Energies 10 00658

energies
Article
Economic and Thermal Evaluation of Different Uses
of an Existing Structure in a Warm Climate
Delia D’Agostino 1, *, Ilaria Zacà 2 , Cristina Baglivo 2 and Paolo Maria Congedo 2
1 European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate C—Energy efficiency and Renewables,
Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy
2 Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, I-73100 Lecce, Italy;
[email protected] (I.Z.); [email protected] (C.B.); [email protected] (P.M.C.)
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-0332-78-3512
Academic Editor: Chi-Ming Lai

Received: 2 March 2017; Accepted: 2 May 2017; Published: 9 May 2017
Abstract: Accounting for nearly 40% of final energy consumption, buildings are central to European
energy policy. The Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings establishes a benchmarking system
known as cost-optimality to set minimum energy performance requirements in new and existing
buildings. This paper applies the cost-optimal methodology to an existing structure located in the
Mediterranean area (Southern Italy). The building is composed of two units that have been considered
for different uses: hotel and multi-residential. Several energy efficiency and renewable measures
have been implemented both individually and as part of packages of measures. The cost-optimal
solution has been identified as able to optimize energy consumption and costs from financial and
macroeconomic perspectives. The first reference building (hotel use) shows a maximum reduction
of primary energy and CO2 emission of about 42%, falling within the CasaClima energy class D,
while the second reference building (residential use) achieves a value of 88% for primary energy
and 85% for CO2 emissions, falling into class B. Thermal dispersions through the envelope can be
limited using a suitable combination of insulating materials while a variety of technical variants
are selected, such as VRF (variant refrigerant flow) systems, heat pumps with fan coils associated
with controlled mechanical ventilation, solar thermal and photovoltaic. This paper illustrates the
development of energy retrofit projects, in order to reach a balance between efficiency measures and
costs for a building having two different uses, providing guidance to similar case studies related to a
warm climate.
Keywords: cost-optimal methodology; retrofit; energy simulations; economic assessment; energy

efficiency measures
Highlights
Evaluation of cost-optimal solutions for existing building retrofit.
Analysis of two different intended building uses for the same structure.
Comparison between hotel and residential use for cost-optimal assessment.
Establishment of combination of variants for energy efficiency improvement.
Assessment of global costs for the identification of the cost-optimal configuration.
1. Introduction
Buildings account for nearly 40% of final energy consumption in Europe [1]. Considering the
high energy consumption and high potential energy savings of this sector, European energy policies
are aimed at improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources. The Energy
Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, Directive 2002/91/EC), and its recast (EPBD recast,
Energies 2017, 10, 658; doi:10.3390/en10050658 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2017, 10, 658 2 of 29
Directive 2010/31/EC) represent the core of energy efficiency promotion. The EPBD recast introduces
the target of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEBs) from 2018 onwards [2]. However, achieving the
nZEB target remains an open challenge in Europe, especially in existing buildings [3].
The EPBD recast also introduces the concept of cost-optimality that is strictly connected to
nZEBs since the cost-optimal level represents the minimum level of ambition for nZEBs performance.
The cost-optimal methodology is explained in the Delegated Regulation No. 244/2012 [4] and its
guidelines [5]. According to the cost-optimal framework, Member States have to consider construction
alternatives in terms of costs and energy performance to identify the combination of energy efficiency
measures able to provide the best performance at the lowest cost. The methodology involves the
definition of a reference building and the application of energy efficiency measures to reduce primary
energy consumption [6] and address the choice of the most economically advantageous solutions.
These refer to global costs [7], expressed in terms of net present value, obtained through financial or
macroeconomic conditions. This configuration can be found in the lower part of the curve that reports
global costs and energy consumption for each combination of measures.
The alternative measures have to be applied to a reference starting building, new or under
renovation, to reduce its energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The building energy performance
has to be evaluated according to the EPBD recast.
Cutting building energy consumption requires considering buildings with a new holistic
approach, evaluating its lifecycle, impact on the environment as well as materials, and technological
elements [8]. To reach this new building target, all the aspects of the building lifecycle, from design
to demolition, have to be considered from an energy, environmental and economic perspective.
For example, a building system performance has to be evaluated under varying boundary conditions
and different climates, considering costs and energy sources availability, end-users behavior and
facilities management [9].
Reaching the nZEBs target in new buildings appears to be feasible according to design studies [10].
Studies on energy performance optimization have been performed especially in new buildings [11–15].
However, the challenge of achieving energy efficiency targets in Europe remains for the existing built
environment. The renovation rate of existing buildings is currently low due to the economic crisis
which started in 2007. In 2011, the renovation rate of the European building stock has been assessed
at between 0.5% and 2.5% per year [16]. Buildings dating between 1945 and 1980 have the largest
energy demand. Moreover, the existing stock is characterized by a high heterogeneity in terms of uses,
climatic areas, construction traditions and different system technologies [17].
Accommodation facilities (hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast) are characterized by high energy
consumptions in comparison with other building uses. Hospitality accommodation consumes about
the quadruple of residential houses. The high consumption is related to ventilation, heating, cooling,
refrigeration, lighting, IT equipment and appliances [18].
This study applies the cost-optimal methodology to an existing structure composed of two units
that have been evaluated for two different building uses: hotel and multi-residential. These buildings
belong to Mediterranean climate and are in a degraded peripheral area.
The aim of the paper is to find the cost-optimal solutions for the renovation of this existing
structure. Several energy efficiency measures have been selected and applied to the baseline reference
buildings obtaining a combination of several technical variants organized in packages of measures.
Natural and local materials have been preferred as emitting less CO2 compared with traditional
materials. Energy performance and global costs have been evaluated for the obtained configurations.
A financial and macroeconomic study has been carried out performing a sensitivity analysis to add
robustness to the evaluation. The cost-optimal solution has been derived and discussed in terms of
technical characteristics and potential savings. The purpose of this study is to illustrate how energy
retrofit projects in the Mediterranean climate may be developed, finding the best choices in terms of
minimum energy consumption and lowering costs for renovation.
Energies 2017, 10, 658 3 of 29
1.1. Building Retrofit and Technology Innovation

The existing building stock is old, inefficient and is being only slowly renovated. In recent years,
several studies have focused on this issue, pointing out solutions for building renovation and strategies
to improve energy efficiency and street lighting quality [19].
The deep crisis that has been affecting the construction sector since 2007 has caused a reduction of
investments in traditional buildings, reduced by 58.7% during the last decade. Therefore, the retrofit
sector is predominant and attracts investments of around 115 billion euros compared to 51 billion
euros related to the new construction sector. The decrease of investments in new buildings, and the
increase of investments in retrofit, maintenance and renewable energy sources are the key dynamics
that best characterize the recent economic crisis [20].
The decrease of investments in new buildings is a result of the large amount of buildings remaining
unsold in previous years. Buildings built over the last decade have quickly become outdated with
less innovative construction technologies and therefore not attractive as the innovative technologies
spread during the recent retrofit market. It is desirable to renovate existing buildings with high energy
efficiency solutions, in order to guarantee, also in future years, lower energy consumptions at lower
costs, understanding and considering the whole building lifecycle including materials and technical
systems [21].
The construction sector is evolving rapidly proposing new solutions to fulfill new building
concepts which require innovation and information to be successful. Innovation is needed to make
the building project technologically adequate. Information and training of the involved actors are
important for proper installations as well as for skills, knowledge and expertise development.
Technology plays a major role in exploiting the massive potential benefits of reducing energy
consumptions in buildings. The envelope represents a key element able to dynamically control the
interaction between indoors and outdoors.
Mazzeo et al. [22] expose a methodology to describe walls behavior in summer and winter
to lower energy consumption. The study highlights the importance to evaluate how the dynamic
parameters are influenced by the variations of the external and internal loads, changing the operating
mode of the technological system and the shortwave radiative heat fluxes. Several studies [23–25]
have been carried out to define the characteristics of a high energy performant external envelope for
a warm climate, highlighting the importance of heat storage capacity. It has been possible to note
that external walls with high values of internal areal heat capacity can reduce significantly and delay
temperature peaks inside the building. Material selection is crucial for reducing energy consumption.
Eco-friendly elements are referred, highlighting non-toxic, renewable, recycled and locally sourced
materials. The wall performance is verified monitoring thermal conductivity and thermal capacity,
a low value of thermal conductivity improves insulation during winter and a high thermal capacity
enables heat accumulation, a fundamental parameter in summer.
It is important to find which the most suitable technologies for renovation are and to reach the
cost-optimal configuration for a specific building. Similar retrofit scenarios for two different types of
buildings can be linked to compare two different possibilities of reuse.
1.2. Literature Overview

Non-residential buildings account for 25% of the European building stock. The hospitality
sector accounts for 2% of the world’s CO2 emissions [26]. The number of non-residential buildings
is about 4.3 million with a large part oriented towards the tertiary sector. About 61 thousand units
are accommodation facilities, having a surface of 0.8 million square meters. From ENEA and ISTAT
data, processed by CRESME, the average energy consumption of non-residential buildings is about
137 kWh/m2 y (y = year), while hotels in Italy have a specific consumption of 182 kWh/m2 y [27].
According to the retrofit strategy of the national stock (STREPIN, Strategia per la riqualificazione
energetica del parco immobiliare nazionale) [28], average electricity and thermal consumptions
related to 2015 amount to 110 and 150 kWh/m2 y, respectively. The report shows that in Italy
Energies 2017, 10, 658 4 of 29
about 500 buildings are hotels (1.4 million square meters), resulting a potential energy savings up to
1167 GWh/y.
Non-residential buildings present large possibility of improvements in energy consumption.
For example, the 85% of these buildings do not have renewable energy production, 1.4% underwent
partial or total renovation, and 9% are abandoned. In order to comply with EU requirements,
an efficient renovation of hotels is necessary. Several studies focus on the benefits that the renovation
of existing stock implies. Santamouris et al. [29] analyze energy consumption of 158 existent Greek
hotels and show possible retrofit solutions based on the envelope and technical systems, achieving
energy savings of 20%.
According to CRESME [20], the stock of residential constructions total to 11.8 million in Italy.
This sector consumes yearly almost 319 TWh both for thermal and electricity requirements, with an
annual energy cost of about 45 billion euros.
In the residential sector, according to the scenarios of ANCE 2015, investments in new dwellings
have been estimated to have reduced by 8.8% compared to 2014. The investments addressed to
requalification of the housing stock shows a low increase of 2% [30].
If a mix of different interventions is applied to the residential building stock for climatic zone, it is
possible to reduce energy consumption by over 39%, with a decrease of energy costs of about 8.8 billion
euros per year and savings of about 5.7 billion euros. This allows a 12.6% energy consumption
reduction corresponding to a reduction of about 9.5 million tons of CO2 emissions.
An estimation of the energy systems in Mediterranean regions has been carried out [31].
In particular, it has been pointed out the key role of climatic data in the predictions of photovoltaic
system performance.
Ballarini et al. define a methodology for reference buildings identification for the residential sector
in order to divide the existing stock into specific archetypes. The attention is focused on the potential
reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the European residential building stock [32].
Martinopoulos et al. [33] compare different solutions of heating systems applied to new and
existing residential buildings located in Mediterranean climate, paying attention to running costs.
Kolaitis et al. [34] define a comparative assessment between internal and external thermal
insulation in energy efficient retrofits of residential buildings. The authors also consider water vapor
condensation in internal materials and find a significant reduction of total energy requirements.
In this paper, the aim is to reach a balance between energy and cost-effective measures for two
different intended uses: hotel and residential buildings. Section 2 reports the cost-optimal methodology,
focusing on the variant measures, suitable for a warm climate. Subsequently, Section 3 shows the final
values for each combination and finally Section 4 reports the conclusions.
2. Materials and Methods

The methodology implemented in this paper allows the identification of the cost-optimal level
for an existing structure located in the Mediterranean climate. The case study has been analyzed
comparing two different building uses to comply with the regulation requirements regarding the
adoption of at least two reference buildings which differ for subcategories. Starting from the definition
of the reference building, energy efficiency measures have been selected for envelope and systems.
Technical variants, either individually or in combination (packages), have then been chosen and
implemented in the building. The energy performance has been evaluated for each case to derive the
differences among the variants and obtain the cost-optimal level. This has been found at the lowest
point of the curve describing the solutions for different technical variants and packages.
2.1. The Cases Study

This paper reports the study of a building located near Lecce (South Italy). This site is part of the
national climatic zone C (1153 degree-days) belonging to the Mediterranean area [35]. This climate is
characterized by non-extreme winters, having an average temperature of about 13 ◦ C, and hot and dry
Energies 2017, 10, 658 5 of 29
summers, having an average temperature of about 30.5 ◦ C [36]. Rainfall is usually concentrated in
autumn Energies
and winter,
2017, 10, while
658 spring and summer are arid [37]. In this region, the indoor temperature5 of 29 in a
◦
building is fixed at 20 C during the heating period from November to March and 26 C during the ◦
in a building is fixed at 20 °C during the heating period from November to March and 26 °C during
cooling period.
the cooling period.
The studied building is composed of two units (Figure 1). Considering the building outer
The studied building is composed of two units (Figure 1). Considering the building outer shell
shell structure,
structure,the
thesame
same geometrical features
geometrical features areare considered
considered for for
bothboth the three-star
the three-star hoteltheand the
hotel and
multi-residential building.
multi-residential building.
Figure 1. Geometrical features and 3D view of the reference building.

Figure 1. Geometrical features and 3D view of the reference building.
The envelope materials are those typically used in local traditional constructions. In more
detail, the external walls are composed of 25 cm thick bricks, slabs are made of bricks, the roof
The envelope materials are those typically used in local traditional constructions. In more detail,
consists of reinforced concrete with a local limestone (Cursi Stone) and the floor is composed of
the external walls are composed of 25 cm thick bricks, slabs are made of bricks, the roof consists of
gravel and tiles (Table 1).
reinforced concrete with a local limestone (Cursi Stone) and the floor is composed of gravel and tiles
(Table 1).
Energies 2017, 10, 658 6 of 29
Table 1. Materials used in the existing building.
t λ c $ d
Element (Int. to Ext.)
(m) (W/mK) (J/kgK) (kg/m3 ) (m)
slab 0.250 0.800 1110 1500
concrete 0.100 0.120 1350 400
cover slab 0.100 1.700 850 2300 0.50
sand-tuff
tuff 0.050 0.550 850 1600
plaster 0.010 0.600 900 1300
external wall brick 0.250 0.360 880 850 0.270
plaster 0.010 0.600 900 1300
plaster 0.010 0.600 900 1300
wall unheated
brick 0.250 0.360 880 850 0.27
zone plaster 0.010 0.600 900 1300
slab 0.250 0.800 1110 1500
internal slab concrete 0.050 1.330 1110 2000 0.32
tile 0.015 1.300 840 2300
plaster 0.020 0.600 900 1300
internal wall tuff 0.250 1.700 850 2300 0.29
plaster 0.020 0.600 900 1300
tiles in grès 0.015 1.300 840 2300
floor concrete 0.050 1.330 1110 2000 0.17
gravel 0.100 0.800 1110 1500
The selected reference building is a real existing building, located in a specific place. The analyzed
building at the current status presents a skeleton structure, not equipped with windows and
technological systems. Aluminum frames with no thermal breaks and single float glasses have been
selected for all windows. A different system has been selected for the two different units. The main
air conditioning season is summer, therefore the installation of splits is chosen for the cooling period,
while boilers and radiators have been selected for residential use. Each housing unit consists of an
entrance-living room, a cooking area, a bathroom and a bedroom. The building has been divided into
two blocks having a shape factor (S/V) equal to 0.76 and 0.78, respectively. Renewable energy sources
and controlled mechanical ventilation plants are not present in the building.
2.2. Energy Efficiency Measures

Different energy efficiency measures have been applied to walls, windows and technical systems,
considered as technical variants to obtain several combinations to be compared.
The external walls have a huge impact on the energy performance of a building because they
control the heat transmission between the indoors and the outdoors.
Eight wall typologies (Table 2) have been considered to improve the building efficiency.
Table 2. Stratigraphy of walls variants.
Wall Variant t (m) Wall Variant t (m) From Internal to External Side λ (W/mK) c (J/kgK) $ (kg/m3 )
PL_1 0.02 PL_1 0.02 Lime and gypsum 0.7 900 1300
BR_0 0.25 BR_0 0.25 Perforated brick 0.36 880 850
WALL 1 WALL 5
INS_1 0.1 INS_1 0.06 Rock wool 0.036 1030 60
WALL 2 WALL 6
INS_2 0.1 INS_2 0.06 Insulating polyurethane foam 0.03 1260 40
PL_2 0.04 PL_2 0.04 Natural hydraulic lime 0.7 930 1400
WALL 3 WALL 7
INS_3 0.1 INS_3 0.06 Hemp fibers 0.03 2200 38
Energies 2017, 10, 658 7 of 29
Table 2. Stratigraphy of walls variants.
Wall Variant t (m) Wall Variant t (m) From Internal to External Side λ (W/mK) c (J/kgK) $ (kg/m3 )
WALL 4 WALL 8
INS_4 0.1 INS_4 0.06 Wood and hemp fiber panels. 0.038 2100 50
In more details, walls 1 to 4 have 10 cm thickness insulating material. Walls 5 to 8 are characterized
by the same materials but have 6 cm of insulating layer. The plaster variants are the lime gypsum
(PL_1) and the natural hydraulic lime (PL_2). The insulating variants are rock wool (INS_1), polyurethane
foam (INS_2), hemp fibers (INS_3) and wood combined with hemp fiber panels (INS_4). The matching of
plaster and insulating materials has been chosen to combine together natural and non-natural materials.
Compared to the base scenario, a variation of the original layers has been considered for both
slab and roof. In details, as shown in Table 3, the cover slab consists of plaster, slab, concrete screed,
extruded polystyrene panel, sand and natural stone. The floor is made of tiles in grès, concrete,
expanded polystyrene, igloo, concrete screed and gravel.
Table 3. Slab and floor stratigraphy.
From Internal to t λ c $
Type
External Side (m) (W/mK) (J/kgK) (kg/m3 )
plaster 0.02 0.8 1130 1800
slab 0.25 0.8 1110 1500
cover slab concrete screed 0.06 0.12 1350 400
XPS 0.10 0.04 1450 38
sand 0.04 0.75 1110 1800
natural stone 0.05 0.55 850 1600
grès 0.01 1.3 840 2300
concrete 0.08 2.1 1060 2380
concrete 0.05 2.1 1060 2380
Floor EPS 0.06 0.044 1500 11
Igloo 0.16 0.072 850 1000
concrete screed 0.05 0.67 1100 1700
gravel 0.01 0.7 900 1800
The windows are critical elements because they control solar gains, heat losses and thermal
bridges [38]. Energy improvements can be reached using specific solutions to reduce heat transfer.
Among them, the application of a gas layer having a thermal conductivity lower than air;
the introduction of a low emissivity coating film; and the addition of buffering spaces with multi
glazing systems, using materials such as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood, and aluminum [39]. For this
study, two different window types have been chosen as variants. As shown in Table 4, the windows are
double glazed with argon; the spacer is made of aluminum. The difference between the WINDOW_01
and the WINDOW_02 is the material of the frame, PVC and wood, respectively.
Table 4. Windows typologies adopted as variant.
ID Element Type Properties

glass Double—6-16-6 (argon) g = 0.3 U = 1.4 W/m2 K
WINDOW_01 frame PVC—double chamber L = 4 cm Uf = 1.3 W/m2 K
spacer aluminum ψ = 0.11 W/mK s = 1.2 cm
glass double—6-16-6 (argon) g = 0.3 U = 1.4 W/m2 K
WINDOW_02 frame Wood L = 10 cm Uf = 1 W/m2 K
spacer aluminum ψ = 0.11 W/mK s = 1.2 cm
Eight possible technical solutions have been evaluated to improve the energy efficiency of the
reference buildings, both for REF 1 and REF 2 (Table 5). As mentioned above, the reference building is
composed by two blocks.
Energies 2017, 10, 658 8 of 29
Table 5. Technical systems description.
Generation
Energy Unit Number Ph Pc Th,out Tw,out

Ref Id Description Heat Source η-COP SEER
Vector BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 (kW) (kW) (◦ C) (◦ C)
GEN_0 split electricity air 8|8 - 2600 35 - - 4.6
GEN_1 VRF split electricity air 2|2 25 22.4 35 - 5.12 3.92
REF 1 GEN_2 active heat recovery electricity air 4|4 5.02 3.96 40 - 4.15 2.83
GEN_3 heat pump electricity air 2|2 40.9 35.3 45 50 3.5 3.53
GEN_4 heat pump electricity ground 2|2 39.3 32.4 35 50 4.3 4.63
GEN_0 boiler methane gas - 1 85 - 80 - 0.92 -
GEN_1 heat pump (fan) electricity air 1|1 13.8 11.7 45 50 3.19 3.83
REF 2 GEN_2 heat pump (fan) electricity ground 1|1 11.6 10.4 45 50 3.92 4.85
GEN_3 heat pump (rad. pan.) electricity air 1|1 14.3 13.0 35 50 4.07 5.44
GEN_4 heat pump (pan. rad.) electricity ground 1|1 9.36 10.5 35 50 5.26 5.38
Emission
Unit Number ηe ηd ηr ηs Heating Cooling
Ref Id Description
n. (%) (%) (%) (%) Flow Working Flow Working
EMI_0 split 16 94 95 99 100 - - 200–400 m3 /h intermittent
EMI_1 split 40 94 95 99 100 400–600 m3 /h intermittent 400–600 m3 /h intermittent
vents|channelized
61|1 94 95 99 100 - - 400–600 m3 /h intermittent
split type 1
EMI_2 vents|channelized
61|15 94 95 99 100 - - 400–600 m3 /h intermittent
split type 2
REF 1
vents|channelized
61|1 94 95 99 100 - - >800 m3 /h intermittent
split type 3
fan coil type 1 3 200–400 m3 /h 200–400 m3 /h
fan coil type 2 8
EMI_3 96 95 99 100 400–600 m3 /h intermittent 400–600 m3 /h intermittent
fan coil type 3 28
fan coil type 4 2 >800 m3 /h >800 m3 /h
EMI_0 radiator 50 92 90 93 100 - intermittent - -
REF 2 EMI_1 fan coil 42 96 95 99 100 200–400 m3 /h intermittent 200–400 m3 /h intermittent
EMI_2 Vents|radiant panels 80–670 (m2 ) 94 95 99 100
Energies 2017, 10, 658 9 of 29
Table 5. Cont.
Distribution
Subsystem Type Electricity Power (W) Speed Working
Ref Id Description
Heating Cooling Heating Cooling Heating Cooling Heating Cooling
DIS_0 split - electric pump and fan - 14400 - constant - intermittent
electric pump
DIS_1 split electric pump and fan 18 18 variable variable intermittent intermittent
and fan
vents|channelized
- electric pump and fan - 730 - variable - intermittent
split
DIS_2 vents|channelized
REF 1 - electric pump and fan - 1010 - variable - intermittent
split
vents|channelized
- electric pump and fan - 2210 - variable - intermittent
split
fan coil type 1–2 fan fan 27 27 variable variable intermittent intermittent
DIS_3 fan coil type 3 fan fan 48 48 variable variable intermittent intermittent
fan coil type 4 fan fan 83 83 variable variable intermittent intermittent
DIS_0 radiator electric pump - 2800 - constant - intermittent -
REF 2 DIS_1 fan coil fan fan 35 35 variable variable intermittent intermittent
DIS_2 Vents—radiant panels
Ventilation
Unit Number qv,e qv,tot ηθw,d ηθs,d SFPd VN tB
Ref Id Description
BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 (m3 /h) (m3 /h) (%) (%) (Wh/m3 ) (m3 ) (h/d)
VEN_0 no vent.
REF 1 VEN_1 passive heat recovery (CMV) 2|2 1580 6320 54 47.5 0.64 2782.7 24
VEN_2 active heat recovery 4|4 650 5200 90 - 1.86 2782.7 24
VEN_0 no vent.
REF 2 VEN_1 passive heat recovery (CMV) 4|5 200 1800 87 50 0.29 2782.7 12
VEN_2 active heat recovery 4|5 200 120 1720 90 - 0.29 0.18 2782.7 12
Domestic Hot Water
Unit Number Wgn,w,in ηe,w ηd,w ηs,w V ti Tst hst
Ref Id Description
n. kW (%) (%) (%) (l) (cm) (◦ C) (h)
DHW_0 boiler 1 3 95 96 99 140 5.5 60 24
REF 1
DHW_1 dedicated hp 1 - - - - 80 4–8.5 55 24
DHW_0 boiler 1 12 95 96 99
REF 2 combined hp—solar
DHW_1 1 - 95 96 91 400 5 45 24
system
Energies 2017, 10, 658 10 of 29
Table 5. Cont.
Renewable Energy Sources

AN No Ppeak,panel Ppeak fs fN ηk
Ref Id Description
(m2) - (W) (kW) Degrees Degrees (%)
RES_0 no RES
SOL_1 solar thermal 2 8|8 - - 0 45 55
REF 1
PV_1 photovoltaic 1.5 10|10 230 2.3 0 30 17
PV_2 photovoltaic 1.5 15|15 230 3.45 0 30 17
RES_0 no RES
SOL_1 solar thermal 2 4|5 - - 0 45 55
REF 2
PV_1 photovoltaic 1.5 12|12 250 3 0 30 17
PV_2 photovoltaic 1.5 24|24 250 6 0 30 17
Energies 2017, 10, 658 11 of 29
Technical systems consist of different systems for: generation (GEN), emission (EMI),
distribution (DIS) and ventilation (VEN). These are combined with renewable energy systems that use
solar collector (SOL) and photovoltaic panels (PV) to produce domestic hot water and electricity.
For REF 1 (Table 6), in the first solution (TECH_01), the generation system consists of VRF
(Variant Refrigerant Flow), an efficient solution that guarantees high energy savings.
Table 6. Combination of technical solutions.
RES
REF ID Generation Emission Distribution Ventilation
SOL PV
TECH_01 GEN_1 EMI_1 DIS_1 VEN_1 SOL_1 PV_1
REF 1 TECH_04 GEN_4 EMI_3 DIS_3 VEN_1 SOL_1 PV_1
REF 2 TECH_04 GEN_4 EMI_2 DIS_2 VEN_2 SOL_1 PV_1
In relation to ventilation, controlled mechanical systems (CMV) have been chosen to guarantee
a continuous air replacement in the building. A dedicated heat pump provides domestic hot water.
These systems are combined with renewable energy sources through solar thermal and photovoltaic
panels for electricity.
In the second solution (TECH_02), the generation and ventilation systems consist of active heat
recoveries that expel the foul air and at the same time insert purified air. Emission and distribution
systems consist of vents and canalized splits. In addition, in this case, there is a dedicated heat
pump for domestic hot water. These systems use renewable sources through solar thermal and
photovoltaic panels.
In the third and fourth solutions, the generation system involves heat pumps that extract heat
from air (TECH_03) and through geothermal probes (TECH_04). In both these solutions the emission
and distribution systems are composed of fan coils. Solar thermal and photovoltaic panels are used for
domestic hot water and electricity. Technical solutions TECH_05 to TECH_08 differ from the solutions
previously described for the variants related to the photovoltaic system.
For REF 2 (Tables 5 and 6) in the first solution (TECH_01), the generation system consists of
an air condensed heat pump. The emission and distribution systems include fan coils. In relation
to ventilation, controlled mechanical ventilation systems (CMV) have been chosen to guarantee a
continuous air replacement while a heat pump has been used for domestic hot water. These systems
are combined with solar thermal and photovoltaic panels to produce hot water and electricity.
The second solution (TECH_02) is like the first except for the generation system that consists of a
geothermal heat pump.
In the third solution (TECH_03), the generation system consists of an air heat pump; the emission
and distribution systems consist of air duct systems (vents) and radiant panels. For ventilation,
active heat recovery has been selected. These technical systems are combined with renewable energy
sources, solar thermal and photovoltaic panels to produce hot water and electricity.
The fourth solution (TECH_04) is like the previous one, but the generation system is a geothermal
pump. The other four technical solutions differ from the previously only for the photovoltaic system.
Energies 2017, 10, 658 12 of 29
Table 7 presents a summary description of the several combinations obtained from a matrix
calculation for a total of 128 variant solutions for each block of the reference buildings.
Table 7. Summary description of variants combinations for each block of the reference buildings.
Technical Technical
Combo Insulating Plaster Window Combo Insulating Plaster Window
System System
C-01 INS_1 PL_1 WI_1 TECH_01 C-65 INS_5 PL_1 WI_1 TECH_01
Energies 2017, 10, 658 13 of 29
3. Results and Discussion

The results are presented in terms of energy efficiency and global costs, in accordance with the
Methodology (Section 2). In particular, the primary energy and the global cost have been calculated for
each block of the two reference buildings. The variants and packages have been combined applying
a matrix calculation to obtain as much as possible of high efficiency solutions. Below the values of
primary energy and global cost have been listed.
3.1. Energy Efficiency Improvements

The aim of the calculation is the evaluation of the annual energy primary demand, calculated using
the software ProCasaClima 2015 ver. 3.0. This tool is equipped by a series of Standard UNI for the
calculation of the energy, environmental and economic performances. The results obtained using this
software can be compared to those calculated with other dynamic tools [40].
Standards UNI TS 11300 (parts 1 and 2) [6], UNI EN ISO 13370 [41], and UNI EN 15459 [7] have
been used to calculate the final and primary energy consumption. The development of the energy
requirements has been carried out starting from the calculation of the net thermal energy, from which
thermal energy from solar collectors has been subtracted. The thermal energy, converted to energy
carriers (electricity and fuel) for each use (heating and cooling of environments, hot water, lighting,
and ventilation), has been reduced by subtracting the energy produced by photovoltaic panels. The last
step has been included the evaluation of the global primary energy using national conversion factors.
The energy uses are heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, and lighting. In addition,
CO2 emissions have been estimated according to the variants and technical combinations of reference
buildings 1 and 2. The reduction of both global primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions
have been derived and compared to the base case. Tables 8 and 9 show these results in detail: REF 1
block 1 + block 2, and REF 2 block 1 + block 2. The final values for each solution define the primary
energy (PE, kWh/m2 y) and the global cost (€/m2 ), which represents the abscissa and the ordinate of
the global cost curve. The definition of the curve allows evaluating the lowest point, i.e., identifying
the best solution.
3.2. Global Cost Evaluation

The software ProCasaClima 2015 ver.3.0 has been used to estimate global costs calculated as the
sum of initial investments and annual costs. Initial investments are for the efficiency measures of the
building envelope and technical systems, while annual costs consider replacement and operating costs.
In accordance with the regulation [4], financial and macroeconomic calculations have been assessed.
The financial analysis comprises final costs including Value-Added Tax (VAT) and all taxes without
abatement costs of greenhouse gasses. The macroeconomic analysis considers CO2 emission costs
and excludes taxes and incentives. Table 10 show the global costs of the two blocks for the reference
building 1, while Table 11 refers to the reference building 2.
Energies 2017, 10, 658 14 of 29
Table 8. Primary energy and CO2 emissions values for Reference building 1.
BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction

REF 1 CO2 PEi CO2 PEi CO2 PEi CO2 PEi REF 1 CO2 PEi CO2 PEi CO2 PEi CO2 PEi
kgCO2 /m2 y kWh/m2 y (%) (%) kgCO2 /m2 y kWh/m2 y (%) (%) kgCO2 /m2 y kWh/m2 y (%) (%) kgCO2 /m2 y kWh/m2 y (%) (%)
C-01 61 187 47% 47% 59 180 46% 46% C-65 62 187 47% 47% 59 179 46% 46%
C-02 124 374 −7% −7% 119 359 −8% −8% C-66 125 378 −8% −8% 122 370 −11% −11%
C-03 62 189 47% 46% 60 182 45% 45% C-67 62 190 47% 46% 60 181 45% 46%
C-04 62 188 47% 46% 60 182 45% 46% C-68 62 189 47% 46% 59 181 46% 46%
C-05 58 175 50% 50% 56 169 49% 49% C-69 58 175 50% 50% 55 168 50% 50%
C-06 120 362 −3% −4% 115 349 −5% −4% C-70 121 366 −4% −5% 119 360 −8% −8%
C-07 58 177 50% 49% 56 172 49% 49% C-71 58 178 50% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
C-08 58 177 50% 50% 56 171 49% 49% C-72 58 177 50% 49% 56 170 49% 49%
C-09 61 187 47% 47% 59 180 46% 46% C-73 61 187 47% 47% 59 179 46% 46%
C-10 123 373 −6% −7% 118 356 −7% −7% C-74 124 376 −7% −8% 119 361 −8% −8%
C-11 62 189 47% 46% 60 182 45% 45% C-75 62 189 47% 46% 60 181 45% 46%
C-12 62 189 47% 46% 60 182 45% 46% C-76 62 189 47% 46% 59 181 46% 46%
C-13 58 175 50% 50% 56 169 49% 49% C-77 58 175 50% 50% 55 168 50% 50%
C-14 119 361 −3% −3% 114 345 −4% −3% C-78 120 365 −3% −4% 117 356 −6% −6%
C-15 58 178 50% 49% 56 172 49% 49% C-79 58 178 50% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
C-16 58 177 50% 50% 56 171 49% 49% C-80 58 177 50% 50% 56 170 49% 49%
C-17 62 188 47% 46% 60 182 45% 46% C-81 62 188 47% 46% 59 180 46% 46%
C-18 123 373 −6% −7% 118 356 −7% −7% C-82 124 377 −7% −8% 121 366 −10% −10%
C-19 63 191 46% 45% 61 184 45% 45% C-83 63 191 46% 45% 60 182 45% 46%
C-20 63 190 46% 46% 60 183 45% 45% C-84 63 190 46% 46% 60 181 45% 46%
C-21 58 177 50% 50% 56 171 49% 49% C-85 58 177 50% 50% 56 169 49% 49%
C-22 119 361 −3% −3% 114 345 −4% −3% C-86 121 365 −4% −4% 117 355 −6% −6%
C-23 59 179 49% 49% 57 173 48% 48% C-87 59 179 49% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
C-24 59 178 49% 49% 57 172 48% 48% C-88 59 178 49% 49% 56 170 49% 49%
C-25 62 188 47% 46% 60 182 45% 46% C-89 62 188 47% 46% 59 180 46% 46%
C-26 124 375 −7% −7% 119 360 −8% −8% C-90 125 378 −8% −8% 123 371 −12% −11%
C-27 63 191 46% 45% 61 184 45% 45% C-91 63 191 46% 45% 60 182 45% 45%
C-28 63 190 46% 46% 60 183 45% 45% C-92 63 190 46% 46% 60 181 45% 46%
C-29 58 176 50% 50% 56 171 49% 49% C-93 58 177 50% 50% 56 169 49% 49%
C-30 120 363 −3% −4% 115 349 −5% −5% C-94 121 366 −4% −5% 119 360 −8% −8%
C-31 59 179 49% 49% 57 173 48% 48% C-95 59 179 49% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
C-32 59 178 49% 49% 57 172 48% 48% C-96 59 178 49% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
C-33 61 187 47% 47% 59 180 46% 46% C-97 61 187 47% 47% 59 179 46% 47%
C-34 123 374 −6% −7% 119 359 −8% −8% C-98 125 377 −8% −8% 122 370 −11% −11%
C-35 62 189 47% 46% 60 182 45% 45% C-99 62 189 47% 46% 60 181 45% 46%
C-36 62 188 47% 46% 60 181 45% 46% C-100 62 189 47% 46% 59 180 46% 46%
C-37 58 175 50% 50% 56 169 49% 49% C-101 58 175 50% 50% 55 168 50% 50%
C-38 120 362 −3% −3% 115 348 −5% −4% C-102 121 366 −4% −4% 119 359 −8% −8%
C-39 58 177 50% 49% 56 171 49% 49% C-103 58 177 50% 49% 56 170 49% 49%
Energies 2017, 10, 658 15 of 29
Table 8. Cont.

C-40 58 177 50% 50% 56 171 49% 49% C-104 58 177 50% 50% 56 170 49% 49%
C-41 61 187 47% 47% 59 180 46% 46% C-105 61 187 47% 47% 59 179 46% 46%
C-42 123 372 −6% −6% 118 356 −7% −7% C-106 124 376 −7% −7% 121 366 −10% −10%
C-43 62 189 47% 46% 60 182 45% 46% C-107 62 189 47% 46% 60 181 45% 46%
C-44 62 188 47% 46% 60 181 45% 46% C-108 62 189 47% 46% 59 181 46% 46%
C-45 57 175 51% 50% 56 169 49% 49% C-109 58 175 50% 50% 55 168 50% 50%
C-46 119 361 −3% −3% 114 345 −4% −3% C-110 120 364 −3% −4% 117 355 −6% −6%
C-47 58 177 50% 49% 56 171 49% 49% C-111 58 177 50% 49% 56 170 49% 49%
C-48 58 176 50% 50% 56 170 49% 49% C-112 58 177 50% 50% 56 170 49% 49%
C-49 62 188 47% 46% 60 181 45% 46% C-113 62 188 47% 46% 59 180 46% 46%
C-50 123 373 −6% −6% 117 356 −6% −6% C-114 124 376 −7% −7% 121 366 −10% −9%
C-51 63 191 46% 45% 60 184 45% 45% C-115 63 191 46% 46% 60 182 45% 45%
C-52 63 190 46% 46% 60 183 45% 45% C-116 62 190 47% 46% 60 181 45% 46%
C-53 58 176 50% 50% 56 171 49% 49% C-117 58 176 50% 50% 56 169 49% 49%
C-54 119 361 −3% −3% 114 345 −4% −3% C-118 120 364 −3% −4% 117 355 −6% −6%
C-55 59 179 49% 49% 57 173 48% 48% C-119 59 179 49% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
C-56 59 178 49% 49% 57 172 48% 48% C-120 59 178 49% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
C-57 62 188 47% 46% 60 182 45% 46% C-121 62 188 47% 46% 59 180 46% 46%
C-58 124 374 −7% −7% 119 360 −8% −8% C-122 125 378 −8% −8% 122 371 −11% −11%
C-59 63 191 46% 46% 61 184 45% 45% C-123 63 191 46% 45% 60 182 45% 46%
C-60 62 190 47% 46% 60 183 45% 45% C-124 63 190 46% 46% 60 181 45% 46%
C-61 58 176 50% 50% 56 171 49% 49% C-125 58 176 50% 50% 56 169 49% 49%
C-62 120 362 −3% −4% 115 349 −5% −5% C-126 121 366 −4% −5% 119 360 −8% −8%
C-63 59 179 49% 49% 57 173 48% 48% C-127 59 179 49% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
C-64 59 178 49% 49% 57 172 48% 48% C-128 59 178 49% 49% 56 171 49% 49%
Energies 2017, 10, 658 16 of 29
Table 9. Primary energy and CO2 emissions values for Reference building 2.

C-01 14 42 85% 89% 14 43 87% 90% C-65 16 49 83% 87% 17 52 84% 87%
C-02 11 34 88% 91% 11 35 90% 92% C-66 13 40 86% 89% 14 43 87% 90%
C-03 13 40 86% 89% 13 41 88% 90% C-67 15 46 84% 88% 16 49 85% 88%
C-04 12 38 87% 90% 13 41 88% 90% C-68 14 43 85% 89% 16 49 85% 88%
C-05 8 27 92% 93% 9 28 92% 93% C-69 11 33 88% 91% 12 37 89% 91%
C-06 6 19 94% 95% 6 21 94% 95% C-70 8 25 92% 93% 9 29 92% 93%
C-07 7 21 93% 94% 7 24 93% 94% C-71 8 27 92% 93% 10 31 91% 93%
C-08 6 19 94% 95% 7 24 93% 94% C-72 7 23 93% 94% 10 31 91% 93%
C-09 13 41 86% 89% 13 40 88% 90% C-73 15 46 84% 88% 16 49 85% 88%
C-10 10 32 89% 91% 10 33 91% 92% C-74 12 38 87% 90% 13 40 88% 90%
C-11 12 39 87% 90% 12 39 89% 91% C-75 14 44 85% 88% 15 46 86% 89%
C-12 12 37 87% 90% 13 39 88% 91% C-76 13 41 86% 89% 15 46 86% 89%
C-13 8 25 92% 93% 8 25 92% 94% C-77 10 31 89% 92% 11 33 90% 92%
C-14 5 17 95% 95% 6 18 94% 96% C-78 7 22 93% 94% 8 26 92% 94%
C-15 6 20 94% 95% 7 22 93% 95% C-79 8 25 92% 93% 9 28 92% 93%
C-16 5 18 95% 95% 7 22 93% 95% C-80 7 22 93% 94% 9 28 92% 93%
C-17 13 41 86% 89% 13 40 88% 90% C-81 15 46 84% 88% 16 48 85% 88%
C-18 10 32 89% 91% 10 32 91% 92% C-82 12 37 87% 90% 13 40 88% 90%
C-19 12 39 87% 90% 12 39 89% 91% C-83 14 43 85% 88% 15 45 86% 89%
C-20 12 37 87% 90% 13 39 88% 91% C-84 13 41 86% 89% 15 46 86% 89%
C-21 8 24 92% 93% 8 25 92% 94% C-85 10 30 89% 92% 10 33 91% 92%
C-22 5 17 95% 96% 6 18 94% 96% C-86 7 22 93% 94% 8 25 92% 94%
C-23 6 20 94% 95% 7 21 93% 95% C-87 8 24 92% 94% 9 28 92% 93%
C-24 5 18 95% 95% 7 22 93% 95% C-88 7 21 93% 94% 9 28 92% 93%
C-25 14 43 85% 89% 14 43 87% 90% C-89 16 50 83% 87% 17 53 84% 87%
C-26 11 34 88% 91% 11 36 90% 91% C-90 13 40 86% 89% 14 44 87% 90%
C-27 13 41 86% 89% 13 42 88% 90% C-91 15 46 84% 88% 16 49 85% 88%
C-28 12 38 87% 90% 13 42 88% 90% C-92 14 43 85% 89% 16 49 85% 88%
C-29 8 27 92% 93% 9 29 92% 93% C-93 11 34 88% 91% 12 37 89% 91%
C-30 6 19 94% 95% 7 21 93% 95% C-94 8 25 92% 93% 9 29 92% 93%
C-31 7 22 93% 94% 8 24 92% 94% C-95 8 27 92% 93% 10 32 91% 92%
C-32 6 19 94% 95% 8 24 92% 94% C-96 7 24 93% 94% 10 31 91% 92%
C-33 13 42 86% 89% 14 43 87% 90% C-97 16 49 83% 87% 17 52 84% 88%
C-34 11 33 88% 91% 11 35 90% 92% C-98 13 40 86% 89% 14 43 87% 90%
C-35 13 40 86% 89% 13 41 88% 90% C-99 15 45 84% 88% 16 48 85% 88%
C-36 12 38 87% 90% 13 41 88% 90% C-100 13 42 86% 89% 16 48 85% 88%
C-37 8 26 92% 93% 9 28 92% 93% C-101 10 33 89% 91% 12 37 89% 91%
C-38 6 18 94% 95% 6 21 94% 95% C-102 8 24 92% 93% 9 29 92% 93%
C-39 6 21 94% 94% 7 24 93% 94% C-103 8 26 92% 93% 10 31 91% 93%
C-40 6 18 94% 95% 7 24 93% 94% C-104 7 23 93% 94% 10 31 91% 93%
C-41 13 40 86% 89% 13 40 88% 90% C-105 15 46 84% 88% 16 48 85% 88%
Energies 2017, 10, 658 17 of 29
Table 9. Cont.

C-42 10 32 89% 91% 10 32 91% 92% C-106 12 37 87% 90% 13 40 88% 90%
C-43 12 38 87% 90% 12 39 89% 91% C-107 14 43 85% 88% 15 46 86% 89%
C-44 12 36 87% 90% 12 39 89% 91% C-108 13 40 86% 89% 15 46 86% 89%
C-45 7 24 93% 94% 8 25 92% 94% C-109 9 30 91% 92% 11 33 90% 92%
C-46 5 16 95% 96% 6 18 94% 96% C-110 7 22 93% 94% 8 26 92% 94%
C-47 6 19 94% 95% 7 21 93% 95% C-111 8 24 92% 94% 9 28 92% 93%
C-48 5 17 95% 95% 7 22 93% 95% C-112 7 21 93% 94% 9 28 92% 93%
C-49 13 40 86% 89% 13 40 88% 91% C-113 15 46 84% 88% 15 48 86% 89%
C-50 10 32 89% 91% 10 32 91% 92% C-114 12 37 87% 90% 13 39 88% 91%
C-51 12 38 87% 90% 12 39 89% 91% C-115 14 43 85% 88% 14 45 87% 89%
C-52 12 36 87% 90% 12 39 89% 91% C-116 13 40 86% 89% 15 45 86% 89%
C-53 7 24 93% 94% 8 25 92% 94% C-117 9 30 91% 92% 10 33 91% 92%
C-54 5 16 95% 96% 5 18 95% 96% C-118 7 22 93% 94% 8 25 92% 94%
C-55 6 19 94% 95% 7 21 93% 95% C-119 7 24 93% 94% 9 28 92% 93%
C-56 5 17 95% 95% 7 21 93% 95% C-120 6 21 94% 94% 9 28 92% 93%
C-57 14 42 85% 89% 14 43 87% 90% C-121 16 49 83% 87% 17 52 84% 87%
C-58 11 34 88% 91% 11 35 90% 92% C-122 13 40 86% 89% 14 43 87% 90%
C-59 13 40 86% 89% 13 41 88% 90% C-123 15 46 84% 88% 16 49 85% 88%
C-60 12 38 87% 90% 13 42 88% 90% C-124 14 42 85% 89% 16 49 85% 88%
C-61 8 26 92% 93% 9 28 92% 93% C-125 10 33 89% 91% 12 37 89% 91%
C-62 6 19 94% 95% 6 21 94% 95% C-126 8 25 92% 93% 9 29 92% 93%
C-63 7 21 93% 94% 7 24 93% 94% C-127 8 27 92% 93% 10 31 91% 92%
C-64 6 19 94% 95% 8 24 92% 94% C-128 7 23 93% 94% 10 31 91% 93%
Energies 2017, 10, 658 18 of 29
Table 10. Global cost for Reference building 1.
REF 1 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 REF 1 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2

Combo Class GCf (€/m2 ) GCm (€/m2 ) Class GCf (€/m2 ) GCm (€/m2 ) Combo Class GCf (€/m2 ) GCm (€/m2 ) Class GCf (€/m2 ) GCm (€/m2 )
C-01 C €1665.07 €1518.90 C €1538.90 €1410.20 C-65 D €1649.97 €1507.80 D €1522.46 €1396.28
C-02 D €2438.04 €2404.97 C €2276.36 €2251.61 C-66 D €2431.65 €2402.57 C €2290.68 €2271.83
C-03 C €2065.90 €1847.77 C €1774.81 €1607.23 C-67 D €2050.67 €1835.41 D €1758.18 €1593.12
C-04 C €1993.62 €1791.64 C €1706.31 €1550.70 C-68 D €1978.55 €1779.44 D €1689.99 €1535.78
C-05 C €1675.82 €1518.83 C €1548.69 €1409.83 C-69 D €1660.72 €1506.59 D €1532.25 €1394.78
C-06 D €2448.80 €2403.76 C €2286.15 €2250.11 C-70 D €2442.40 €2401.37 C €2300.47 €2271.46
C-07 C €2076.65 €1846.57 C €1784.60 €1605.73 C-71 D €2061.42 €1834.21 D €1767.96 €1591.62
C-08 C €2004.37 €1790.44 C €1716.09 €1549.20 C-72 D €1989.30 €1778.23 D €1699.78 €1535.40
C-09 C €1795.38 €1625.78 C €1653.08 €1503.79 C-73 D €1730.15 €1572.30 D €1593.38 €1454.42
C-10 D €2565.11 €2507.48 C €2381.91 €2335.44 C-74 D €2508.67 €2463.92 C €2336.09 €2316.10
C-11 C €2196.25 €1954.69 C €1889.05 €1700.88 C-75 D €2130.89 €1901.09 D €1829.17 €1651.32
C-12 C €2123.89 €1898.48 C €1820.43 €1644.23 C-76 D €2058.73 €1845.07 D €1760.86 €1593.86
C-13 C €1806.13 €1625.70 C €1662.86 €1503.41 C-77 D €1740.90 €1572.22 D €1603.17 €1452.92
C-14 D €2575.86 €2506.27 C €2391.70 €2333.94 C-78 D €2519.42 €2462.71 C €2360.90 €2316.85
C-15 C €2207.00 €1953.48 C €1898.84 €1699.38 C-79 D €2141.65 €1899.88 D €1838.96 €1649.82
C-16 C €2134.64 €1897.28 C €1830.22 €1642.73 C-80 D €2069.48 €1843.86 D €1770.65 €1593.49
C-17 C €1754.06 €1593.81 C €1617.23 €1476.30 C-81 D €1738.20 €1580.80 C €1598.24 €1458.68
C-18 D €2519.95 €2470.54 C €2341.33 €2302.09 C-82 D €2512.67 €2467.24 C €2353.07 €2319.72
C-19 C €2154.98 €1922.78 C €1853.26 €1673.44 C-83 D €2139.01 €1909.65 C €1834.08 €1655.64
C-20 C €2082.52 €1866.46 C €1784.57 €1615.59 C-84 D €2066.73 €1853.52 C €1765.66 €1599.20
C-21 C €1764.81 €1592.60 C €1627.02 €1474.79 C-85 D €1748.95 €1579.60 C €1608.03 €1458.31
C-22 D €2530.70 €2469.34 C €2351.12 €2300.58 C-86 D €2523.42 €2467.16 C €2362.86 €2318.21
C-23 C €2165.74 €1921.57 C €1863.05 €1671.94 C-87 D €2149.76 €1908.45 C €1843.87 €1654.14
C-24 C €2093.28 €1865.26 C €1794.35 €1615.22 C-88 D €2077.48 €1852.31 C €1775.45 €1597.69
C-25 C €1759.76 €1598.40 C €1622.80 €1480.89 C-89 D €1734.65 €1577.92 D €1595.51 €1456.54
C-26 D €2529.83 €2480.43 C €2357.85 €2318.76 C-90 D €2513.53 €2469.89 C €2362.90 €2332.39
C-27 C €2160.64 €1927.32 C €1858.75 €1677.95 C-91 D €2135.40 €1906.72 D €1831.27 €1653.42
C-28 C €2088.27 €1871.10 C €1790.18 €1620.22 C-92 D €2063.22 €1850.68 D €1763.01 €1597.13
C-29 C €1770.51 €1597.20 C €1632.59 €1479.38 C-93 D €1745.40 €1576.71 D €1605.30 €1456.17
C-30 D €2540.58 €2479.23 C €2367.64 €2317.25 C-94 D €2524.28 €2468.68 C €2372.69 €2330.88
C-31 C €2171.39 €1926.11 C €1868.53 €1676.45 C-95 D €2171.84 €1905.51 D €1841.06 €1651.92
C-32 C €2099.02 €1869.89 C €1799.96 €1619.85 C-96 D €2073.97 €1849.48 D €1772.80 €1595.63
C-33 C €1676.22 €1528.06 C €1548.11 €1418.45 C-97 D €1660.53 €1515.23 D €1531.14 €1404.00
C-34 D €2447.60 €2411.40 C €2285.06 €2259.35 C-98 D €2441.44 €2410.36 C €2299.47 €2279.66
C-35 C €2076.92 €1856.79 C €1783.91 €1615.37 C-99 D €2061.10 €1843.84 D €1766.76 €1600.73
C-36 C €2004.89 €1800.91 C €1715.61 €1559.04 C-100 D €1989.22 €1788.10 D €1698.76 €1543.58
C-37 C €1686.98 €1527.98 C €1557.90 €1418.08 C-101 D €1671.28 €1515.15 D €1540.93 €1402.50
C-38 D €2458.36 €2411.32 C €2294.85 €2257.84 C-102 D €2452.19 €2409.16 C €2309.26 €2279.28
C-39 C €2087.67 €1855.58 C €1793.70 €1613.87 C-103 D €2071.85 €1842.64 D €1776.54 €1599.23
C-40 C €2015.64 €1799.70 C €1725.40 €1557.53 C-104 D €1999.97 €1786.90 D €1708.55 €1543.21
Energies 2017, 10, 658 19 of 29
Table 10. Cont.

C-42 D €2574.65 €2515.02 C €2390.57 €2343.14 C-106 D €2518.30 €2471.54 C €2359.67 €2325.94
C-43 C €2206.63 €1963.07 C €1897.57 €1708.44 C-107 D €2141.94 €1910.13 D €1838.30 €1659.49
C-44 C €2134.52 €1907.11 C €1829.15 €1651.99 C-108 D €2070.02 €1854.35 D €1770.19 €1602.23
C-45 C €1816.65 €1633.09 C €1671.49 €1511.08 C-109 D €1752.08 €1581.40 D €1612.41 €1461.19
C-46 D €2585.40 €2513.81 C €2400.36 €2341.64 C-110 D €2529.05 €2470.34 C €2369.46 €2324.44
C-47 C €2217.38 €1961.87 C €1907.36 €1706.93 C-111 D €2152.69 €1908.93 D €1848.09 €1657.99
C-48 C €2145.28 €1905.91 C €1838.94 €1650.48 C-112 D €2080.77 €1853.15 D €1775.52 €1601.85
C-49 C €1764.58 €1602.33 C €1626.14 €1484.24 C-113 D €1748.09 €1588.69 C €1608.13 €1467.61
C-50 D €2529.60 €2478.19 C €2350.04 €2308.71 C-114 D €2522.31 €2474.88 C €2361.90 €2327.58
C-51 C €2165.37 €1931.16 C €1862.06 €1680.15 C-115 D €2148.76 €1917.41 C €1843.87 €1664.47
C-52 C €2093.16 €1875.10 C €1793.53 €1623.60 C-116 D €2076.73 €1860.39 C €1775.65 €1608.22
C-53 C €1775.33 €1601.12 C €1635.92 €1482.74 C-117 D €1758.84 €1587.49 C €1617.92 €1467.24
C-54 D €2540.35 €2476.98 C €2359.83 €2308.33 C-118 D €2533.06 €2473.67 C €2371.69 €2326.08
C-55 C €2176.12 €1929.96 C €1871.84 €1679.77 C-119 D €2159.52 €1916.20 C €1853.66 €1662.97
C-56 C €2103.91 €1873.89 C €1803.32 €1623.22 C-120 D €2087.48 €1860.31 C €1785.44 €1606.72
C-57 C €1770.29 €1606.93 C €1632.02 €1489.14 C-121 D €1745.21 €1586.49 D €1604.77 €1464.84
C-58 D €2539.44 €2488.04 C €2366.60 €2326.54 C-122 D €2523.18 €2477.54 C €2371.70 €2339.09
C-59 C €2171.03 €1935.71 C €1867.86 €1686.09 C-123 D €2145.84 €1915.15 D €1840.43 €1661.61
C-60 C €2098.91 €1878.61 C €1799.48 €1628.57 C-124 D €2073.90 €1859.36 D €1772.36 €1605.51
C-61 C €1781.04 €1605.73 C €1641.81 €1487.64 C-125 D €1755.97 €1585.28 D €1614.56 €1464.46
C-62 D €2550.19 €2453.23 C €2376.38 €2325.03 C-126 D €2533.93 €2476.33 C €2381.48 €2338.72
C-63 C €2181.78 €1934.51 C €1877.64 €1684.59 C-127 D €2156.59 €1913.94 D €1850.22 €1660.11
C-64 C €2109.67 €1878.54 C €1809.27 €1628.19 C-128 D €2084.65 €1858.15 D €1782.14 €1604.01
Energies 2017, 10, 658 20 of 29
Table 11. Global cost for Reference building 2.

C-01 B €1073.99 €915.81 B €1013.21 €866.24 C-65 B €1075.85 €950.09 C €1023.55 €882.49
C-02 B €1133.03 €954.24 B €1093.92 €925.38 C-66 B €1133.06 €959.39 C €1101.21 €938.58
C-03 A €1118.55 €954.66 B €1074.14 €918.68 C-67 B €1117.10 €958.34 C €1079.41 €929.85
C-04 A €1201.68 €1020.62 B €1184.90 €1009.60 C-68 B €1197.59 €1021.66 C €1189.65 €1020.25
C-05 B €1144.71 €959.63 B €1076.57 €905.64 C-69 B €1146.00 €967.18 C €1085.27 €920.25
C-06 B €1205.36 €1000.80 B €1158.69 €966.19 C-70 B €1204.84 €1005.40 C €1165.33 €978.74
C-07 A €1181.26 €990.49 B €1130.96 €950.40 C-71 B €1179.66 €992.87 C €1136.25 €961.60
C-08 A €1263.97 €1045.77 B €1241.36 €1040.96 C-72 B €1259.94 €1045.73 C €1246.08 €1051.59
C-09 A €1199.24 €1043.80 B €1120.08 €951.39 C-73 B €1149.41 €980.68 B €1085.05 €930.08
C-10 A €1258.98 €1055.62 B €1201.72 €1011.46 C-74 B €1207.52 €1018.16 B €1163.88 €987.33
C-11 A €1244.19 €1055.75 B €1182.73 €1005.55 C-75 B €1192.26 €1017.82 B €1142.95 €979.47
C-12 A €1328.13 €1123.64 B €1293.65 €1097.75 C-76 B €1273.75 €1082.14 B €1253.39 €1070.07
C-13 A €1269.54 €1061.03 B €1184.06 €991.42 C-77 B €1220.04 €1025.54 B €1147.29 €968.35
C-14 A €1330.71 €1101.58 B €1266.86 €1053.77 C-78 B €1279.63 €1064.51 B €1228.25 €1027.74
C-15 A €1307.17 €1091.83 B €1239.42 €1038.27 C-79 B €1254.64 €1053.30 B €1199.88 €1011.31
C-16 A €1390.73 €1158.22 B €1349.99 €1129.00 C-80 B €1335.92 €1117.42 B €1309.96 €1101.55
C-17 A €1153.64 €979.12 A €1079.40 €917.94 C-81 B €1152.63 €983.23 B €1087.14 €931.57
C-18 A €1213.33 €1018.20 A €1161.06 €978.04 C-82 B €1210.55 €1020.52 B €1166.08 €988.94
C-19 A €1198.43 €1018.21 B €1142.27 €972.31 C-83 B €1195.29 €1020.18 B €1145.20 €981.13
C-20 A €1282.47 €1086.20 B €1253.20 €1064.53 C-84 B €1276.95 €1084.67 B €1255.67 €1071.76
C-21 A €1223.70 €1023.42 A €1143.58 €958.16 C-85 B €1223.16 €1027.99 B €1149.41 €968.75
C-22 A €1284.79 €1063.89 A €1226.25 €1020.39 C-86 B €1282.71 €1066.91 B €1230.35 €1029.25
C-23 A €1261.40 €1054.29 B €1198.79 €1004.87 C-87 B €1257.58 €1055.57 B €1202.04 €1012.88
C-24 A €1345.09 €1120.80 B €1309.37 €1095.61 C-88 B €1339.04 €1119.87 B €1312.15 €1103.15
C-25 B €1165.77 €991.27 B €1094.11 €932.81 C-89 B €1157.52 €989.90 C €1095.47 €941.61
C-26 B €1224.62 €1029.51 B €1174.60 €991.72 C-90 B €1214.56 €1026.32 C €1172.95 €997.52
C-27 B €1210.04 €1029.83 B €1154.90 €1169.56 C-91 B €1198.56 €1025.24 C €1151.29 €988.93
C-28 B €1293.04 €1095.67 B €1265.63 €1075.98 C-92 B €1278.97 €1088.48 C €1261.51 €1079.31
C-29 B €1236.45 €1035.05 B €1157.52 €972.25 C-93 B €1227.67 €1034.29 C €1157.12 €979.31
C-30 B €1296.88 €1075.99 B €1239.35 €1033.64 C-94 B €1286.34 €1072.34 C €1237.01 €1037.62
C-31 B €1272.73 €1065.63 B €1211.61 €1017.84 C-95 B €1261.01 €1059.67 C €1207.99 €1020.55
C-32 B €1355.34 €1131.07 B €1321.98 €1108.37 C-96 B €1341.22 €1122.71 C €1317.80 €1110.52
C-33 B €1083.48 €922.18 B €1021.90 €873.98 C-97 B €1085.57 €930.51 C €1032.27 €890.24
C-34 B €1142.87 €962.07 B €1102.81 €933.31 C-98 B €1143.07 €967.39 C €1110.11 €946.52
C-35 A €1128.50 €962.62 B €1083.07 €926.64 C-99 B €1127.15 €966.39 C €1088.44 €937.92
C-36 A €1211.66 €1028.60 B €1193.82 €1017.55 C-100 B €1207.67 €1028.61 C €1198.68 €1028.31
C-37 B €1154.34 €967.27 B €1085.23 €913.34 C-101 B €1155.87 €973.91 C €1094.18 €928.19
C-38 B €1215.42 €1008.86 B €1167.74 €974.28 C-102 B €1215.20 €1013.76 C €1174.54 €986.98
C-39 A €1191.35 €997.44 B €1139.97 €958.46 C-103 B €1189.80 €1001.02 C €1145.31 €969.69
C-40 A €1274.09 €1053.88 B €1250.37 €1049.01 C-104 B €1270.11 €1053.90 C €1255.14 €1059.68
Energies 2017, 10, 658 21 of 29
Table 11. Cont.

C-41 A €1208.53 €1023.79 B €1128.78 €959.13 C-105 B €1159.05 €988.32 B €1093.78 €937.84
C-42 A €1268.60 €1063.24 B €1210.62 €1019.40 C-106 B €1217.48 €1026.13 B €1172.80 €995.29
C-43 A €1254.16 €1063.72 B €1191.65 €1013.50 C-107 B €1202.21 €1025.78 B €1151.95 €987.51
C-44 A €1338.13 €1131.64 B €1302.56 €1104.57 C-108 B €1283.73 €1090.12 B €1262.38 €1078.10
C-45 A €1279.08 €1067.44 B €1192.74 €999.13 C-109 B €1229.69 €1032.07 B €1156.21 €976.31
C-46 A €1340.68 €1109.56 B €1275.92 €1061.87 C-110 B €1289.75 €1072.63 B €1237.48 €1036.01
C-47 A €1317.25 €1099.91 B €1248.43 €1046.32 C-111 B €1264.77 €1061.44 B €1208.88 €1019.35
C-48 A €1400.84 €1166.33 B €1358.99 €1137.04 C-112 B €1346.09 €1125.58 B €1318.91 €1109.54
C-49 A €1163.03 €986.52 A €1088.11 €925.69 C-113 B €1162.10 €990.69 B €1095.87 €938.21
C-50 A €1223.06 €1025.92 A €1169.97 €985.98 C-114 B €1220.51 €1028.48 B €1175.00 €996.90
C-51 A €1208.43 €1026.21 B €1151.22 €980.30 C-115 B €1205.38 €1028.27 B €1154.18 €988.02
C-52 A €1292.50 €1094.23 B €1262.15 €1071.38 C-116 B €1287.07 €1092.79 B €1264.64 €1079.77
C-53 A €1233.34 €1029.93 A €1152.26 €965.88 C-117 B €1232.82 €1034.51 B €1158.27 €976.65
C-54 A €1294.86 €1071.96 A €1235.32 €1027.37 C-118 B €1292.79 €1075.00 B €1239.58 €1037.51
C-55 A €1271.49 €1062.38 B €1207.80 €1012.92 C-119 B €1267.78 €1062.65 B €1211.05 €1020.93
C-56 A €1355.18 €1128.89 B €1318.38 €1103.65 C-120 B €1349.27 €1126.96 B €1321.16 €1111.19
C-57 B €1175.28 €998.78 B €1102.96 €940.68 C-121 B €1167.25 €997.63 C €1104.26 €949.44
C-58 B €1234.45 €1037.33 B €1183.63 €999.79 C-122 B €1224.57 €1034.33 C €1181.93 €1005.54
C-59 B €1220.07 €1037.86 B €1163.88 €993.11 C-123 B €1208.64 €1033.33 C €1160.34 €997.02
C-60 B €1303.10 €1103.72 B €1274.61 €1083.99 C-124 B €1289.08 €1096.59 C €1270.56 €1087.39
C-61 B €1246.13 €1042.73 B €1166.26 €980.02 C-125 B €1237.54 €1041.03 C €1166.09 €987.31
C-62 B €1306.98 €1084.10 B €1248.44 €1040.64 C-126 B €1296.58 €1080.58 C €1246.28 €1045.93
C-63 B €1282.82 €1073.72 B €1220.64 €1024.78 C-127 B €1271.23 €1067.89 C €1217.06 €1028.65
C-64 B €1365.43 €1139.16 B €1331.01 €1116.43 C-128 B €1351.46 €1130.95 C €1326.86 €1118.61
Energies 2017, 10, 658 22 of 29
Energies 2017, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 22 of 29
3.3. Cost-Optimal Solutions

3.3. Cost-Optimal Solutions
The cost-optimal level has been derived in function of both primary energy (PE) and global costs
The cost-optimal level has been derived in function of both primary energy (PE) and global
from the financial and macroeconomic perspectives. The lowest point in the curve represents the
costs from the financial and macroeconomic perspectives. The lowest point in the curve represents
cost-optimal solution out of the applied variants.
the cost-optimal solution out of the applied variants.
ForFor
thethe
reference
referencebuilding
building1,1,aatotal
totalnumber
number ofof 256 combinations(128
256 combinations (128for
forfinancial
financial analysis
analysis andand
128128
forfor
macroeconomic
macroeconomic analysis) has been evaluated, both for blocks 1 and 2. REF 1 for block 1 has ahas
analysis) has been evaluated, both for blocks 1 and 2. REF 1 for block 1
a primary energyconsumption
consumptionofof 350 kWh/m 2 y and 116 kgCO /m2 y greenhouse gas emissions,
primary energy 350 kWh/m 2y and 116 kgCO2/m2y 2greenhouse gas emissions, falling
falling within the CasaClima energy class G. As showed
within the CasaClima energy class G. As showed in Figure in 2,
Figure
which2,includes
which includes
only the only
lowest the lowest
values
values obtained for this reference, the cost-optimal solution for this block results the combination
obtained for this reference, the cost-optimal solution for this block results the combination C-65, C-65,
having a primary energy 2 2
having a primary energyconsumption
consumptionof of187
187kWh/m
kWh/m2yyand andaaCOCO 2 emissions
2 emissions of of
62 62 kgCO
kgCO 2/m22/m
y. y.
Figure2.2.Cost-optimal
Figure Cost-optimallevel
level and
and best
best solutions
solutionsfor
forreference
referencebuilding
building1.1.
The average values of global costs of the two blocks are estimated at 1586.25 €/m2 for the
The average values of global costs of the two blocks are estimated at 1586.25 €/m2 for the financial
financial analysis and 1452.05 €/m for the macroeconomic analysis. A primary energy reduction of
2
analysis and 1452.05 €/m2 for the macroeconomic analysis. A primary energy reduction of 46% and
46% and CO2 emission reduction of 47% is obtained for this combination, which falls within the
COCasaClima
2 emissionenergy reductionclass of
D.47%
This isbestobtained
performingfor this combination,
combination which
includes wallfalls within
5 that the CasaClima
is characterized by
energy class D. This best performing combination includes wall 5 that
a thermal transmittance equal to 0.39 W/m k, surface mass of 246 kg/m , time shift of 10.7 h and
2 is 2characterized by a thermal
transmittance equal 2 2 , time shift of 10.7 h and thickness
thickness of 35 cm. to 0.39wool
Rook W/m of 6k,cm surface
thicknessmass of 246 kg/m
is selected as thermal insulator. The best window is
of type
35 cm. Rook wool ofby6 acm
1, characterized PVCthickness
frame with is selected
thermalastransmittance
thermal insulator.
of 1.3 W/m The2k.best windowthe
Regarding is type
best 1,
characterized 2
technology,by thea PVC frame with
generation system thermal
consiststransmittance
of VRF split, of 1.3
withW/m
split k.forRegarding
emission the andbest technology,
distribution
thesystems
generation
and system
CMV for consists of VRF
ventilation. split,
Eight with
solar split forand
collectors emission and distribution
ten photovoltaic panels systems
are the bestandRESCMV
forconfigurations.
ventilation. Eight solar collectors and ten photovoltaic panels are the best RES configurations.
TheThe base
base case
case ofof block2 2has
block hasa aprimary
primaryenergy
energyconsumption
consumption of 334 kWh/m kWh/m2y2 yand andCO CO 2 emissions
2 emissions
of 110
of 110 kgCO
kgCO 2/m
/m 2 y,
2y, falling within
falling within the CasaClima
CasaClima energy
energy class
classG.
G.After
After the
theimplementation
implementation of variants
of variants
2
of energy efficiency measures, the cost-optimal solution obtained for
of energy efficiency measures, the cost-optimal solution obtained for this block is the combinationthis block is the combination
C-65.This
C-65. Thiscombination
combination has has aaprimary
primaryenergy energy consumption
consumption of 179 kWh/m
of 179 kWh/m
2y and 2 yCO 2 emissions
and of 59
CO2 emissions
kgCO 2/m y. A
2 2 reduction of 46% both for primary energy consumption
of 59 kgCO2 /m y. A reduction of 46% both for primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions is and CO 2 emissions is
obtained
obtained forfor this
this combination,which
combination, whichfalls fallswithin
within the
the CasaClima
CasaClima energy
energyclassclassD.D.
For the reference building 2, 256 combinations
For the reference building 2, 256 combinations have been evaluated forhave been evaluated forblocks
blocks1 1and and2 2(128
(128for
forthe
the financial analysis and 128 for macroeconomic analysis).
financial analysis and 128 for macroeconomic analysis).
Energies 2017, 10, 658 23 of 29
The block 1 has aa primary

primary energy
energy consumption
consumptionof of374 kWh/m2yy and greenhouse gas emissions
374kWh/m
of 95 kgCO22/m 2 2
/my,y,falling
fallingwithin
withinthe theCasaClima
CasaClimaenergy
energy class
class G.
G. The
The cost-optimal
cost-optimal solution for block 1
is the combination
combination C-01 C-01 that
that shows
shows primary
primary energy
energyconsumption
consumptionof of42.4 kWh/m22y and greenhouse
42.4kWh/m
emission of
gas emission of 14 14 kgCO
kgCO2 /m 2
2/m y.
2
y. Global costs are 1074 €/m
Global costs 2
€/m and
2
and 915.8 €/m €/m22 for
for financial
financial and
macroeconomic perspective,
perspective,respectively.
respectively.The Theprimary
primary energy
energyreduction
reduction is assessed at 89%
is assessed and CO
at 89% and2
CO2 emission reduction at 85%, falling within the CasaClima energy class B. The envelope consiststhe
emission reduction at 85%, falling within the CasaClima energy class B. The envelope consists of of
wallwall
the 1 (U1=(U0.27 W/mW/m
= 0.27 k; Ms = 249 kg/m2 , ∆th=and
2k; M2s = 249 kg/m2, Δt = 11.4
11.4dh=and
39 cm).
d = 39 The selected
cm). rook wool
The selected is wool
rook a natural
is a
elementelement
natural and it and has ita has
good insulating
a good capacity.
insulating TheThe
capacity. windows
windows adopted
adoptedininthis thiscombination
combination are
windows WI_1 WI_1 that
that have
haveaaPVCPVCframeframewith
withthermal
thermaltransmittance
transmittanceofofUU 2
f f==1.3
1.3W/m
W/m k. The systems of
2
windows
combinationare
this combination are a heat
a heat pump pump with with airsource,
air heat heat source,
and fan andcoils fan
for thecoils for theand
emission emission and
distribution
with controlled mechanical ventilation systems (CMV). The cost-optimal solution has 4 solar collectors4
distribution with controlled mechanical ventilation systems (CMV). The cost-optimal solution has
solar12
and collectors and 12
photovoltaic photovoltaic panels.
panels.
Block 22 has
hasaaprimary
primaryenergy
energy consumption
consumption of 418 kWh/m
of 418 kWh/m2y and 2 y greenhouse
and greenhouse gas emission of 106
gas emission
kgCO 2 /m 2y, falling2
of 106 kgCO2 /m y, falling within the CasaClima energy class G. The cost-optimal solution is the
within the CasaClima energy class G. The cost-optimal solution is
combination C-01 (Figure 3) as in in block
block 1.
1.
Figure 3. Cost-optimal level and best solutions for reference building 2.

Figure 3. Cost-optimal level and best solutions for reference building 2.
This solution has an average primary energy consumption of 42.65 kWh/m2y and greenhouse
This solution
gas emission of 14haskgCO
an average primary energy consumption of 42.65 kWh/m2 y and greenhouse gas
2/m2y, with an average global costs of 1043.6 €/m2 and 890.6 €/m2 for
emission
financial and
2
of 14macroeconomic
kgCO2 /m y, with an average
perspective, 1043.6 €/m
global costsAofprimary
respectively.
2 and 890.6 €/m2 for financial
energy reduction of 90% and CO2
and macroeconomic perspective, respectively. A primary energy reduction
emission reduction of 87% has been obtained for this combination that falls of 90% andthe
within COCasaClima
2 emission
reduction of 87% has been obtained for this combination that falls within the CasaClima
energy class B. Figure 4 shows the monthly primary energy demand of both reference buildings, energy class
B.
focusing on the coldest month (January) and the hottest month (July). This analysis highlights the
Figure 4 shows the monthly primary energy demand of both reference buildings, focusing on the
coldest month (January) and the hottest month (July). This analysis highlights the difference
difference in terms of kWh/m between the reference building and the best solution, both for Ref_1
2 in terms
of kWh/m 2
and Ref_2. between the reference building and the best solution, both for Ref_1 and Ref_2.
Energies 2017,10,
Energies2017, 10,658
x FOR PEER REVIEW 24
24ofof29
29
Figure 4.Monthly
Figure Monthly primaryenergy
energy demandofofReference
Reference buildings11and
and 2.
Figure 4.
4. Monthlyprimary
primary energy demand
demand of Reference buildings
buildings 1 and 2.
2.
3.4. SensitivityAnalysis
3.4. Analysis
3.4. Sensitivity
Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivityanalysis
Sensitivity analysisisisan animportant
importantinstrument
instrumenttotodetectdetectthetheimpact
impactofofprice
priceandandrateratevariations
variations
in Sensitivity
the calculated analysis
values. is an important
Different instrument
scenarios of to detect
prices havethebeen
impact of pricetoand
applied rate variations
energy carriers in
and
in
thethe calculated
calculated values.
values. Different
Different scenarios
scenarios of of prices
prices have haveapplied
been been applied
to energyto carriers
energy and carriers and
discount
discountrates
discount ratesusedusedtotoderive
derivethe thecost-optimal
cost-optimalsolution.
solution.
rates used
In thistocase
derive the cost-optimal
study, in accordance solution.
with [4], electricityprice
pricevariations
variationshave havebeen
beenset settoto2.4%
2.4%andand
In this
Inwhile case study,
this case study,ininaccordance
accordance with
with [4],[4], electricity
electricity price variations have been set to 2.4% and 2.8%,
2.8%,
2.8%, while the real
theinterest interest
real interest rate, which
rate, which depends
depends on
on the market
the market interest
interest rate,
rate, has
has been
been fixed to 2.52%,
while
3% andthe 4%real for the rate, which
financial depends
analysis, andon tothe2.52%,
market 4%interest
and rate,for
5% has been
the fixed tofixed
macroeconomic 2.52%, to 3%
2.52%,
and
analysis.
3%
4% and
for the4%financial
for the analysis,
financial and analysis,
to and 4%
2.52%, to and
2.52%,5% 4%for and
the 5% for the macroeconomic
macroeconomic analysis. analysis.
Investments,
Investments,operating
Investments, operating(inspection
(inspectionand andcleaning)
cleaning)and andenergy
energycosts
costsare
arereported
reportedconsidering
consideringdifferent
different
operating
discountrates (inspection
ratesand and
anddevelopment cleaning)
developmentininenergy and energy
energyprices. costs
prices.This are reported
Thisanalysis
analysisshowsconsidering
showsthat different
thatglobal
globalcosts discount
costsdecrease rates
decreasewith with
discount
and development in energy prices. This analysis shows that price
global costs decrease with the discount
the
the discount rate growth and they increase with the energy rate (Figures 5 and 6).
ratediscount
growth
Asshown
shown
rate they
and growth
inFigure
Figure
and they
increase6,the with
the
increase
theof
costs energywith
theenergy
the energy
price
energy rate price rate
(Figures
consumption
(Figures
5 (green
and 5 and 6).
6). color) outlinethe thedifferent
different
As
As shown in
in Figure 6,
6, the costs
costs ofof
thetheenergy consumption
consumption (green
(green color)
color) outline
outline the different
levelofofcosts
level costsfor foreach
eachuse.use.The Theenergy
energycostcostfor forhotel
hoteluseuseexceeds
exceedsby by77%77%thetheresidential
residentialone. one.level
ItItisis
of costs for
evident the each use. Thetoenergy
importance act on cost
the for hotel
energy use exceeds
retrofit of by 77% the residential
accommodation facilities to one.
reduceIt isthe
evident
global
evident
the the importance
importance to acton ontoathe
actenergy
on the energy retrofit of accommodation facilities to reduce the global
power
power consumption
consumption on a large scale.retrofit of accommodation facilities to reduce the global power
largescale.
consumption on a large scale.
Figure 5. Sensitivity analysis for Reference building 1.

Figure5.5.Sensitivity
Figure Sensitivityanalysis
analysisfor
forReference
Referencebuilding
building1.1.
Energies 2017,
Energies 2017, 10,
10, 658
x FOR PEER REVIEW 25 of
25 of 29
29

4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
The EPBD recast requires Member States to implement the cost-optimal methodology to derive
The EPBD recast requires Member States to implement the cost-optimal methodology to derive
minimum energy performance requirements that represent the minimum level of ambition for new and
minimum energy performance requirements that represent the minimum level of ambition for new
existing buildings. This requires assessing and comparing different energy efficiency and renewable
and existing buildings. This requires assessing and comparing different energy efficiency and
measures both individually and in combination of packages to be applied to reference buildings.
renewable measures both individually and in combination of packages to be applied to reference
This paper aims at finding the cost-optimal solution in an existing structure located in the
buildings.
Mediterranean climate. Two different building uses have been analyzed: a three-star hotel with
This paper aims at finding the cost-optimal solution in an existing structure located in the
a laundry, and a multi-residential building. The best performing solutions, in terms of energy
Mediterranean climate. Two different building uses have been analyzed: a three-star hotel with a
consumption and costs, have been identified applying the cost-optimal methodology. Among the
laundry, and a multi-residential building. The best performing solutions, in terms of energy
selected energy efficiency measures in relation to the envelope materials, the best solution employs a
consumption and costs, have been identified applying the cost-optimal methodology. Among the
rook wool as the insulating material for the external walls. Furthermore, the slab structure has been
selected energy efficiency measures in relation to the envelope materials, the best solution employs a
changed to increase the insulating capacity and to decrease thermal losses, using extruded polystyrene
rook wool as the insulating material for the external walls. Furthermore, the slab structure has been
panels, sand and natural stone. The improved solutions related to REF 1 (hotel use) belong to the
changed to increase the insulating capacity and to decrease thermal losses, using extruded
energy class D while the REF 2 (residential use) has improved from the energy class G to B.
polystyrene panels, sand and natural stone. The improved solutions related to REF 1 (hotel use)
The lower point of the curve of global costs and energy performance represents the cost-optimal
belong to the energy class D while the REF 2 (residential use) has improved from the energy class G
solution that balances costs and primary energy consumptions. A VRF system has been selected and is
to B.
able to improve the energy performance of the two REF 1 unit. Heat pumps with fan coils associated
The lower point of the curve of global costs and energy performance represents the cost-optimal
with mechanical controlled ventilation (VMC) are selected in REF 2.
solution that balances costs and primary energy consumptions. A VRF system has been selected and
A comparison between the potential two building uses shows that different results are linked to
is able to improve the energy performance of the two REF 1 unit. Heat pumps with fan coils
several measures. The same variants are selected in REF 1 and REF 2 for the envelope, while for REF 1
associated with mechanical controlled ventilation (VMC) are selected in REF 2.
a better performance is obtained with wall 5 (INS_5), which has an insulating material (rook wool)
A comparison between the potential two building uses shows that different results are linked to
with 6 cm thickness. This solution is preferred from both an economic and an energy evaluation.
several measures. The same variants are selected in REF 1 and REF 2 for the envelope, while for REF
The final result shows a high difference of percentage reduction referred to the two intended uses,
1 a better performance is obtained with wall 5 (INS_5), which has an insulating material (rook wool)
passing from an average value of 46% for the hotel to 89% for residential building.
with 6 cm thickness. This solution is preferred from both an economic and an energy evaluation.
The study highlights how different combinations of construction materials and technical systems
The final result shows a high difference of percentage reduction referred to the two intended
have different impact on the building energy performance. The sensitivity analysis shows that global
uses, passing from an average value of 46% for the hotel to 89% for residential building.
costs decrease with the discount rate growth and increase with the energy price rate, defining the
The study highlights how different combinations of construction materials and technical
importance to give priority to retrofit interventions on buildings with hotel and accommodation use,
systems have different impact on the building energy performance. The sensitivity analysis shows
rather than residential buildings. On the other hand, the residential building stock is much larger than
that global costs decrease with the discount rate growth and increase with the energy price rate,
Energies 2017, 10, 658 26 of 29
the hotel one, thus renovating this type of buildings leads to an overall higher reduction of global
energy consumptions.
The study presented in this paper stresses the importance of the cost-optimal methodology for
energy retrofit projects. The implementation and comparison of packages of energy efficiency measures
allow the identification of the best combination of measures.
Acknowledgments: This work is part of a Collaboration Agreement between the University of Salento and
the Joint Research Centre. The authors are grateful to Diana Rembges and Heinz Ossenbrink for the support
during the research. They thank Robert Kenny for proofreading and Valentina Taurino for her support in doing
the calculations.
Author Contributions: All authors participated in preparing the research during its phases, such as establishing
research design, method and analysis. They discussed together and finalized the analysis results to prepare
manuscript accordingly.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
Abbreviations
Nomenclature
V volume at controlled temperature
REF reference building
INS insulating
S dissipating area
PL plaster
WI window
U thermal transmittance (W/m2 K)
GEN generation system
EMI emission system
c specific heat capacity (kJ/kgK)
d total thickness (m)
VEN ventilation system
SOL solar collector panels
PV photovoltaic panels
CMV controlled mechanical ventilation
DHW domestic hot water
TECH technology
q air flow
SPF specific power consumption
tB daily service time
P thermal capacity
Th/w design heating/water temperature
Tst average storage temperature
hst daily hours with accumulation in temperature
COP coefficient of performance
SEER seasonal energy efficiency ratio
No number of panels
Ppeak peak power
fs azimuth
fn zenith
PE primary energy
RES renewable energy sources
GC global cost
t thickness
AN panel area
s thickness of metal spacer
Energies 2017, 10, 658 27 of 29
Rd discount rate
RR real interest rate
Rp rate of development of the price for products
Greek letters
λ design thermal conductivity(W/mK)
$ density (kg/m3 )
η efficiency
Ψ linear transmittance (W/mK)
Subscripts
w winter
f frame
w window
e emission
d distribution
g generation
r regulation
e,w dhw emission
d,w dhw distribution
s,w dhw storage
v,e external air flow
v,tot total air flow
θw,d winter thermal recovery
θs,d summer thermal recovery
s storage
k panels
Symbols
ˆ complex amplitude
- mean value
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energies

Academic Editor: Chi-Ming Lai

Keywords: cost-optimal methodology; retrofit; energy simulations; economic assessment; energy

Energies 2017, 10, 658; doi:10.3390/en10050658 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

1.1. Building Retrofit and Technology Innovation

1.2. Literature Overview

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. The Cases Study

Figure 1. Geometrical features and 3D view of the reference building.

Table 1. Materials used in the existing building.

2.2. Energy Efficiency Measures

Table 2. Stratigraphy of walls variants.

Table 2. Stratigraphy of walls variants.

Table 3. Slab and floor stratigraphy.

Table 4. Windows typologies adopted as variant.

ID Element Type Properties

Table 5. Technical systems description.

Energy Unit Number Ph Pc Th,out Tw,out

Renewable Energy Sources

Table 6. Combination of technical solutions.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Energy Efficiency Improvements

3.2. Global Cost Evaluation

BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction

BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction

BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction

BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction BLOCK 1 Reduction BLOCK 2 Reduction

Table 10. Global cost for Reference building 1.

REF 1 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 REF 1 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2

Table 10. Cont.

REF 1 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 REF 1 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2

Table 11. Global cost for Reference building 2.

REF 2 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 REF 2 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2

Table 11. Cont.

REF 2 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 REF 2 BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2

Energies 2017, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 22 of 29

3.3. Cost-Optimal Solutions

The block 1 has aa primary

Figure 3. Cost-optimal level and best solutions for reference building 2.

Figure 5. Sensitivity analysis for Reference building 1.

Figure 6. Sensitivity analysis for Reference building 2.

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