Reducing energy demand in existing buildings as a tool to reduce air pollution

[摘要] Buildings, on average, account for approximately 41% of total energy consumption in the European Union. This energy consumption also translates into hundreds of millions of tonnes of emitted CO2 and other air pollutants. Due to a large share in the total energy consumption, the buildings sector has a significant potential to reduce the energy intensity of building operation, increase the share of renewable energy sources (RES), and thus significantly reduce emission of air pollutants. Existing buildings in Poland, both residential and public, are characterized by high potential in terms of energy and environment. One way to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings and reduce emissions (in particular greenhouse gases) is through thermos modernization which adapts existing buildings to current and future energy demand requirements. The paper presents the expected environmental effects of measures which adjust the existing residential buildings to the requirements in force in Poland since 2021. It has been assumed that the energy demand for heating buildings will be limited to 55-60 (kWh/(m2year)). The calculations show that such measures will result in a reduction of total air pollutant emissions from households due to the reduction of energy demand for heating of dwellings from about 30% to about 67%, depending on the type of pollution.

[发布机构] Czestochowa University of Technology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, J.H. Dbrowskiego 73, Czstochowa; 42-201, Poland^1

[学科分类] 土木及结构工程学

[关键词] Air pollutant emission;Building operations;Buildings sector;Energy and environment;Energy intensity;Existing residential buildings;Renewable energy source;Total energy consumption