Review on shallow geothermal promoting energy efficiency of existing buildings in Europe

Abstract

The energy-saving renovation of existing buildings has been attracted sufficient attention to reduce fossil fuels and mitigate global warming in Europe. The shallow geothermal for building cooling and heating, as an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative, has been widely explored to promote energy efficiency of existing buildings. However, few studies conduct the comprehensive overview on the applications, developments, and existing issues of shallow geothermal promoting energy efficiency of existing buildings (SGPEEEB) in Europe. The objective of this paper is to review the current application status and future trends of SGPEEEB in Europe. First, the common utilization forms and classifications of used shallow geothermal technologies are introduced to further clarify the investigated subject. Then, the research and application status of SGPEEEB has also analyzed and discussed. At last, this study proposes the future trends and comments of SGPEEEB in Europe.