Development of an optimization model for decision-making in building retrofit projects using RETROSIM

Abstract

Nearly-zero energy buildings are standard for new constructions in the European Union. The challenge for decarbonized cities is retrofitting the existing buildings. Retrofitting the existing buildings provides considerable opportunities for improving occupants’ comfort and reducing global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Building retrofit is being considered one of the main approaches to achieve sustainability in the built environment at relatively low-cost and high-uptake rates. Although a broad range of retrofit technologies are readily available, methods to ascertain the most suitable set of retrofit actions for specific projects are still a practical challenge. This article first aims to develop and present a simulation-based multi-objective optimization model, named RETROSIM, to quantitatively assess technology choices in a building retrofit project. RETROSIM is a combination of a building energy simulation model and RETROSIM proprietary optimization engine. Secondly, in this study, RETROSIM is used to evaluate a building retrofit project as a case study to show the functionality of the proposed method. The study initiates with the single optimization of objective functions focusing on the building’s characteristics and performance: primary energy consumption, global costs and thermal discomfort hours. Then this methodology is used to study the interaction between these conflicting objectives and evaluate their trade-offs.