Context dependency of comfort and energy performance in mixed-mode offices

This article investigates the context dependency of comfort and energy performance in mixed-mode offices in the climate of Athens, Greece. It is based on a parametric study using the simulation software EnergyPlus. Context refers to different building design priorities on the real estate market (prestige, low cost and green), occupant behaviour scenarios (ideal and worst case) and cooling strategies (fixed and adaptive set points). Results are evaluated according to energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions, daylight autonomy, view and percentage of working time when heating and cooling are operating. The results indicate that a holistic approach to comfort and energy performance evaluation focused on the specific context of a building and its occupants is necessary to develop appropriate optimization strategies. In early design stages, such specific information is not yet available and ideal/worst-case scenarios can indicate the magnitude of influence of occupants compared to building design.