Abstract
While the operational energy use of buildings is often regulated in current energy saving policies, their embodied greenhouse gas emissions still have a considerable mitigation potential. The study aims at developing a multi-objective optimization method for design and renovation of buildings incorporating the operational and embodied energy demands, global warming potential, and costs as objective functions. The optimization method was tested on the renovation of an apartment building in Denmark, mainly focusing envelope improvements as roof and exterior wall insulation and windows. Cellulose insulation has been the predominant result, together with fiber cement or aluminum-based cladding and 2-layered glazing. The annual energy demand has been reduced from 166.4 to a range between 76.5 and 83.7 kWh/(m2 y) in the optimal solutions. The fact that the legal requirements of 70 kWh/(m2 y) are nearly met without building service improvements indicates that energy requirements can be fulfilled without compromising greenhouse gas emissions and cost. Since the method relies on standard national performance reporting tools, the authors believe that this study is a preliminary step towards more cost-efficient and low-carbon building renovations by utilizing multi-optimization techniques.
Highlights
The European building sector is consuming a considerable amount of energy and raw materials compared with other economic sectors
This study aims at developing a method for the optimization of operational and embodied environmental and cost parameters in building renovations
This paper presents a multi-objective optimization framework aiming at improving decision making towards low-carbon building design
Summary
The European building sector is consuming a considerable amount of energy and raw materials compared with other economic sectors. Building operation accounts for about 40% of the energy consumption and 36% of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU) [1]. The EU target for 2030 includes a reduction of GHG emissions by 40% related to 1990 levels, a minimum renewable share of 32% in primary energy production, and 32.5% improvements in energy efficiency. The EU long-term goal is a climate-neutral economy by 2050 [4]. These targets were transposed on each Member State energy strategy with voluntary targets, and the Denmark currently aims at a 70% reduction of GHG emissions by 2030 [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
