Benchmarking heat consumption in educational buildings in the city of Kragujevac (Serbia)

Abstract

Educational buildings are buildings with special social importance, and their energy consumption requires particular attention. Since the majority of educational buildings in Serbia were built between 1950 and 1990, with concrete frame, brick walls and poor thermal insulation, it can be concluded that these buildings have relatively high potential for thermal energy savings. In this paper, specific heat consumption of educational buildings (42 different institutions classified throughout educational levels) in the city of Kragujevac (Serbia) was analysed in order to determine their specific heat consumption (per heated floor area and per user) and to list the priorities for refurbishment. According to educational level, they were classified in preschool buildings, elementary and high schools and faculties (university buildings). Data about heat energy consumption were collected during several heating seasons in order to minimise the influence of seasonal climate variations. Values of specific heat energy consumption of the buildings were benchmarked with data on specific heat consumption of schools from different European countries. In order to accomplish the tasks, authors introduced the concept of weather normalised specific heat consumption. Results of the performed analysis pointed out preschool and elementary school buildings as refurbishment priorities since their average specific heat consumption is the biggest (186 and 176 kWh/m2/a, respectively). Besides, normalised specific heat consumptions of the educational buildings in Kragujevac are higher than in comparing countries, and the potential for their energy efficiency improvement is significant.