Towards environmental informatics for building stocks: A conceptual model for an environmental building stock information system for sustainable development - EBSIS(SD)

The building sector uses a considerable amount of all materials and energy used in Sweden. Knowledge about the existing building stock, its impact on the environment in relation to the use of material and energy, however, is limited and targeted environmental objectives and decision-making are based on vague information. To achieve environmental improvement and to pursue environmental objectives, descriptions of the environmental performance of building stocks are needed in a structured form. In the thesis a conceptual model for a computer-based Environmental Building Stock Information System for Sustainable Development (EBSIS^SD) is developed and the conditions for establishing such a system are examined. The relevance and feasibility of EBSIS^SD have been investigated through interview studies and literature studies. Modelling aspects have also been elaborated through studies of state-of-the-art, field trips and test runs of data sets with the City of Göteborg as a case in particular. In terms of modelling, issues regarding time, space and flows and deposits of material, energy and water related to buildings have been formulated. A broad scan of the building stock research field in Sweden and internationally and the environmental informatics field has identified the existing information structures BSAB, SPINE and GIS as the bricks for construction of the EBSIS^SD database structure. Moreover, a top-down and bottom-up approach is proposed in combination with a spatial age-use matrix. Concerning relevance, several potential users are identified both on the regional and local levels, such as property managers, municipal authorities and researchers. Potential applications comprise benchmarking, planning issues and scenario studies. Concerning feasibility, existing data and data sources are surveyed. The available energy-use data are adequate, whereas the material-use data are less satisfactory. In the Göteborg case study, an energy model based on delivered data is produced that shows the potential of a spatial age-use matrix. In conclusion, it is possible to construct EBSIS^SD, there are certainly interest groups and data are available. However, it is recommended to develop EBSIS ^SD in close co-operation with users and to start on the local level.