Modeling and visualization of residential sector energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 81; pp. 70 - 80
• Main Authors: Mattinen, Maija K., Heljo, Juhani, Vihola, Jaakko, Kurvinen, Antti, Lehtoranta, Suvi, Nissinen, Ari
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 15.10.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Emission; Energy use; Environment and sustainable development; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Geographical information system; Greenhouse gas; Pollution; Residential building; Emission; Residential building; Energy use; Geographical information system; Greenhouse gas; Energy consumption; Visualization; Gas emission; Pollution prevention; Sustainable development; Modeling; Energy utilization; Geographic information system; Environmental protection; Residential sector
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.05.054

The paper presents a calculation and visualization approach for energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from residential stock. The used calculation method is based on a bottom-up approach and is implemented in a case district. The visualization of the energy and emission results employs geographical information system (GIS) techniques. We show two examples of how impacts of behavioral and technical changes in the building stock can be assessed and visualized by using the approach. The results obtained provide meaningful and detailed information about the energy performance and greenhouse gas emissions of the residential stock. The information can be, for instance, used in various hot spot analyses. Additionally, the impacts of energy efficiency measures and behavioral changes can be assessed. These types of analysis can be useful for policy makers in order to prioritize actions cost efficiently, such as carrying out renovations in the residential sector. [Display omitted] •We model and visualize residential sector's energy consumption and emissions.•We visualize regional results by using geographical information system.•We analyze impacts of behavioral and technical changes in the building stock.•The results can be used for hot spot analyses and various impact assessments.•The approach provides relevant detailed regional information for decision makers.