PhD Study : Passive House Strategies, using Ireland as an exemplar.

Summary

Proposal:

To expand our understanding of  the cost optimality criteria for Passive House / nZEB Commercial buildings into a broader multi beneficial optimality assessment. Article 9 of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010) requires that by December 31st,  2020, all new buildings are to be constructed to a near zero-energy standard, (nZEB); defined as ‘the point where the measures required to implement the standard are ‘cost optimal’….to achieve a balance between costs and energy performance….’. Such legislative definitions must be redefined every 5 years and so a detailed study now, of how this definition might be expanded and better understood is apposite.

Background research questions include the choice of the most appropriate energy software would help such understanding. This might include utilizing Passivhaus software (PHPP), as it directly addresses the larger elements of commercial energy usage including air leakage, ventilation and electrical energy. A review of international best practice will be a key element of the research - in particular investigating initiatives such as the Israeli government mandating of a fabric first approach rather than that the ‘services hardware’ response to creating such buildings. This reflects the alignment of expected life of the building (50 – 100 years), compared with building services (15 to 20 years). The passive elements of fabric, air tightness, surface volume ratios, orientation and passive ventilation are key tenets of the passive house methodology.

Processes:-

(a) Review of current commercial buildings, across a range of three non-domestic building types: (1) Educational buildings (2) Offices and (3) Health Care Facilities. Research questions would include: (i) Are the current cost optimality models accurate and fit for purpose? (ii)   Can such models be customised to better reflect building use and energy profile ? (iii)   Is there an optimal balance between services and fabric across building types ?

(b) Identification of energy profiles, pertinent to such buildings across SBEMie/NEAP and PHPP allowing assessment of the true veracity of the near Zero Energy Building nomenclature and the key influencers of the cost optimality approach.

(c) Critique of regulatory specifications, across the island of Ireland, using NEAP and PHPP software, to identify areas of performance/benefit accruing but not captured by current cost optimality models.

(d) Analysis of one building, to assess post occupancy experience potentially using the BUS methodology and end user patterns of use against design predictive energy use using NEAP and PHPP, to give direction as to whether the nZEB cost optimality model is fit for purpose

(e) Proposals for a revised nZEB specification where Passivhaus criteria form a baseline to a broader range of cost optimality considerations related to IAQ and operational efficiencies. nZEB targets lack standards critical to greater occupant comfort and health, the whole therefore never aspires to be greater than the sum of the parts. It is this perception gap which this study wishes to address and in so doing, deepen our perception of the design strategies and optimal performance criteria non-domestic nZEB buildings in the 21st century, ought to operate within.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living