The role of air tightness and heat recovery in the ventilation system of energy-efficient office buildings in Norway

With the background of different climates within Norway it was interesting to show the resulting differences in energy demand for the same typical office building. Further it was important to analysethe effectiveness of a climate adapted design that tightens the building envelope and increases theefficiency of the heat recovery system. The total energy consumption is simulated for three differentconstruction standards in different latitudes and the results are compared. First, energy budgetsaccording to Norwegian regulations were calculated. Then, the energy saving potential of air tightness of the building envelope and the efficiency of the heat recovery system was evaluated for different locations in Norway. The results show that energy savings are possible with stricter air tightness of the envelope. Also, the efficiency of the heat recovery systems is important. A careful design of climate adapted and super-efficient envelope systems can further enhance energy robustness, energy efficiency and comfort of the future building stock in Norway.