Improving the sustainability of remote arctic communities with high-energy-efficiency houses

Abstract

Qaanaaq, a remote community in Greenland, faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) due to its extremely high heating demands, reliance on diesel fuel, limited transportation options, declining population, and shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry. Addressing these issues is particularly complex due to the harsh climate and limited resources. In this study, we propose a strategy to achieve SDGs in Qaanaaq by replacing 263 single-family homes with 66 highly insulated multi-family nearly zero-energy apartment houses (n-ZEAHs) and installing rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Simulation results indicate that replacing homes with n-ZEAHs could reduce annual heating energy consumption by 9575 MWh and that the rooftop PV systems could offset approximately 57% of annual electricity sales, significantly improving Qaanaaq's energy security. However, field measurements revealed that indoor humidity in n-ZEAHs was low and that CO₂ and PM₁₀ levels occasionally exceeded standards. Additionally, the rooftop PV systems may not fully meet monthly electricity demands during certain seasons. To address these issues, it will be necessary to introduce appropriate ventilation systems and consider the implementation of combined systems that integrate other renewable energy sources and batteries. Given the limited availability of skilled technicians in Qaanaaq, simple and user-friendly systems are preferred. The findings of this study provide valuable insights on how to achieve SDGs in cold and remote climate communities like Qaanaaq.