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Energy Renovation of Residential Buildings in Cold Mediterranean Zones Using Optimized Thermal Envelope Insulation Thicknesses: The Case of Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Luis M. López-Ochoa

    (TENECO Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain)

  • Jesús Las-Heras-Casas

    (TENECO Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain)

  • Luis M. López-González

    (TENECO Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain)

  • César García-Lozano

    (TENECO Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain)

Abstract

The residential sector of the European Union consumes 27% of the final energy of the European Union, and approximately two-thirds of the existing dwellings in the European Union were built before 1980. For this reason, the European Union aims to transform the existing residential building stock into nearly zero-energy buildings by 2050 through energy renovation. The most effective method to achieve this goal is to increase the thermal insulation of opaque elements of the thermal envelope. This study aims to assess the energy, environmental and economic impacts of the energy renovation of the thermal envelopes that are typical of the existing multi-family buildings of the 26 provincial capitals in the cold climate zones of Spain. To achieve this goal, the insulation thickness to be added to the walls, roof and first floor framework is optimized by a life cycle cost analysis, and the existing building openings are replaced, thus minimizing both the total heating costs and the total heating and cooling costs. The study uses four thermal insulation materials for four different heating and cooling systems in 10 different models. The results obtained will be used to propose energy renovation solutions to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings both in Spain and in similar Mediterranean climate zones.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis M. López-Ochoa & Jesús Las-Heras-Casas & Luis M. López-González & César García-Lozano, 2020. "Energy Renovation of Residential Buildings in Cold Mediterranean Zones Using Optimized Thermal Envelope Insulation Thicknesses: The Case of Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-34, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:6:p:2287-:d:332658
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. López-Ochoa, Luis M. & Las-Heras-Casas, Jesús & López-González, Luis M. & Olasolo-Alonso, Pablo, 2018. "Environmental and energy impact of the EPBD in residential buildings in hot and temperate Mediterranean zones: The case of Spain," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 618-634.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Fupeng Zhang & Lei Shi & Simian Liu & Jiaqi Shi & Yong Yu, 2022. "Sustainable Renovation and Assessment of Existing Aging Rammed Earth Dwellings in Hunan, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-23, May.
    3. Belen Moreno Santamaria & Fernando del Ama Gonzalo & Danielle Pinette & Benito Lauret Aguirregabiria & Juan A. Hernandez Ramos, 2020. "Industrialization and Thermal Performance of a New Unitized Water Flow Glazing Facade," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-22, September.
    4. Peep Pihelo & Kalle Kuusk & Targo Kalamees, 2020. "Development and Performance Assessment of Prefabricated Insulation Elements for Deep Energy Renovation of Apartment Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-20, April.
    5. Ayou, Dereje S. & Wardhana, Muhammad Fa'iq Vidi & Coronas, Alberto, 2023. "Performance analysis of a reversible water/LiBr absorption heat pump connected to district heating network in warm and cold climates," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).
    6. Erdem Küçüktopcu & Bilal Cemek & Halis Simsek, 2022. "The Economic and Environmental Impact of Greenhouse Heating Pipe Insulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, January.

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