Experimental Study on the Sustainability of Harnessing the Thermal Potential of Surface Waters for Building Decarbonization

One of the important stages of energy efficiency measures for buildings is the optimal choice of heating and cooling systems, as well as that of heat/cold production sources, so as to minimize dependence on conventional fuels and the national energy system. Currently, the option for integrating renewable energy sources addressed in the building efficiency stage is the installation of solar systems. In the context of the need to reduce energy consumption and reduce pollutant emissions, and the need to integrate renewable energy sources, the article addresses the implementation of a hybrid system with a water-to-water heat pump and photovoltaic panels, capable of achieving the decarbonization of the heating/cooling of a University Politehnica Timisoara teaching/research laboratory. The analyzed hybrid system uses the thermal potential of the Bega channel as a heat/cold source, and as a source for electricity production, a PV system, supported by the national energy system. Following the analysis of the operation of the building’s hybrid system for heating and cooling, during 4 November 2024–12 September 2025, an energy independence of approximately 90.7% and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 4.17 t/year was found.