Evaluating Reduction in Thermal Energy Consumption across Renovated Buildings in Latvia and Lithuania

Abstract

Currently, the optimization of thermal energy consumption in buildings is considered a suitable alternative in the construction of new buildings, as a result of which the overall energy efficiency of the building increases. Thus, this study examined the efficiency and efficacy of different building renovation packages conducted across several buildings in Latvia and in Lithuania (across a larger building stock). In the first section of this study, 13 multi-apartment residential houses with 3 building renovation packages have been investigated in the city of Daugavpils, Latvia, in order to determine the actual reduction in heat energy consumption across each of the renovation implementation packages. The study findings indicate that changes in Latvian building regulations regarding insulation thickness did not significantly impact thermal energy consumption in fully renovated buildings. However, the combination of facade renovations, upgraded heating systems, and improved ventilation systems resulted in substantial energy savings, with an average reduction of 50.59% in thermal energy consumption for space heating across the reviewed multi-apartment residential building stock. In the following section of this study, the impact of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) on building energy efficiency in Lithuania has been examined. The results show that over a 10-year period in the 2000s, Lithuanian building stock experienced a 20% increase in energy efficiency, followed by an additional 6.3% increase between 2010 and 2016. The mandatory requirement for renovated buildings to achieve a minimum energy efficiency class has resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption for heating purposes. The findings underscore the effectiveness of building renovation packages and the EPBD regulations in enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable building practices. The importance of heat metering, consideration of indoor air temperature, and the need to address indoor air quality during renovations were also highlighted.