Transformation of a University lecture hall in Valladolid (Spain) into a NZEB: LCA of a BIPV system integrated in its façade

Abstract

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2010/31/EU) poses a major challenge, as it promotes the transformation of existing buildings into Nearly Zero‐Energy Buildings (NZEB). In this work we present the case of study of a lecture hall building, owned by the University of Valladolid (Spain), that is currently being refurbished into a NZEB by integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), also in line with the requirements from Directive 2009/28/EC. As part of its major renovation, not only Trombe walls and geothermal energy are to be incorporated, but also a building integrated solar photovoltaic (BIPV) system to address the electricity needs and reduce the building’s energy use and GHGs in a cost-effective manner. The environmental profile of this BIPV system has been investigated using life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA), assessing the net emissions of CO2 and the damages caused in a comparative context with conventional electricity-generation pathways. In spite of the small power installed in this first stage (designed to cover only an annual energy consumption of ca. 13000 kWh, around 6% of the total demand), it can be concluded that significant environmental benefits are gained using this system.

Keywords: Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV); Environmental Impacts; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA); Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB).