Long-term Energy Savings and CO2 Emission Reductions in the Swiss Residential Building Sector

The dissertation of Michael Kost investigates the long-term saving potentials in the Swiss residential building sector with respect to energy consumption as well CO₂ emissions. The residential sector plays a key role in the Swiss energy system, as space and water heating in residential buildings account for one quarter of Swiss energy consumption. In addition, residential buildings belong to the most inert elements of the energy system: Typically, it takes decades between construction and the first major refurbishment. As a result, buildings that are constructed or refurbished today strongly determine the energy need by the middle of this century.

The saving potentials results from comparing different reduction pathways for the time period 2000 to 2050 with a business as usual scenario. The scenarios were simulated using an ad hoc developed building stock model for the Swiss residential sector. The Swiss residential building stock model simulates the development of the building stock including renovation, demolition and construction. Energy relevant building parameters are represented, allowing energy consumption for space and water heating and associated CO₂ emissions to be quantified. Additionally, costs for energy and investments can be calculated.

The results show that energy consumption for space and water heating can be cut in half by 2050 by increasing current yearly investments in residential building constructions by 10 per cent. Such investments are profitable from a macroeconomic point of view, if energy cost savings are taken into account. The additional investments have to be spent on energy efficiency measures when buildings are renovated. Although such measures are easier to realise for new buildings, they play a minor role on a quantity basis. Further saving potentials can be achieved by applying advanced energy standards and by installing more less-emitting heating and hot water generation systems. Additionally, the study investigates the saving potential of more frequent and brought forward renovations as well as enhanced replacement of old buildings by new ones. The effect of alternative developments of living space demand was also analysed.

Publications

Ph.D. thesis (Dissertation)

Kost, M. (2006). Langfristige Energieverbrauchs- und CO₂-Reduktionspotenziale im Wohngebäudesektor der Schweiz. Ph.D. thesis, Diss. ETH No. 16421, ETH Zurich.

Journal articles (peer reviewed)

Amstalden, R. W., Kost, M., Nathani, C., Imboden, D. M. (2007). Economic potential of energy-efficient retrofitting in the Swiss residential building sector: The effects of policy instruments and energy price expectations. Energy Policy, 35 (3), 1819-1829. Available online 21 July 2006. (download ScienceDirect)

Siller, T., Kost, M., Imboden, D. (2007). Long-term energy savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions in the Swiss residential sector. Energy Policy, 35 (1), 529-539. Available online 15 February 2006. (download ScienceDirect)