Specification of a STEP compliant integrated environment to support performance based assessment and control of building energy systems

The National University of Ireland, Cork (NUIC) proposes to specify, design and construct an Environmental Research Institute (ERI). A computer based Building Product Model (BPM) of the ERI will be developed that, together with other tools and technologies, creates an integrated environment allowing for the storage, measurement and control of certain performance-based sustainability criteria in relation to the buildings energy usage. This paper describes a requirements specification for a software/hardware framework and methodology that provides a platform for integrating existing software tools at design, construction and operation of buildings so that monitoring and control of performance at all stages of the Building Life-Cycle (BLC) can be achieved. Particular focus is placed on the operation phase of the building.