Smart-ready service DE-2 · Dynamic building envelope
Window open/closed control, combined with HVAC system
In short
- 1This page describes service DE-2: how windows work together with a building's heating or cooling system.
- 2The Smart Readiness Indicator recognizes four levels here, from manual operation to fully coordinated window opening.
- 3This service falls under the Dynamic Building Envelope domain and does not count in shortened method A.
The levels
Level 0
Manual operation or only fixed windows
Level 1
Open/closed detection to shut down heating or cooling systems
Level 2
Level 1 + Automised mechanical window opening based on room sensor data
Level 3
Level 2 + Centralized coordination of operable windows, e.g. to control free natural night cooling
What does service DE-2 measure?
Service DE-2 concerns the combination of window operation and the heating or cooling system, also called an HVAC system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) assesses whether a building automatically detects when windows are open, and whether the system responds intelligently to this.
This service belongs to the Dynamic Building Envelope domain, one of nine domains within the SRI methodology. It is not about window operation alone, but about the link between windows and the building's climate control system.
What functionality levels exist?
The SRI distinguishes four functionality levels, from level 0 to level 3. Each level builds on the previous one and adds more automation.
- Level 0: manual operation or fixed windows only that cannot open.
- Level 1: the building management system detects whether a window is open or closed and switches off the heating or cooling system when a window is open.
- Level 2: in addition to this detection, windows open automatically and mechanically, based on data from room sensors.
- Level 3: a central system controls multiple operable windows at the same time, for example to allow the building to cool naturally at night without mechanical cooling.
Why does this service not count in method A?
The SRI methodology has two assessment methods. Method A is a shortened version with 27 smart-ready services, method B assesses all 54 services in detail.
Service DE-2 is part of method B only. When an assessment uses method A, this specific link between windows and climate control does not count toward the final score.
How does this count toward the score?
Each functionality level is assessed on seven impact criteria, such as energy efficiency and comfort. Three of these are key functionalities with equal weight in the final score.
The result counts within the Dynamic Building Envelope domain, which together with eight other domains determines the total SRI score, expressed as a percentage and placed in one of seven classes.
Relevant for these building types
Next step
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