Energy efficiency evaluation of the envelope and lighting of block 1 - UNIMEP campus in Santa Barbara D'Oeste

• Grant number: 12/08794-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Architecture and Urbanism Technology
• Principal Investigator: Adriana Petito de Almeida Silva Castro
• Grantee: Mariana Linkevicius Vieira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia, Arquitetura e Urbanismo. Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba (UNIMEP). Instituto Educacional Piracicabano. Santa Bárbara D'Oeste , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The globalization process and the establishment of a highly competitive economy are forcing companies to have greater efficiency in their activities. Adapting a building to energy efficiency standards can mean higher prices in construction; however, a long-term sustainable building generates a reduction in costs and environmental impacts. Furthermore, electric efficiency is often related to an improvement in the quality of the work environment and the production process. Providing welfare of human beings is one of the functions of constructed spaces so that it enables the development of activities with comfort in all aspects. Improving energy efficiency and concern over the introduction of the building in the environment should be a constant concern, both in its conception and construction and by the future users of the building. In 2008, a partnership between the state-owned Eletrobrás and the National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (Inmetro), the Energy Efficiency Labelling of Buildings, which is part of the Brazilian Labeling Program (PBE) was developed. The label aims to combat waste and encourage the rational use of energy in residential, commercial, and public services. The methodology used for evaluation is the same as the program has already used for testing the energy efficiency in household appliances, but with different criteria. For buildings, the label takes into consideration basically three aspects: envelope, lighting, and air conditioning. Each item receives a rating between A, which is the highest level of efficiency, and E, which is the worst. Because it is not yet mandatory, labeling relies on the awareness of all involved, from consumers to manufacturers, through architects and consultants. Research and studies that highlight the importance of this process are great allies for the dissemination of the new culture. Moreover, with the constant concern of damage to the environment, this is the opportunity for building professionals to show responsibility, causing the least environmental impact and making more use of natural resources for energy efficiency. In this context, the work in question aims to assess the level of energy efficiency in the Methodist University of Piracicaba, Santa Barbara D'Oeste campus, specifically in Block 1, composed primarily of classrooms, in order to get the Label National Conservation Power (Partial). The research will be guided by the prescriptive method of the Technical Regulation Quality Level of Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings, and Public Services - RTQ-C (BRAZIL, 2009a, BRAZIL, 2009b). From the results, it is intended to propose intervention in environments analyzed to ensure the level of improvement in energy efficiency and the envelope of the illumination system.(AU)