There has long been concern that rating the thermal performance of buildings on the basis of predicted normalized energy requirement (MJ/m2) is inappropriate for achieving overall energy efficient design of houses, mainly due to the inability of such schemes to deal with the evaluation of passive architectural design in the form of free running buildings. This study, investigating the shortcomings in the current rating schemes, hypothesizes that the main reason for that inability is due to significant differences between efficient design for free running and conditioned houses. It also suggests that a multiple occupancy scenario, involving variable occupation times and zones, is an important parameter for improving the accuracy of any building evaluation system. The study aims to propose a new method for House Rating Schemes in which the efficiency of a house design will be evaluated with reference to its thermal performance in both free running and conditioned operation modes. By attributing more value to the performance of houses in the free running than the conditioned operation, it is assumed that policy objectives for reducing energy demand for space heating and cooling in the residential building sector are more likely to be achieved. Simulation was used to compare the predicted thermal performances of houses in free running and conditioned operation modes for the moderate climates of Sydney and Canberra. Parametric sensitivity analysis and multivariate regression analysis have been employed and point to the following results. The reliability of a free running rating scheme, in terms of addressing energy efficient aspects, as compared to the current energy based rating schemes, is demonstrated. The research illustrates significant differences between efficient design for conditioned houses and for free running houses. The findings strongly suggest the necessity of developing a new regulatory framework for reducing energy demand in the housing sector. Utilizing these findings, an aggregation of two rating systems for the purpose of creating a new house rating framework has been developed. It is assumed that this research approach is likely to deliver significant benefits in terms of reduction in energy demand and increased sustainability, if it is employed as a basis for House Ratings Schemes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Murdoch University, 1986.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2007. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xii, 264 p. : ill. (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-167).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Murdoch University, 2003. / Thesis submitted to the Division of Arts. Bibliography: leaves 274-290.

Thesis (Ph. D. - Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Arid Lands Resources Sciences) - University of Arizona. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 149-152).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Architecture, 1997. / Computer disk in pocket attached to back cover. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 159-170).

Thesis (M.Env.St.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geographical and Environmental Studies, 2000. / Bibliography: p. 119-122.

Thesis (M Arch)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2008. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Christopher Livingston. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-99).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--West Virginia University, 2007. / Adviser: B. Gopalakrishnan. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Marshall University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Includes abstract. Document formatted into pages: contains ix, 94 p. : ill. Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-91).