01.12.2022 ・ Accelerating the thermal energy transition

Energy supply solutions for Paris-compatible apartment blocks E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS)

Reference

In a collaborative partnership, right° and E.ON are investigating innovative heating solutions within existing buildings.

E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) has planned a new heat supply system for a typical 1980s model apartment block of 300 units. Together with right°, Patrick Schneckenburger’s team analysed how the science-based 1.5°C figure can be used as the basis for evaluating various technical solutions concepts.

Typical appartment block (symbolic picture)

From Status Quo to 1.5°C Real Estate

The conditions of one building are different from the next. So as a first step, E.ON assembled an overview of the status quo to answer the question: Where does the apartment block currently stand in terms of its climate impact in °C? right°’s XDC Real Estate Explorer was used to compare the properties’ total area against their CO2 emissions and to project these results into the future. The analysis showed: With its current heat supply, the apartment block is not Paris-compatible and is well above 1.5°C.

In the subsequent scenario analysis, the question was investigated: To what extent do E.ON’s solutions contribute to bringing the apartment block into 1.5°C compatibility? Based on the block’s operational emissions, the software calculated results for a total of four modernization options employing different technologies. These calculations were based on both the internationally recognized decarbonization pathways of the CRREM project (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor) and a forecast by the Fraunhofer Institute. The Fraunhofer Institute assumes that the share of renewable energies in the electricity mix will grow significantly faster. The flexibility to consider different scenarios is a specific strength of the XDC Model. 

The scenario analysis also illustrated the effect of the different modernization options depending on their time of implementation, thereby indicating when a heating solution would need to be implemented to achieve the 1.5°C target for the property. Since climate change is caused by the cumulative amount of emissions over time, it makes a substantial difference whether the solution is implemented in 2023 or in 2045. 

 

The XDC Model’s results have shown that for refurbished existing apartment blocks, heat pump concepts incorporating a wide range of environmental energy sources are both 1.5°C compliant and economically feasible. However, there are differences within the industry regarding the development of emission factors and pathways. Here, a uniform standard is still needed. 

“The tools from right° enable us to analyse energy supply solutions and demonstrably prove their Paris-alignment. This benefits both our customers and us.”
Andre SchnelteSenior Product & Business Development Manager, E.ON

A collaboration with an impact

The team at E.ON can now clearly show their customers which heating concepts deployed at which timepoints are capable of bringing a property into future-proof Paris-alignment: science based and simple in °C. Which combination of technologies is suitable for which challenge depends on the respective requirements and local conditions.

 

As a next step, the E.ON team intends to bring Paris-conformity into the discussion as a key performance indicator for real estate energy supply. As robust collaboration partners, E.ON and right° aim to establish industry standards that transparently convey emissions intensity as a single informative indicator.  

“In addition to the cost-effectiveness of the new energy solutions we design, build, and operate, the demonstrable Paris-conformity of our solutions now also brings compelling informative value into our discussions with customers.”

XDC Real Estate Explorer

Capture the climate impact of buildings, quarters, and real estate portfolios in one simple value: degrees Celsius. Calculate 1.5°C-aligned decarbonisation pathways. Evaluate refurbishments and investments in advance. Tackle the transition. 

 

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Reference

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