Optimization of energy consumption in residential housing within the framework of energy sustainability strategies. A case study in the Canary Islands

Abstract

Given that the energy consumption of buildings equates to practically 40 % of the total energy demand of any electrical system, research studies on reducing such energy consumption are of paramount importance. This problem is accentuated in isolated weak electrical systems, like those found in many island territories, where there are significant limitations on the management of energy generation and demand. The objective of the present work is to identify the relationship between the energy consumption of residential housing and its thermal envelope characteristics within the framework of energy sustainability strategies. For this purpose, multiple solutions were compared based on combinations of values associated to different types of residential building, a wide range of thermal transmittance values based on the application of different materials and/or envelope designs, and different climate zones. It is concluded that the energy consumption of these buildings can be significantly reduced by optimizing the technical characteristics of the thermal envelope, adapting it the surrounding climate conditions. For the case study, the specific energy saving can be as high as 51.4 kWh/m2·year. Bearing in mind the housing stock in the study area, the total energy saving is equivalent to 9.17 % of its current energy demand. The results and conclusions obtained can be used in the development of planning strategies for new housing and/or the optimization of energy consumption in already existing housing stock.