energy efficiency

Increasing demand for energy efficiency places new requirements on energy use in historic buildings. Efficient energy use is essential if a historic building is to be used and preserved, especially buildings with conventional uses such as residential buildings and offices. This paper presents results which combine energy auditing with building energy simulation and an indoor environment survey among the occupants of the building. Both when comparing simulations with measurements as well as with survey results good agreement was found.

The central aim of this project i s to provide knowledge and tools for increasing the energy efficiency and performance of new and existing laboratory-type facilities in California. We approach the task along three avenues: (1) identification of current energy use and savings potential, (2) development of A Design Guide for Energy-Efficient Research Laboratories, and (3) development of a research agenda for focused technology development and for improving our understanding of the market 

A study from 2005-2007 has been undertaken of 18 ‘low-energy’ dwellings in Milton Keynes, UK, originally monitored for temperature and energy consumption from 1989-1991. Results were compared under standardized daily external conditions of 5ºC. The follow

Energy tariff is a major cost in hotel operation. Effective use of energy can reduce operationalexpenditures and has important environmental benefits. Solar heat gain particularly throughfenestration, contributes to a significant proportion of the building envelope cooling load. More solarradiation means more total solar heat gain and hence, more cooling requirements and larger electricityconsumption for air-conditioning in hot summer. Daylight makes an interior space look more lively andattractive and people expect good natural lighting in their living spaces.

Much of the analysis of the potential to save energy and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in thebuildings sector has focused on the energy savings that can be achieved through incrementalimprovements in the efficiency of individual energy-using devices (motors, fans, pumps, boilers,chillers) but without changing the way in which they are put together as systems. However, muchlarger savings are possible through changes in building systems, and further, these savings can beachieved at much smaller incremental investment cost and sometimes at lower first cost.

When a building is used only for intermittent occupancy, continuous operation of ventilation system isnot necessary for achieving good indoor air quality during the occupation periods. Such buildings havea great energy saving potential which is not harnessed enough yet. Indeed, energy loss can be avoidedby promoting natural means and managing mechanical ones.

As presented by the Energy Green Paper “A European Strategy for a sustainable, competitive and Secure Energy” (1), Europe has entered a new energy era. Global demand is increasing within a framework of high and unstable prices. Emissions of greenhouse gas

In November 2006 a “CO2 emission and energy saving potential through correct pipe insulation of space heating and domestic hot water distribution systems in the new and existing buildings.” paper [3], sponsored by Armacell - worldwide producer of flexible

Although there is significant support among policy makers and politicians for energy efficiencyimprovements in buildings, there remains a lack of understanding of what policies (regulatory,economic, communicative and organisational) can deliver these changes on the ground. The blueprintstudy attempts to address this gap.