Risk Management and Fault Detection Methods in Building Energy Renovation

Multifaceted challenges spanning the entire building’s lifecycle hinder energy efficiency in renovation projects. Despite regulatory frameworks for buildings’ renovation, operation and commissioning at both EU and national levels, numerous buildings fall short of energy performance targets. This persistent energy performance gap stems from decision-making processes across the building lifecycle, necessitating a comprehensive approach to practical solutions. Notably, modern hybrid energy systems and complex building automation demand meticulous attention to ensure optimal functionality. In Finland, current commissioning guidelines cover the design and planning phases but do not adequately address the construction and usage phases. In addition, the lack of training and motivation among managers and experts involved in energy renovation projects hinders data-driven insights. To address this issue, the study examines obstacles that face current energy renovation projects, such as measurement inaccuracies, data limitations, fault diagnostic methods, compliance issues, and practical impediments. The research involved a literature review and expert interviews. Initial findings reveal significant challenges investigators face when assessing energy efficiency in real-world scenarios. Measurement inaccuracies, data limitations, and practical impediments like compliance issues and fault diagnostic methods were identified as significant obstacles. Analysis of energy efficiency indicators used for building performance evaluation indicates a wide range of metrics employed. However, quantification in practical applications varies, posing challenges to establishing consistent evaluation standards. These preliminary results highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of energy efficiency challenges in building renovations. Early exploration of risk management practices for hybrid energy systems emphasises the need for a specific model addressing design and deployment risks. Insights from international practices are being gathered to propose effective risk management strategies tailored to the Finnish construction field.