The paper deals with a complete procedure for the calculation of material embodied energy inthe building sector using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach; the calculation of embodied energy for building material and components during the design phase takes into account both material durability and frequency of maintenance interventions. As a case study an evaluation of embodied energy for three different types of external walls is reported: external insulation coated, single stratum and multi strata.

Information in the UK Climate Change Programme suggests that carbon savings in the domestic sector from end-use efficiency improvements could amount to some 4.7MtC/yr in 2010, based on allowances for improvements to the building regulations, residential energy efficiency improvements and appliance standards and labelling. This paper discusses detailed scenarios that have been developed using the BREHOMES model of the energy use of the housing stock to study the implications of this level of saving.

The integration of renewable energy systems, mainly active solar ones, in buildings has been an aim of intense research over the last thirty years. Solar thermal systems have become the most widespread, and certainly the most well known RES system, being a commonly accepted solution for hot water production. Within the framework of this paper, which is based on the results of the SEPEDIC-ALTENER project and the Serres project are being analysed all the aspects of RES systems integration in buildings.

Preliminary experiments with a novel glazing system developed at the Desert Architecture and Urban Planning Unit of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev indicated that it may provide improved visual and thermal performance in buildings with large glazed areas located in sunny regions (hot and cold). In winter, it allows solar space heating but reduces glare, local over-heating and damage to furnishings caused by exposure to direct solar radiation.

The White Paper on renewable Energy proposes market measures for fair access to the electricitymarket, fiscal and financing measures, a bio-energy initiative and improved building regulations. Thebuilding's sector represents 20 to 45% of the total energy consumption in the various European countries. A project called RESSET has been undertaken with the aim to study and propose globalstrategies, tools and guidelines that will promote the efficient and cost effective global implementation of Renewable Energy Sources systems and techniques in new-build settlements in Europe.

Radiative cooling systems by means of nocturnal longwave radiation have captured the attention of today’s specialists involved in the construction building process. While most of the systems incorporate a flat-plate radiator that utilizes water, the prese

In the scope of the Belgian “Active Façades” project, a full-scale testing of active façades has been realized in outdoor test cells. The aim is to develop a methodology for assessing this kind of façades and to obtain a better understanding of their beha

The current paper presents the first outcome of a study dealing with thermal quality of buildings in a context of rationalized energy spending. It takes into account the significance of an integral treatment of the buildings envelope through the previous knowledge of the effects of specific passive cooling techniques. Simulations aimed to evaluate the climatic potential of some of these techniques where made, as a way for sitting down the bases for their application in accordance with Venezuelas varied climate.

Active and passive solar strategies, together with measures of energy conservation and integration of new materials and technologies, can bring a meaningful energy saving in buildings. In particular, if combined with energy saving measures, the use of solar source can strongly reduce the demand of traditional energy sources. However, the use of such technologies is not sufficient if comfort demands of people who live or will live in the building are neglected and if the proposed technologies are not studied for their real suitability.