Energy performance of Belgrade residential buildings – investigation, quantification and improvement potential

Abstract

Belgrade City authorities have commissioned a team of researchers from Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade to investigate energy performance of residential buildings and explore potentials for energy improvements and related savings in heating costs. The paper presents the methodology for structuring, investigation and improvement of residential building stock in Belgrade, developed for the purpose of this project. Typology of buildings has been generated based upon building stock periodization, applied building technology and architectural qualities (features which should remain undisturbed). These aspects define typology matrix which was further investigated and analyzed in detail. Totally, 30 multifamily and 2 family buildings were analyzed. In-situ thermographic imaging was used as an investigation means for technical detection of main energy losses through building facades. These data, compared to the original detail drawings obtained through insight into archive technical documentation provide valuable findings regarding actual quality of facade structures and their improvement strategies. At the same time, it also reveals faults which occurred through construction process and as a consequence of poor detailing. Defined improvement strategies vary significantly based on complexity of improvement measures application. Theoretical calculations based upon available technical documentation and measurements were conducted for every building, resulting in data about overall energy reduction, energy reduction costs, improvement measures payback period, improvement investment per m2 and improvement investment per flat. The paper presents the summary results highlighting the most interesting building types regarding each analyzed criteria.