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This paper describes the development of a spatial database for an annual energy consumption framework. As the database of the existing building stock is a weak point in most European cities but possible pathways to energy reduction in the building sector have to be found, this paper is of high relevance. Our framework uses a complex multi-source data set and a plethora of statistical methods to merge various large complex data sets and then apply a heat balance model in three sub-city areas in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. The framework estimates the energy end-use at the single dwelling level on three aggregated scales: district, neighbourhood and communities. We propose a methodology for modelling energy in buildings in different ways depending on the required output scale, the cluster top-down model and the domestic energy model (DEM) bottom-up approaches. The cluster model is a generalization of similar building energy profiles into archetype medoid prototypes in districts and eventually the whole city, whereas the sub-city DEM is a representation of an individual building energy pro- file in neighbourhoods and communities. The framework can be used to test different energy measures (fabric and heating supply systems) for the same property type, and give insights into community energy analysis by aggregating individual building energy consumption. These insights will enable rational and considered responses to be formulated to the problems of integrating renewables into the generation portfolio, that are likely to be faced in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the European approaches to assessment of the buildings' energy efficiency. We scrutinize their advantages and disadvantages. Specifically, we investigate the feasibility of one of the approaches by employing the example of NTUU "KPI" educational buildings and define principal obstacles that hinder the utilization and can also lead to misinterpretation of the results obtained. We propose possible ways of specification of existing methods and attempt to adapt them to the Ukrainian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper discusses an assessment tool, used for the energy, economic and environmental evaluation of Thermal Insulation Solutions (TIS). The results of the assessment undertaken with this tool can take the form of a simple rating system in order to enable users to perform comprehensive comparisons amongst various building materials and TIS. A ranking expressed by A, B and C classes is used for energy, environmental and economic parameters. By evaluating the materials, the tool supports the users to make decisions, depending on preferences or priorities such as the energy efficiency achieved, the total cost and the environmental performance. The assessment tool is applied for the double cavity wall and the External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) as they are used throughout Europe, both in new constructions and in the renovation of existing buildings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Decisions made by architects in the present can influence the global energy, economic and ecological scene for up to a century. Of the annual gross energy consumption 40–50%—and the corresponding emissions—are related to the construction, operation and maintenance of buildings in Europe. The growing concern of professionals and the general public about the role of the building sector in energy use led to national and international legislative measures. The Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) by the European Commission lays down a framework for the calculation of the integrated energy performance of buildings. National building regulations based on the EPBD and adapted to the local conditions have to be implemented by 4 January 2006. The EPBD encompasses operational energy only, while other phases of the life cycle of buildings are almost completely neglected. This paper recommends taking into account the energy needed for manufacturing of building materials, the so-called embodied energy, as well, to check the rationality of operational energy saving measures. The significance of embodied energy, the problems of input data and the applicability of discounting techniques are discussed through examples and a method is proposed to account for this type of energy in the regulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new retrofitting strategy by using prefabricated elements window machine. • Minimization of the renovation costs and speeding up the retrofit action. • A potential in energy saving and improving the Indoor Environment Quality. • Further significance in retrofit and healthy home office working environments. The renovation of existing residential buildings across Europe has become a key factor for energy saving and the improvement of Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ). This paper presents an investigation of IEQ for a typical 1960s single-family house in Germany before and after a new retrofitting strategy (prefabricated element with integrated ventilation and new thermal envelope). In-situ measurements were applied to investigate the energy efficiency and IEQ improvement for the new retrofitting strategy in temperate winter regions of Europe. The simulation model replicates the measured data to be closer to reality and simulates a home office (COVID-19) scenario. The in-situ measurements showed that our retrofitting strategy increases the indoor air temperature during the heating period by up to 2.5 °C, decreases relative humidity by up to 3.8% and increases CO 2 by up to 24 ppm than before. As the simulation results shows, the retrofitted home office scenario allows a reduction in heating energy of up to 77%, an increase in CO 2 concentration of up to 41.8 ppm, 0.5% less relative humidity and 1.6 °C higher indoor air temperature than that without retrofitting. The new approach to retrofit residential buildings thus showed a potential in energy saving and improving the IEQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]