Energy efficient buildings

Energy efficient buildings Dr J D Bapat The public sector must be the front-runner in raising energy-efficiency standards for buildings, according to 45 European cities that have come together to contribute to a review of EU laws regarding the energy performance of buildings. The cities, from 18 EU member states, have united in pursuit of sustainable communities by integrating energy-efficiency improvement techniques and the use of renewable energy sources. They argue that the revamped Energy Performance of Buildings Directive should oblige authorities to display energy-performance certificates in visible places in all public buildings. In addition, all new public buildings should exceed national regulations by a certain percentage, they recommend. The key recommendations include: Lowering the current 1000m2 threshold required for buildings undergoing a major renovation in order to meet specific efficiency standards, Including final energy-use figures, as well as the corresponding primary energy-use and CO2-emissions ratings, in energy performance certificates, and; Creating a certified professional category, introducing certification to guarantee the quality of inspections and energy-performance certificates. The EU has set 20% emissions reduction goal by 2020. Preliminary findings indicate that the first 26 cities alone should achieve CO2 emission reductions of 21,000 tonnes per year. The initiative, launched by the EU executive, comprises 18 projects across Europe working to become as self-sufficient regarding energy supply as possible, all of which could contribute to the revised directive. For example, the four French cities participating in the initiative managed to raise standards nationally by introducing higher standards into local tender processes. Source: EurActiv.com, 16 January 2009 Question: Discuss various ways in which buildings could be made energy efficient Concrete home of the future: Concrete home of the future should incorporate a range of concrete attributes, to promote concrete as a sustainable building material. Read more .... ....