Abstract
This study aimed to develop a deterministic decision-making mechanism for finding the optimum set of retrofit solutions of existing high-rise residential buildings in two different climatic zones of China. The retrofit solutions were critically examined with different energy saving targets based on the local climatic conditions, building features, and retrofit costs in cold and severe cold zones comparatively. By making the extensive review and analyzing considerable statistics data and cost information, net present value (NPV) method was employed in the prototype building apartments to develop this deterministic model. The results demonstrated that the heating system is the most important factor in saving energy and obtaining the optimum revenue in these two regions. The highest optimal NPV can be obtained by achieving 60% energy saving in the cold zone, as energy saving is around 319 kWh/m2/year with the total retrofit costs of USD $3560, while it is 281 kWh/m2/year with the total retrofit costs of USD $3480 to achieve the 50% energy-saving target in the severe cold zone. Based on the analysis of energy savings and retrofit costs, the results can be effectively implemented for the purpose of creating sustainable retrofits in existing buildings, and the model can be adapted for selecting appropriate retrofit choices in other climatic zones.
Highlights
Given energy consumption in buildings is projected to increase by 1.7% annually until 2025, sustainable building retrofits can play an important role in reducing end-use energy in existing buildings [1]
Based on the building characteristics and local conditions, energy consumption of the designed prototype buildings was simulated, and potential retrofit measures were obtained through the literature review and case study, an optimization model was developed to evaluate the energy savings and economic feasibility involved in building retrofit
The largest optimal net present value (NPV) can be obtained by reducing energy consumption by 60% in existing buildings, and several types of renovation measures are applied to improve building thermal performance (Table S1)
Summary
Given energy consumption in buildings is projected to increase by 1.7% annually until 2025, sustainable building retrofits can play an important role in reducing end-use energy in existing buildings [1]. While existing buildings’ stocks are increasing globally, the concern for sustainable building retrofit is ever increasing [6]. Rapid urbanization around the world has increased the energy consumption in the residential building sectors as more and more people are living in those earlier constructed buildings in inner cities, which are of low energy efficiency. Studies show that more than 25% of the total energy is consumed by the residential buildings in the EU [7]. China ranks as the world’s second largest in energy consumed by all buildings, and the largest for residential buildings globally [11]. The rapid economic and social development would further increase the energy consumption in residential buildings of China [12]
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