricity has increased by 6 % and 12 % in the summer and winter periods respectively. The study seeks to demonstrate the case for a cluster of buildings comprising decentralised renewable generation and smart storage that empower
communities to achieve energy flexibility.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Building performance simulation of advanced energy technologies to achieve net zero energy dwellings in UK'
(2016)
AbstractThis paper systematically presents the methodology and initial findings from modelling and simulation of advanced energy conservation, generation and management technologies applied to two case study dwellings to achieve a net zero energy (NZE) target. The specific objectives are to meet the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive as follows: reduction of net regulated energy to or below 0 kWh/m2 per year and generation of at least 50 kWh/m2 per year, on average, in the NZE settlement.Published here Open Access on RADAR
The findings reveal that to meet the specific targets set out for the project aligned with the EU Directive:
- A majority of technological intervention must come from community renewables,- buildings built to current UK Building Regulations, will need to reduce regulated loads by about half, and
- the NZE targets in particular are not particularly stringent regarding energy efficiency but are highly expectant with regard to renewable energy.
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Gupta R, Kapsali M, Gregg M, 'Climate Resilience in New-Build Social Housing: Challenges, opportunities and unintended consequences'
(2015) pp.497-506
ISBN: 978-0-9929705-4-3AbstractNew low-carbon houses in the UK are designed to reduce heat loss through improvedPublished hereair-tightness and increased insulation, potentially raising the risk of summertime overheating now and in the future. This paper uses a socio-technical building performance evaluation approach to empirically examine the extent of climate resilience, specifically against overheating, of six case study dwellings across three low carbon social housing developments in Southeast England. Using a combination of physical monitoring of environmental conditions, window opening/closing, and commissioning review of ventilation and heating systems, actual data is gathered on the way people operate their homes to reveal any unintended consequences that can accentuate overheating risk and discomfort. The findings indicate that indoor environmental conditions are determined by a complex relationship between the performances of building fabric, systems as well as interaction of occupants with them, which is determined by their understanding and comfort expectations. High summertime indoor temperatures are linked to window opening patterns and heating system faults. If climate resilience is not considered at the design stage of low energy housing, the overheating risk will increase, thereby further widening the performance gap.
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Gupta R, Barnfield L, Gregg M, 'Effectiveness and impacts of community-based action on household energy reduction'
(2015) pp.535-548
ISBN: 978-91-980482-7-8AbstractThis paper investigates the effectiveness and impacts of community-based home energy improvements within six Government-funded low carbon communities (LCCs) in UK as partPublished hereof a multi-disciplinary research project. The improvements undertaken included physical (fabric) and technical (services and systems, including low-zero carbon technologies) measures as well as behaviour change interventions (from energy display monitors to energy management programmes and workshops). A graduated mixed-method monitoring and evaluation approach is used including: assessment of aggregated and longitudinal domestic energy data (1,000–5,000 households per community over five years), carbon mapping of approximately 1,800 households before and after implementation of community energy projects, longitudinal meter point gas and electricity data of 88 households over 5 years, qualitative surveys and interviews with 88 households; and thermal imaging and physical monitoring of 60 selected dwellings (of the 88 households).
Whilst the aggregated longitudinal energy data and carbon mapping enable an examination of the effectiveness of community-based action, the in-depth case studies provide evidence on the wider impacts of home energy improvements and highlight the complexities and limitations of community energy projects in reducing energy use, and sustaining proenvironmental behaviours. Analysis of long term energy use (2008–2012) shows that there is an overall energy reduction trend in these communities, with gas use decreasing significantly in communities where a primary focus was on demand reduction, through physical measures combined with energy management workshops. Interestingly LCCs with a focus on electricity generation (solar PVs) have also seen a higher than national average reduction in electricity use. Yet the household level occupant interviews highlight that whilst the majority are sustaining positive energy behaviours, influential and dominating factors such as cost, lifestyle, health and comfort can impede further change, particularly in relation to one-off purchasing behaviours and heating-related habitual behaviours. Despite this, the LCCs appear to play an important role in increasing individual agency, dispelling myths and mixed messages surrounding ‘new’ technologies, and providing much needed space for dialogue around demand reduction and local energy generation.
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'A quiet revolution: Mapping energy use in low carbon communities'
2 (Session 5B) (2014) pp.49-56
ISBN: 9789383184033AbstractRecent Government funding in the UK has enabled 22 low carbon community organisations to work with the private and academic sector to understand and reduce energy consumption in domestic and non-domestic buildings. This has helped communities prepare for policy mechanisms such as the national Green Deal programme which aims to improve existing housing and non-domestic buildings by offering up-front loans to be repaid by energy savings. This paper presents the role and application of a unique carbon mapping approach, which has enabled five of these low carbon communities to rapidly assess on a house-by-house level, the potential for improving the energy efficiency of their housing stock. DECoRuM, an award-winning GIS-based carbon counting model is used to measure, model, map and manage energy use and CO2 emission reductions from approximately 1,300 houses across five communities, displaying estimates of energy use and carbon emissions before and after community action. Incremental packages of energy saving measures and low carbon technologies are assessed for their impact on CO2 emissions to reveal further potential for large-scale refurbishment in the local area. Eligibility for the Green Deal is tested to show that on average 72 per cent of homes over all communities are suitable for finance. Through community events, results are visualised and fed back to the householders using colour-coded spatial maps along with thermal imaging. Findings from this study are relevant for policy-making and practitioners engaged in area-based carbon reductions.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Gupta R, Barnfield L, 'Quiet revolution: impacts of low carbon communities on localised energy behaviours'
(2014)
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Using urban energy modelling to rapidly assess potential for climate change mitigation and adaptation of UK homes'
(2014)
ISBN: 978-0-9930137-0-6AbstractThis paper demonstrates the application of urban energy modelling using the DECoRuM-Adapt
toolkit, to rapidly model, map, measure and manage, energy use and carbon emissions, as well as overheating risk and adaptive capacity, on a houseby-house level for seven sub-urban neighbourhood typologies covering approximately 2000 homes, across four cities and towns in England. Findings identify home characteristics, which contribute to higher risk of overheating, effective adaptation strategies, and retrofit packages effective in meeting Green Deal requirements while mitigating future overheating risk. The work reveals the need for consideration of adaptation and overheating risk abatement in Green Deal and ECO-funded retrofits.
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Gupta R, Barnfield L, 'Evaluating the impact of low carbon communities on household energy behaviours'
(2013)
Published here -
Rajat Gupta & Rohini Cherian, 'Mapping communities and neighbourhoods for local carbon reductions'
(2013)
ISSN: 2001-7960Published here -
Gupta R, Gregg M, Cherian R, 'Tackling the performance gap between design intent and actual outcomes of new low/zero carbon housing'
(5A-483-13) (2013) pp.1315-1328
ISBN: 978-91-980482-2-3 eISBN: 978-91-980482-3-0AbstractThe UK Government has set ambitious targets for incremental changes to building regulatory standards, which are intended to achieve ‘zero’ carbon new housing from 2016 onwards. Despite this driver, many of the low carbon solutions are at present untested, creating a gap between ‘as-built’ performance and ‘design intent’. Such a performance gap has the potential to undermine the zero carbon housing policy.Published hereThis paper explores the available evidence on the existence and underlying nature of the performance gap and makes proposals on how the problem could be addressed. The paper investigates forensically the discrepancy between ‘as designed’ and ‘as built’ performance of a range of new exemplar low carbon housing procured by public housing providers and private developers in England, UK. These developments include all kinds of built forms (terraced, detached and semi-detached) and modern construction systems (masonry brick and block, timber frame and lightweight steel frame construction with pre insulated panels). Sponsored by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board, systematic building performance evaluation (BPE) studies of these low carbon housing developments are undertaken by the authors during post construction and initial occupancy stages.
The performance of the building fabric and service systems are evaluated through a detailed review of design and construction specifications and processes, thermographic surveys, co-heating tests to determine actual heat loss, observation of handover processes and mapping of occupant satisfaction. This reveals unintended fabric losses, installation and commissioning issues associated with low carbon technologies, lack of proper sequencing of building works, and complexity of control interfaces. To ensure that the desired performance is achieved, feedback loops need to be established using a soft landings based approach for better briefing, design, graduated handover and performance in use.
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Gupta, R., Barnfield, L. and Hipwood, T, 'Unravelling the unintended consequences of home energy improvements: emerging findings from the EVALOC project'
(2013)
Published here -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Adapting UK suburban homes for a warming climate'
(2012)
AbstractAs climate change becomes more prominent within the next 50 years and beyond, comfort in the built environment is projected to change drastically. This is specifically relevant in the UK‘s suburbs where 84% of the population reside. To assess this future impact, this paper uses downscaled probabilistic climate change data from the UKCP09 to simulate the impact of future temperature change on the energy consumption of, and comfort in, typical English homes at both neighbourhood and house level (located in Oxford) using two simulation packages with different temporal inputs, DECoRuM and IES respectively. For all homes modelled, user-controlled shading proved to be the most effective adaptation. Increasing the surface albedo of the building fabric and external insulation were also found to be effective. Ultimately among the passive options tested, the research found that none could completely eliminate the risk of overheating in the homes, particularly by the 2050s and beyondPublished here -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Using a building performance evaluation approach to achieve low-carbon retrofitting of a Victorian house in Oxford'
(2012)
ISBN: 978-989-95671-8-4 -
Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Using a mapping-based simulation approach to rapidly investigate the potential for adapting English homes for a warming climate'
(2012) pp.744-751
Published here -
Gupta R and Darby S, 'Action research approach for gaining, and providing, feedback on domestic energy use to understand occupant behaviour, perceptions and expectation'
(2011)
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Gupta R, Gregg M, 'Suburban neighbourhood adaptation for a changing climate: developing climate change scenarios for suburbs'
(2011) pp.233-238
ISBN: 978-2-87463-276-1AbstractThis paper describes the overall aims, methodological framework and key findings from developing climate change scenarios for suburbs, as part of a UK Research Council funded 3-year consortium-based project on ‘Suburban Neighbourhood Adaptation for a Changing Climate’ (SNACC): identifying effective, practical and acceptable means of suburban re-design.’ The paper also evaluates the various techniques available for downscaling temporally and spatially, the recently-released UK Climate Change Projections 2009 (UKCP09) dataset, to conceptualise and quantify the climate change impacts and environmental risks for smaller areas such as neighbourhoods in cities. In order to develop climate change scenarios that are meaningful at the neighbourhood scale, probabilistic climate change data are first analysed and downscaled for three UK cities; Bristol, Oxford and Stockport. For each location, local microclimatic and environmental features, that may exacerbate or ameliorate climate change impacts, are considered for their influence. These local environmental features can range from the city to building scale encompassing neighbourhood influence. The climate change hazards are combined with the neighbourhood and building-level local environmental features to reveal the impacts that need to be addressed in order to test relevant climate change adaptation packages that are effective, practical and acceptable. -
Gupta R, Chandiwala S, 'Building for the Future: Making the Uk Further Education Colleges Sustainable'
(2008) pp.165-169
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Gupta R, Roaf S, 'Counting Carbon From Buildings and Cities: Fundamentals and Methodologies'
(2008) pp.83-86
Other publications
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Wilby R, Smith S, Petersen K, Misal H, AbdulRafiu A, Alam A, Anthony R, Blenkinsop S, Brown C, Fowler H,
Gupta R, Harcourt R, Kurul E, Lee M, Padhra A, Radcliffe J, Shepherd B, Walton J, Yarr R, 'Assessing climate risk and strengthening resilience for UK Higher Education Institutions', (2023)
AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis working paper and accompanying case studies aim to support UK Higher Education Institutions
(HEIs) to develop processes to assess their current and future climate risks, put in place plans to adapt to
these risks, and identify opportunities to strengthen their resilience. This guidance summarises the latest
evidence in line with national climate risk assessment and adaptation planning, and is intended to support
decision makers, senior leaders, sustainability practitioners and risk experts within HEIs to undertake this urgent work. Potential activities are identified for key actors and communities including sector bodies and government. -
Gupta R, Walker G, Lewis A, Barnfield L, Gregg M, Neven L, 'Care provision fit for a future climate', (2016)
AbstractHotter, drier summers with heatwaves of greater frequency and intensity have serious implications for the UK’s ageing population. This report reviews existing evidence and presents primary research in four case study care settings (two residential and two extra care) in England to assess the risks of summertime overheating, and investigate the preparedness of the care settings, both now and in the future.Published hereThe report shows that:
summertime overheating is both a current and future risk in care schemes, yet there is currently little awareness or preparedness at all levels, from designers to frontline staff, to implement suitable and long-term adaptation strategies;
there is a perception that older people ‘feel the cold’, but less recognition that heat can also present a significant health risk;
design for overheating is not commonplace; there is low prioritisation of overheating and future climate change (in briefing and design);
there is a mismatch between the overheating risks predicted by climate modelling and those measured by empirical monitoring, which underplays present-day risks from high temperatures;
there is a lack of effective heat management across the case studies due to a number of design and management issues, including lack of investment in appropriate strategies (such as external shading), conflicts between passive cooling strategies and occupant requirements; and
collaboration among government departments and professional institutions is necessary to harmonise and standardise health-related and building thermal comfort-related overheating thresholds, with particular consideration for care settings.
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Gupta R, Barnfield L, Gregg M, Lewis A, Walker G, Neven L, 'Care provision fit for a future climate: findings from an extra care scheme: Case Study C', (2016)
AbstractThis report assesses the current and future risks of summertime overheating in an extra-care case study scheme in England. It also investigates the preparedness of the extra-care facility against the risk of overheating, now and in the future.Published here -
Gupta R, Barnfield L, Gregg M, Lewis A, Walker G, Neven L, 'Care provision fit for a future climate: findings from an extra care scheme: Case Study D', (2016)
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Gupta R, Barnfield L, Gregg M, Lewis A, Walker G, Neven L, 'Care provision fit for a future climate: findings from a residential care home: Case Study A', (2016)
AbstractThis report assesses the current and future risks of summertime overheating in a residential case study care setting in England. It also investigates the preparedness of the care setting against the risk of overheating, now and in the future. -
Gupta R, Barnfield L, Gregg M, Lewis A, Walker G, Neven L, 'Care provision fit for a future climate: findings from a residential care home: Case Study B', (2016)
AbstractThis report assesses the current and future risks of summertime overheating in a residential case study care setting in England. It also investigates the preparedness of the care setting against the risk of overheating, now and in the future. -
Sharpe T, McGill G, Gupta R, Gregg M, Mawditt I, 'Characteristics and performance of MVHR systems A meta study of MVHR systems used in the Innovate UK Building Performance Evaluation Programme', (2016)
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Gupta R, Eyre N, Darby S, Lucas K, Barnfield L, Hamilton J, Mayne R, Gregg M, Fratter C, Irving B, 'Evaluating the impacts, effectiveness and success of low carbon communities on localised energy behaviours (EVALOC)', (2015)
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Gupta R, Barnfield L, 'Guidance on Household Energy Use Monitoring & Evaluation', (2014)
Published here -
Gupta R, Barnfield L, 'Thermographic survey of 88 case study dwellings', (2014)
Published here
Professional information
Memberships of professional bodies
- Member of Oxford-Cambridge ARC Universities Group on Zero Carbon initiative, 2021- 2023
- Steering group member of the interdisciplinary theme on Healthy Ageing & Care Network, Oxford Brookes University, 2020-2022
- Member of British Standards Institution (BSI) CB/401 committee - Retrofitting Energy Efficiency Measures, 2020 - present
- Grant panel member of EPSRC End use energy demand technology call 1 (2019) and call 2 (2020)
- Judge for the RIBA President's Awards for Research 2019
- Member of BRAC Domestic Energy Technical Working Group, 2019 - present
- Director of international Passive and Low Energy Architecture (PLEA) network, 2019-2023
- External assessor of BEIS-funded £3 million Demonstration of Energy Efficiency Potential (DEEP) research project, 2019-2022
- Grant panel member for EPSRC/CREDS flexible funding on energy demand solutions, 2019
- External examiner for the MSc Energy and Sustainable Building Design programme at the School of Energy & Sustainable Development, De Montfort University, 2018-2022
- Member of UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships programme Peer Review College, 2018 - 2021
- Member of Senior Academic Promotions Committee, Oxford Brookes University, 2018-2021
- Founder member of the Building Performance Network (BPN), 2018 - present
- Member of EPSRC and ESRC Peer Review Colleges, 2017 - present
- Founder Director of Eco-Bicester Living Lab, 2016 - present
- Member of BSI committee on Energy Management (SEM/1), 2014 - present
- Evaluator on the Innovate UK (formerly TSB) £8 million Building Performance Evaluation programme, 2010-2014
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, 2006 - present