Chiara Nardelli
PhD thesis title: Dynamic energy-modelling framework for optimising renovation strategies and BRP generation through archetype-based simulation and multi-objective optimisation
Academic Tutor: Adriana Angelotti
Academic Supervisors: Francesco Causone and Martina Ferrando
Industrial supervisor: Ivan Roncelli
Affiliate external company or research group: A2A Energy Solutions (AES)
PhD cycle: 40° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Ingegneria Edile e delle Costruzioni, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Building engineering, Politecnico di Milano
RWTH Aachen University, hosted by the E3D – Institute of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Building from February 2026 to July 2026.
IDEA League PhD Grants 2026 - IDEA League is a strategic alliance between ETH Zurich, TU Delft, RWTH Aachen, Chalmers University, and Politecnico di Milano, some of Europe's most prestigious technical universities. The network's goal is to strengthen the links between technology, science, and society. The Politecnico di Milano offers scholarships dedicated to IDEA League students to support short-term research at IDEA League partner universities. These scholarships are aimed at doctoral students from partner institutions who wish to undertake a research experience at another IDEA League university.
Thesis abstract
My research focuses on developing a simulation-based and optimisation-driven methodology to support the implementation of the decarbonization states introduced by the new EPBD framework and to operationalise key instruments such as Building Renovation Passports (BRPs). The methodology combines dynamic building energy simulations with multi-objective optimisation to identify renovation strategies that balance energy savings, investment costs, carbon emissions, and occupant comfort. The objective is to generate Pareto-optimal renovation roadmaps that are both technically robust and economically viable, supporting Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in the design of standardised renovation contracts and enabling scalable decarbonisation pathways for building stocks at the urban level.
Personal interest in my research theme
I chose this research topic because buildings play a pivotal role in achieving the European Union’s decarbonisation targets, yet renovation decisions are often slow, fragmented, and characterised by limited data availability. I am particularly interested in bridging advanced energy modelling techniques with practical decision-support tools that can be effectively adopted by ESCOs and policymakers. Conducting this research within an industrial environment at A2A Energy Solutions allows me to observe firsthand how scientific research translates into real-world contracts and investment decisions, motivating me to develop a methodology that is both academically rigorous and operationally relevant.
