Energy efficiency of buildings and systems

Buildings consume about one-third of the total energy consumption of EU. Therefore, the EU will, inter alia, with the implementation of the directives to guide the construction towards lower energy consumption and to the use of renewable energy sources. When trying to achieve the low energy consumption good starting points are the good thermal insulation of the building’s envelope, the use of efficient heating and ventilating systems and the use of renewable energy.  

In new buildings the cost-efficiency determines the solutions to be used. The existing building stock has a high energy savings potential. However, it is more difficult to find for it cost-effective and technical feasible energy saving solutions.  

Research challenges are the development of reliable calculation methods for energy consumption and for interior temperatures of low-energy buildings, management of construction details and development of cost-effective energy saving and renewable energy systems.