Building Energy Performance Research Articles

Optimizing Energy Renovation in Building Portfolios: Approach and Decision-Making Platform

The building sector contributes significantly to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with many buildings being energy inefficient. In response, the European Green Deal promotes improving energy efficiency to support decarbonization goals. However, managing energy consumption and integrating data from multiple sources presents challenges, especially for large building portfolios. This study introduces a novel methodology designed to optimize energy renovation strategies, balancing technical, financial, and maintenance considerations. The methodology is implemented in CERPlan 1.0, a web-based decision-support platform that combines data on building energy performance, renovation costs, and maintenance needs. Through simulations, CERPlan 1.0 helps decision-makers prioritize retrofit interventions based on economic criteria while leveraging synergies between energy improvements and regular maintenance. Application of this methodology to real estate portfolios reveals opportunities to enhance cost-effectiveness and energy savings. The results show that integrating maintenance into renovation planning reduces payback times and allows for more comprehensive renovation strategies. The conclusions highlight CERPlan 1.0’s potential to improve decision-making, making building renovations more efficient and sustainable.

Interpreting environmental impacts of wooden windows based on existing EPDs: An application in Italy

To meet climate targets, it is necessary to adopt robust and recognized methods, such as life cycle assessment (LCA), to evaluate emissions, particularly from building materials. As shown in the literature, embodied impacts have become as significant as operational impacts. The embodied impacts of a specific product are given in a transparent and quantitative manner in environmental product declarations (EPDs), based on LCA results. Windows play a crucial role in the energy performance of buildings. In fact, they typically account for 10 %–25 % of the exposed area of a building, resulting in more than 60 % of its total energy loss. In Italy, wooden windows make up 28 % of the window market and are the cheapest option for mild climates over a timeline of 60 years. However, an important element is still missing: a simplified interpretation of EPD results to enable straightforward, balanced comparisons of the environmental performance between alternatives. In this context, an analysis based EPDs of wooden windows is proposed, with a focus on production and use stages, for the six Italian climate zones. The three main steps of the study are: 1) evaluation of the influence of window properties on the embedded impacts; 2) assessment of maintenance scenarios; and 3) estimation of operational impacts regarding window properties and exposed climate. The results suggest that the influence of thermal transmittance, wood type and exposed climate is higher for cold climates due to better performing production materials and more frequent maintenance during service life.

The impact of urban morphology on energy demand of a residential building in a mediterranean climate

This paper uniquely and systematically explores the relationship between energy performance of buildings and urban morphology by studying an existing urban fabric in a Mediterranean climate. The study took place in the city of Hebron which is geographically confined in area with continuous urbanization. Using (GIS), the K-means clustering technique was chosen to perform the statistical analysis. The coefficient variables of Floor Space Index (FSI), Ground Space Index (GSI), Open Space Ratio(OSR), and buildings’ height (L), were identified at the urban level to classify the urban tissue of the city. Accordingly, six urban patterns with equal area of 33,000 m2 were selected as representative samples of the different urban patterns of the city’s urban fabric. Then, a prototype building was placed in each of the selected patterns by the mean centre in the GIS based on the horizontal-vertical built density. Building energy simulation was performed using Design Builder software to assess the prototype’s performance. The results showed that the urban form plays a significant role in determining performance quality and energy demand. The results indicate that the cooling demand decreases when the ratio of (FSI) and (GSI) increases and when the (OSR) decreases, and vice versa in relation to the heating demand. Notably, Pattern 4, with (FSI) of 1.2, (GSI) of 0.6, (OSR) of 0.6, and (L) of 1.7, exhibited the highest heating demand at 40.3 kWh/m2/year, whereas Pattern 3, with (FSI) of 0.7, (GSI) of 0.3, (OSR) of 2.5, and (L) of 2.0, recorded the lowest at 18.6 kWh/m2/year. Conversely, Pattern 3 had the highest cooling demand, while Pattern 2, with (FSI) of 1.0, (GSI) of 0.3, (OSR) of 1.6, and (L) of 3.0, had the lowest cooling demand. To enhance energy efficiency, urban planners should consider increasing the (FSI) and (GSI) while managing the (OSR) to balance heating and cooling demands. Patterns with moderate (FSI) and (GSI) and higher (OSR) generally result in lower cooling demands and more efficient energy use. Enhancing the energy efficiency of cities should be tackled not only on the single building level but also on the urban scale. This should be addressed in urban regeneration, master plan,s and building regulations. Incorporating tools that consider the impact of all urban parameters can contribute to energy savings.

A novel blockchain-based system for improving information integrity in building projects from the perspective of building energy performance

Global population growth has long been intertwined with environmental concerns and sustainable development. The building sector, a significant energy consumer worldwide, contributes substantially to total energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. With the projected global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, building energy consumption is expected to rise continuously, emphasizing the need to optimize energy performance for environmental sustainability. Despite efforts by many countries to formulate energy conservation objectives and strategies, empirical evidence reveals a substantial disparity between designed and actual building energy consumption, known as the building energy performance gap (BEPG). This gap poses a significant challenge to energy conservation efforts, and the lack of information integrity is a significant contributor to this gap. To address the challenge of inadequate information integrity in building energy projects, this research proposes an innovative solution based on blockchain technology. By utilizing blockchain's decentralized, transparent, and tamper-resistant nature, the proposed model aims to enhance information transmission mechanisms among stakeholders. Ten key energy-related stakeholders and various information flows within building projects are identified. Based on this, an exploratory architectural information management model incorporating blockchain technology is developed. The model features functionalities such as data recording, retrieval, transmission, and incentive mechanisms to ensure data immutability and reliable access security. Through a case study, the model's performance is evaluated in terms of storage cost, latency, and privacy, demonstrating significant time savings in uploading and transferring files. The proposed blockchain-based model offers a feasible solution to the challenges of inadequate information integrity in building energy projects, promoting collaboration and accurate information transmission. This model contributes to improving project outcomes and advancing sustainable development in the construction industry.

Experimental Evaluation Study of the Comfort and Energy Performance of Suspended Particle Device Smart Windows in a Residential Building: Achieving Optimal Control during the Cooling Season

In contrast to traditional windows, smart windows dynamically affect indoor visual and thermal environments through Visible light transmittance (VT) and Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) changes. Therefore, for enhancing smart window application effects, it is necessary to analyze comprehensively the impacts of smart window tinting on indoor visual and thermal environments, and to establish appropriate tinting control methods. This study aimed to determine optimal smart window control strategies for residential buildings during the cooling season by evaluating visual and thermal comfort and energy performance in an actual building equipped with SPD smart windows. An experimental building was located in Sejong, South Korea (36.5°N latitude, 127.3°E longitude; temperate climate zone), and the measurements were conducted from July to August 2023 to compare glare, indoor daylight illuminance, thermal comfort, and cooling and lighting energy between typical and smart windows. And, optimal control methods were proposed from general comfort and energy performance perspectives. The measurements indicated that it was difficult to satisfy all aspects of the visual and thermal environment, and comprehensively it was recommended to employing “always tinting” on summer. However, on a clear day, jointly applying smart windows and lighting dimming control and controlling automatically based on indoor daylight illuminance levels were found to be the most effective as it not only secured visual comfort performance but also reduced lighting energy consumption.

Redefining realistic and stochastic occupancy schedules and patterns for residential buildings in Jordan

Occupant behavior significantly influences building energy consumption, underscoring the importance of understanding the interplay between energy usage and occupant behavior. This integration is vital for evaluating how occupants and their interactions impact building energy consumption patterns. Despite widespread recognition of the importance of behavior-centric approaches in achieving sustainable architecture, there remains a gap in understanding human behavior, particularly in performance-based design. This study presents realistic and stochastic occupancy schedules for residential buildings in Jordan. This was achieved using a mixed-method approach involving a survey, data classification, clustering processes, and a co-simulation approach combining Rhino Grasshopper and Python. The results contributed to refining the general characteristics of each cluster within different age groups, encompassing various patterns of interaction, tolerance levels or levels of sensing, energy conservation consciousness, and occupancy patterns. A significant correlation was also observed between age groups, occupancy schedules, and energy consumption behaviors. The simulation also evaluated the effects of stochastic behavior patterns on the prediction of the energy performance of residential buildings. The results confirm the significant variation in energy use intensity levels between realistic occupancy schedules and fixed schedules for residential buildings. The results also prove that using realistic occupancy schedules for each age group significantly affects energy consumption behavior through occupant-based behaviors. This confirms the pivotal role of dynamic schedules and occupant behaviors in understanding and shaping energy consumption patterns and realistically determining the efficiency of building systems.

Assessing the performance of smart buildings and smart retrofit interventions through key performance indicators: Defining minimum performance thresholds

Smart technologies play a vital role in facilitating the response of buildings to the external conditions, including climate, grid, and the internal building requirements such as user needs. A salient concern lingers in relation to existing buildings due to their increasing energy consumption. Around 35 % of EU buildings are older than 50 years and 90 % are built before the nineties. In this sense, smart retrofitting represents a key step towards achieving energy-responsive flexible buildings. Quantifying building energy performance with appropriate Key Performance Indicators is a critical step towards achieving decarbonization goals in both existing and new buildings. In this paper a group of five representative indicators has been selected to measure the energy performance of smart features in retrofitted and new buildings, also identifying distinct performance thresholds. Therefore, each threshold defines minimum acceptable and top performing values for the indicators. Accordingly, thresholds are set first based on previous literature and performance data, then a Logical Evaluation Methodology is used to identify suitable range of thresholds. Results of this paper propose a quantified definition for smart retrofitting, which involves transforming an existing building into a Smart Building. A smart building is a nearly Zero Energy Building that achieves primary energy savings of 30 % to 80 % and can adapt to changing climate and grid conditions. It should communicate with users and predict operational failures using a Building Energy Management System. Additionally, it should enable load shifting in response to renewable energy source production and electricity prices by 30 % to 70 % annually, while minimizing grid interaction to 10 % to 30 % on an hourly basis throughout the year. Furthermore, it should allow for RES self-consumption of 30 % to 70 % and cover 20 % to 70 % of the load with RES annually. Finally, the indicators are tested on a case study in Italy within a Horizon 2020 project to validate the thresholds.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Nearly Zero-Carbon Office Buildings in Taiwan

The formulation of an affordable and economically-feasible policy for nearly zero-carbon building design is a challenge that countries encounter in promoting net-zero building. In 2022, Taiwan promulgated Building Energy Rating System (BERS), the world's first building energy efficiency assessment system tailored for subtropical climates, as a basis for evaluating its goal of achieving nearly zero-carbon buildings by 2050. However, whether this nearly zero-carbon building policy is financially feasible has remained unknown to the government and the industry. To address the issue, the objective of the paper is to conduct a cost-benefit and payback period analysis of newly constructed nearly zero-carbon office buildings in accordance with the Building Energy-efficiency Rating System for New Buildings (BERSn) assessment framework, and thereby examines the financial affordability and feasibility of Taiwan's net-zero building policies.Firstly, this study introduces existing building energy performance evaluation methods in Europe, America, and Japan, and explains the methodology of Taiwan's Building Energy Rating System (BERS). The paper then reviews international Cost-Benefit Analyses of Nearly Zero Energy Office Buildings and parallelly conducts a Cost-Benefit Analysis of Nearly Zero-Carbon Office Buildings in Taiwan. Following the BERS methodology, this paper identifies the baseline efficiency level and the Nearly Zero-Carbon Building (NZCB) efficiency level, along with their associated solutions and investment costs, for air conditioning and lighting systems. In this study, a questionnaire survey of 28 experts identifies the air conditioning unit costs of Basic Mechanical Equipment Efficiency (BME) and energy-saving control technologies (R) for energy-efficient design of Fan Coil Unit (FCU), Air Handling Unit (AHU), and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system. Accordingly, 33 air conditioning design solutions and their corresponding construction costs complying with the BERSn requirements of EAC≦0.5 for nearly-zero carbon office buildings are identified. Regarding the nearly zero-carbon lighting design, the simulations reveal that the use of LED panel luminaires or T8 LED luminaires (including those with energy-saving labels) can achieve an average operational lighting illuminance of 500 LUX and the BERSn requirements of EL ≤ 0.5 for lighting. Finally, the study further analyzes the payback period and premium cost ratio of NZCB by employing the budget data of seven building projects. The analysis shows that the premium cost ratio and the payback period of NZCB range from 1.33%-1.50% and 6.4-7.7 years, respectively. The results demonstrate that while a higher budget is commonly associated with NZCB by the public, it is in fact economically and technologically feasible to realize NZCB with prevailing energy-efficient measures.

CityLearn v2: energy-flexible, resilient, occupant-centric, and carbon-aware management of grid-interactive communities

As more distributed energy resources become part of the demand-side infrastructure, quantifying their energy flexibility on a community scale is crucial. CityLearn v1 provided an environment for benchmarking control algorithms. However, there is no standardized environment utilizing realistic building-stock datasets for distributed energy resource control benchmarking without co-simulation or third-party frameworks. CityLearn v2 extends CityLearn v1 by providing a stand-alone simulation environment that leverages the End-Use Load Profiles for the U.S. Building Stock dataset to create grid-interactive communities for resilient, multi-agent, and objective control of distributed energy resources with dynamic occupant feedback. While the v1 environment used pre-simulated building thermal loads, the v2 environment uses data-driven thermal dynamics and eliminates the need for co-simulation with building energy performance software. This work details the v2 environment and provides application examples that use reinforcement learning control to manage battery energy storage system, vehicle-to-grid control, and thermal comfort during heat pump power modulation.

Conventional Building Energy Performance and Actual Energy Costs: A Critical Reflection

Conventional Building Energy Performance and Actual Energy Costs: A Critical Reflection

BIM-based energy consumption analysis for residential buildings: effects of orientation, size, and type of windows

Buildings have a significant environmental impact due to their reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. To address this concern, computer software is utilized to estimate building energy requirements. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a valuable tool in this process, with BIM 6D offering a particularly beneficial feature. BIM 6D provides a comprehensive energy model of the building, simulating its actual energy performance. By analyzing natural and artificial lighting systems, particularly daylighting, BIM 6D can assist in optimizing energy efficiency. Despite being underutilized, the potential of this feature to enhance building sustainability is noteworthy. BIM 6D facilitates well-informed design and operational decisions for both new constructions and the renovation of existing buildings. The study examines design criteria such as building orientation, window orientation, size, and type to optimize energy consumption in a bungalow in the Sangli region of Maharashtra, underscoring the importance of energy-efficient buildings to local communities. Energy analysis and optimization are conducted using the Autodesk Insight tool. The methodology involves creating 3D models with Autodesk Revit Architecture software and performing various analyses, including Building Energy Modeling (BEM) simulations, Illuminance Analysis, Solar Access, and Daylight Autonomy assessments. The analysis findings indicate that low-e glass windows of small size and oriented between 0° and 90° significantly enhance energy efficiency under certain conditions, while changing the window type does not affect the analysis. The paper concludes with recommendations for window orientation and size to enhance energy performance in residential buildings, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices. This study provides valuable insights for designing energy-efficient residential buildings in rural areas, addressing awareness gaps, and promoting sustainable construction practices.

Evaluating the Effect of Adaptive Reuse in the Energy Performance of Historic Buildings: A Case Study from Türkiye

The building sector accounts for 30% to 40% of total energy consumption, and historic buildings play an important role in this proportion. Historical buildings that do not meet the required comfort conditions for the residents are adaptively reused, with various revisions. Recognizing the energy design of a historical building in its original condition and comparing the current situation can help create future solutions. This study examines the changes that a historic house in a hot climate zone in Türkiye experiences, from its original state up until the current situation. Energy analyses of the pre- and post-restoration situation are carried out, and the effect of adaptive reuse decisions on the energy performance of the building is investigated. A dynamic thermal simulation created with DesignBuilder was used to identify the energy use, carbon emissions, and thermal comfort. TM59 adaptive thermal comfort was used for the pre-restoration and the Fanger model for the post-restoration phase. This building, which was repurposed from a three-block residence, consists of a four-block hotel. Although the preservation of its original value is at the forefront, various structural changes were observed. The analysis demonstrates a higher occurrence of discomfort hours during summer compared to winter, consistent across both phases. Furthermore, energy consumption increased significantly, predominantly for heating, representing a doubling of energy use during the post-restoration phase. This is attributed to the building’s conversion into a hotel and the use of mechanical systems. Future research is required to develop strategies to reduce the energy consumption, carbon emissions, and discomfort hours while maintaining the value of the historic building and its materials.

Assessing the Influence of Occupancy Factors on Energy Performance in US Small Office Buildings

Office buildings are responsible for about 35% of the total electricity in the US and over 70% of building energy consumption occurs during occupancy periods. Therefore, understanding occupancy behavior is crucial for reducing building energy consumption. However, given the stochastic nature of occupant behavior, identifying which occupancy parameters have the most impact on energy consumption poses a considerable challenge. This study aims to investigate and quantify the impact of various occupancy parameters on the energy performance of a US small-sized office building using an EnergyPlus-based nationwide energy simulation. First, dynamic occupancy schedules are created based on different occupancy parameters using an agent-based model. Next, the generated dynamic occupancy schedules are integrated into a small office building model from the Department of Energy’s prototypes. This creates a dataset of occupancy parameters and building energy performance across various climate zones. Finally, various feature selection and statistical analysis methods are applied to the generated dataset. This helps identify significant occupancy parameters and quantify their impact on building energy performance across different climate zones. According to the results of the study, buildings located in cool marine, mixed marine, and warm marine climate zones had lower total energy consumption compared to other zones. Additionally, feature selection methods identified “Occupant Density” as the primary significant variable impacting energy consumption, across all climate zones. These findings offer valuable insights into the influential occupancy parameters across various climate zones, highlighting the importance of tailoring occupancy schedules to enhance energy efficiency. They provide practical guidance that can be directly applied to optimize energy consumption and achieve significant energy savings in small office settings with different weather conditions.

Accelerating long-term building energy performance simulation with a reference day method

Accelerating long-term building energy performance simulation with a reference day method

Factors Affecting Project Owners' Commitment to Implement Green Building Principles in the South Kalimantan Province of Indonesia

The construction of green buildings faces various challenges, including high costs, extended implementation timelines, and numerous requirements that must be satisfied. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of green buildings. The research focuses on the PUPR Office in South Kalimantan Province, as well as planning consultants, construction management personnel, and contractors involved in the construction projects of the South Kalimantan Sports Hall and the Sheikh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari Mosque in South Kalimantan Province. Key factors affecting the implementation of green buildings include financial commitment, energy savings, and the utilization of environmentally friendly materials. These factors encompass several variables: additional fund allocation for green buildings, the skills and experience of designers, the integration of natural and artificial lighting, energy-saving planning, the application of prefabrication technology and flatpack design, the use of sustainable materials, the incorporation of local wisdom, and strategies for light efficiency and outsourcing that involve gain sharing. Keywords: Building Construction, Building Energy Performance, Energy, Green Building, Green Construction

Comprehensive Assessment of the Impact of Green Roofs and Walls on Building Energy Performance: A Scientific Review

Sustainability and energy efficiency are now two pivotal goals that society aims towards. Green roofs and facades have gained significant attention in this direction for innovative, sustainable solutions for enhancing building energy performance. With a focus on sustainable urban development and energy-efficient building practices, this study delves into the intricate relationship between these green infrastructure elements and the overall energy dynamics of constructed environments. Furthermore, a range of case studies from diverse geographical locations are presented to provide valuable insights into their practical implications as emerging technologies that contribute to improved insulation, reduced heat transfer, regulating indoor temperatures, and mitigation of urban heat island effects, thus reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling and optimizing overall energy consumption. This comprehensive review serves as a dataset for understanding and highlighting all the research findings of the numerical and experimental investigations invested in the field of greenery systems to encourage their integration, which is crucial for combating climate change and pollution. Previous research is often focused on isolated, short-term, or single-climate analyses of consumption; therefore, by providing an inclusive description of their practical benefits in both temperate and extreme climates, the gap in previous articles is tackled.

An exploratory factor analysis on technological-related barriers to the construction of zero-energy buildings in Nigeria

PurposeZero-energy building (ZEB) has been considered as an innovative approach to reducing building carbon emissions (CEs) and improving building energy performance. Despite huge benefits of ZEBs, there are still challenges limiting the construction of ZEBs in the construction sector. This study seeks to assess and determine the principal component of technological-related barriers to the construction of ZEBs in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study designed a questionnaire to examine the technological-related barriers to the construction of ZEBs in Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered, and 272 valid responses were elicited. Thereafter, data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe results from the exploratory factors analysis show that the principal components of technological-related barriers to the construction of ZEBs in Nigeria are categorised into five principal components: access and awareness for technological integration and innovation; knowledge on renewable technology integration; space and complexity of sustainable energy technologies; cost and readiness for ZEB technologies; and research outcomes with practical implementation in sustainable building technologies.Originality/valueThis study contributed to more effective ZEB studies by highlighting technological-related barriers to the construction of ZEBs in construction industry. An understanding of these barriers can aid construction stakeholders, organisations, policy-makers and governments in devising strategies targeted at reducing these technological-related barriers and fostering the construction of ZEBs in construction sector. Recommendations for further study on ZEBs were also made.

Impact of space utilization and work time flexibility on energy performance of office buildings

This study investigates the impact of different space utilization on energy use intensity, heating load, cooling load, and thermal comfort of occupants using a combination of empirical data gathering and simulation-based studies. The increasing worldwide preoccupation with energy consumption and environmental sustainability has led to increased attention on optimizing interior spaces to mitigate total energy demand. The considered case study for conducting this research was the Norwegian living lab namely Zero Emission Building (ZEB) Flexible Lab in Trondheim, Norway. In this study, 10 different scenarios of occupancy schedules based on flexible arrangements from standard workweeks to extensive remote work configurations were designed and analyzed using IDA ICE 5.0. The findings demonstrate significant reductions in energy use across scenarios with increased teleworking and compressed work weeks. The remote scenario achieved the most significant decrease in Energy Use Intensity (EUI), with a reduction of 46 % compared to the base case. Similarly, the implementation of flexible hours and remote working in scenarios resulted in a reduction of electric heating demand by up to 23 %, underscoring the potential of occupancy-based strategies in enhancing building energy efficiency. However, uncomfortable hours increased by 59 % in the 2-day remote working scenario compared to the base case, demonstrating the need to consider climate conditions when implementing remote work. The research offers valuable insights into the complex connections between flexible arrangements and energy efficiency, considering many elements such as occupancy schedule and use dynamics. This article offers a comprehensive analysis that may give architects, building managers, and policymakers valuable insights. This study contributes to the developing sustainable architecture by emphasizing the impact of dynamic occupancy on the energy performance of office buildings.

Design and performance analysis of a net-zero energy building in Owerri, Nigeria

Building cooling load depends on heat gains from the outside environment. Appropriate orientation and masonry materials play vital roles in the reduction of overall thermal loads buildings. A net-zero energy building performance has been analyzed in order to ascertain the optimum orientation and wall material properties, under the climatic conditions of Owerri, Nigeria. Standard cooling load estimation techniques were employed for the determination of the diurnal interior load variations in a building incorporating renewable energy as the major energy source, and compared with the situation in a conventionally powered building. The results show a 19.28% reduction in the building’s cooling load when brick masonry was used for the wall construction. It was observed that a higher heat gain occurred when the building faced the East-West direction than when it was oriented in the North-South direction. Significant diurnal cooling loads variation as a result of radiation through the windows was also observed, with the east facing windows contributing significantly higher loads during the morning hours while the west facing windows contributed higher amounts in the evening. The economic analysis of the net-zero energy building showed an 11.63% reduction in energy cost compared to the conventional building, with a 7-year payback period for the use of Solar PV systems. Therefore, the concept of net-zero energy building will not only help in energy conservation, but also in cost savings, and the reduction of carbon footprint in the built environment.

Climate Change and Building Renovation: The Impact of Historical, Current, and Future Climatic Files on a School in Central Italy

Climate change significantly affects the operating environment of buildings. These changes impact both energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort and remain crucial even in building restoration, where design decisions typically rely on historical data, yet performance depends on anticipated future scenarios. The present work evaluates the impact of different climate datasets on dynamic energy simulations for an educational building in Central Italy, focusing on estimating heating demands across historical, current, and future climatic scenarios. The assessment considers both the building’s current state and potential energy-efficient retrofits. Initially, various meteorological datasets, including measured and model-generated data, are selected to predict key weather parameters. The analysis reveals the potential and limitations of regional climate models (RCMs) in estimating these variables, with the MM5 dataset emerging as the most reliable. Subsequently, the energy performance of the reference building and its vulnerability to climate change are assessed. Our results show significant differences in energy demand based on construction periods, with the oldest section consuming 29% to 54% more energy monthly than the newer sections. Moreover, using non-representative climatic files can lead to prediction errors of up to 199%. Finally, the building’s energy behaviour is analysed under future climate conditions by generating typical meteorological years (TMYs) for 2030, 2050, and 2070. This analysis evaluates the energy requirements for both existing and retrofitted building configurations. The findings confirm that retrofit interventions with high-performance insulation and upgraded windows significantly enhance the building’s energy efficiency and resilience to future climate conditions, leading to annual energy savings of 50% to 57%.