Methodology for integrated building energy modeling and impact assessment of urban energy system scenarios

Abstract

Local governments require new techniques and innovative approaches to assess initiatives to support the transition towards carbon neutrality. This paper presents a methodological approach for integrated building energy modeling and analysis of the impacts of energy conservation measures (ECMs) and energy-related CO2 emissions in urban areas. To accomplish this goal, the proposed methodology follows four steps: (1) developing a building stock model for urban databases using a geographic information system (GIS) and QGIS software; (2) creating a detailed archetype-based building stock model using OpenStudio and EnergyPlus; (3) carrying out a scenario analysis of possible ECMs and pathways to achieve carbon neutrality; and (4) analyzing energy savings and energy-related CO2 emissions. The developed methodology was applied to a tourism urban area, using Pattaya city as a case study. Based on the GIS building model, six archetypes were identified from all residential buildings, including hotels located in the study area. Prototypes of representative building energy models were simulated for a reference case with four ECMs. The results indicated that the building stock in the reference case used 497,669.05 TJ annually and emitted 80,470.32 ktC02eq. Of the four ECMs, a change to double glazing with low-E coating gave the highest energy savings and reductions in CO2 emissions. This measure led to energy savings of 9,342.82 TJ and emission reductions of 356.23 ktC02eq compared to the reference case. Local governments and stakeholders can benefit from the proposed methodological approach for decision making related to energy and carbon neutrality pathways.