scholarly journals Linking Energy Poverty with Thermal Building Regulations and Energy Efficiency Policies in Portugal

Energies ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 329
Author(s):  
Ana Mafalda Matos ◽  
João M. P. Q. Delgado ◽  
Ana Sofia Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Building Regulations ◽  
Energy Efficiency Policies

Energy-poverty (EP) must be considered an energy-related issue since buildings are a central part of people’s daily lives. Thus, it has an important role in energy-related policy implementation. Even though the European Union (EU) has endorsed general energy efficiency through the Energy Efficiency Directive and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive recast, it was the Clean Energy Package for all Europeans that clearly highlighted EP. The growing concerns with EP have also been emphasised in subsequent directives and initiatives. Despite some regulatory framework and the milder climate situation, the proportion of the population experiencing thermal discomfort in southern and eastern European countries, namely in the winter season, is relatively high, reflecting the poor thermal performance of building stock, low family incomes and high energy prices, among others. The current work analysed the EP evolution in Portugal in the EU context, and the Thermal Building Regulations and Energy Efficiency Policies developed, aiming to add insight into the effectiveness of those policies concerning EP mitigation in Portugal as an EU Member state. Moreover, a critical debate on the potential to lower the EP Portuguese situation was also an objective to pursue. It is plausible to admit that reducing EP by acting on residential building stock, namely through the increase of energy efficiency and comfort, plays a key role in improving the living conditions, namely of vulnerable households and deprived areas. This will also decrease energy consumption and dependence while further promoting a smarter, sustainable and inclusive society, contributing to economic growth.

scholarly journals Energy Efficiency, the Overlooked Climate Emergency Solution

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-67
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Energy Poverty

Policies, especially in the European Union, encourage government and privately funded programs to engage in “energy efficiency first” strategies. Those policies lead to the moderation of energy demand and are long-term solutions that not only protect households from price fluctuations and energy poverty, but also allow people to reduce their environmental footprint and save money in the long term. Energy poverty usually occurs when a household is unable to secure a level and quality of domestic energy services—space cooling and heating, cooking, appliances, information technology etc.—sufficient for its social and material needs. In the Global North, energy poverty is generally attributed to internal and external factors such as low incomes, energy-inefficient homes and high energy prices, while in the Global South, the infrastructural lack of access to more technologically advanced energy carriers is the main culprit. Energy poverty in developing countries is gaining interest thanks to the seventh Sustainable Development Goal: Affordable and clean energy. Still, so far, in the European Union and in the rest of the world, little has been done to sew together the two concepts and include the most vulnerable part of the population in an approach that reconciles environmental and climate risks with social issues. In practice, energy poverty and efficiency agendas are rarely coordinated. Energy efficiency and a better pooling of the resources (known also as “sufficiency”) could lead to higher resiliency to the social and climate crisis.

scholarly journals Proposal for Prioritizing the Retrofitting of Residential Buildings in Energy Poverty Circumstances

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 66-79
Author(s):  
Silvia Perez-Bezos ◽  
Olatz Grijalba ◽  
Olatz Irulegi
Keyword(s):  
Social Housing ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Actual State ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Definition Of

AbstractThe energy poverty derived from socio-economic imbalances affects mostly households with fewer economic resources, being social housing complexes one of the most vulnerable sectors. The insufficient access to energy and the incapability to maintain dwellings at an adequate temperature can have negative impact on people’s health due to the prolonged exposure to poor hygrothermal conditions. Therefore, the prioritization of building retrofitting actions must be carried out regarding the actual state of the housing and the family economy. This paper proposes the definition of a prioritization map that gave a general knowledge of the energy vulnerability situation of the existing building stock. To this end, the dwelling’s energy performance is analysed, focusing on the correlation among its characteristics and the energy vulnerability of its inhabitants. In this way, dwellings with high energy poverty potential are identified in order to develop different energy retrofitting strategies. By applying this method to 14 case studies of social housing in Bilbao, Spain, it was obtained a prioritization map with six levels of vulnerability that can serve as a tool for public entities to design their future strategies. It has been proven that building compactness and year of construction are important factors with a great impact on the heating demand and final consumption in dwellings. Acknowledging the vulnerability context of the building stock eases the decision-making process and the definition of intervention guidelines, prioritizing those in a situation of greater vulnerability.

scholarly journals Experimental Data and Simulations of Performance and Thermal Comfort in a Typical Mediterranean House

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 3311
Author(s):  
Víctor Pérez-Andreu ◽  
Carolina Aparicio-Fernández ◽  
José-Luis Vivancos ◽  
Javier Cárcel-Carrasco
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Thermal Characterization ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Dwelling House ◽  
Account Standard

The number of buildings renovated following the introduction of European energy-efficiency policy represents a small number of buildings in Spain. So, the main Spanish building stock needs an urgent energy renovation. Using passive strategies is essential, and thermal characterization and predictive tests of the energy-efficiency improvements achieving acceptable levels of comfort for their users are urgently necessary. This study analyzes the energy performance and thermal comfort of the users in a typical Mediterranean dwelling house. A transient simulation has been used to acquire the scope of Spanish standards for its energy rehabilitation, taking into account standard comfort conditions. The work is based on thermal monitoring of the building and a numerical validated model developed in TRNSYS. Energy demands for different models have been calculated considering different passive constructive measures combined with real wind site conditions and the behavior of users related to natural ventilation. This methodology has given us the necessary information to decide the best solution in relation to energy demand and facility of implementation. The thermal comfort for different models is not directly related to energy demand and has allowed checking when and where the measures need to be done.

scholarly journals Application of Urban Scale Energy Modelling and Multi-Objective Optimization Techniques for Building Energy Renovation at District Scale

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11554
Author(s):  
Fahad Haneef ◽  
Giovanni Pernigotto ◽  
Andrea Gasparella ◽  
Jérôme Henri Kämpf
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Multi Objective Optimization ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Energy Efficiency Measures ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Efficiency Measures

Nearly-zero energy buildings are now a standard for new constructions. However, the real challenge for a decarbonized society relies in the renovation of the existing building stock, selecting energy efficiency measures considering not only the energy performance but also the economic and sustainability ones. Even if the literature is full of examples coupling building energy simulation with multi-objective optimization for the identification of the best measures, the adoption of such approaches is still limited for district and urban scale simulation, often because of lack of complete data inputs and high computational requirements. In this research, a new methodology is proposed, combining the detailed geometric characterization of urban simulation tools with the simplification provided by “building archetype” modeling, in order to ensure the development of robust models for the multi-objective optimization of retrofit interventions at district scale. Using CitySim as an urban scale energy modeling tool, a residential district built in the 1990s in Bolzano, Italy, was studied. Different sets of renovation measures for the building envelope and three objectives —i.e., energy, economic and sustainability performances, were compared. Despite energy savings from 29 to 46%, energy efficiency measures applied just to the building envelope were found insufficient to meet the carbon neutrality goals without interventions to the system, in particular considering mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Furthermore, public subsidization has been revealed to be necessary, since none of the proposed measures is able to pay back the initial investment for this case study.

scholarly journals Factors affecting the deep renovation of a single-family building – a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 246 ◽  
pp. 05004
Author(s):  
Triinu Bergmann ◽  
Aime Ruus ◽  
Kristo Kalbe ◽  
Mihkel Kiviste ◽  
Jiri Tintera
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Resource Efficiency ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Air Leakage ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Thermal Transmittance ◽  
Family Building

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) of the EU states that Each Member State shall establish a long-term renovation strategy to support the renovation of building stock into a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050. The motive for the study was the dissatisfaction of inhabitants of a single-family building about the heating costs and thermal discomfort. In this study both the emotional and resource efficiency aspects were considered. The structures and technical systems of the studied small dwelling are typical of representing single-family buildings of the Estonian building stock. The initial purpose was to improve the energy efficiency of a building while preserving the existing load bearing structures as much as possible. The research questions were: 1) what the situation before the renovation was, 2) what solutions can be used, 3) making decisions, whether to renovate or demolish. Calculations were carried out – the thermal transmittance of the envelope structures was calculated based on the construction information, and the linear thermal transmittance of geometrical thermal bridges was calculated by using the software Therm. Field tests performed - the thermography and the air leakage of the building was found by standard blower-door test. Specific air leakage rate qE50=11.1 m3/(hm2) was estimated. A renovation solution was offered considering the need for extra insulation and airtightness. The dwelling energy performance indicator was reduced from the existing 279 kWh/(m2y) to 136 kWh/(m2y). For significant energy efficiency improvement deep renovation measures must be used and the question was whether it is rational. Before making the final decision, several aspects have to be considered: 1) emotional – the demolition or renovation of somebody’s home, 2) environmental aspects and resource-efficiency – the possibilities of the reuse of materials.

Semantic Data-Driven Models to Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Cities

2021 ◽  
pp. 515-539
Author(s):  
Álvaro Sicilia ◽  
Gonçal Costa ◽  
Leandro Madrazo
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Semantic Web Technologies ◽  
Improve Energy Efficiency ◽  
Semantic Data ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Multiple Domains

The assessment of building energy performance requires data from multiple domains (energy, architecture, planning, economy) and scales (building, district, city) to be processed with a diversity of applications used by experts from various fields. In order to properly assess the performance of the building stock, and to develop and apply the most effective energy efficiency measures, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive, holistic approach. In this chapter, three research projects are presented which apply Semantic Web technologies to create energy data models from multiple data sources and domains in order to support decision making in energy efficient building renovation projects: SEMANCO, OptEEmAL, and OPTIMUS. A final reflection on the results achieved in these projects and their links to ongoing research on digital twins is presented.

scholarly journals Drivers and Barriers to Industrial Energy Efficiency in Textile Industries of Bangladesh

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1775 ◽  
Author(s):  
A S M Monjurul Hasan ◽  
Mohammad Rokonuzzaman ◽  
Rashedul Amin Tuhin ◽  
Shah Md. Salimullah ◽  
Mahfuz Ullah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Management ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Capital Expenditure ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Energy Service ◽  
Textile Industries

Bangladesh faced a substantial growth in primary energy demand in the last few years. According to several studies, energy generation is not the only means to address energy demand; efficient energy management practices are also very critical. A pertinent contribution in the energy management at the industrial sector ensures the proper utilization of energy. Energy management and its efficiency in the textile industries of Bangladesh are studied in this paper. The outcomes demonstrate several barriers to energy management practices which are inadequate technical cost-effective measures, inadequate capital expenditure, and poor research and development. However, this study also demonstrates that the risk of high energy prices in the future, assistance from energy professionals, and an energy management scheme constitute the important drivers for the implementation of energy efficiency measures in the studied textile mills. The studied textile industries seem unaccustomed to the dedicated energy service company concept, and insufficient information regarding energy service companies (ESCOs) and the shortage of trained professionals in energy management seem to be the reasons behind this. This paper likewise finds that 3–4% energy efficiency improvements can be gained with the help of energy management practices in these industries.

Social Investment and the causes of energy poverty: are cooperatives a solution?

2019 ◽  
pp. 179-194
Author(s):  
Michael Willoughby ◽  
José Millet-Roig ◽  
José Pedro García-Sabater ◽  
Aida Saez-Mas
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Social Economy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
State Funding ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
The Social ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
The Face

This chapter is about a successful energy co-operative in Spain. With rising poverty and energy prices among the most expensive in Europe and, the cooperative not only provides a reliable source of clean energy to consumers, but also forms a central part of the community in which it is situated. The case study points to a need for private enterprises to collaborate with local authorities and social services to provide solutions to drastic situations of poverty that are still prevalent, particularly in areas of Southern and Eastern Europe. The Spanish energy cooperative demonstrates one way in which the social economy can help to shape the future of the welfare state in the absence of state funding and in the face of national policies that are not well aligned.

scholarly journals Investigating the impacts of a changing climate on the risk of overheating and energy performance for a UK retirement village adapted to the nZEB standards

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radwa Salem ◽  
Ali Bahadori-Jahromi ◽  
Anastasia Mylona
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Changing Climate ◽  
Retirement Village

The death toll of the 2003 heat wave in Europe exceeded 35,000 heat-related deaths. The elderly population were the most affected. The current paradigm within the construction industry in cold-dominant countries is to design/retrofit buildings with high levels of insulation. Whilst thermal comfort may be reached during colder months with this approach, the risk of overheating can be increased during hotter months. This paper aims to examine the impacts of a changing climate on the risk of overheating and energy performance for a UK retirement village. For this study, the buildings within the retirement village will be designed to reach the nearly zero energy building standard. Consequently, the risk of overheating of the buildings within the retirement village as they currently stand and as zero energy buildings will be investigated under current and future climatic conditions. The analysis is carried out using thermal analysis simulation software (TAS, Edsl). Combined heat and power and combined cooling, heat and power will be investigated as mitigating strategies with regard to overheating. The results of this study do not undermine the importance of continuing to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings but rather highlight that the approach undertaken should be reconsidered. Practical application: Currently, there is emphasis placed on retrofitting and designing buildings, with high energy efficiency standards. Whilst this is in line with our vision as a society towards reaching a decarbonised, sustainable future, this work highlights that doing so, carries risks with regard to overheating. Nonetheless, the results demonstrate that with the incorporation of suitable mitigation strategies and adequate ventilation strategies, it is possible to achieve an energy efficient building that meets the heating and cooling demand (and thereby thermal comfort of occupants) during the heating and non-heating season.

scholarly journals Corporate Social Responsibility of Heating Companies in Poland in the Context of Sustainable Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 329-336
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Wrzalik
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
High Energy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Environmental Requirements ◽  
High Energy Efficiency ◽  
Corporate Social

Abstract In the coming years, the heating sector in Poland will undergo further changes as a result of the implementation of the country’s energy policy within the European Union. Its main goals are: increasing energy efficiency, development of renewable energy sources and meeting legal and environmental requirements. Their implementation should take into account the observance of CSR principles in order to ensure a stable supply of heat to industrial and municipal consumers with high energy efficiency and limitation of the environmental impact. The article presents the conditions for the operation of the heating industry in Poland and CSR issues in heating companies. Particular attention was paid to the issue of energy poverty and its reduction. The application of social responsibility practices in heating industry on the basis of activities of selected enterprises in this sector was presented. The importance of social responsibility of heating companies in the implementation of a just energy transition in Poland was also indicated.

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