Deo Prasad
The University of New South Wales, Faculty of Built Environment, Faculty Member
- Scientia Professor Deo Prasad AO FTSEedit
The role of the built environment on global warming is seen to be of increasing relevance. In this book, contributors of international repute offer a wide perspectivet on the subject. This new paperback edition offers insights and... more
The role of the built environment on global warming is seen to be of increasing relevance. In this book, contributors of international repute offer a wide perspectivet on the subject. This new paperback edition offers insights and techniques regarding design and management of buildings and urban settlement and discusses the issues of accountability and responsibility.
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... Renewable Energy Volume 26, Issue 3, July 2002, Pages 449-461. ... P m, Maximum power (electric). ... The graphic output of the infrared (IR) camera used to conduct the studies also gives good insights into the temperature gradients... more
... Renewable Energy Volume 26, Issue 3, July 2002, Pages 449-461. ... P m, Maximum power (electric). ... The graphic output of the infrared (IR) camera used to conduct the studies also gives good insights into the temperature gradients between the BiPV roofing and the metallic roofing ...
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ABSTRACT This article was submitted without an abstract, please refer to the full-text PDF file.
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Generally there are two primary types of assessment approaches for evaluating the environmental impact of the built environment (BE): qualitatively based building rating systems and quantitatively based material & energy accounting... more
Generally there are two primary types of assessment approaches for evaluating the environmental impact of the built environment (BE): qualitatively based building rating systems and quantitatively based material & energy accounting methods. Their respective ...
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Natural ventilation performance can be influenced by various factors, including facade treatments such as balconies. Balconies have been commonly incorporated into residential buildings for various purposes, yet the provision of a balcony... more
Natural ventilation performance can be influenced by various factors, including facade treatments such as balconies. Balconies have been commonly incorporated into residential buildings for various purposes, yet the provision of a balcony as a passive design strategy to improve natural ventilation is not one of its common purposes. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of balcony design on the natural ventilation performance of cross-ventilated high-rise apartments. This study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to predict ventilation performance. CFD models are selected because of their accuracy, flexibility and ability to provide comprehensive data for the investigation. This study suggests that balconies in high-rise apartments could improve the ventilation performance of high-rise apartments, but that balconies can also have a negative impact on ventilation performance if not appropriately designed. Finally, this study suggests that balconies could improve the level of thermal comfort and indoor air quality of apartments by providing greater indoor air speed and better ventilation performance, respectively.
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Despite the increasing use of neighbourhood sustainability assessment tools (NSAT), their linear approach may be insufficient to tackle the global and local social and ecological challenges. The circular economy (CE) has recently emerged... more
Despite the increasing use of neighbourhood sustainability assessment tools (NSAT), their linear approach may be insufficient to tackle the global and local social and ecological challenges. The circular economy (CE) has recently emerged as a new pathway, adopted by corporations and public organisations. Understanding how to apply CE to existing communities, while addressing some of its shortcomings, particularly the strong focus on resource management, is the main goal of this paper. Building upon a Regenerative Circularity for the Built Environment (RC4BE) conceptual model that merges circular economy and regenerative design concepts, a framework with criteria for its implementation in the transition of existing urban areas is proposed. A preliminary framework structure with criteria mapped from literature is proposed and validated through a 2-round Delphi consultation with 31 international experts. The final framework, with 136 criteria, addresses some of the identified gaps and ...
Research Interests: Climate Change, Community Resilience, Delphi Methodology, Sustainability Indicators, Green Infrastructure, and 15 moreSustainable Urbanism, Innovation In Built Environment, Urban Ecology, Key Performance Indicators, Environmental Sustainability, Planetary Boundaries, Participatory Planning, Sustainable Urban Planning, Sustainable Cities, Regenerative Design, Urban Metabolism, Circular Economy, Delphi method, Sustainability, and Doughnut Economics
ABSTRACT This paper shows the results of a research on parametric geometric transformation of the building volume and transformations of façade surfaces to optimize solar access of buildings in an existing urban district. Photovoltaic... more
ABSTRACT This paper shows the results of a research on parametric geometric transformation of the building volume and transformations of façade surfaces to optimize solar access of buildings in an existing urban district. Photovoltaic systems are generally installed on roof tops of buildings located in low density areas due to the availability of horizontal surfaces, but the developments of cities with tall buildings and the lack of available horizontal surfaces have encouraged photovoltaic integration on façades. The new policies of regulations to contain the horizontal city’s development and to increase the use of renewable resources suggest a conscious and responsible design process. Within this scenario the main aim of this study is to find the way to improve solar energy capture in the urban existing context. The study wants to localize the best areas on the façade surfaces to install the solar systems and optimize the solar energy production in order to cover a part of energy demands. The optimization process starts from a simple three-dimensional volumetric modelling, with fixed parameters (height, floor area and volume of the building). Then façade surfaces are manipulated in an iterative parametric design process to evaluate the solar radiation of different geometric transformations using a generative digital modelling software (Rhynoceros + Grasshopper) and solar dynamic simulation tool (Radiance/Daysim). The proposed method is restricted to the relationship between solar access and solar applications, but the further development of the research aims investigate the mutual effects among neighbouring buildings in term of solar reflections and increase of superficial temperatures. The global process has been validated through a case study, analysing a typical development in Milan, involving the demolition of an existing building and the reconstruction of the same volume, with a solar optimized shape.
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Research has indicated that the improvements of physical environment increase productivity at workplace. Recent research also suggests two directions of environmental research: the effects of behavioural environment as well as the effects... more
Research has indicated that the improvements of physical environment increase productivity at workplace. Recent research also suggests two directions of environmental research: the effects of behavioural environment as well as the effects of physical environment on occupant at workplace. However, there seems to be lack of a holistic approach to understanding the relationship between indoor environment and occupant response including health, comfort and productivity. The primary aim of the paper is to better understand their relationships through a structured questionnaire which evaluates occupant comfort and performance in work environments. It could be a way to confirm the effects of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on employee productivity, understanding how occupants feel and interact with their environments. A structured questionnaire, which consists of five sections: job activities and general workplace, indoor environment, behavioural environment, health symptoms and demographic information, is proposed and the latent variables of the questionnaire are presented in the paper. This study also introduces the procedure in a field study using the proposed questionnaire in Seoul, Korea. A follow-up study will report on the results of analysing the collected data.
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There is potential in applying the circular economy (CE) and regenerative design (RD) models for the redevelopment of urban areas as a response to the current linear and mechanistic practices that still contribute to exceeding planetary... more
There is potential in applying the circular economy (CE) and regenerative design (RD) models for the redevelopment of urban areas as a response to the current linear and mechanistic practices that still contribute to exceeding planetary boundaries and reinforcing social inequalities. Despite these models' common roots, they are usually approached quite differently. A merged approach may be able to solve existing gaps and critiques. This paper reviews relevant CE and RD definitions linked to the urban context. An inductive content analysis to map and discuss existing themes is conducted, leading to a set of five underpinning pillars. The resulting 'Regenerative Circularity for the Built Environment' conceptual model adopts a systemic and positive impact approach that is the steppingstone for the development of a practical tool aiming to support urban stakeholders in the transition of existing neighbourhoods with strategies more suitable to their aims and notion of place.
Research Interests: Community Resilience, Green Infrastructure, Sustainable Development, Urban Regeneration, Quality of life, and 12 moreUrban Studies, Life Cycle Assessment, Sustainable Architecture, Multidisciplinary, Sustainable Urban Planning, Regenerative Design, Urban Metabolism, Circular Economy, Livability, Education for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Nature-based solutions
There are compelling reasons for giving the most serious considerations to design of sustainable buildings - buildings, which minimise their environmental footprints. The emergence of a range of technologies, which assist in this process... more
There are compelling reasons for giving the most serious considerations to design of sustainable buildings - buildings, which minimise their environmental footprints. The emergence of a range of technologies, which assist in this process is very promising. Among these the capture of solar energy for both active and passive use is very feasible. These technologies potentially make a significant contribution to the environmental footprint of buildings. However as we move towards wide scale use of such technologies in buildings and at citywide scale we find that there are implications on both buildings and urban aesthetics. This can be a positive aspect rather than a negative one if designers take on the challenge.
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In 1981, 12 solar-efficient houses and 3 standard houses were designed and built for the New South Wales Housing commission near Sydney, Australia. Recently, a pilot study was done to evaluate the energy use and comfort levels in these 15... more
In 1981, 12 solar-efficient houses and 3 standard houses were designed and built for the New South Wales Housing commission near Sydney, Australia. Recently, a pilot study was done to evaluate the energy use and comfort levels in these 15 houses over a two-year period. Heavyweight, well insulated houses, as a group, used the least energy annually, averaging 19,235 MJ
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ABSTRACT Growth in the use of glass in buildings has had significant implications on its energy consumption and on plant and equipment used to control conditions. This has led to the development of advanced glazing systems with a range of... more
ABSTRACT Growth in the use of glass in buildings has had significant implications on its energy consumption and on plant and equipment used to control conditions. This has led to the development of advanced glazing systems with a range of tailored properties. There has been a corresponding need for accurate characterisation of these glazing systems. There have been numerous studies internationally in this area, the earliest of these going back to the 1940's. SOLARCH: the Solar Architecture Research Unit of the University of New South Wales has been involved in thermal performance evaluation studies since the early 1970's. Having built and operated Passive Solar Test Cells and other laboratory based equipment it has now built a field model solar calorimeter. The calorimeter is particularly suited for heat gain environments for general Australian conditions. Heat loss studies are undertaken using indoor controlled condition chambers. This paper discusses the facility and the methods in use for thermal performance characterisation of building envelope systems. It also reports on some early validation studies against other theoretical and experimental methods in use.
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Energy used in buildings is mainly attributed to provide the desired thermal comfort, which could result in an increase in carbon emission and, in turn, lead to further environmental degradation. A Building-Integrated Photovoltaic... more
Energy used in buildings is mainly attributed to provide the desired thermal comfort, which could result in an increase in carbon emission and, in turn, lead to further environmental degradation. A Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Double-Skin Façade (BIPV-DSF) is a promising way to maintain indoor thermal comfort, obtained with low environmental impact and energy consumption. The appropriate design of BIPV-DSFs can maximise indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency for buildings. This paper presents optimal BIPV-DSF design solutions, which are dedicated to offering comfortable and energy-efficient buildings, through optimisation of the most important design parameters of a BIPV-DSF under three different climate conditions in Australia. The results illustrate how thermal transmittance (U-value) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of windows of the BIPV-DSF, as the most important design parameters, were optimised for application in the context of different climates, operation mo...
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Urban sound planning aims to integrate soundscape approaches within existing planning frameworks to create sound environments which are conducive to health and wellbeing. It recognises that the best soundscape outcomes are achieved when... more
Urban sound planning aims to integrate soundscape approaches within existing planning frameworks to create sound environments which are conducive to health and wellbeing. It recognises that the best soundscape outcomes are achieved when acoustic environments are considered from the outset of the urban planning and design process-and that this must be done with the interdisciplinary involvement of professionals from a range of fields. While the benefits of soundscape approaches in urban design have been demonstrated, positive soundscapes and public health outcomes have been limited by a gap between theoretical understandings of sound as a manageable resource versus implementation in planning and the built environment. This is especially true in jurisdictions that lack quality-based environmental noise policies, as their regulatory actions are confined to the mitigation of "noise" as a waste or pollutant. This paper explores the challenges for implementation of quality urban...
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The circular economy and regenerative design approaches, although still emerging in the built environment, are important pathways to move away from the degenerative business-as-usual practices in the sector. In this paper, we investigate... more
The circular economy and regenerative design approaches, although still emerging in the built environment, are important pathways to move away from the degenerative business-as-usual practices in the sector. In this paper, we investigate the perception, awareness, and practices of built environment professionals regarding the adoption of a combined regenerative circularity approach for buildings and cities, and if current practices and ‘neighbourhood sustainability assessment’ (NSA) tools should be improved and how. The inquiry was conducted using a convergent mixed methods approach with professionals from around the globe through: (a) online questionnaires which collected 146 responses, and (b) 18 semi-structured interviews which delved further into relevant aspects of the survey. Quantitative and qualitative responses were coded, grouped, and analysed. Results indicate an average awareness of topics with large space for improvement of practices. The main pathways for improvement f...
Research Interests: Perception, Knowledge Management, Community Engagement & Participation, Urban Regeneration, Built Environment, and 13 moreSustainable Design, Green Building, Participatory Planning, Gamification, LEED Certification, Sustainable Urban Planning, Adaptability, Regenerative Design, Flexibility in engineering design, Buildings, Circular Economy, Globe, and Sustainability
Australian rooftop solar is now at a crossroads – but it’s all positive. New technologies mean big data can be gathered from systems so that performance can be monitored and alerts raised if problems occur. Dr Deo Prasad writes about the... more
Australian rooftop solar is now at a crossroads – but it’s all positive. New technologies mean big data can be gathered from systems so that performance can be monitored and alerts raised if problems occur. Dr Deo Prasad writes about the benefits of solar monitoring systems and the possibilities for commerical customers to become more sustainable and create their own electricity and keep costs down. Read the full article on Sourceable
Research Interests: Solar Energy and Roof
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This is a summary of the workshop presentations, discussions and of the workgroup sessions for the CRCLCL's project on ETWW conducted Friday 1st February 2013, 10:00 – 16:30 at Room C4-16 at the University of South Australia's... more
This is a summary of the workshop presentations, discussions and of the workgroup sessions for the CRCLCL's project on ETWW conducted Friday 1st February 2013, 10:00 – 16:30 at Room C4-16 at the University of South Australia's City East Campus, chaired by Liz Ampt. The first of these facilitated national workshops on demand forecasting invited representatives from the project partner organisations with presentations from a selection of these as well as CRCLCL and project leaders. Attendees also contributed to workgroup sessions with a range of topics and issues relative to the project discussed and presented. The following report is a summary and synthesis of this workshop containing the following elements: Introductory ETWW project information Presentations on CRCLCL and the ETWW project Presentations by key researchers and industry Workgroup discussions and synthesis of outcomes What's next?
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Carbon neutrality is expected to address climate change challenges, and its achievement requires the collective efforts of various industries and sectors. The building and construction sector is a big energy consumer and greenhouse gas... more
Carbon neutrality is expected to address climate change challenges, and its achievement requires the collective efforts of various industries and sectors. The building and construction sector is a big energy consumer and greenhouse gas emitter, providing numerous opportunities for carbon neutrality. This indicates a need for a net zero carbon built environment, although the targets and pathways to it are still unclear. The paper, therefore, aims to address this research gap by reviewing the existing definition of net zero carbon and the targets set by international institutions (e.g., GABC, WorldGBC, RIBA, LETI, and AIA). The paper also defines the principles behind setting the decarbonisation targets, and presents the pathways tailored to the Australian building and construction sector. Overall, this paper is of importance in demonstrating a methodological framework for determining the net zero operational and embodied carbon targets and the associated pathways for decarbonising th...
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The paper discusses the need for a tool for the planning and design of precincts to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impacts of a development. Research work on the tool has involved the investigation of the principles that... more
The paper discusses the need for a tool for the planning and design of precincts to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impacts of a development. Research work on the tool has involved the investigation of the principles that might underpin such a tool and the physical measures such as green technologies and systems that might be within the scope of the tool. Further research has been undertaken to examine the range of tools available for planning and design and how such a tool planning and design tool may nest with the planning and design process. Research is underway to test this tool through a number of pilot projects. Work reported here discusses some of the initial findings from this research and provides a discussion of future directions.
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The research attempts to look into the viability of double-skin façade in providing natural ventilation for the high-rise office buildings in hot and humid environment. The behaviour of airflow patterns induced by wind and thermal forces... more
The research attempts to look into the viability of double-skin façade in providing natural ventilation for the high-rise office buildings in hot and humid environment. The behaviour of airflow patterns induced by wind and thermal forces through the double-skin façade into the interior office space and their effects onto the thermal comfort within the space are analysed with the use of computational fluid dynamic simulations and to identify the possible window periods for natural ventilation to be introduced to the office space.
This toolkit serves not only as the guidelines for green campus implementation, but also including unique cases from the real practice of universities around the world, among which most are GUPES partners.