Abstract
The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2010/31/EU) poses a major challenge, as it promotes the transformation of existing buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB). In this work, we present the case of study of a lecture hall building, owned by the University of Valladolid (Spain), that is currently being refurbished into a NZEB by integration of renewable energy sources (RES), also in line with the requirements from Directive 2009/28/EC. As part of its major renovation, not only Trombe walls and geothermal energy are to be incorporated but also a building-integrated solar photovoltaic (BIPV) system to address the electricity needs and reduce the building’s energy use and GHGs in a cost-effective manner. The environmental profile of this BIPV system has been investigated using life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), assessing the net emissions of CO2 and the damages caused in a comparative context with conventional electricity-generation pathways. In spite of the small power installed in this first stage (designed to cover only an annual energy consumption of about 13,000 kWh, around 6% of the total demand), it can be concluded that significant environmental benefits are gained using this system.
Highlights
A nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB) is defined in Article 2(2) of the Directive 2010/31/ EU as “a building that has a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I
The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2010/31/EU) poses a major challenge, as it promotes the transformation of existing buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB)
We present the case of study of a lecture hall building, owned by the University of Valladolid (Spain), that is currently being refurbished into a NZEB by integration of renewable energy sources (RES), in line with the requirements from Directive 2009/28/EC
Summary
A NZEB is defined in Article 2(2) of the Directive 2010/31/ EU as “a building that has a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby”. This directive, adopted in 2010 and translated into RD 235/2013 in Spain, has led EU countries to significantly step up their efforts to take advantage of the opportunities presented by nearly zero-energy buildings, according to COM(2013)483 report. In parallel to requirements for new buildings, Article 9(2) requires EU member states to put in place support policies to stimulate the refurbishment of existing building stocks—old and inefficient and frequently renovated at a slow pace—towards nearly zero-energy levels.
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