Energy efficiency of buildings

From the beginning of year 2007 the buildings in Finland must have energy efficiency calculations, which requirements are now part of Building Codes, based on European Performance of Buildings Directive. According the renewed code, being into the force from July 2012, air tightness number q50 cannot be more than 4 m3/ (h*m2). Better air tightness can be shown by measurements. The air infiltration must be calculated in compensation calculations based on air tightness number 2.0 m3/ (h*m2). The energy efficiency requirements caused an immediate response in the building sector.

The improvement of energy efficiency is the key issue after the energy performance of buildings directive came into the force in European Union countries. The city of Kuopio in Finland participate a project, in which different tools will be used and tested to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings. In this project there were pilot buildings e.g. schools. The other pilot school consumed much more heating energy than the other same type of school. Air tightness was measured using the own ventilation system of the building and by remote control from the central operation room.