Energy Performance Evaluation and Retrofit Strategies for Performance Testing Facilities in Tropical Climates a Thermal and Illumination Assessment Based on Philippine Energy Standards

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive energy performance evaluation and retrofit strategy formulation for a performance testing facility operating under tropical climatic conditions, guided by the Philippine Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Act. Applying ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit methodologies, the analysis encompassed walkthrough assessments, lux and temperature mapping, energy consumption profiling, and building envelope diagnostics. Results revealed significant performance gaps: the actual cooling load demand (17,640 Btu/hr) exceeded the installed air-conditioning unit’s capacity (11,000 Btu/hr), and the computed overall thermal transfer value (OTTV) reached 59.29 W/m2, surpassing the 45 W/m2 regulatory limit. Moreover, measured average illuminance was 165.80 lux, well below the 300 to 400 lux standard for office-testing facility-type environments. Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) values were calculated at 6.37 kWh, 24°C for cooling and 5.21 kWh/400 lux for lighting. These inefficiencies indicate elevated operational costs, suboptimal occupant comfort, and regulatory non-compliance. A multi-tiered set of recommendations, including the adoption of inverter-type HVAC units, LED retrofitting, envelope insulation upgrades, and daylight harvesting, were proposed with quantified energy and monetary savings. The findings reinforce the importance of localized performance diagnostics in institutional buildings and offer replicable strategies for similar tropical facilities seeking to align with energy standards and improve sustainability outcomes.