Domain DE
Dynamic building envelope
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
- 1The Envelope domain examines solar shading and windows that respond automatically to light, heat and weather conditions.
- 2There are three smart-ready services: solar shading control, window control combined with heating and cooling, and performance reporting.
- 3Each level ranges from 0, no automation, to 4, the most advanced and predictive control.
Services in this domain
- Window solar shading controlDE-1 · 5 levels · A
- Window open/closed control, combined with HVAC systemDE-2 · 4 levels
- Reporting information regarding performance of dynamic building envelope systemsDE-4 · 5 levels · A
What is a dynamic building envelope?
The building envelope consists of the exterior of a building: windows, facades and solar shading. With a dynamic building envelope, these components respond automatically to conditions outside and inside.
Solar shading closes in strong sunlight to prevent overheating. In winter, solar shading opens to let free heat from the sun inside. Windows can open automatically at night to cool the building without using energy.
Which smart-ready services belong to this domain?
The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) distinguishes three smart-ready services within this domain. The first service concerns the control of solar shading on windows.
- DE-1, solar shading control: from no or manual operation only to predictive control based on weather forecasts.
- DE-2, window control combined with HVAC: from manual operation to centralised coordination of windows for natural night cooling. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and cooling.
- DE-4, building envelope reporting: from no reporting to real-time and historical sensor data on wind, light and temperature.
Each service has functionality levels from 0 to 4. A higher level means more automation and often greater integration with other systems in the building.
Why does this domain count towards the score?
The SRI assesses buildings across nine domains, including the dynamic building envelope. Each domain contributes to the overall score through impact criteria such as energy efficiency, comfort and convenience.
A building with only manual solar shading scores low on this domain. A building where solar shading, windows and the heating system work together and where faults are reported automatically scores significantly higher.
This domain shows that smart-ready is not only about technology inside, but also about how a building manages light and heat from outside.
Weight per building type
- Officemedium
- Schoolmedium
- Care buildingmedium
- Hospitallight
- Hotelmedium
- Retail and supermarketlight
- Logistics and distribution centrelight
- Apartment buildinglight
- Municipal and public buildingsmedium
- Sports facilitylight
Next step
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