On the discrepancy of using annual or hourly emission factors for power generation to estimate CO2 reduction of building retrofitting

• DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.114499
• Publication Date: 2024-07-03T20:44:00Z
• Authors: Eelke Bontekoe; Jutta Schade; Lina Erikkson; Panos Tsarchopoulos; Ioannis Lampropoulos; Wilfried van Sark
• Keywords: Retrofitting; Energy mix

Buildings play a significant role in global carbon emissions, and offer substantial potential for energy savings emission reduction. This research delves into the Emission Factor Discrepancy (EFD)—the variance CO2 reduction projections obtained by employing either annual or hourly average (EF) electricity generation. Through two detailed case studies Netherlands incorporating data from Netherlands, Sweden, France, study uncovers magnitude country-specific variability of EFD. By demonstrating how mix country influences EFD, offers valuable insights accuracy calculations different circumstances, particularly context transitioning to renewable sources. We have found that countries with sources having low load-following capability EFs exhibit large Whereas, high deployment Photovoltaics (PV) show notably EFD on related PV production. highlights importance carefully selecting when evaluating building retrofits smart city initiatives. need establishing uniform framework calculating emissions associated retrofitting buildings conjunction granularity specific country.