Logistics and distribution centre · Dynamic building envelope
Dynamic building envelope in logistics and distribution centre: what the SRI measures
The envelope is dynamic when shading and windows respond automatically: shading that closes in bright sun and opens for free heat in winter, and windows that open for night cooling. Reporting on performance is included.
In short
- 1This page shows what the Smart Readiness Indicator measures in the building envelope of a logistics and distribution centre.
- 2For this building type, the dynamic building envelope domain counts for 1 of the 3 weighting factors in the overall score.
- 3The services cover sun shading, window control and reporting on the performance of these systems.
Weight of this domain for this building type
Which services count
| Service | Lowest level | Highest level | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window solar shading control DE-1 · A · 5 levels | No sun shading or only manual operation | Predictive blind control (e.g. based on weather forecast) | at least level 1 |
| Window open/closed control, combined with HVAC system DE-2 · 4 levels | Manual operation or only fixed windows | Level 2 + Centralized coordination of operable windows, e.g. to control free natural night cooling | – |
| Reporting information regarding performance of dynamic building envelope systems DE-4 · A · 5 levels | No reporting | Position of each product, fault detection, predictive maintenance, real-time & historical sensor data (wind, lux, temperature...) | at least level 1 |
Worked example
If everything in this domain is at level 0, the domain contributes nothing. At the highest level for all services, the indicative total score for this building type rises by about 7 percentage points (from 32 to 39 percent, with all other domains at level 1).
What does dynamic building envelope mean for a distribution centre?
A logistics and distribution centre often consists of large halls with few windows and a large roof area. The dynamic building envelope, sun shading and windows that respond automatically to light, temperature and weather, play a smaller role here than in offices or residential buildings.
Yet the dynamic building envelope domain (DE) counts towards the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI). For this building type, the domain receives a weighting factor of 1 out of 3 possible points, while other domains such as electricity and charging carry more weight.
Which smart-ready services belong to this domain?
The SRI methodology assigns three smart-ready services to this building type within the dynamic building envelope domain. Each service has functionality levels from 0 to 4, with a higher level meaning more automation and control.
- DE-1 Control of sun shading for windows: from no or manual sun shading to predictive control based on weather forecasts.
- DE-2 Window open/close control combined with the HVAC system: HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and cooling. This ranges from manual operation to centralised night cooling control.
- DE-4 Reporting of information on the performance of dynamic building envelope systems: from no reporting to real-time and historical sensor data on wind, light and temperature.
Why does this domain carry less weight?
In halls with few staff and limited window area, automated sun shading or window control has less impact on comfort and energy use than in buildings with extensive glazing. The SRI methodology accounts for this through the weighting factor.
For a distribution centre, the greatest opportunities often lie in electricity, lighting and charging infrastructure for electric transport. The dynamic building envelope domain remains relevant alongside this for buildings with office spaces or large roof skylights.
What this means for you
- Owner
- As the owner of a distribution centre, it is worth checking whether existing sun shading and windows are already linked to sensors or the climate system, even though this domain carries less weight. A higher functionality level here can contribute to the overall SRI score, especially if other domains already perform well.
- Tenant
- As a tenant or user of the hall, you will notice automated sun shading and window control mainly through a more stable indoor climate and less manual adjustment. In large halls with little glazing, this effect is usually limited compared to office spaces.
- Advisor
- When assessing this building type, it is important to take the weighting factor of 1 out of 3 into account: improvements in this domain have less impact on the total score than in, for example, electricity and charging. Also verify that the three services, DE-1, DE-2 and DE-4, have been correctly assessed using method A, since this building type does not automatically fall under mandatory building automation above 290 kW.
Next step
Want to know where your building stands?