Guidelines for optimising energy consumption of HVAC air-side systems in commercial buildings in Sri Lanka

Currently, discussions on climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and energy conservation emphasise the urgency of creating a more sustainable built environment. Reducing energy consumption and emissions in the building sector has become a priority. With a primary focus on commercial buildings in Sri Lanka, where Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of electricity usage, this research aims to identify local and international guidelines for HVACairside strategy implementation. To achieve this, a literature review was conducted, and a qualitative research approach was used to pursue the research aim; an interview survey using semi-structured interviews was conducted targeting 17 experts. The collected data were then analysed using content analysis using the NVivo software. The study identified eight applicable guidelines: EEBC, IESL guidelines, CPEEB, CIBSE, ASHRAE, Singapore Green Mark standard, EPBD and SMACNA. These insights offer valuable knowledge for industry professionals seeking to improve HVAC airside energy efficiency and provide a foundation for further academic research on HVAC systems in Sri Lanka. By applying these guidelines, the commercial building sector can take a step towards a more energy-efficient and sustainable future.