The project started by analysing existing structures & tools in the cities of Salzburg & Villach and - based on these analyses - developing necessary elements of the Performance-Based-Renovation-Package:
• The draft for the adapted Financial Models contains (1) a guideline and possible solutions to solve barriers for sustainable refurbishment or investment in the decentralised use of renewable energy sources, (2) financing options for cities & municipalities, portfolio analysis and calculation of renovation budgets, the flexible use of budgets by considering life-cycle costs to further financing sources and outsourcing models and (3) framework conditions like legal requirements for award procedures, service law, and political issues.
• The Performance-Based Remuneration Models and Adapted Design Contracts for tailored Building Technology were addressed by describing existing fee models and their problems & weak points. Key elements of planning contracts to contractually secure energy efficiency and sustainability were presented. Common service specifications in the fields of architecture, building physics and HVAC design are supplemented to take energy efficiency and sustainability into account. A recommendation for demand-oriented dimensioning of heating and cooling systems was also provided.
• The developed standard Criteria Catalogue for Sustainable Refurbishment serves as a quality assurance tool for project participants during the entire planning and construction phase but also lists roles and responsibilities of involved parties. A comprehensive manual explains how to use the criteria catalogue. The evaluation of the criteria has shown that an integrated planning approach, which includes both a very good building envelope and the energy or supply system, is just as important as the consideration of investment AND operating costs, i.e. a life cycle cost approach.
• For the Quality Assurance Process from Design to Operation we analysed and discussed quality assurance tools to secure the high quality of the building shell, but also the quality of the HVAC systems. As a good performance of HVAC systems is crucial for a well operating building, we also focused on technical monitoring (enhanced commissioning) to ensure that both energy consumption & comfort are met as promised, and that the systems operate to achieve their planned lifespan.
For expanding know-how within the existing building construction departments, we recruited new staff in the cities of Salzburg and Villach. We started to develop tools to support the planning process and increase knowledge through training and project implementation. Recommendations were made as to what additional tasks, aspects and services could be implemented so that the project would certainly include more aspects of sustainability. We also provided an overview of various accompanying studies and engineering services that focus on energy efficiency & sustainability and facilitate decisions in favour of sustainable measures.
The above Performance-Based-Renovation-Package was tested in several real implementation test-bed projects. This trained the existing and new staff in the application of the new process, integrates the new elements into the existing processes, and shows were the process and tools need to be adapted for further implementation projects. Both cities are guided through the test-bed projects and already started to implement projects on their own.
Currently, we establish a comprehensive online training program with all new tools, methods and findings from the project, which will be available within the online training programs of the cities, but also for free on a separate training website.
The project was already presented to various stakeholders, but further dissemination will follow as the Performance-Based-Renovation-Package is set up and the online training program goes live.
