Reducing the Energy Performance Gap in Residential Retrofitting through

Enhanced Building Modelling

Centre for Rural and Sustainable Development is offering a Research Postgraduate
Scholarship to investigate how to reduce the Energy Performance Gap in Residential
Retrofitting through Enhanced Building Modelling
Research by Hunter, G, Hoyne S and Noonan, L (2015) has confirmed that an Energy
Performance Gap (EPG) exists when the modelled/theoretical energy performance of a
dwelling is compared with actual energy performance. Modeled energy consumption has
been shown to be on average 20% more than actual energy performance. Assessing the
Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) model used in Ireland Hunter (2015)
focused on assumptions within the model in relation to heating periods, internal
temperature and secondary heating. Energy assessments based on outputs from the DEAP
Model are being utilised by building owners and retrofitting professionals to determine the
techno-economic feasibility of residential retrofitting measures. The inherent EPGs within
the model result in optimistic payback and internal rate of return analysis for such retrofit
projects.
This research project will focus on the creation of an improved computer model which will
facilitate improved techno economic analysis of residential retrofitting. In particular it will
facilitate adjustment of DEAP outputs through the integration of actual building data within
the model. Keep steps in the research will include
- Identification and creation of algorithms which will build energy demand profiles for
dwellings based on sample actual energy consumption and relevant characteristics e.g.
occupancy, heating schedules and secondary heating.
- Integration of DEAP outputs with building energy demand profiles to create a realistic
dwelling energy performance model.
- Prediction of retrofitting energy performance based on packages of retrofitting actions
to achieve Near Zero Energy Performance
- Creation of an open source integrated dwelling energy performance tool which can be
used by building owners, retrofitting managers and professionals
Scholarship Conditions: Fees and 6,000 stipend per annum (x 2 years)

Requirements of Candidate
Level 8 Honours Degree (with a 2:2 Grade or higher), in an appropriate study field is
essential. Appropriate fields of study include Civil Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, Computing, Environmental Management etc.
Interest in pursuing postgraduate studies in an area related to sustainable building,
building energy modelling, with a strong focus on the intersection of theory and
practice.
Excelling IT skills are required with the ability to develop expertise in model
development in e.g. Excel or other similar modelling tools.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work at a
professional level. Regular high level presentations and detailed reporting will be
required.
Ability to gather process and draw conclusions from various kinds of data.
Capable of lecturing up to two hours per week as required by the Department.
Capacity to work independently.
Informal research enquiries should be directed to: Seamus Hoyne, Head of
Department, Limerick Institute of Technology, Ireland.
Tel.; 0504 28114- Email: seamus.hoyne@lit.ie

Application forms to be returned to:

Graduate Studies and Research Office, Limerick Institute of Technology, Moylish,
Limerick
For general process enquiries please contact graduatestudies@lit.ie
Note: Incomplete documentation will be returned to sender