Analysis and Optimization of Building Energy Consumption

Energy is one of the most important resources required by modern human society. In 2010, energy expenditures represented 10 % of global gross domestic product (GDP). By 2035, global energy consumption is expected to increase by more than 50 % from current levels. The increased pace of global energy consumption leads to significant environmental and socioeconomic issues: (i) carbon emissions, from the burning of fossil fuels for energy, contribute to global warming, and (ii) increased energy expen-ditures lead to reduced standard of living. Efficient use of energy, through energy conservation measures, is an important step toward mitigating these effects. Resi-dential and commercial buildings represent a prime target for energy conservation, comprising 21 % of global energy consumption and 40 % of the total energy consump-tion in the United States. This thesis describes techniques for the analysis and optimization of building en-ergy consumption. The thesis focuses on building retrofits and building energy sim-ulation as key areas in building energy optimization and analysis. The thesis firs