Renovation of an office building in Zurich - How dynamic building simulation saves CHF 40,000 in investment costs

Energy model of an office building in Zurich with a striking, curved façade and numerous windows.

When it comes to energy-efficient renovations, the correct dimensioning of the heating system is a crucial factor for cost-effectiveness. Conventional structural calculations often lead to oversizing – a certainty that is associated with high investment and operating costs. During the renovation of a Zurich office building, this very question arose: Is the planned 460 kW heating output really necessary?

The initial situation: over-dimensioning as a cost trap

The goal of the project was clear: to determine the actual heating demand and find a solution that would reduce investment and operating costs without compromising thermal comfort for the users. A system that is too large not only results in higher acquisition costs, but also inefficient operation and unnecessary energy consumption.

Our solution: Precise resizing through dynamic simulation

To create a reliable basis for system dimensioning, our partner Norm Technologies AG commissioned us to determine the actual heating capacity requirements using a dynamic building simulation. This approach is the core of our "Resizing Heating and Cooling Capacity" service.

Our approach was systematic:

1. Detailed building model: Based on the 3D model, we created a precise analytical building model with all relevant building physics parameters.

   
   

2. Dynamic simulation: Instead of working with static assumptions, we simulated the heating demand, taking into account real climate data and the specific usage profiles of the office building. This made it possible to determine the actual demand.

   
   

3. Analysis and evaluation: The simulation results provided a precise basis for evaluating the effects of different system sizes on comfort and efficiency.

Rear view of the 3D energy model

The result: 100 kW less power – with the same comfort

BOP's analysis produced a clear result: Instead of the originally planned 460 kW, the building requires only 360 kW of heating capacity. This reduction of over 20% was achieved while maintaining the same level of thermal comfort for the occupants.

The added value: Concrete savings and long-term benefits from the renovation of the office building

The decision to implement simulation-based redimensioning provided the customer with tangible benefits:

• CHF 40,000 investment savings : By choosing a smaller-sized heat pump, the acquisition costs could be reduced directly.

  
  

• Lower operating costs : A system designed according to demand operates more efficiently, which reduces energy consumption and running costs.

  
  

• Planning security : The reliable simulation results created a sound and reliable basis for decisions for further planning.

This project impressively demonstrates how the use of dynamic simulations helps avoid over-dimensioning and sustainably increase the efficiency of buildings. It's an investment that pays off both immediately and in the long term.

Want to learn more? Contact us.