Efficient Solutions and Cost-Optimal Analysis for Existing School Buildings

Abstract

Abstract:The recast of the energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD) describes a comparative methodological framework to promote energy efficiency and establish minimum energy performance requirements in buildings at the lowest costs. The aim of the cost-optimal methodology is to foster the achievement of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEBs), the new target for all new buildings by 2020, characterized by a high performance with a low energy requirement almost covered by renewable sources. The paper presents the results of the application of the cost-optimal methodology in two existing buildings located in the Mediterranean area. These buildings are a kindergarten and a nursery school that differ in construction period, materials and systems. Several combinations of measures have been applied to derive cost-effective efficient solutions for retrofitting. The cost-optimal level has been identified for each building and the best performing solutions have been selected considering both a financial and a macroeconomic analysis. The results illustrate the suitability of the methodology to assess cost-optimality and energy efficiency in school building refurbishment. The research shows the variants providing the most cost-effective balance between costs and energy saving. The cost-optimal solution reduces primary energy consumption by 85% and gas emissions by 82%-83% in each reference building.

Energy Modelling and Automated Calibrations of Ancient Building Simulations: A Case Study of a School in the Northwest of Spain

“…For these reasons, it is particularly important to perform a survey of their energy situation through which it is possible to propose energy saving measures in a reliable way [7,8]. This is a subject that is gaining interest in recent years, since many authors are studying the possibility of energy savings in schools [9][10][11].…”

Economic and Thermal Evaluation of Different Uses of an Existing Structure in a Warm Climate

“…Buildings built over the last decade have quickly become outdated with less innovative construction technologies and therefore not attractive as the innovative technologies spread during the recent retrofit market. It is desirable to renovate existing buildings with high energy efficiency solutions, in order to guarantee, also in future years, lower energy consumptions at lower costs, understanding and considering the whole building lifecycle including materials and technical systems [21].…”

Towards Nearly Zero Energy Buildings in Europe: A Focus on Retrofit in Non-Residential Buildings

“…Due to fragmentary data on this sector, the development of effective policies to reduce energy consumption in non-residential buildings is more challenging. Legislative measures have a considerable role also in this sector, but unlike the residential sector, their role is not quite as dominant [31].…”

“…Table 3. Ongoing and proposed policy measures on non-residential building renovation with medium or high impact, extracted from the Odysee-Mure database [31]. According to the EED, Member States are requested to provide within their renovation strategies an overview of policies and measures to stimulate cost effective deep renovations of buildings, Member States addressed quite exhaustively Article 4 requirements, providing a comprehensive set of policy designed to address the identified barriers [35].…”

“…Another central policy document is represented by the recast of the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) [2], which introduces Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) and establishes that all new buildings have to be NZEBs by 31 December 2020 (Article 9). Moreover, Articles 4 and 5 require the definition of new minimum energy performance requirements (for new buildings and major renovations) applying a cost-optimal calculation.…”