This paper summarises the work of the LowEx co-operation /1/. The aim was to promote rational use ofenergy by encouraging the use of low temperature heating systems and high temperature cooling systems ofbuildings. These systems can use a variety of fuels and renewable energy sources. Energy is used efficientlywhile providing a comfortable indoor climate. Exergy defines the quality of energy and is a concept fordesigning and assessing different heating and cooling systems. Application of exergy analysis into buildingshas not been common before.
It is often claimed that energy is consumed; this is not only done in everyday conversation but also inscientific discussions associated with energy and environmental issues. This claim conflicts with thefirst law of thermodynamics stating that the total amount of energy is conserved, even though forms ofenergy may change from one to another.
Many modern office buildings have highly glazed facades. Their energy efficiency and indoor climateis, however, being questioned. Therefore more and more of these buildings are being built with doubleskin facades, which can provide: a thermal buffer zone, energy savings, wind protection with openwindows, fire protection, aesthetics, solar preheating of ventilation air, sound protection, pollutantprotection with open windows, nocturnal cooling and a site for incorporation of PV cells.
Double skin facades have become a major architectural element in office buildings over the last 15years. A double skin facade can provide a thermal buffer zone, solar preheating of ventilation air,energy savings, sound protection, wind and pollutant protection with open windows and nocturnalcooling. Commercial buildings with integrated double skin facade can be very energy efficientbuildings with all the good qualities listed above.However not all double skin facades built in the last years perform well.
This paper presents a case study of a typically poor energy performing factory building singled outfrom nation-wide study on factory buildings for improving energy performance. Short term energymonitoring has shown that lighting system is the main energy consumer of landlord area energyusage in these naturally ventilated factory buildings. It aims to maximize significant energyperformance upgrading opportunities in the lighting system and explore the use of photovoltaics toachieve low-energy factory buildings.
The purpose of the paper is to influence governments throughout the world to achieve massiveimprovements in energy and exergy performance in their respective countries by legislation and otherpolicy instruments keyed to the overall or integrated energy and exergy performance of energytransformation systems.Energy transformation systems include: all types of buildings; electric, heating, and cooling districtpower plants; water treatment plants, energy and water distribution systems; cars, trucks, buses,motorcycles, trains, planes and other powered transportation systems; and manufacturing pr
The purpose of this paper is to introduce Energy Smart Tool, a new web-based building energyperformance benchmarking system developed recently by Energy Sustainability Unit of NationalUniversity of Singapore. It provides users with direct comparisons of their buildings energyperformance to other similar facilities, which helps to identify the position their facilities, and to setenergy saving targets. A general discussion of the benchmarking procedure is given.
In March 2003 a “CO2 - Saving Potential when using Pipe Insulation” study [1], sponsored by Armacell - worldwide producer of flexible pipe insulation products, was published by the Centre for Environmentally Sustainable Buildings (ZUB) in Kassel. The aim
To achieve the intended results of building, managing and using a property requires knowledge,continuity and communication, which can be assured by a dynamic and flexible quality assurance(QA) system. Such a system, intended to ensure high-quality indoor environmental conditions, hasbeen developed and successfully applied over the last ten years. However, although clients have beenvery satisfied with the QA system and its results, the pressure for energy efficiency improvement hasincreased.
The paper concerns the definition of guidelines in the design of a new urban settlement, based on system energy utilization and building environmental impacts and sustainability improvement. The study refers to a 160000 m2 area sited on the outskirts of Carmagnola, a city close to Torino, where the municipality decided to locate about 1260000 m3 of commercial buildings: offices, shopping centres, a trade fair area, a cattle market, a multi-hall cinema, hotels, restaurants, industrial sheds.
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