Heating demand as an energy performance indicator: A case study of buildings built under the passive house standard in Spain

This paper aims to identify more simplified and appropriate energy performance indicators (EPIs) for residential buildings during their operational stage. The Spanish Energy Performance Certification methodology is used evaluate the rate (EPR) of a selected sample Passive House (PH) buildings. Results study indicate: all certified PH analyzed are nearly zero-energy (NZEBs) under certification system; disaggregate (particularly heating cooling demand), appear be suitable EPIs comparing among different schemes labels; new Technical Building Code (TBC) offers greater flexibility in terms creating NZEBs than previous laws, having advantage that it involves very (albeit closely linked) economic sectors, represents step forward accomplishing NZEB goal, clear boost renewable energies efficiency building sector. However, only states aggregate as limiting values, which may alter competition between carriers/solutions. On other part, requirement level TBC relation demand still needs verified. Moreover, use does not necessarily pave way towards “passive building” concept.