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Positive Energy Building Definition with the Framework, Elements and Challenges of the Concept

Author

Listed:
  • Mia Ala-Juusela

    (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tekniikantie 21, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

  • Hassam ur Rehman

    (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tekniikantie 21, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

  • Mari Hukkalainen

    (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tekniikantie 21, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

  • Francesco Reda

    (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tekniikantie 21, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

Abstract

Buildings account for 36% of the final energy demand and 39% of CO 2 emissions worldwide. Targets for increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing building related emissions is an important part of the energy policy to reach the Paris agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. While nearly zero energy buildings are the new norm in the EU, the research is advancing towards positive energy buildings, which contribute to the surrounding community by providing emission-free energy. This paper suggests a definition for positive energy building and presents the framework, elements, and challenges of the concept. In a positive energy building, the annual renewable energy production in the building site exceeds the energy demand of the building. This increases two-way interactions with energy grids, requiring a broader approach compared to zero energy buildings. The role of energy flexibility grows when the share of fluctuating renewable energy increases. The presented framework is designed with balancing two important perspectives: technical and user-centric approaches. It can be accommodated to different operational conditions, regulations, and climates. Potential challenges and opportunities are also discussed, such as the present issues in the building’s balancing boundary, electric vehicle integration, and smart readiness indicators.

Suggested Citation

  • Mia Ala-Juusela & Hassam ur Rehman & Mari Hukkalainen & Francesco Reda, 2021. "Positive Energy Building Definition with the Framework, Elements and Challenges of the Concept," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:19:p:6260-:d:648248
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yorgos Spanodimitriou & Giovanni Ciampi & Luigi Tufano & Michelangelo Scorpio, 2023. "Flexible and Lightweight Solutions for Energy Improvement in Construction: A Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-50, September.
    2. Federica Leone & Francesco Reda & Ala Hasan & Hassam ur Rehman & Fausto Carmelo Nigrelli & Francesco Nocera & Vincenzo Costanzo, 2022. "Lessons Learned from Positive Energy District (PED) Projects: Cataloguing and Analysing Technology Solutions in Different Geographical Areas in Europe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-28, December.
    3. Federica Leone & Ala Hasan & Francesco Reda & Hassam ur Rehman & Fausto Carmelo Nigrelli & Francesco Nocera & Vincenzo Costanzo, 2023. "Supporting Cities towards Carbon Neutral Transition through Territorial Acupuncture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-31, February.
    4. Jacopo Famiglietti & Marcello Aprile & Giulia Spirito & Mario Motta, 2023. "Net-Zero Climate Emissions Districts: Potentials and Constraints for Social Housing in Milan," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-31, February.
    5. Mario Garzón-Juan & Ana Nieto-Morote & Francisco Ruz-Vila, 2022. "Review of NZEB Criteria: Design of Life Containers in Operations Area," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-13, January.
    6. Maurizio Sibilla & Dhouha Touibi & Fonbeyin Henry Abanda, 2023. "Rethinking Abandoned Buildings as Positive Energy Buildings in a Former Industrial Site in Italy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-18, June.

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