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Influence of Atlantic Microclimates in Northern Spain on the Environmental Performance of Lightweight Concrete Single-Family Houses

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  • Daniel González-Prieto

    (Energy Department, University of Oviedo, Campus of Gijón, 33204 Gijón, Spain)

  • Yolanda Fernández-Nava

    (Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Oviedo, Campus of Gijón, 33204 Gijón, Spain)

  • Elena Marañón

    (Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Oviedo, Campus of Gijón, 33204 Gijón, Spain)

  • Maria Manuela Prieto

    (Energy Department, University of Oviedo, Campus of Gijón, 33204 Gijón, Spain)

Abstract

The use of lightweight concrete for the construction of single-family houses has become increasingly popular in Spain. In this paper, single-family houses with different shape factors and window-to-wall ratios are analysed from both a thermal and environmental perspective using Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) software to calculate the energy demand. The study has been carried out for different Atlantic microclimates (coastal, inland, and mountain) in northern Spain. What most affects the thermal energy used for air conditioning is the variation of the microclimates, so the study focuses mainly on this aspect. Operational energy for heating has decreased greatly via the use of high degree of insulation and hence the next task is to decrease the total energy consumed taking into account the embodied energy. Impacts on Primary Energy and Global Warming Potential are calculated using a cradle-to-grave approach. The energy use for heating and domestic hot water is analysed for different thicknesses of insulation under three energy supply scenarios: electricity only (for 2018 and with the Spanish decarbonisation plan for 2030); heat pump plus electricity; and natural gas boiler. Even for houses with a good level of insulation, the ratio of operational-to-total impacts varies significantly: from 46% to 87% for primary energy and from 31% to 75% for global warming potential, depending on the shape factor of the house, the microclimate and the heat supply scenario. By applying future environmental policies, electricity can become a more environmentally friendly option than natural gas.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel González-Prieto & Yolanda Fernández-Nava & Elena Marañón & Maria Manuela Prieto, 2020. "Influence of Atlantic Microclimates in Northern Spain on the Environmental Performance of Lightweight Concrete Single-Family Houses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-26, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:17:p:4337-:d:402293
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephan, André & Crawford, Robert H. & de Myttenaere, Kristel, 2013. "A comprehensive assessment of the life cycle energy demand of passive houses," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 23-34.
    2. Daniel González-Prieto & Yolanda Fernández-Nava & Elena Marañón & Maria Manuela Prieto, 2020. "Effect of Decarbonisation Policies and Climate Change on Environmental Impacts due to Heating and Cooling in a Single-Family House," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-22, April.
    3. Premrov, Miroslav & Žigart, Maja & Žegarac Leskovar, Vesna, 2018. "Influence of the building shape on the energy performance of timber-glass buildings located in warm climatic regions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 496-504.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sam Hamels, 2021. "CO 2 Intensities and Primary Energy Factors in the Future European Electricity System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-30, April.
    2. Hamels, Sam & Himpe, Eline & Laverge, Jelle & Delghust, Marc & Van den Brande, Kjartan & Janssens, Arnold & Albrecht, Johan, 2021. "The use of primary energy factors and CO2 intensities for electricity in the European context - A systematic methodological review and critical evaluation of the contemporary literature," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).

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