In the heart of Rome, a monumental shift is underway in the realm of sustainable building redevelopment. Giuseppe Piras, a researcher from the Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering (DIAEE) at Sapienza University of Rome, is leading a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize how we approach energy efficiency in large office buildings. The research, published in ‘Buildings’, focuses on the redevelopment of a significant office complex, aiming to transform it into a beacon of sustainability and energy efficiency.
The building in question, currently labeled with an energy class E, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation. Piras and his team are replacing outdated air-conditioning and heating systems with cutting-edge air-to-water heat pumps, powered partly by an integrated photovoltaic system. This ambitious project is not just about upgrading technology; it’s about reimagining the entire energy landscape of the building.
“Our goal is to achieve an ‘A1’ energy certification, which means reducing the building’s non-renewable energy demand from 191,684 kWh/m2/year to a mere 76,053 kWh/m2/year,” Piras explains. “This isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about setting a new standard for sustainable building practices.”
The project’s success hinges on the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM) technologies. These digital tools allow for precise simulations of the redevelopment process, enabling the team to anticipate and mitigate potential issues before they arise. This approach ensures that the building remains fully operational during the upgrade, a critical factor for maintaining business continuity.
The environmental benefits are staggering. The implemented measures are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 604 tons per year, a 78% decrease from initial levels. This significant reduction aligns with the European Union’s ambitious sustainability goals, particularly the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are profound. As buildings account for a substantial portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, this study offers a blueprint for how large-scale energy retrofitting can be achieved efficiently and effectively. The integration of advanced digital technologies not only enhances energy performance but also provides real-time monitoring and optimization, reducing the risks associated with unforeseen technical issues.
Piras’s research underscores the importance of a holistic approach to building redevelopment. “It’s not just about replacing old systems with new ones,” he says. “It’s about optimizing the entire energy balance of the building to ensure long-term sustainable energy consumption.”
The study’s findings are particularly relevant for stakeholders in the energy sector, offering a practical and innovative model for improving energy efficiency in the built environment. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like this one are crucial for driving the energy transition and achieving global sustainability goals.
This research is a testament to the power of innovation and technology in shaping a more sustainable future. By leveraging advanced digital systems and renewable energy solutions, Piras and his team are paving the way for a new era of energy-efficient building redevelopment. The results of this study, published in ‘Buildings’, are set to inspire similar projects worldwide, driving the energy sector toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
