Energy Optimisation of a Building: a Case Study of Ekebyvallen, Uppsala : Profitable investments in a world with rising energy prices

Abstract: Energy prices are on the rise, and with it the interest in saving energy. In the housing sector this means that methods for energy optimising buildings, retrofitting, are increasingly important. There are many studies concerning the retrofitting of buildings built before 2000, but less concerning buildings of more recent date. In cooperation with the housing company Uppsalahem, this report explores minor retrofitting solutions for the apartment buildings in Ekebyvallen/Uppsala which were built 2007. The aim was foremost to find solutions for Ekebyvallen but also to assess the possibilities of applying them to a wider range of buildings. A simulation of the energy balance in one of the buildings in Ekebyvallen was performed with the software VIP energy. The simulation together with a field study show weak spots of the energy usage in the buildings and based on these four retrofitting solutions were proposed. The methods; 1) reducing the airflow in the ventilation units, 2) adjusting the heating in common areas, 3) reducing air leakage out of buildings and 4) adjusting the settings of lighting sensors and timers. All are effectively free from investments and also applicable on buildings with similar issues. Thus, these are effective methods of saving energy and consequently, saving money in recently built buildings. The methods are tailored for Ekebyvallen but are with benefit considered for apartment buildings of both recent date and those built before 2000.