The Building Energy Performance Gap in Multifamily Buildings: A Detailed Case Study Analysis of the Energy Demand and Collective Heating System

Stijn Van de Putte (), Marijke Steeman and Arnold Janssens
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Stijn Van de Putte: Building Physics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41 B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Marijke Steeman: Building Physics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41 B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Arnold Janssens: Building Physics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41 B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-39

Abstract: The building energy performance gap, resulting from a discrepancy between the actual energy use and theoretical calculations, remains a persistent issue in building design. This study examines the energy performance of three multifamily buildings with a collective heating system powered by gas boilers and solar collectors: two that underwent deep renovation and one newly built. An extensive on-site monitoring system provides detailed data on both the heating demand and the final energy use. To ensure comparability, the total energy use of each unit is normalised using the energy signature method. The findings show the large spread of actual energy demands due to a wide variation in user profiles. The majority of dwellings have an actual energy use that is significantly higher than calculated, which is largely attributable to space heating. The gap is further exacerbated by substantial heat losses within the building’s heating system and by limited gains from the solar collectors, indicating discrepancies between design models and operational realities. To bridge this gap, there is a need for rigorous commissioning processes, at least during the initial operation phase start-up and ideally continuously. This can ensure more effective utilisation of renewable energy sources and reduce energy inefficiencies.

Keywords: multifamily building; energy-efficient building; collective heating system; renewable energy; solar thermal collectors; energy performance gap; system efficiency; actual energy use; energy renovation; energy savings (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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