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Assessing the Importance of Biomass-Based Heating Systems for More Sustainable Buildings: A Case Study Based in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Juan E. Pardo

    (Department of Business Organization and Marketing, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain)

  • Ana Mejías

    (Department of Business Organization and Marketing, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain)

  • Antonio Sartal

    (Department of Business Organization and Marketing, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain)

Abstract

Climate change, other environmental impacts due to increased energy use worldwide, and the exhaustion of energy resources are some of the major challenges facing today’s society. Considering this, this paper assesses the importance of biomass-based heating and hot-water systems in the achievement of more sustainable buildings. Using a simplified calculation method, we jointly analyzed the potential operational cost savings and reduction of CO 2 emissions that would be achieved when the traditional energy model, based on the use of fossil fuels, is replaced by biomass-based heating systems. Evidence stems from a case study in public buildings in the province of Pontevedra, in the northwest of Spain. The results of this research not only show a huge impact on CO 2 emission reduction just by adapting the kind of fuel use, but also considerable annual cost reduction without compromising activity development and workers’ comfort. Thus, the findings obtained should encourage governments to support the transition toward cleaner sources of energy, acting as first movers toward a locally produced and renewable-based energy supply.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan E. Pardo & Ana Mejías & Antonio Sartal, 2020. "Assessing the Importance of Biomass-Based Heating Systems for More Sustainable Buildings: A Case Study Based in Spain," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:5:p:1025-:d:325016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marini, Dashamir, 2013. "Optimization of HVAC systems for distributed generation as a function of different types of heat sources and climatic conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 813-826.
    2. María A. Quintás & Ana I. Martínez-Senra & Antonio Sartal, 2018. "The Role of SMEs’ Green Business Models in the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: Differences in Their Design and Degree of Adoption Stemming from Business Size," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Pereira, Emanuele Graciosa & da Silva, Jadir Nogueira & de Oliveira, Jofran L. & Machado, Cássio S., 2012. "Sustainable energy: A review of gasification technologies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(7), pages 4753-4762.
    4. Gaitani, N. & Lehmann, C. & Santamouris, M. & Mihalakakou, G. & Patargias, P., 2010. "Using principal component and cluster analysis in the heating evaluation of the school building sector," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(6), pages 2079-2086, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rafael Ninno Muniz & Stéfano Frizzo Stefenon & William Gouvêa Buratto & Ademir Nied & Luiz Henrique Meyer & Erlon Cristian Finardi & Ricardo Marino Kühl & José Alberto Silva de Sá & Brigida Ramati Per, 2020. "Tools for Measuring Energy Sustainability: A Comparative Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-27, May.
    2. Faezeh Bagheri Moghaddam & Josep Maria Fort Mir & Isidro Navarro Delgado & Ernesto Redondo Dominguez, 2021. "Evaluation of Thermal Comfort Performance of a Vertical Garden on a Glazed Façade and Its Effect on Building and Urban Scale, Case Study: An Office Building in Barcelona," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-21, June.
    3. J. R. Copa & C. E. Tuna & J. L. Silveira & R. A. M. Boloy & P. Brito & V. Silva & J. Cardoso & D. Eusébio, 2020. "Techno-Economic Assessment of the Use of Syngas Generated from Biomass to Feed an Internal Combustion Engine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-31, June.

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