Optimizing Energy Performance in Existing Urban Building Stocks: A Comprehensive Analysis and Strategic Approach for Sustainable Operation

Background:

The world is currently facing a complex triad of challenges encompassing climate change resilience, energy security, and long-term sustainability. The existing stock of buildings significantly influences both the origins of these challenges and potential solutions [1]. This is due to the fact that, over the operational and maintenance lifespan of buildings, existing structures contribute to around 75% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption, while new buildings only constitute 25% of embodied emissions and energy utilization [2]. It shows that existing buildings can pose risks to both human health and the environment. A noteworthy approach to addressing these challenges involves a substantial reduction in energy demand from existing buildings, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative solution [3]. This not only leads to improved health, well-being, and quality of life for occupants but also brings about additional benefits such as cost savings derived from reduced energy consumption and associated bills.

Objective:

This master's thesis aims to comprehensively evaluate the energy performance of an existing condominium association (BRF Resolutionen) in Stockholm, focusing on its connection to district heating and the integration of three heat pumps, heat exchangers for preheating cold air in space heating, and thermal storage systems. The primary objectives of the research are:

• Conduct an in-depth analysis of the current energy performance and operational dynamics of the building stock, considering its utilization of district heating, heat pumps, heat exchangers, and thermal storage.
• Systematically identify and evaluate potential areas for improvement in energy efficiency, cost reduction, and environmental impact within the existing building infrastructure.
• Propose and develop an optimal operation strategy for the building stock. This includes determining the most effective utilization of heat pumps, optimal times for purchasing electricity, and the strategic use of district heating to minimize both cost and energy consumption.
• Investigate opportunities for the integration of renewable energy sources where applicable, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability and reduced reliance on conventional energy.
• Conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to assess the economic viability of proposed improvements and optimal operation strategies, taking into account initial investments and long-term operational savings.
• Consider the impact of proposed changes on occupant comfort and well-being, ensuring that any optimization strategies align with and enhance the overall quality of the indoor environment.

This research endeavors to provide actionable insights for stakeholders involved in the management of the building stock, offering tangible recommendations for optimizing energy use, reducing costs, and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient urban energy infrastructure.

Research Area

• Building Energy Performance
• Energy data analysis
• Energy Optimization Strategies
• Cost-Benefit Analysis

Learning outcomes:

• Gain comprehensive knowledge of the components and functioning of building energy systems, including district heating, heat pumps, heat exchangers, and thermal storage.
• Develop skills in conducting detailed assessments of the energy performance of existing building stocks, including the identification of energy consumption patterns and efficiency metrics.
• Develop the ability to formulate and implement optimal operation strategies for buildings, considering factors such as heat pump utilization, electricity purchasing, and district heating usage.
• Acquire skills in performing cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the economic feasibility of proposed improvements and strategies, considering both initial investments and long-term operational savings.

Deliverables/Outputs:

The main deliverables are a comprehensive written thesis document presenting the background, objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions of the research. The report should highlight the assessment of the current energy performance of the building stock and outlining specific recommendations for improvements in energy efficiency, cost reduction, and environmental impact. Considering student’s motivation, supervisors support and encourage the student to publish findings in a conference and /or journal paper.

Prerequisites:

Energy and Environment, Data analysis, basic knowledge in material and energy flows analysis.

Duration:

6 months, start time: anytime soon (January 2024)

Examiner/Supervision/Partners:

Examiner:

Supervisors:

Gustaf Landahl, Senior Advisor, gustaf.landahl@gmail.com

Reference:

1. World Economic Forum (2022). Accelerating the Decarbonization of Buildings: The Net-Zero Carbon Cities Building Value Framework. https://www.weforum.org/reports/accelerating-the-decarbonization-of-buildings-the-net-zero-carbon-cities-building-value-framework. (July 2022).

2. World Green Building Council. (2021). WorldGBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. https://www.worldgbc.org/sites/default/files/WorldGBC%20NZCB%20Commitment%20Introduction%20DG%20Lite%202021_PUBLICATION.pdf. (July 2022).

3. M.J. Kelly, Retrofitting the existing UK building stock Build. Res. Inf., 37 (2) (2009), pp. 196-200