Energy and Indoor Environment Quality Performance Predictions for Multi-residential Projects in Four European Climates

This article presents the research on dynamic performance models developed for six multi-residential demonstration projects as a part of the syn.ikia Horizon 2020 project in four European climate zones: mediterranean, marine, continental, and sub-arctic. The main aim of these models is to evaluate buildings’ performance based on final design inputs, focusing on energy, environmental impact, and indoor environmental quality characterised by a set of key performance indicators. The dynamic performance models of the syn.ikia demonstrations were based on detailed multi-zone modelling methods and well-established and validated building performance tools such as TRNSYS, IDA-ICE, and DesignBuilder. The simulated performance results demonstrate that in all new-build demonstration projects, the final design scenario enables the achievement of the main syn.ikia project targets related to a positive energy balance, operational net-zero GHG emission, and high thermal comfort. This accomplishment is attributed to implementing thermally efficient and airtight building envelopes, efficient HVAC systems, and on-site renewable energy systems. In the case of the two retrofit demonstration projects, the positive energy and net-zero emission targets were not achieved, which is related to the combination of the limited renewable energy generation potential and higher energy demand. The comparison of the simulated performance results with the available annual monitoring data in the Dutch demonstration project indicates good accuracy of the developed building performance model and confirms the achievement of the main syn.ikia project goals related to the positive energy balance and net-zero GHG emission operation. The highest performance gap is observed for energy consumption related to the domestic hot water and space heating, whereas there is a neglectable difference for the renewable energy generation from on-site PV system. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025