Simulation of energy efficiently measures for residential buildings

The purpose of this project was to evaluate how energy efficiently some of JM’s residential buildings can become in standard production. What kind of measures are needed to achieve the level of energy demand that is included in BBR12 (Boverkets Byggregler)? What measures are needed for achieving a lower demand so that the buildings could be classified as passive houses? The investigation has included a single family house and two different types of apartment blocks. The simulation programs Enorm and VIP+ have been used to calculate the energy demand of the buildings. The results from the programs have been compared with the measured energy demand for the three buildings. Several different measures have been simulated to see how they affect the energy demand. Certain measures were combined to achieve the allowed annual energy level of 110 kWh/m2, according to BBR12. Measures were also combined to reach an annual energy level of 90 kWh/m2. Relevant measures were combined to achieve an annual energy demand of 45 kWh/m2, which is the level of classification for passive houses. The results of the simulations show that the calculated energy demands from both programs are relatively close to the measured values. The elements that have the biggest impact on the buildings energy demand are the windows, the wall construction, the ventilation system and how the balconies are attached to the buildings. To achieve an annual energy demand of 110 kWh/m2 only a few measures need to be taken. With a ventilation system that includes a recycling-system the buildings would be able to achieve an annual energy demand of 90 kWh/m2, year. The small house and one of the apartment blocks could be classified as passive houses if more major measures would be taken. It is likely to believe that the interest and the demand for energy efficient buildings and passive houses will continue to increase. People are becoming more aware of the cost for energy consumption and how it affects our environment and climate. Energy efficient buildings have high advertising impact and would bring advantages compared to other houses. The main conclusion is therefore that JM should develop routines for how to build more energy efficient buildings and passive houses in the future