Cost optimal and nearly zero (nZEB) energy performance calculations for residential buildings with REHVA definition for nZEB national implementation

This study determined cost optimal and nearly zero energy building (nZEB) energy performance levels following the REHVA definition and energy calculation methodology for nZEB national implementation. Cost optimal performance levels – meaning the energy performance leading to minimum life cycle cost – were calculated with net present value method according to the cost optimal draft regulation. The seven-step procedure was developed to conduct cost optimal and nZEB energy performance levels calculations in systematic and robust scientific fashion. It was shown that cost optimal primary energy use can be calculated with limited number of energy simulations as only four construction concepts were simulated and cost calculated. The procedure includes the specification of building envelope components based on specific heat loss coefficient and systems calculation with post processing of energy simulation results, without the need to use iterative approach or optimization algorithm. Model calculations were conducted for Estonian reference detached house to analyse the difference between the cost optimal and nZEB energy performance levels. Cost optimal energy performance level of Estonian reference detached house was 110 kW h/(m2 a) primary energy including all energy use with domestic appliances and it was significantly lower than the current minimum requirement of 180 kW h/(m2 a).

► We determined cost optimal and nZEB energy performance levels with REHVA definition.
► EPBD recast and cost optimal regulation were used for life cycle cost calculations.
► The seven-step procedure was developed to conduct systematic and robust calculations.
► Specific heat loss coefficient was introduced to optimize the building envelope.
► Only four construction concepts with large number of technical systems were studied.