The Effect of Lowering Indoor Air Temperature on the Reduction in Energy Consumption and CO2 Emission in Multifamily Buildings in Poland

Abstract

This article analyzes the possibility of reducing the energy consumption from building heating as a result of lowering the indoor air temperature, which is recommended as a response to the energy crisis. Various values of the set-point temperature (16–22 °C), as well as different scenarios for their changes, were assumed for analysis. Changes in clothing that were determined to maintain the same level of thermal comfort after a temperature change were determined. The associated reduction in CO2 emissions emitted into the atmosphere was determined. The effect of reducing CO2 emissions was studied depending on the type of heating source. Simulation calculations were carried out for an exemplary multifamily building. The effect of different building insulations required in Poland over the years 1964–2022 was considered. Analyses were performed for the climatic conditions of cities located in different climatic zones of Poland: Koszalin, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Bialystok, Suwalki. Depending on the scenario, the insulation standard of the building, and the variant of location, the energy reduction achieved ranges from 6.6%/K to 13.2%/K. Taking into account the type of heating source, the reduction in CO2 emissions is from 0.7 to 7.5 kgCO2/(K·m2). The reduction in temperature by 1 or 2 K can be compensated for by wearing an additional sleeveless vest (0.12 clo) or sweater (0.28 clo).