*Article* **Emission Reduction Potential of Di**ff**erent Types of Finnish Buildings through Energy Retrofits**

**Janne Hirvonen 1,\* , Juha Jokisalo <sup>1</sup> , Paula Sankelo <sup>2</sup> , Tuomo Niemelä <sup>3</sup> and Risto Kosonen 1,4**


Received: 28 October 2020; Accepted: 3 December 2020; Published: 8 December 2020

**Abstract:** Energy retrofitting of buildings shows great potential in reducing CO<sup>2</sup> emissions. However, most retrofitting studies only focus on a single building type. This paper shows the relative potential in six Finnish building types, to identify possible focus areas for future retrofits in Finland. Data from previous optimization studies was used to provide optimal cases for comparison. Energy demand of the buildings was generated through dynamic simulation with the IDA-ICE software. The cases were compared according to emissions reduction, investment and life cycle cost. It was found that, in all buildings, it was possible to reduce emissions cost-neutrally by 20% to 70% in buildings with district heating and by 70% to 95% using heat pumps. Single-family homes with oil or wood boilers switching to heat pumps had the greatest emission reduction potential. More stringent requirements for energy efficiency could be mandated during building renovation.

**Keywords:** energy retrofit; heat pump; CO<sup>2</sup> emissions; building stock
