A tool for verifying energy performance certificates and improving the knowledge of the residential sector: A case study of the Autonomous Community of Aragón (Spain)

The analysis of energy performance certificates is one method of better understanding the current constructive reality of the building stock and of generating knowledge that is applicable to energy planning in the residential sector. The objective of this study is to develop a correction algorithm for energy performance certificates to assess the residential building stock of a country by region. The selected case study of the Autonomous Community of Aragón aims to advance the energy and environmental assessment of the residential building stock of climate zones with temperate and cold winters in Spain. The results reveal that 49.71% of the energy performance certificates in Aragón contain incorrect information. Additionally, the average primary energy consumption varies between 203.9 kWh/m2·year and 282.0 kWh/m2·year based on the climate zone, and the associated emissions vary between 44.1 kg CO2/m2·year and 63.6 kg CO2/m2·year. In addition to highlighting the differences between urban and rural areas, the obtained results are compared to published results of similar studies in other Autonomous Communities. This study serves as a basis for outlining optimal future energy and environmental scenarios, wherein public administrations can promote measures for energy rehabilitation and improve energy savings and efficiency. © 2018 Elsevier Lt