An efficient EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive must look out for the reduction of ‘whole life carbon emissions’ in order to achieve Europe’s climate goals, writes Zsolt Toth from BPIE in an article on the EURACTIV website. Just published is a PhD thesis by Jane Anderson on on 'Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Built … Continue reading The need for addressing embodied carbon in our buildings
Category: buildings
New Joint Research Centre report on role of heat pumps in our energy transition
Replacing about a third of EU’s 86 million residential fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps could cut those households’ final energy consumption by 36% and their CO2 emissions by 28%. Heating of buildings accounts for almost 40% of final energy consumption and 36% of energy-related GHG emissions in the EU. Within these, residential buildings account … Continue reading New Joint Research Centre report on role of heat pumps in our energy transition
New EEA briefing on the human element for investing in energy renovations
A better understanding is needed of how owners, construction contractors and installers interact and perceive possible advantages of renovating their houses, apartments and other buildings to improve energy efficiency. This would help bolster European policies to shift the building sector to a carbon-neutral future. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week explores the … Continue reading New EEA briefing on the human element for investing in energy renovations
The cooling conundrum
Rising temperatures are leading to a surge in demand for cooling. But, ironically, the more we rely on energy-intensive air conditioners, the more the planet warms. What are the other options? Natalie Muller and Neil King discuss in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. Keeping homes cool on a warming planet In many … Continue reading The cooling conundrum
Advanced insulation materials for energy efficiency
Lawrence Webb writes on the Energy Portal website about the critical role advanced insulation materials are playing in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. What are your views? Exploring Advanced Insulation Materials for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Buildings Advanced insulation materials are playing a critical role in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, thereby reducing energy … Continue reading Advanced insulation materials for energy efficiency
Old multi-storey car parks might be at risk of collapse under weight of EVs
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) has said UK car parks could collapse under the weight of electric vehicles (EVs) unless weight limits are imposed or the buildings are strengthened. Read about their recent report in a news item on the Engineering and Technology (E&T) website. The article doesn’t mention it but, the size and … Continue reading Old multi-storey car parks might be at risk of collapse under weight of EVs
Important Infographic: Buildings in the Fit for 55
EuroACE recently updated their infographic "Buildings in the Fit for 55 Package for a Climate Neutral Economy in 2050". This is a useful overview that you should find very useful. It takes into account the final version of five different files plus the Commission's proposal on EPBD. The infographic provides a detailed overview of where the energy performance … Continue reading Important Infographic: Buildings in the Fit for 55
Update on the energy renovation of buildings
EiD has published 586 posts on buildings in the past 11 years. You can see how the topic has evolved over the years. Particularly relevant to renovating buildings is this post from last summer to work cut out for us to get the energy efficiency improvements we need. Now if you are looking at renovating … Continue reading Update on the energy renovation of buildings
Canada’s energy transition to net-zero emissions: need to upgrade 600,000 existing homes and 750 million square metres of existing commercial space per year between now and 2040
have to act now, and the shift will require a co-ordinated effort between government, industry and residents. Abdul Matin Sarfraz discusses the challenges and costs in an article on the National Observer website. The cost of turning older buildings into climate-fighting machines While Canada has set a deadline to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions … Continue reading Canada’s energy transition to net-zero emissions: need to upgrade 600,000 existing homes and 750 million square metres of existing commercial space per year between now and 2040
Update on the energy performance of buildings
Improving the energy performance of our buildings is a high priority as countries roll out their net-zero energy transition strategies. This week there were two interesting articles you should be aware of: The Mortgage Solutions website writes that around 80 per cent of landlords have already completed energy efficiency works in the UK. Check out … Continue reading Update on the energy performance of buildings
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 