A Novel Approach to Determine Multi-Tiered Nearly Zero-Energy Performance Benchmarks Using Probabilistic Reference Buildings and Risk Analysis Approaches

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 The manuscript has proposed a novel approach to determine multi-tiered nearly zero-energy performance benchmarks using probabilistic reference buildings and risk analysis approaches. The authors have made a detailed argument, but there are still the following shortcomings, and it is recommended to modify them.

1. The current abstract is too redundant and needs to be streamlined to briefly present the research background, motivation, methods and conclusions of the paper.

2. This article lacks certain elements, such as a well-documented research background, motivation and research questions, necessary introduction to research methods, etc. The lack of these elements makes the article more like a technical report than an academic paper. Therefore, these elements must be effectively supplemented.

3. There are only 8 citations in the introduction, four of which are from the same author, which indicates that the authors may not have fully grasped the academic background of the issue, making it difficult for readers to think that this is a rigorous academic issue.

4. Although the authors elaborated on the methodological framework in detail, they did not show the improvement and innovation of traditional methods, resulting in the failure to reflect the innovative nature of the method.

5. It is recommended that the highlights should be emphasized at the conclusion and the content of future research should be added.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required

Author Response

To whom it concerns,

Many thanks for your constructive feedback, which we truly appreciate. Kindly find attached our replies.

very much appreciated,

Damien

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper proposed a new method to solve the problem of driving NZEB benchmarks with different levels of EP ambition. A case study was performed to cross compare the newly proposed method with existing methodologies. 

The paper is very well developed with a detailed introduction, well-described methodology and fully illustrated results and discussion. 

Author Response

To whom it concerns,

Many thanks for your positive feedback which we truly appreciate,

best regards,

Damien

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments:

1.       Clarity and Structure: The paper lacks a clear research question or objective statement. It would be beneficial to explicitly state the main research question that the study aims to address.

2.       Methodology: The methodology section needs to provide more detailed information on the steps involved in the proposed approach. Specifically, the process of Bayesian calibration should be explained in more depth, including the selection of prior distributions and the updating process to obtain posterior distributions.

3.       Case Study: The paper presents a case study on a hotel RB, but the selection criteria and rationale for choosing this particular case study are not clearly explained. It would be helpful to provide justification for selecting this specific building type and discuss its relevance to the broader context of the study.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

the English is quite good

Author Response

To whom it concerns,

Many thanks for your constructive feedback, which we appreciate. Kind find attached our replies.

best regards,

Damien

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf