Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings Through Serial Renovations by Applying the RENVELOPE System in Austria

Abstract

To achieve international and national energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets, Austria requires rapid and scalable renovation methods for existing buildings. A comprehensive consortium is currently exploring the potential of serial renovations using the RENVELOPE-system in a research project. This paper presents findings on the number of eligible buildings in Austria and the potential energy and GHG emission reductions that could be achieved by renovating these buildings. First, the IIBW developed an integrative estimation model based on Austria's current building stock to quantify the target stock. Then, we calibrated parameters based on the energy sources used and the qualities of the building envelopes after renovation. Our findings indicate that the potential for serial renovations in Austria is substantial, with around 71,500 buildings potentially benefiting from RENVELOPE-renovations. By renovating these buildings, the main scenario predicts a 73% decrease in final energy demand (heating, warm water, and electricity) and a 75% decrease in GHG emissions per building on average. The savings potential aggregated across the target stock is therefore of major relevance to the Austrian climate balance overall. Our results emphasize that technological advances, particularly those that reduce the cost of prefabricated modules and enable the integration of renewable energies, as well as political adjustments, such as subsidy programs or changes to the legal framework (e.g. building and tenancy laws), can further increase this savings potential.