A Case Study of a Renovation of a Historical University Department: The Nearly Zero-Energy Refurbished Buildings

At the energy consumption level, buildings are currently the largest sector, therefore, the energy efficiency of these structures, assumes a priority role in refurbishing projects. The building automation as well as the redesign of the electrical and thermal system of a structure can offer significant contributions in terms of energy saving, comfort, and functionality. Recent policies introduced the nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) qualification. The challenge we are facing is to work on the refurbishment of existing buildings by identifying a model that on the one hand allows nZEB qualification and on the other hand applies to existing buildings with all the technical and economic constraints. The goal of this article is to present possible redevelopment projects, thanks to the use of software, applicable to the historical university department located in the center of Rome to compare the parameters and reference indices for calculating the performance of an nZEB included in the ministerial decree (DM) June 26, 2015. The building automation and the redesign of the thermal electrical system of the structure is one of the most important aspects to obtain nZEB evaluation but it is also important to change opaque vertical and horizontal structures and transparent envelopes.

Automated summary

Buildings currently account for the largest share in energy consumption, making energy efficiency a priority in refurbishment projects. Building automation and redesigning the electrical and thermal systems can significantly contribute to energy savings, comfort, and functionality. This article presents potential redevelopment projects using software applications, comparing the parameters and reference indices for calculating nZEB performance in a historical university department in Rome.