The optimization of solar energy use in larger buildings, phase 1

This is done by enabling the building community to make the right choices, carrying out trade-off analyses between the need for energy conservation, passive and active solar, photovoltaic technologies and daylighting. To structure the work, is has been divided into the following 3 subtask: A) Case stories. To provide knowledge on Solar Energy Use in Large Buildings, 21 buildings designed using the 'whole building approach' have been evaluated and documented. Both the particular processed used in the design of the buildings and the resulting building performances are evaluated. The results are documented in an official IEA report. B) Design process guidelines. Based on the knowledge from subtask A, a guideline for an ideal design process is being developed. Here the focus is on the whole building rather on single technologies to be able to reduce the need for purchased energy as much as possible also taking other important aspects into account (see subtask C). C) Tools for trade-off analyses. The potential technologies should be evaluated in terms of their consequences for energy consumption, cost, comfort, functionality, amenity, and aesthetic value. In addition, issues like environmental impact, general resource use and waste minimisation should be considered. A Multi-Chriteria Decision-Making tool has been developed to be able to carry out trade-off analyses between the technologies