From Fast to Smart: A Framework for Building Prioritization in Decarbonization Strategies

The urgent need for decarbonization has accelerated sustainability initiatives across university campuses worldwide. However, the reliance on building energy performance certificates as the primary indicator for energy efficiency measures often overlooks crucial factors such as real energy consumption and renewable energy integration. This limited approach can hinder progress toward net-zero targets. This study proposes a comprehensive framework for effectively assessing and prioritizing decarbonization actions on university campuses. The framework integrates data from energy performance certificates, real-time energy consumption from smart meters, and advanced simulations of renewable energy generation. By categorizing buildings based on their energy efficiency ratings, usage factors, and Net Energy Balance Factor, the framework offers actionable insights to identify buildings with the greatest decarbonization potential. The methodology was applied to the Vera campus of the Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain, identifying and ranking priority buildings to start implementing decarbonisation strategies. These findings suggest that buildings with low ratings, moderate-intensive usage factor, and capacity to generate renewable energy should be prioritized. Implementing these strategies could optimize resource allocation and elevate the campus’s energy efficiency. This framework provides a practical, scalable approach for university campuses to prioritize buildings for decarbonisation, advancing sustainability goals and offering a replicable model for other institutions aiming to improve their energy performance.