Energy use in multi-family dwellings – measurements and analysis

Panel: Panel 7. Innovative buildings technologies

Authors:
Hans Bagge
Lund University
Sweden

Abstract

In 2001, several multi-family dwellings were built in Västra hamnen, Malmö, Sweden. Well known Swedish architects were involved in designing the buildings, hence they reflect modern architecture. Prior to the inauguration, the buildings were displayed at the international housing exhibition ‘Bo01'. The housing exhibition had an ecological and sustainability focus. Regarding energy use, all buildings were restricted to use no more than 105 kWh/m² annually including space heating, domestic water heating, common electricity and household electricity. A measurement programme including hourly measurements of district heating, common electricity and household electricity was set up to monitor the energy use of the buildings. Use of district heating, use of domestic water heating, use of common electricity and use of household electricity were all studied in detail. The variations in total energy use between the different properties were large. Although all buildings were designed to meet the same goal concerning energy use, there was a factor of almost three between the lowest and highest use. Key values are presented that can be used to critically examine different designs, systems and results from energy calculations.