Why low energy buildings
The Building sector accounts for 40 % of EU’s energy use and 36 % of the CO2 emissions. More than 90 % of the environmental impact from a building is from its energy use (heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting). Improved energy efficiency is key for both reducing costs, improving competitiveness, securing future supply and for meeting the commitments on climate change stipulated under international agreements. 100 -20 %
-20 %
Energy efficient heating and cooling systems Energy efficient heating and cooling systems are vital for low energy buildings to fulfil the future requirements. New building standards across Europe have demands for higher thermal insulation of the building envelope, better u-values for windows and lower infiltration through the building envelope, all in order to reduce the heat loss. By 2020, building regulations will be adapted to reach nearly zero energy levels. Compared to 2005 building standards, the heat loss will decrease with more than 80 %.
20 % 0 Greenhouse gas levels
Energy consumption
Future residential buildings will have heating peak loads of 20-40 W/m2 and the tight and well insulated building envelope will introduce a need for cooling in the summer period. The cooling peak loads can be significant - up to 40 W/m2.
Renewables in energy mix
140
The 20-20-20 EU Policy by 2020
• • •
20 % cut in EU’s Greenhouse Gas emissions 20 % energy share from renewable sources 20 % increase in energy efficiency
100
kWh/m2 pr year
The European 20-20-20 plan envisages the following goals to be achieved by the year 2020:
120
80
60
40
20
0
2005
2020
Tendency of the energy frame towards 2020
2
U P O N O R · E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N T W E L L- B E I N G