Abstract for: Energy performance and Dynamic Modelling of Existing Building Infrastructure and Services in South African Universities

This paper conceptually analyses the influence that various interdependent control parameters have on the performance of energy in the Educational buildings at Central University of Technology through the system dynamic principles; and their implication in the design of new buildings in terms of energy efficiency. For this purpose, the literature concerning building energy performance was explored prior to the analysis of a case study. The case study examined how energy efficient design solutions can lead to improved building energy usage through appropriate building orientation and form, appropriate thermal mass and insulation, improved efficiencies of electrical and lighting devices, improved natural lighting, and alternative energy systems. The analysis considers building infrastructure and services within the context of regional conditions and Green Building principles. The results indicate that by improving designs using green building principles with the aid of systems dynamics simulations, substantial improvement in energy use is achievable. It was also observed that the findings of the study can assist in the development of performance based policy for the design of new construction or retrofitting of the building infrastructure and services of the South African universities. Key words: Energy efficiency, Green Building, High performance, Sustainability, Systems thinking,