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Plus Energy Building (PEB) Hub

Abstract

PEBHub is a comprehensive digital platform developed by EURAC Research that serves as a central repository and knowledge hub for Plus Energy Buildings (PEBs) - energy-efficient buildings designed to produce more energy than they consume through locally available renewable sources. The platform showcases real-world PEB implementations, providing detailed information about technologies, performance metrics, and design strategies for buildings that not only meet their energy demands but also generate an energy surplus throughout the year while minimizing greenhouse gas production. PEBHub offers educational resources, case studies, design guidelines, and best practices for architects, engineers, building owners, and policymakers seeking to implement sustainable building solutions that contribute to Europe's zero-emission building stock target by 2050.

Introduction

The European building sector faces an urgent challenge: buildings in the EU are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, with the ambitious objective of achieving a zero-emission building stock by 2050, requiring the retrofit of 20,000 houses each day. In response to this challenge, EURAC Research has developed PEBHub as a comprehensive platform that advances the understanding and implementation of Plus Energy Buildings across Europe.

What are Plus Energy Buildings?

Plus Energy Buildings represent a paradigm shift in sustainable construction, designed as energy-efficient buildings that use minimal energy for ordinary operations including: - Heating, cooling, ventilation - Lighting and electrical systems
- Water heating - User behavior-related consumption (appliances, controls)

What distinguishes PEBs from other energy-efficient buildings is their capability to not only meet their energy demands but also produce an energy surplus throughout the year using locally available renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Key Characteristics of PEBs

Smart Energy Systems

The energy efficiency of PEBs comes from several integrated factors: - Fully electric energy systems with heat pumps powered by renewable sources - Photovoltaic installations with battery storage for surplus energy - Heat pump technology that moves heat rather than generates it (significantly more efficient than traditional boilers/AC)

Intelligent Building Management

PEBs are fundamentally smart buildings that: - Manage resources autonomously - Maximize efficiency while maintaining optimal internal conditions - Intelligently regulate heating, cooling, lighting, and energy storage systems - Enable user participation in energy demand management

Platform Purpose and Scope

The PEBHub platform serves multiple stakeholder groups, providing essential resources for building professionals, researchers, policymakers, and building owners. Through its comprehensive database of real-world case studies, the platform demonstrates successful PEB implementations across various European climates and building typologies, from residential complexes to historic renovations and commercial buildings.

User Guide

Platform Overview

PEBHub is structured around three core components that provide comprehensive support for Plus Energy Building development and implementation:

1. Educational Resources and Definitions

The platform begins with fundamental education about Plus Energy Buildings, explaining how they produce more energy than they consume and the key principles that enable this energy-positive performance. Users can access detailed explanations of PEB concepts, technologies, and performance metrics.

2. Real-World Case Studies Database

PEBHub features an extensive collection of real Plus Energy Buildings showcasing the technologies for heating, cooling, ventilation, and energy production along with their actual performance data. These case studies span multiple European countries and building types, providing concrete examples of successful PEB implementations.

3. Design Guidelines and Best Practices

The platform provides comprehensive design guidance through 7 key principles that guide the creation of Plus Energy Buildings across all phases of the building's life, helping building owners, designers, and architects approach PEB construction and design effectively.

Building Portfolio Access

Users can explore diverse Plus Energy Buildings including: - Residential developments in Belgium - Historic renovations in Spain (Renaissance palace conversions) - Sustainable housing projects in the Netherlands - Large-scale modular timber projects in Germany - Social housing renovations across Europe

Each case study provides detailed technical specifications, performance data, and lessons learned.

Technology Focus Areas

The case studies highlight key technology implementations:

  • Heat pump systems combined with solar panel installations for energy generation
  • Photovoltaic systems with electrical storage batteries supplying renewable energy
  • Ground source heat pumps providing energy-efficient heating and cooling utilizing geothermal energy
  • House Management Systems (HMS) that optimize energy use and monitor operations
  • Advanced building envelopes with high-performance insulation
  • Smart ventilation systems with heat recovery technology

Performance Metrics and Analysis

Each building case includes specific performance data: - Annual energy production figures - Efficiency ratings - Environmental impact assessments - Cost analysis over 30-year periods

Example Performance: Some projects demonstrate maximum consumption of non-renewable primary energy as low as 0.64 kWh/m², guaranteeing environmental and ecological sustainability.

Design Guidelines Utilization

The Seven Key Principles

PEBHub provides seven key design principles that guide the creation of Plus Energy Buildings, emphasizing: - Understanding conflicting behaviors - Identifying underlying needs - Recognizing user strategies - Incorporating trade-offs in design to balance energy efficiency and usability

User-Centered Design Approach

The platform emphasizes that comfort isn't just about temperature but is closely tied to meeting people's needs. Key considerations include: - Involving residents in the design process whenever possible - Recognizing that users often override systems if they don't feel comfortable - Balancing advanced technology with practical usability

Energy Balance Understanding

Users can learn about the Plus Energy Building energy balance concept:

Energy Generated Onsite > Total Energy Consumed

Where: - Energy Generated = Total primary energy generated onsite (PV, wind, etc.) - Energy Used = Total primary energy load including heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, DHW, appliances, and plug loads

PEBs are designed to generate more energy than they consume, with extra energy available for sharing or selling as part of energy communities.

Practical Implementation Support

Building Submission Process

The platform encourages architects and building owners of Plus Energy Buildings to submit their building information for featuring on the platform, contributing to the growing database of real-world examples and expanding the knowledge base for the PEB community.

Technical Resource Access

PEBHub provides downloadable factsheets developed in the Cultural-E project that offer: - Comprehensive evaluations of solutions to reach Plus Energy targets - Energy consumption analysis - Indoor environment quality assessments - Life cycle costs and environmental impact over 30-year periods - Data from energy simulations, LCA and LCC analysis

Integration with Broader Research Network

The platform connects users to EURAC Research's broader Energy Efficient Buildings research group, which focuses on: - Energy flexible buildings and building clusters - Facade system concepts - Architectural solutions for natural ventilation and daylighting - Nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB)

Target Users and Applications

Professional Development

Architects, Engineers, Building Designers - Practical examples and technical specifications - Proven strategies for implementing PEB concepts - Performance benchmarks and best practices

Policy and Planning Support

Policymakers and Urban Planners - Understanding PEB potential for widespread adoption - Developing supportive regulatory frameworks - Contributing to European climate goals and energy efficiency targets

Research and Academic Use

Researchers and Academics - Comprehensive case study database for analysis - Performance data for comparison studies - Development of improved PEB strategies and technologies

Building Owner Education

Current and Prospective Building Owners - Real-world examples and case studies - Understanding benefits and challenges of PEB ownership - Guidance for new projects or renovation planning

Getting Started

  1. Explore the fundamentals: Start with the "What is a Plus Energy Building" section
  2. Browse case studies: Review real-world implementations relevant to your project type
  3. Study design guidelines: Apply the 7 key principles to your planning process
  4. Access technical resources: Download factsheets and performance data
  5. Connect with the community: Submit your own projects or connect with EURAC Research

PEBHub contributes to Europe's ambitious goal of achieving a zero-emission building stock by 2050, supporting the transition to sustainable, energy-positive buildings across the continent.