Feasibility studies for alternative energy systems in large new buildings: state of the art, possible barriers and how to overcome them?

Suzanne Joosen, Ecofys the Netherlands BV, The Netherlands
Klaus Hansen, Danish Building Research Institute (SBi), Denmark
Dr. Marjana Sijanec Zavrl, Building and Civil Engineering Institue ZRMK (BCEI ZMRK), Slovenia

Keywords

alternative energy systems, large new buildings, EPBD, feasibility studies

Abstract

Since 4th January 2006, all EU-countries are legally bound through the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to include within their national legislation the requirement within article 5 for feasibility studies of alternative energy systems (AES). This covers new buildings with a total useful floor area over 1 000 m2.

It appears that the associated feasibility studies will be implemented in very divergent ways in EU countries. For example: In the Netherlands AES are integrated in the building calculation method. Strict energy performance standards have to guarantee that AES are taken into consideration during the design phase of a building. In Denmark, the obligation in article 5 is first of all handled in the regulations for the heat planning, but it is not emphasized in the building regulation. In Slovenia the environmental aspect of article 5 is implemented through the energy performance calculation method in a draft building regulation, while a complete, also technical and economic, aspect of feasibility studies will be prescribed in detail with separate specific regulations.

Usually a combination of barriers is responsible for hindering the use of AES. Barriers can be classified in three main groups: technical, financial and organisational. Core of the barriers is the estimation of risk on the part of the decision makers towards often unfamiliar, possible unreliable and expensive AES. For the market introduction of AES, it is important that during an early stage of the building process good insight in the technical and economic opportunities for AES becomes available. In addition, good demonstration projects are essential to gain the confidence of stakeholders.

The requirement of feasibility studies brings along specific barriers, such as lack of clear objective procedures. Currently, only a few countries have initiatives in place to overcome these barriers. Exchange of knowledge and experiences on this topic is therefore strongly recommended.