Positive Energy Building Definition with the Framework, Elements and Challenges of the Concept

Mia Ala-Juusela, Hassam ur Rehman, Mari Hukkalainen and Francesco Reda
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Mia Ala-Juusela: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tekniikantie 21, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Hassam ur Rehman: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tekniikantie 21, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Mari Hukkalainen: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tekniikantie 21, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Francesco Reda: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tekniikantie 21, 02150 Espoo, Finland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: Buildings account for 36% of the final energy demand and 39% of CO 2 emissions worldwide. Targets for increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing building related emissions is an important part of the energy policy to reach the Paris agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. While nearly zero energy buildings are the new norm in the EU, the research is advancing towards positive energy buildings, which contribute to the surrounding community by providing emission-free energy. This paper suggests a definition for positive energy building and presents the framework, elements, and challenges of the concept. In a positive energy building, the annual renewable energy production in the building site exceeds the energy demand of the building. This increases two-way interactions with energy grids, requiring a broader approach compared to zero energy buildings. The role of energy flexibility grows when the share of fluctuating renewable energy increases. The presented framework is designed with balancing two important perspectives: technical and user-centric approaches. It can be accommodated to different operational conditions, regulations, and climates. Potential challenges and opportunities are also discussed, such as the present issues in the building’s balancing boundary, electric vehicle integration, and smart readiness indicators.

Keywords: positive energy building; PEB; energy balance; increasing share of renewables; occupants’ well-being; socio-technical framework; user engagement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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