About B E E R
BEER is the Building Energy Efficiency Research
project at the Department of Architecture,
The
University of Hong Kong. This home page contains the essential information
of BEER.
Energy efficiency of buildings is important for both economic reasons and
environmental concern. In order to formulate climate-specific strategies
for energy efficient design and operation in buildings, architectural and
engineering elements which affect building energy design should be studied
carefully.
Research has shown that energy efficiency in buildings can be achieved
without sacrificing aesthetics, lettable floor area or occupant comfort.
Energy-efficient buildings tend to have the highest levels of occupant
satisfaction as a result of effective management: as well as reducing fuel
costs, energy efficiency has become an essential attribute of a responsible,
well-managed organisation.
A building which fully exploits natural ventilation and daylighting
and provides occupants with a degree of control over their local environment,
should not be regarded a low-prestige option. Successful implementation
of these concepts calls for innovative design and often results in a distinctive
building with a comfortable and productive internal environment, and better
levels of satisfaction and general health among employees.
The objective of this research study is to formulate effective strategies
for achieving energy efficient design in architecture and buildings.
Through the analysis of the climate and building energy performance, a
better understanding of building energy design can be developed.
The research focuses on architectural and building services design so as
to develop practical and effective information for building designers.
Databases and resource guides are being built by investigating the climatic
conditions of Hong Kong and the energy technologies in worldwide countries.
Computer simulation methods are used for studying the building energy performance
and for analysing the design factors and energy conservation measures in
different types of buildings.
Three major areas have been identified in this research:
Disclaimer
This Web site is still under development and will be subject
to ongoing modification. The University does not warrant, guarantee or
make any representations regarding the correctness, accuracy, reliability,
or any other aspect regarding characteristics or use of the information
presented in this service. The user accepts sole responsibility and risk
associated with the use and results of the material on this service, irrespective
of the purpose to which such use or results are applied. In no event shall
the University be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages
or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits,
whether in an action contract, negligence or tort, rising out of or in
connection with the use or performance of the materials on this service.
Acknowledgment
The Hong Kong Chapter
of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) is acknowledged for sponsoring part of this research
project.
Investigators:
Home of BEER
| Created: 28 Jun 1996 | Updated: 24 Apr 1999 | By
Sam C M Hui (cmhui@hku.hk) |