energy efficiency

European CEN Standard EN 15251 (2007) requires indoor thermal comfort conditions to be assessed and to fall within a category system for different levels of expectation and building purpose.  The COMMONCENSE project has prepared and provided information about the energy implications of the Standard and in particular whether the Standard is encouraging high-energy buildings in the case of new buildings and major rehabilitations.

The removal efficiency of high efficiency air filters against microbe-carrying particles (MCPs) in the air supply of occupied rooms, such as cleanrooms, was determined. Knowing the size distribution of MCPs in the air to be filtered, and the removal efficiency of a filter against individual particle diameters, the overall removal efficiency was ascertained.

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