Energy Performance Building Directive

Solearth Ecological Architecture

Energy is fast becoming the crucial issue of this century both with the effect on global warming from CO² production and with growing concerns about peak oil supply. The EU, in recognising this, is seeking to implement future-proofing strategies for energy consumption. The resulting EU directive on energy performance in buildings is to be transposed into national law on 4th January 2006. The draft time-table looks at its phased implementation from 2006 to 2009 starting with new residential buildings. Buildings will be rated and independently certified according to their energy performance; the graded certificate being similar to those issued already for electrical appliances and will be valid for 10 years.

One of the Directive’s purposes is the convergence of building energy standards in the EU but it is also to promote improved energy performance in buildings through cost –effective measures. With this in mind the following are 10 recommended steps to consider in the design of new housing:

Site: in domestic buildings up to 30% of space heating requirements can be met through passive solar gain, therefore it is important to consider the correct orientation and placing of a house in order to maximise the sun’s energy.

Glazing: the amount of glazing on each façade should be correctly considered to maximise solar gain to the south and minimise heat loss on colder northern elevations. High energy performing double glazing and thermally broken frames should be specified.

Internal planning: consider living spaces to the southern side of a house with seasonal sunspaces as passive solar collectors; equally thermal buffer spaces such as utility and toilets can be positioned on the north-side of the building.

Envelope: heat loss is through the building’s envelope and thus it is important in our climate to reduce surface-to-volume ratios in overall building shape.

Insulation: Insulate the building to higher than current building regulation standards paying particular attention to avoid thermal bridging where heat is lost and condensation can occur.

Build tight: prevent unwanted heat loss through attention to detail in construction particularly around junctions at openings in walls for windows and doors.

Ventilate right: the drive for energy efficiency should not make us forget a healthy indoor environment; therefore select an appropriate ventilation strategy for the building that ensures high indoor air quality and utilises waste heat from kitchens and bathrooms.

Efficiency: chose electrical appliances that are consumption efficient from light bulbs to fridges, reduce your overall energy demand within the house.

Sustainable energy: renewable energy sources for space heating and hot water are now every-day technologies from solar thermal panels to wood pellet-burning stoves. Pay-back periods make even more sense when viewed against the uncertainty of fossil fuel prices.

Community: consider building with others – sharing capital costs and economies of scale mean group heating schemes can make sense.

Mike Haslam – Solearth Ecological Architecture
Sept 2005