Environmentally friendly buildings are not just a good idea – they are now mandatory. From 2006 to 2009 new energy requirements will bring essential changes to building in Europe.
The air conditioning system runs at full blast in summer and the radiators are set at max in winter – but energy-hungry façades will soon be history.
In future we will see exposed ceiling structures, groundwater cooling, natural and hybrid ventilation systems and thermo-active concrete elements.
New legislation to reduce energy consumption
The EU Commission has drawn up new energy requirements to be incorporated in building regulations. The specific requirements will vary from country to country because of different climatic conditions from north to south.
But the new EU Directive intended to reduce energy consumption by typical 25 per cent compared with today.
The rules applies to both private and public buildings. In the years to come building projects will bear the hallmarks of new energy solutions with special attention to façades and integration of new forms of energy.
Energy framework at the planning stage
The new energy requirements mean that all clients applying for planning permission must present documentation for the energy consumption of the building.
This consumption must be kept within specific limits in relation to the size of the building and its purpose.
Energy calculations must consequently be included in the planning from the very start:
"Architectural wishes and building elements must be included in the preliminary energy framework calculations, and façade design will be one of the aspects examined. The first calculations will be based on the architect’s ideas about the façade and the engineer’s expectations regarding technical installations such as climate control and lighting. The objective is to give the architect an overview of possible new elements in the building and the framework for further design work," says Michael Nielsen, R&D Manager at COWI.
Innovative development
"The new rules mean we will have to economise by means of technical systems and choices of special materials for façades. It also means that clients, architects and engineers will have to work more closely together from the start. But I think in the end it will lead to far more exciting buildings, with a far closer integration of functionality and aesthetics." Mr Nielsen believes it will encourage new ideas and applications of sustainable energy.
Glass will be permissible
The new energy framework applies to facades, supplies, technical installations and operation and maintenance of the building. It will still be possible to "make allowances" e.g. for a glass facade by including a number of other methods of saving energy, such as using alternative energy to reduce the total energy consumption.
By Jette Westerdahl and Kristian Sørensen
Published: 02.02.2006
