Scenario analysis of retrofit strategies for reducing energy consumption in Norwegian office buildings

Abstract

Model buildings were created for simulation to describe typical office buildings from different construction periods. A simulation program was written to predict the annual energy consumption of the buildings in their original state and after performing retrofit projects. A scenario analysis was performed to determine the most effective retrofit techniques. This information was used to determine to what degree the national energy consumption of office buildings could be reduced through demand side management. The results of the analysis showed that it was possible to reduce the annual energy consumption of the office buildings to a minimum of about 70 km,. If all buildings in the country were to perform these retrofits, the total energy consumption of office buildings would be reduced by about 75%. The most economical choices of retrofit projects for reducing energy consumption were elements of the controls system and the HVAC system. Retrofits to the windows were also beneficial though more costly. Retrofits to the other facade elements and the other energy services system were shown to produce small changes in annual energy consumption for the required investment cost.