Comparison of calculation and consumption methods for determining Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in the case of multi-family residential buildings in Poland (Central-Eastern Europe)

Abstract

The calculation method and the consumption method are used to award Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2010/31/EU with revisions. The calculation method can be used for any type of building, regardless of the type of heat source. A good knowledge of the building is required (architectural and construction documentation, inventory of the building). The consumption method can be used only in buildings with heat and gas meters. It is not necessary to have detailed information about the building. However, this method is not applicable to offices, hotels, or production buildings with periodic breaks in heating and hot water consumption. Here, we apply the calculation method and the consumption method to analyse 15 multi-family residential buildings located in Poland (Central-Eastern Europe). Both methods gave similar values. Using the consumption method the energy indicators were slightly lower than using calculation method (on average, the results differed by approx. 14–17%). The consumption method provides a useful alternative to the calculation method, and can be tested by the scientific and expert community in other countries where it has not yet been implemented.