1. Research Centre for Building Environmental Performance (RCBEP) Energy efficiency Environment Impacts Indoor environment Intelligent building controls Renewable energy Department of Building Services Engineering At its 21 st Anniversary

2. Aims of the Research Centre To provide a focus for research into measures that can enhance the environmental performance of all types of buildings, including new and existing buildings, and To demonstrate a leading role in this research area at local, regional and international level.

3. Function of the Research Centre To co-ordinate research activities in the department in the area of building environmental performance, including: Internally and externally funded research projects and Contract research studies (consultancy) in this area.

4. Driving Forces Rising expectation of building quality Increasing awareness of the need for and the importance of energy conservation, environmental protection and sustainable development Development of HK-BEAM Scheme Government review of the Building Regulations w.r.t natural ventilation and lighting IAQ certification scheme for offices and public places

5. Driving Forces Government’s move to link incentives to building environmental performance Housing Authority movement to quality and non- standard designs Modular construction (Integer) Increased use of more sophisticated design tools

6. Research Focus Quantification (benchmarking), assessment and improvement of environmental performance of buildings: design, operation and maintenance Survey and audit of environmental performance of buildings Development of simulation tools and assessment methods Research into new designs and control methods, and operation and maintenance strategies: Intelligent building; application of renewable energy sources; O&M practices

7. More information about RCBEP Contact: – Prof. John Burnett – Prof. Francis Yik Visit – www.bse.polyu.edu.hk