Case Study: Radomir 1 - Healthier and warmer dwellings

Short Description

The objectives of this pilot project were to show the possibilities to save energy in resdiential buildings through the implementation of different energy saving measures and to assess the viability of different technologies used in building refurbishment. Different energy saving measures were implemented in three typical resdiential buildings, built with prefabricated concrete panels.

The measures implemented show that significant energy savings can be achieved with simple technologies – more than 46%. These measures are applicable for 30% of the dwellings in the country.

Key Elements

Thermal Insulation

Thermal insulation of external walls with extruded polystyrene.

Water proofing and thermal insulation of roof with Keramsit.

Thermal insulation of basement ceiling.

Windows and Shading

Repair and draught proofing of wooden windows.

Heating and Hot Water

Installation of new boiler for space heating.

Improvement of heating system.

Installation of hot water electrical heaters.

Electricity Saving Products

Energy consumption before renovation was 197,8  KWh/m2.

Energy consumption after renovation was 106,7 KWh/m2.

Percentage saving: 46%.

Energy consumption before the refurbishment is calculated after an energy audit, as 55% of the rooms were not heated. After renovation, the energy consumption was monitored for two years.

Main Results

Energy consumption before renovation was 197,8  KWh/m2.

Energy consumption after renovation was 106,7 KWh/m2.     

Percentage saving: 46%.  

Energy consumption before the refurbishment is calculated after an energy audit, as 55% of the rooms were not heated. After renovation, the energy consumption was monitored for two years.

Lessons learned

• The implemented energy saving measures are cost effective. Their pay back period is six years.
• The applied measures can be widely replicated with guaranteed results. This is due to factors such as: type of building, choice of insulating materials, heating infrastructure.
• The target group for the future introduction of energy efficiency measures in the multi-dwelling houses with individual heating in Bulgaria are the households, occupying these dwellings.

Additional Information

• The improved buildings were chosen as the measures applied could be widely replicated. This was due to factors such as building fabric, heating infrastructure, ownership and supporting institutional configuration.
• An energy audit was done before the refurbishment. This audit is the basis for assessment of a great number of dwelling buildings erected with reinforced concrete panels.
• As the renovation did not affect the flats internally, the inhabitants did not have to move.
• The inhabitants were interviewed after the completion of the works. Most of them are satisfied by the results.
• The main result of the implemented energy saving measures is an increase of comfort of the dwellings: better temperature, less condensation, more aesthetical windows, etc.