The research project "Energy for domestic hot water in the Norwegian low emission society" is called VarmtVann2030, and lasts from 2017 to 2021. The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway and the project partners.

In this project, building owners and suppliers work together with SINTEF and NTNU to increase the knowledge of the use of domestic hot water (DHW) in Norway. After gaining knowledge about the use of hot water in different types of buildings, the team will propose more energy efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

In the future low-emission society, there is a need for efficient and smart DHW systems and management. It is expected that the energy demand for domestic hot water (DHW) will constitute a substantial part of the total energy demand in future buildings. Heating DHW in residential buildings in Europe amounts to about 13% of the total household energy consumption. In well insulated buildings, the total need for energy is reduced. In such buildings, energy for DHW is around 50% of the heat need.

Knowledge about actual use of DHW is important when planning, designing and operating heating systems. However, the level of knowledge about the actual DHW demand in various Norwegian building categories is relatively low. Increased knowledge about the DHW use and system solutions is needed, as a basis for new technological solutions and smart management.

Residential buildings, nursing homes and hotels are in focus in VarmtVann2030. These building categories have a high demand for hot water, and also represent a large number of comparable buildings. Measurements will be made in apartments from OBOS and Boligbygg, nursing homes from Drammen eiendom and Omsorgsbygg, and hotels from Olav Thon. The product suppliers Armaturjonsson, Høiax, Geberit and Uponor are also a part of the project.

VarmtVann2030 will provide the basis for new opportunities in the HVAC industry and among building owners, as well as improving the knowledge basis for planning, public administration and standardization work.