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Multi-Objective Optimization of Building Life Cycle Performance. A Housing Renovation Case Study in Northern Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Montana

    (Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Kai Kanafani

    (Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 2740 Copenhagen, Denmark
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Kim B. Wittchen

    (Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 2740 Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Harpa Birgisdottir

    (Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 2740 Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Sonia Longo

    (Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

  • Maurizio Cellura

    (Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

  • Eleonora Riva Sanseverino

    (Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

Abstract

While the operational energy use of buildings is often regulated in current energy saving policies, their embodied greenhouse gas emissions still have a considerable mitigation potential. The study aims at developing a multi-objective optimization method for design and renovation of buildings incorporating the operational and embodied energy demands, global warming potential, and costs as objective functions. The optimization method was tested on the renovation of an apartment building in Denmark, mainly focusing envelope improvements as roof and exterior wall insulation and windows. Cellulose insulation has been the predominant result, together with fiber cement or aluminum-based cladding and 2-layered glazing. The annual energy demand has been reduced from 166.4 to a range between 76.5 and 83.7 kWh/(m 2 y) in the optimal solutions. The fact that the legal requirements of 70 kWh/(m 2 y) are nearly met without building service improvements indicates that energy requirements can be fulfilled without compromising greenhouse gas emissions and cost. Since the method relies on standard national performance reporting tools, the authors believe that this study is a preliminary step towards more cost-efficient and low-carbon building renovations by utilizing multi-optimization techniques.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Montana & Kai Kanafani & Kim B. Wittchen & Harpa Birgisdottir & Sonia Longo & Maurizio Cellura & Eleonora Riva Sanseverino, 2020. "Multi-Objective Optimization of Building Life Cycle Performance. A Housing Renovation Case Study in Northern Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-25, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:18:p:7807-:d:417029
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Röck, Martin & Saade, Marcella Ruschi Mendes & Balouktsi, Maria & Rasmussen, Freja Nygaard & Birgisdottir, Harpa & Frischknecht, Rolf & Habert, Guillaume & Lützkendorf, Thomas & Passer, Alexander, 2020. "Embodied GHG emissions of buildings – The hidden challenge for effective climate change mitigation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    2. Harkouss, Fatima & Fardoun, Farouk & Biwole, Pascal Henry, 2019. "Optimal design of renewable energy solution sets for net zero energy buildings," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 1155-1175.
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