Handbook for performing feasibility studies of alternative energy systems

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has imposed obligatory consideration of the technical, environmetal and economic feasibility of alternative energy systems (AES) for large new buildings. Most countries have transposed the  requirements into their national legislation. However, operational legislation, technical guidelines and support tools are usually not yet in place. The objective of the EIE SENTRO project (http://www.sentro.eu/) is to develop an approach for effectively incorporating the introduction of AES feasibility studies into the common building process.

Part of the approach consists of this handbook, that is intended to be a guide on how to perform a feasibility study and to help actors to embed feasibility requirements in the common planning and building processes. First, a checklist is presented that has been developed in order to facilitate discussion between decision makers (investors) and other key actors involved in the building project. The checklist, – an Excel spreadsheet tool – should be used at an early stage to identify the most promising AES. The feasibility of these promising AES (two or more) must then be investigated in more detail. This handbook covers technical, economic, environmental and organisational aspects to ensure that a complete package of barriers is dealt with.

As support for raising awareness, appendix B of the handbook presents some good practice examples of feasibility studies performed in different countries up to now. In addition, appendix D lists frequently asked questions about alternative energy systems. Finally, appendix E of the handbook provides a list of tools in place that can be used when performing the feasibility studies.