cold climate

A SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGNED FOR A COLD CLIMATE WITH EXTENSIVE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY In the past, Telenor’s operations in Bergen have been spread across many sites and buildings. This was regarded as ineffective and uneconomic, and in 1995, the

States that poor ventilation is a factor in raising humidity levels in well insulation cold climate housing. Aimed to look at the ventilation rates in houses with varying ventilation systems, noting indoor air humidity, domestic mite allergen levels and VOCs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure levels in 59 similar one-storey single family houses. 22 houses had an added mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation system.

States that in January to April 1989, over 90% of greater Montreal day car centres exceeded 1000 ppm of carbon dioxide. Independent positive predictors were the child density, presence of electric heating, absence of a ventilation system and age of the building. Recommends that clear standards and inspection policies should be set for day care centre air quality.

Describes how design aids were developed to simplify the task of sizing inlet and exhaust openings and airway height for cathedral ceilings. Recommends guidelines for when and where roof ventilation is needed to avoid icings at eaves.

In an International Energy Agency collaborative project, an attempt has been made to establish indicators that unambiguously characterise energy use in a cold climate. Detailed information was obtained from 11 buildings in the seven participating countries. The project revealed that often there are no internationally accepted methods or definitions for the determination of different quantities. There is no general indicator that can on its own describe the energy effectiveness of a building.

Discusses the importance of R-2000 homes in the light of renewed concerns about energy costs. States that they are healthier, more comfortable and quieter than standard houses. Scientific studies by Health Canada comparing the health of residents in new R-2000 homes with those living in standard new construction show that there is a measurable improvement inthe health of the residents of the R-2000 homes. Gives calculations for a typical new house in various parts of Canada, compared with R-2000 construction, covering design heat loss, electrical energy cost and natural gas cost.

Describes low energy houses which have been built at Lindas in Sweden. A traditional heating system has been replaced in the design by heat exchanger in combination with an exceptionally well insulated construction. The terraced houses maximise use of passive solar gains, while balconies and projecting eaves protect against excessive solar radiation during the summer. External walls are exceptionally well insulated and airtight. The ventilation system consists of a supply and exhaust air unit with a counter flow heat exchanger that provides 85% heat recovery.