Carbon Due Diligence Light & Thermal Simulation
In April 2024, Pfeiffer & May SE commissioned LIST Eco to conduct a Carbon Due Diligence Light for an existing office building in Karlsruhe.
For a CDD Light, LIST Eco provides the following services: assessment of the current status, classification on the CRREM path, development of a package of measures, classification of the target status on the CRREM path, and an overview of available funding.
Ultimately, it turned out that the existing property in Karlsruhe does not currently pose an immediate economic risk. The current stranding date is 2026. By implementing all technical optimization measures (V1 through V3 in combination), the stranding date can be postponed to 2036. To become climate-neutral by 2045 (Germany) or 2050 (EU), one can also consider long-term structural measures (e.g., retrofitting the facade) as well as the procurement of green electricity.
To identify further optimization potential for the property, LIST Eco 2025 was commissioned to conduct a thermal simulation. The results show that “Variant 3,” with a heated and cooled ceiling, ensures the best thermal comfort. The even distribution of radiant heat contributes significantly to comfort. In terms of energy consumption while maintaining satisfactory comfort, Variant 3 also represents the most efficient solution.
Advantages of Thermal Simulation
Thermal building simulation provides precise planning data rather than general assumptions. It uses location-specific weather data covering all 8,760 hours of the year and fully models the building’s actual thermal behavior—including temperature cycles, actual usage, and radiation intensities.
Planning reliability: Identifyearly on how rooms will perform—no costly surprises after completion.
Cost savings: By sizing systems to meet actual demand (peak shaving), you avoid oversizing. Smaller systems mean lower investment and operating costs—often, the savings exceed the cost of the simulation.
Realism: Unlike the normative calculation according to DIN 4108-2, the simulation uses real local climate data instead of generalized regional data. It takes actual usage into account, not just standard values.
Comfort Verification: Reliable assessments of thermal comfort throughout the entire year—hours of excessive temperature are precisely determined.
Future-proof: The simulation can work with future climate datasets (e.g., 2045) and serves as the ideal foundation for dynamic energy simulations, sustainability certifications (DGNB, EU Taxonomy), and LCA calculations.
