In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction and energy sectors faced unprecedented challenges, particularly in maintaining energy efficiency and sustainability targets. A groundbreaking study led by Georgia Kousovista from the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute in Athens, Greece, sheds light on how these disruptions have influenced the viability of renewable energy investments in public buildings. The research, published in Applied Sciences, delves into the environmental and economic impacts of energy-efficient renovations, focusing on the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in a public kindergarten in Austria.
The study, part of the AURORAL project, utilized the VERIFY platform to conduct a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) analysis over a 25-year period. The research considered three distinct scenarios: a low-usage period during the pandemic, a normal-usage period post-pandemic, and a hypothetical scenario with optimized PV installation. The findings reveal that the pandemic-induced occupancy reduction led to atypical energy demand patterns, significantly affecting the financial viability of PV investments.
“During the low-usage period, the PV system met energy needs despite reduced operational demand, resulting in the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE),” Kousovista explains. “However, the economic benefits were limited, as the lower energy demand reduced the revenue generated from surplus energy sold back to the grid.”
The study highlights that system sizing and energy reconciliation policies, such as net metering and net billing, significantly influence financial outcomes. Under high-usage conditions, the renovation demonstrated more significant energy savings, emission reductions, and improved payback periods, emphasizing its potential for long-term economic and environmental benefits. The PV system achieved an LCOE of EUR 0.0811–0.0948/kWh, with payback periods ranging from 6.01 to 14.66 years, depending on operational intensity.
The research underscores the importance of adaptive analysis frameworks that account for varying operational conditions and evolving energy policies. These findings are particularly relevant for municipalities and policymakers, as public buildings represent significant energy expenditures. Expanding the use of tools like VERIFY across similar projects in the public sector could accelerate the transition toward energy-efficient infrastructure, delivering cost savings and supporting climate action goals.
Kousovista emphasizes, “The results underscore the influence of favorable energy policies in enhancing the financial viability of PV installations and minimizing lifecycle costs, providing critical incentives for investments in renewable energy systems.”
This study provides a robust foundation for advancing sustainability initiatives, ensuring that public buildings align with climate goals and financial efficiency benchmarks. By incorporating real-time energy data and exploring the integration of energy storage solutions, future research could help optimize self-consumption and reduce grid dependence, further improving economic feasibility. Analyzing the role of emerging energy technologies, such as battery storage and smart grid systems, could provide valuable insights into long-term energy sustainability investments.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the energy sector continues to evolve, understanding the dynamic operational conditions and their impact on renewable energy investments will be crucial. This study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders to develop robust financial strategies for large-scale energy-efficient building renovations under dynamic economic conditions. By doing so, they can ensure that public buildings contribute to broader sustainable city strategies and the development of resilient infrastructure.
