Best practice service model for improving and maintaining the indoor environment and energy performance of buildings
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School of Engineering |
Master's thesis
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Date
2013
Department
Major/Subject
Kiinteistöoppi
Mcode
Maa-20
Degree programme
Language
en
Pages
ix + 103 + [2]
Series
Abstract
Growing awareness of the massive energy consumption of the built environment has encouraged development of service models for improving the energy efficiency of buildings. However, the strong focus on energy occasionally overshadows the importance of good indoor environmental quality. As people in industrialised countries spend most of their time indoors, it is of crucial importance to change this pattern, and put more effort into developing services for improving the indoor environment, alongside with the energy performance. Services are becoming more and more central in society, which makes them a suitable method of promoting sustainable development internationally. This study constructs a best practice service model for improving and maintaining the indoor environmental quality and the energy performance of buildings, by benchmarking existing practice based on the ability to deliver value to customers. The research builds upon a theoretical literature study of eight existing service models, and an empirical study consisting of 52 interviews with experts and professionals, and a workshop. The study is conducted as a single-case study of a company providing indoor environmental solutions. The findings of the study suggest that the demand for energy performance services is stronger than the demand for indoor environmental services, especially outside of the Nordic countries. On the other hand, the results indicate that the two should be combined into one concept, in order to maintain a balance between energy consumption and occupant wellbeing. A strong need for a holistic and preventive service model for managing the indoor environment was expressed among the interviewees of the study. The suggested best practice model is a combined energy performance and indoor environmental quality monitoring and managing service, implementable to entire buildings, or parts of buildings, e.g. special facilities. The service creates added value to the building in terms of prolonged lifetime, lower vacancy rates, and higher sales or rental income. It improves the energy performance, and increases the wellbeing and productivity of building occupants. The service is directed to facility managers, building owners, business owners, human resources managers, and occupants themselves. The primary goal of the service is to improve the working and living conditions of the building users.Description
Supervisor
Viitanen, KaukoThesis advisor
Hagström, KimLaitala, Ari
Keywords
energy performance, energiprestanda, indoor environment quality, inomhusmiljökvalitet, best practice, best practice, service model, service modell