A Multi-dimensional Decision Support System for Choosing Solar Shading Devices in Office Buildings

The smart building revolution requires constructions to be equipped with innovative and advanced management systems able to improve their energy performance and to guarantee adequate comfort conditions to occupants. In this framework, properly designed solar shading devices coupled with automation and control systems are of interest, being able to improve energy performance and indoor lighting conditions, especially during summer. The selection of the most adequate devices and related control mechanisms depends on various and potentially conflicting factors, concerning financial, environmental, socio-economic, energy, and architectural aspects. The present study proposes a multi-step methodological approach, which integrates EnergyPlus-based dynamic energy simulations with PROMETHEE II-based multi-criteria analysis to obtain a ranking of different alternative solutions. The work identifies a set of multi-domain indicators to give a snapshot of the different domains that can potentially influence the selection of shading solutions to be installed in office buildings and defines the actors to be involved in the decision-making process.