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Most of the urban housing stock in Latvia as well as in major part of EU cities consists of apartment multistory buildings. The improvements in energy efficiency of these buildings are the key priorities in many countries. However, unclassified buildings have a significant potential for the application of innovative energy efficient measures. This study analyzes the energy consumption of such buildings as military buildings, police departments, and fire stations, with particular attention on retrofitting options for fire station. Similar to apartment buildings these type of buildings are connected to centralized district heating systems. In the scope of this paper energy consumption of unclassified buildings were analyzed based on statistic data. In addition, the impact of renovation measures on energy consumption was analyzed. The fire station was selected as majority of such buildings have a similar floor plan layout and usage profile.

Residential and public buildings are one of the essential energy consumers. The majority of European buildings were constructed within the period from mid-1950ies to the late 1990ies. Currently the retrofitting process is too slow. The main barriers are complicated retrofitting process, variety of available technologies as well as precision of estimated energy savings calculations. This paper is prepared in scope of work done within the European Regional Development Fund project “Nearly Zero Energy Solutions for Unclassified Buildings”. The main aim of this study is to develop full modular retrofitting process based on 3D laser scanning minimizing time consumed for architectural project development, on-site construction works as well as to ensure correct energy simulation. Paper presents results of Latvian case building 3D scanning results, architectural project development specifics as well as selection of optimal thermal insulation layout and energy simulations. Study analyses main barriers for wide implementation of prefabricated panels. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/enviro.2017.252

The aim of the study is to analysis renovation solutions for unclassified buildings. According to Latvian law definition, unclassified buildings are prisons, security forces, police and fire services buildings including barracks, warehouse etc. Such buildings has completely different heat gains and heat losses balance and usage profile in comparison to traditional public and apartment buildings. Unclassified buildings could have higher internal heat and moisture loads, more strict requirements to dress code (CLO level), human metabolic equivalent and limited possibility for staff adaptation to IAQ parameters. The one of important factors is safety of energy supply and operation of HVAC systems. Although the energy security is a top priority for unclassified buildings, it should not be a barrier for implementation of renewable energy sources and innovative energy efficient retrofitting solutions in unclassified buildings.

The article presents the results of hot water supply system analysis. Taking into account that the current consumption of hot water differs from normative values, real measured data of hot water consumption in multi-apartment buildings from year 2013 until year 2015 have been analyzed. Also, the thermal energy consumption for hot water preparation has been analyzed. Based on aggregated data and taking into account the fact that renovated systems of hot water supply in existing multi-apartment buildings have same pipelines' diameters, it was analyzed how these systems are economically and energy efficient. For the study, residential buildings in Riga, which have different architectural and engineering solutions for hot water supply systems, were selected. The study was based on thermal energy consumption measurements, which were taken at the individual heating system's manifolds. This study was done in order to develop database on hot water consumption in civil buildings and define difference in key performance criteria in unclassified buildings. Obtained results allows to reach European Regional Development Fund project "NEARLY ZERO ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR UNCLASSIFIED BUILDINGS" Nr. 1.1.1.116A048 main targets.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate possible ventilation solutions for nZEB multi apartment buildings in three European geoclusters. Geo-cluster concept illustrates trans-national areas where strong similarities are found in terms of climate, culture, construction typologies and other factors. Paper presents comparison of ventilation needs for the same case study building located in Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Portugal. The economic and technical comparison of different ventilation systems are presented as well. Special focus is attended to develop introduction of modular solutions and integration of ventilation ducts into external insulation as this can serve as a complex solution including both external constructions and engineering networks. Presented modular solution includes prefabricated insulation panels with integrated ventilation ducts. This paper is prepared in scope of work done within EU HORIZON2020 MORE-CONNECT project. Research methodology is based on data analysis provided by project partners as well as practical calculation. Compilation of ventilation air volume requirements according to the local regulations for Latvia, Estonia, Portugal and Denmark has shown significant difference in design air change rate in project countries. The financial analysis reveals the price difference between various ventilation strategies and provides discussion topic regarding ventilation strategies in nZEB buildings.