Sensitivity analysis of energy performance of office buildings

The sensitivity of energy performance of office buildings in Hong Kong is examined. Basic principles of sensitivity methods for the study of building energy performance are explained. The DOE-2 building energy simulation program is used on a generic model of an office building to generate data for the study. Important input design parameters are identified and analysed from points of view of annual building energy consumption, peak design loads and building load profiles. It is believed that sensitivity techniques are useful for assessing thermal responses of buildings and data variability in building energy simulation. However, the results should be interpreted in context with clear understanding of the implications and limitations.