An approach to advance the energy efficiency and sustainability of masonry buildings

This paper outlines advances in building's energy efficiency and RES integrated distributed energy systems development, as well as the importance of BPS implementation in buildings energy efficiency optimization leading to sustainable buildings and sustainable local and regional development. In searching an approach to the energy efficiency and sustainability paper analyzes the possibility of improving the energy efficiency of an existing multi story apartment block in New Belgrade, typical for certain periods of construction in Serbia. Most buildings in New Belgrade, which originate from the period of intensive construction, are dilapidated and became derelict. In these buildings, indoor air temperatures in winter are often too low, and in summer too high. Characteristic for these buildings is excessive infiltration of outside air, inappropriate high consumption of energy for heating and summer air conditioning. Proposed is a project of architectural restoration of such buildings in order to make energy efficiency at the highest level of quality close to current EU standards. It is proposed architectural re-design and installation of photovoltaic panels on the facade of the western orientation to its non-transparent parts and/or in the form of a double semi-transparent facade. Provided for the upgrade of one floor what is (potential source of needed financial resources) and then reconstruction of the flat roof to green roof, with rugged terrace and partial covering - pergola. Alternatively, it is envisaged the partial construction of social spaces for young and old on the roof that ends with a green roof or roof panel that carries the photovoltaic panels.