Smart readiness indicator evaluation and cost estimation of smart retrofitting scenarios-A comparative case-study in European residential buildings

The current research applies the SRI methodology in two typologies of typical residential buildings, Single Family Houses and Multi-Family Houses, in five EU Countries, to evaluate the retrofitting cost towards buildings smartification and assess the SRI score when different retrofitting scenarios are applied. To that end, a three step assessment process is adopted. First, the SRI is calculated for the baseline scenario representing the national minimum requirements according to the EPBD. Next, the SRI is calculated after applying a retrofitting scenario that includes market available technologies towards Nearly Zero Energy Buildings. Last, a more comprehensive retrofitting scenario of integrated technologies towards Positive Energy Buildings is assessed. Results indicate that buildings, constructed after the implementation of the EPBD, can increase smartness with a relatively low cost than older buildings, although their initial overall SRI score generally leads to an SRI Class G (0-20%), with buildings performing better in Health, well-being and accessibility and Comfort impact categories. Smart orientated retrofitting scenarios focusing on building automation and control measures can increase such buildings class up to C (65-80%), performing better in optimizing energy efficiency when applying retrofits towards NZEB. Applying retrofitting scenarios that could potentially lead to energy positiveness mainly supports building interaction with the grid.

Automated summary

This research applies the SRI methodology to evaluate retrofitting cost and assess the SRI score of residential buildings in EU countries. The results show that smart retrofitting scenarios can improve energy efficiency and comfort in buildings, with newer buildings performing better than older ones. Retrofitting scenarios that focus on building automation can increase the SRI score of buildings, while those that aim for energy positiveness support building-grid interaction.