Building energy retrofit strategies in community housing in British Columbia
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Issue Date
2023-07-17
Editor
Authors
Edalat Nia, Zahra
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Subject
Abstract
This study aims to benchmark multi-residential community housing buildings in BC to determine how energy performance varies between them and what factors may affect energy usage. This study also examined the costs and benefits of different retrofit scenarios. To this end, I used a mixed-method approach, including desktop research, quantitative methods, and sampling of twenty-three buildings managed and operated by BC Housing and CoolAid Society. The study started by developing a dataset of community housing buildings using data collected from housing providers. It was then followed by calculating and assessing Energy Performance Indicators using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, utility bills, and building characteristics data. Upon completing building benchmarking, buildings were ranked based on their performance and factors affecting energy usage were analyzed using regression analysis. Following this, the costs and benefits of different retrofit scenarios, including energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies, were evaluated to find what scenario can deliver the most benefits at lower costs. Results showed that the high-rise buildings in the dataset performed worse than low-rise and mid-rise buildings in the dataset and also than other high-rise buildings in BC. The study also demonstrated that building energy performance is affected by various factors, including mechanical systems (e.g., gas-fired boiler), building characteristics (e.g., floor area), and the number of occupants. Lastly, the analysis revealed that different retrofit scenarios differ in energy savings, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and utility savings. Fuel switching in space and water heating demonstrates potential for delivering significant savings in energy, greenhouse gases, and utility bills.