Deep Energy Retrofit?A Guide for Decision Makers (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)

Many governments worldwide are setting more stringent targets for reductions in energy use in government/public buildings. Buildings constructed more than 10 years ago account for a major share of energy used by the building stock. However, the funding and “know-how” (applied knowledge) available for owner-directed energy retrofit projects has not kept pace with new requirements. With typical retrofit projects, reduction of energy use varies between 10 and 20%, while actual executed renovation projects show that energy use reduction can exceed 50%, and can cost-effectively achieve the Passive House standard or even approach net zero-energy status (EBC Annex 61 2017a, Hermelink and Müller 2010; NBI 2014; RICS 2013; Shonder and Nasseri 2015; Miller and Higgins 2015; Emmerich et al. 2011).

Building energy efficiency (EE) ranks first in approaches with resource efficiency potential with a total resource benefit of approximately $700 billion until 2030. EE is by far the cheapest way to cut CO₂ emissions (McKinsey 2011, IPCC 2007). However, according to an IEA study (IEA 2014a), more than 80% of savings potential in building sector remains untapped. Thus, the share of deployed EE in the building sector is lower than in the Industry, Transport, and Energy generation sectors. Estimates for the deep renovation potentials show: €600-900bn investment potential, €1000-1300bn savings potential, 70% energy-saving potential, and 90% CO₂ reduction potential.

Dr. Alexander Zhivov is a senior research engineer of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center Construction Engineering Research Laboratory responsible for Army-wide facilities energy strategic planning leading to buildings energy efficiency improvements, development and implementation of new HVAC systems, distributed generation technologies, renewable energy, heating plant modernizations, building commissioning processes, and modeling and analysis tools for installation operations. Develops the framework and concepts of a secure, reliable, and efficient Army installation energy strategies and supporting implementation programs.

Rüdiger Lohse leads the department of Energy Services and Financing at the Climate Protection Energy Agency of Baden- Württemberg and the Competence Centre for Energy Services in Baden- Württemberg.