Energy Audits and Energy Modeling as a Tool towards Reducing Energy Consumption in Buildings: The Cases of Two Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs) in Toronto

Ali Taileb and Mohammed Fareed Sherzad ()
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Ali Taileb: Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology, Durham College, Whitby Campus 1610, Champlain Avenue, Whitby, ON L1N 6A, Canada
Mohammed Fareed Sherzad: Department of Architecture, College of Architecture, Art and Design, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: This research is based on an energy audit of two multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) located in Toronto, Canada. Energy consumption (gas and electricity) data were extracted from the energy bills of the two buildings for a consecutive period of three years. The data were then normalized to account for variations in weather conditions. Conclusions were drawn from correlation analyses between kWh, cooling degree days (CDDs), and heating degree days (HDDs), which were then compared to the energy consumption benchmarks of MURBs within the GTA. An energy simulation using e-Quest v.3.64 was performed, utilizing the advantages of the e-Quest building modeling tool to create a virtual 3D model of the audited buildings. A baseline model was constructed to reflect the actual buildings and was used to simulate the outcomes and calculate the projected energy savings from window replacements with a higher energy efficiency than the existing ones. The simulation results revealed that triple low-E glazing outperformed single- and double-glass windows, achieving reductions of 38% and 34% in gas consumption, respectively. The building envelope simulations showed that enhancing insulation reduced gas consumption by 4%, while an insulation upgrade demonstrated no discernible savings. Reducing the window area by 20% (north/south sides) led to a 6% decrease in gas consumption, while a 30% reduction resulted in approximately 9% of energy savings.

Keywords: energy audit; building performance; energy modelling; e-Quest (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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