Optimization of Life Cycle Energy in an Educational Building: A Case Study of an Elementary School in Niš

Buildings account for a significant share of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making them key factors in mitigating climate change. Given the challenges of reducing emissions in existing buildings, Life cycle energy (LCE) becomes a fundamental element of sustainable solutions for reducing the ecological footprint of the construction sector. This study examines an elementary school, “Car Konstantin” in Niš, with a current specific energy consumption for heating of 104.54 kWh/m<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> and a net conditioned area of 4456.19 m<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup>. The study analyzes opportunities for optimizing LCE by reducing emissions, integrating renewable energy sources, and implementing smart energy management. Advanced technologies, such as building performance simulations, enable the assessment and analysis of energy consumption throughout the building’s life cycle. Balancing the relationship between operational energy use and embodied energy (EmE) becomes crucial for achieving longterm LCE. Special attention is given to the challenges of renovating existing buildings, considering climate changes and shifts in the energy needs of educational buildings. The study provides an approach for making informed decisions in the renovation of educational buildings, with an emphasis on LCE and emissions reduction throughout the life cycle, contributing to global efforts to reduce negative environmental impacts.