The potential for improvement in the new generation of Energy Performance Certification with an integrated approach to assessment at neighbourhood level. SmartLivingEPC Project-case study of Leitza

Resumen

A significant amount of valuable information about energy consumption in buildings can be gleaned from databases with Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). However, the literature shows that there are many challenges to be overcome in next generation EPC schemes. In this respect, this communication presents the SmartLivingEPC project, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme, whose aim is to develop a new method for calculating an EPC. To this end, the project will be based on the use of digital tools (BIM, digital twins, etc.). In addition, it will integrate various indicators that until now have not been included in the methodologies, such as life-cycle analysis, air quality, acoustic quality, water consumption, level of building intelligence (SRI) or the actual operation of the facilities. An assessment methodology will be proposed both at COMUNICACIÓN COMPLETA / FULL PAPER the level of theoretical calculations (asset rating) and at the operational level (operational rating). Moreover, in addition to developing the rating system at building level (Building EPC), another rating scheme will be obtained at the level of building complex level (Complex EPC). This extension to the neighbourhood level and energy communities is one of the most important innovative aspect of SmartLivingEPC. To this end, the small town of Leitza in Navarre, Spain, will participate as pilot community with a mix of private residential dwellings, small commerce and public buildings such as a school, a sports centre and the town hall. Community-owned assets such as a PV plants providing electricity for collective self-consumption add tangible benefits which will be reflected in the EPC score. In a first phase, the potential of energy communities to provide knowledge about energy measures to its members, and empower them to participate in a just energy transition has been observed. And It is hoped that more targeted community- led refurbishment activities can be triggered as a result of the participation in the project. Therefore, it can be said that the integration of the Renewable Energy Communities in EPC Schemes could improve the capacity of the EPCs to encourage energy saving measures. The project, which receives co-funding from the Horizon Europe programme, started on the 1st of July 2022, will run for three years and involves 15 partners from 12 different countries.