Research Information System
6th Central European Symposium on Building Physics, CESBP 2025, Budapest, Hungary, 11 - 13 September 2025, vol.796 LNCE, pp.194-204, (Full Text)
Improving the energy efficiency of existing institutional buildings is vital for reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability. This study investigates retrofitting strategies for the Solar Energy Institute building at Ege University, integrating passive and active measures tailored to local climatic conditions to achieve nearly zero-energy standards while considering occupant comfort and future climate scenarios. In this paper, we demonstrate that combining building physical calculations of the thermal envelope, Building Energy Modeling (BEM) using DesignBuilder, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) enabled precise visualisation and analysis of interventions. Passive measures included thermal insulation, window replacement, daylighting optimisation and lighting upgrades, while active solutions involved improving the HVAC system and integrating a rooftop solar energy system. User behaviour calibration was informed by measured energy consumption, thermostat settings, and internal temperature data. Occupancy schedules were developed based on typical academic hours and staff presence data. Plug loads and lighting usage patterns were derived from equipment inventories and hourly usage logs. These behavioral parameters were integrated into DesignBuilder to reflect real usage profiles and ensure a realistic simulation environment. This approach underscores the importance of incorporating user behaviour, dynamic climate models, and comparative simulation techniques in energy-efficiency-increasing complex and deep renovation projects. Comparing DesignBuilder outputs with advanced numerical methods validated the reliability of modelled building performance, particularly in areas such as ground contact slabs and other building envelope components. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable retrofitting strategies, emphasising the synergy between advanced modelling tools and measured data to optimise energy performance and indoor environmental quality.