Towards Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings Renovation

Abstract: The objective of this thesis is to investigate the potential for a nearly Zero-Energy Building (nZEB) renovation, its benefits for real estate owners in Sweden, and their ability to comply with the current Swedish definition of nZEB. The study is carried out in co-operation with the Swedish real estate company Vasakronan, one of the country’s largest real estate owners. Several energy-efficiency and renewable energy measures are implemented in a case study at the building complex Telefonplan. The improvement measures chosen are based on their proven cost-optimality and potential to bring the buildings to nZEB energy consumption levels, and are calculated using an array of tools; PVSOL, EED and Excel. The results are analyzed using Boverket’s regulation for nZEB, which was set for new builds. The economic performance of the renovation is analyzed considering capital and operational expenses, energy savings, and the increase in property value. The results show that Telefonplan failed to reach the Swedish nZEB targets with pre-selected energy efficiency measures. However, the financial results in terms of annual savings as well as raised property value can stand as a strong motivation for real estate owners to consider such investments.