Analyzing the Carbon Performance Gap and Thermal Energy Performance Gap of School Buildings in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia

This study examines the Carbon Performance Gap (CPG) and Energy Performance Gap (EPG) of school buildings in Osijek-Baranja County in Croatia. The variance between the predicted energy efficiency of a building, as indicated by the energy performance certificate (EPC), and its actual performance in terms of energy consumption, is often referred to as the EPG while the variance between the predicted carbon emission of a building from the EPC and its actual emission is referred to as CPG. This study aims to determine the extent of CPG and EPG between actual energy consumption/carbon emission and the calculated, which is presented in EPCs of school buildings. The average EPG among the analyzed schools was found to be 71.73% while the average CPG was found to be 78.77%. The analysis also revealed a substantial average annual difference in heating costs attributable to the EPG. By addressing EPG and CPG while optimizing energy usage, educational institutions can achieve substantial cost savings and contribute significantly to sustainability goals.