Impacts of Climate Change on Building Energy Use and Energy Transitions

Global electricity systems are in transition, with renewable energy taking on a larger role in total electricity generation. Energy demand, particularly in buildings, is adapting to a changing climate with both temperature and weather events changing the way energy is consumed. To best design future electricity systems it is critical to identify how a changing climate will impact the energy transition from traditional thermal generators to renewable energies. This study will combine climate modeling with detailed building models to predict how energy use in buildings will evolve with the changing climate in the coming decades. The study will contrast climate and energy use in Alberta, Canada and Bavaria, Germany. Taking lessons from the German energy transition, along with results on predicted energy use, insights towards the optimal strategy for energy transition in Canada will also be developed.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joule Bergerson

Student:

Partner:

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: