Modelling Resilient construction through a mixed-use development within an urban environment

The study is an investigation into what constitutes resilient construction in 2022, understood through the metrics of a mixed-use development within an urban environment. The context is the climate change emergency and the pressing need to successfully implement the ‘nearly’ Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) policy
across the EU construction industry. This policy in Ireland is still evolving however significant issues of performance definition and procurement have already been identified. The paper identifies a performance bonus to be achieved by expanding the nZEB Policy Platform to encompass an energy standard for urban areas which for new buildings is at least ‘energy-plus’. The benefits accruing include long life buildings, with an inbuilt flexibility of use and a demand side support for our power grids. To progress, energy use needs to be perceived as part of a larger system. The metrics of success need to change from calibrations of individual assets through a ‘Building Energy Rating’, (BER) to a more expansive focus on reducing ‘Greenhouse Gas Emissions’, (GHG) at a neighbourhood and community level. This will require integration of our communities into an energy system
reflecting ‘minimal entropy’, ‘closed loop resource allocation’ and clearly defined criteria for measuring same.