The impact of static and dynamic facade systems and components on daylight performance and energy use in perimeter building zones has been addressed in previous studies, but there are limited sources of information for comprehensive facade retrofit guidelines. This paper presents the development of a facade retrofit performance guide for perimeter office spaces in North America. An integrated thermal-lighting simulation tool, validated with experimental results and verified advanced tools, is used to calculate annual energy performance indices and daylighting metrics for perimeter spaces in different climates. The tool flexibility allows parallel investigation of several parameters (window-to-wall ratio, glazing optical and thermal properties, shading properties and controls) and evaluation of performance indices such as dynamic daylight metrics, site and source energy use for air-conditioning and lighting, and peak demand, as well as human comfort. A guide tool with a simple interface was also developed to help designers and architects make appropriate decisions about facade systems and components. A highlight of this tool is the ability to model and produce results for dynamic facade systems for which the daylighting and thermal performance is difficult to assess using simplified tools or publicly available software. The powerful engine can be also used to establish multivariate correlations for evaluating the combined impact of facade design decisions.
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