Energy-oriented renovation of the large share of older buildings in the total stock in order to reduce their high heating demands is one of the fundamental challenges in achieving the transition from fossil to a purely renewable energy supply aimed at by the German turnaround in energy policy. When planning renovation measures information on the characteristics and condition of the building stock is very helpful in order to estimate the scope of the necessary measures and the energy saving potential associated with them. The results can be used to assess the energy performance of individual buildings and entire neighbourhoods, to simulate renovation options, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the measures.
In the field of energy building analysis, scientists use sensor technologies developed at the institute to determine the renovation needs of buildings. The measurement techniques are usually non-contact and the sensors optimised for mobile use. They can be handheld, mounted on vehicles or deployed from the air.
The quality of the insulation, the air tightness of the building envelope and the detection of damage in the existing building are of particular interest in building analysis. For their investigation infrared thermography, acoustic tests and AI methods are used among others. The findings obtained are incorporated into energy simulations and are then typically used to estimate the resulting energy demand of a building, to determine its renovation potential and to technically and economically evaluate different renovation options.
At district level, three-dimensional building models with textures from visual and thermographic overflight data as well as GIS (geographic information system) and cadastral information are used to identify or determine characteristics such as building age and use, refurbishment status and heat requirements. The results can be used in the context of Urban Building Energy Modelling (UBEM) to plan and accompany transformation processes for climate protection.