Proposal of a multi-step methodological approach for evaluating the performances of solar shading devices in office buildings

In the framework of the building sector transition, which is a key priority to achieve the decarbonization targets, a smart building revolution has started, pushing for the adoption of advanced control strategies and smart management systems to increase buildings energy efficiency, while improving occupants’ comfort and satisfaction. For the design and management of smart buildings, solar shading devices and related control systems for their effective usage need to be strategically assessed. There exist several factors that can influence the choice of shading systems, due to the potential conflicts from economic, environmental, social and energy standpoints. For this reason, proper methodological approaches are needed to couple the energy and environmental assessment of the performances of the different systems when installed in a specific building and the social and economic impacts that these solutions can have on building occupants, facility managers and decision-makers. In line with this, the work aims to propose a multi-step methodological framework to support decision-makers in selecting an adequate solar shading device and relative control strategy for an office building, integrating energy dynamic simulations with multi-criteria decision analysis techniques.