EU Policy concerning Low Carbon Construction
Over the last 40 years since the first energy crisis, far reaching technical developments in the construction sector have taken place, which reduced the energy demand of new buildings drastically. Whereas 40 years ago heating energy demand of over 200 kWh per m² would have been common, more and more buildings in countries throughout the EU are meeting the passive house standards. Even examples for zero-energy buildings and energy-plus buildings exist already now and are expected to become wide spread in future.
EU policies and regulations played a crucial role in bringing about these developments. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) of 2002 was of particular importance. It states energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and major refurbishment projects. It covers calculation methodologies, minimum energy efficiency standards, energy performance certificates and regular inspections for boilers and air conditioning.
The directive has been recast and re-issued in 2010. Generally, all the above requirements have been tightened, in particular those relating to new buildings. The intention is that by 2020 all new buildings meet net zero energy standard. For new-build projects in the public sector this applies already from 2018. This means that buildings have to be super-efficient with the remaining energy requirements to be covered mostly by renewable energy generation. Definitions for “Net Zero Energy Buildings” and “cost optimality” are currently being defined by the EC (for full text click here, for further info by the EC click here).
Further information regarding low carbon construction policy will follow soon.
Over the last 40 years since the first energy crisis, far reaching technical developments in the construction sector have taken place, which reduced the energy demand of new buildings drastically. Whereas 40 years ago heating energy demand of over 200 kWh per m² would have been common, more and more buildings in countries throughout the EU are meeting the passive house standards. Even examples for zero-energy buildings and energy-plus buildings exist already now and are expected to become wide spread in future.
EU policies and regulations played a crucial role in bringing about these developments. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) of 2002 was of particular importance. It states energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and major refurbishment projects. It covers calculation methodologies, minimum energy efficiency standards, energy performance certificates and regular inspections for boilers and air conditioning.
The directive has been recast and re-issued in 2010. Generally, all the above requirements have been tightened, in particular those relating to new buildings. The intention is that by 2020 all new buildings meet net zero energy standard. For new-build projects in the public sector this applies already from 2018. This means that buildings have to be super-efficient with the remaining energy requirements to be covered mostly by renewable energy generation. Definitions for “Net Zero Energy Buildings” and “cost optimality” are currently being defined by the EC (for full text click here, for further info by the EC click here).
Further information regarding low carbon construction policy will follow soon.
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