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Världen står inför en klimatkris som kräver omedelbara åtgärder. Byggnader är Europas största konsument av energi och står för över 30% av växthusgasutsläppen. För att förbättra detta har EU kommit ut med direktivet om byggnaders energiprestanda (EPBD) som står inför officiell publicering inom en snar framtid. Direktivet består av en rad riktlinjer om bland annat energiprestandanivåer, ekonomiska incitament och solcellsutveckling som medlemsstaterna kommer behöva anpassa sig till. Statlig styrning är inte någonting nytt för fastighetsbranschen men EPBD är det mest omfattande för branschen som har kommit från EU någonsin. Denna studie syftar till att reda ut vad EPBD kommer att innebära för svenska fastighetsbolag och dess intressenter. I första hand vilka styrmedel direktivet innehåller. Sedan till vilken grad fastighetsföretagen kommer behöva anpassa sig efter dessa styrmedel samt vad de tycker om direktivet. För att se till detta undersöks även tidigare styrmedel tillika EPBD för att se ifall det finns likheter eller olikheter och hur väl de har fungerat i verkligheten. Vidare intervjuas fastighetsföretag och kringliggande intressenter för att besvara frågeställningarna. Slutligen kom vi fram till att delar av direktivet kan anses svagt där fastighetsföretagen ofta har mer ambitiösa interna mål än riktlinjerna EPBD ställer på dem. Konsensus var dock att direktivet välkomnas av fastighetsbranschen och trots sina svagheter finns delar om energideklarationer och minimikrav som anses nyttigt för branschen., The world is facing a climate crisis which requires immediate action. Buildings are Europe's largest energy consumers and account for over 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, the EU has introduced the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which is set for official publication in the near future. The directive includes a range of guidelines on energy performance levels, economic incentives, and solar energy development that member states will need to adapt to. Government regulation is not new to the real estate industry, but the EPBD is the most comprehensive regulation the sector has ever received from the EU. This study aims to clarify what the EPBD will mean for Swedish real estate companies and their stakeholders. Primarily, it examines what means of control the directive entails. Secondly, it assesses the extent to which real estate companies will need to adjust to these means of control and their opinions on the directive. Additionally, the study investigates previous regulatory measures similar to the EPBD to identify similarities or differences and evaluate their effectiveness in practice. Interviews with real estate companies and related stakeholders are conducted to answer the research questions. It is concluded that parts of the directive may be considered weak, as real estate companies often have more ambitious internal goals than those set by the EPBD. Consensus was however that the directive is welcomed by the industry, and despite its weaknesses, elements such as harmonization of energy performance certificates and minimum standards are deemed beneficial for the sector.

Världen står inför en klimatkris som kräver omedelbara åtgärder. Byggnader är Europas största konsument av energi och står för över 30% av växthusgasutsläppen. För att förbättra detta har EU kommit ut med direktivet om byggnaders energiprestanda (EPBD) som står inför officiell publicering inom en snar framtid. Direktivet består av en rad riktlinjer om bland annat energiprestandanivåer, ekonomiska incitament och solcellsutveckling som medlemsstaterna kommer behöva anpassa sig till. Statlig styrning är inte någonting nytt för fastighetsbranschen men EPBD är det mest omfattande för branschen som har kommit från EU någonsin. Denna studie syftar till att reda ut vad EPBD kommer att innebära för svenska fastighetsbolag och dess intressenter. I första hand vilka styrmedel direktivet innehåller. Sedan till vilken grad fastighetsföretagen kommer behöva anpassa sig efter dessa styrmedel samt vad de tycker om direktivet. För att se till detta undersöks även tidigare styrmedel tillika EPBD för att se ifall det finns likheter eller olikheter och hur väl de har fungerat i verkligheten. Vidare intervjuas fastighetsföretag och kringliggande intressenter för att besvara frågeställningarna. Slutligen kom vi fram till att delar av direktivet kan anses svagt där fastighetsföretagen ofta har mer ambitiösa interna mål än riktlinjerna EPBD ställer på dem. Konsensus var dock att direktivet välkomnas av fastighetsbranschen och trots sina svagheter finns delar om energideklarationer och minimikrav som anses nyttigt för branschen., The world is facing a climate crisis which requires immediate action. Buildings are Europe's largest energy consumers and account for over 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, the EU has introduced the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which is set for official publication in the near future. The directive includes a range of guidelines on energy performance levels, economic incentives, and solar energy development that member states will need to adapt to. Government regulation is not new to the real estate industry, but the EPBD is the most comprehensive regulation the sector has ever received from the EU. This study aims to clarify what the EPBD will mean for Swedish real estate companies and their stakeholders. Primarily, it examines what means of control the directive entails. Secondly, it assesses the extent to which real estate companies will need to adjust to these means of control and their opinions on the directive. Additionally, the study investigates previous regulatory measures similar to the EPBD to identify similarities or differences and evaluate their effectiveness in practice. Interviews with real estate companies and related stakeholders are conducted to answer the research questions. It is concluded that parts of the directive may be considered weak, as real estate companies often have more ambitious internal goals than those set by the EPBD. Consensus was however that the directive is welcomed by the industry, and despite its weaknesses, elements such as harmonization of energy performance certificates and minimum standards are deemed beneficial for the sector.

With the ongoing significance of overheating calculations in the residential building sector, building codes such as the European Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) are essential for harmonizing the indicators and performance thresholds. This paper investigates Europe's overheating calculation methods, indicators, and thresholds and evaluates their ability to address climate change and heat events. e study aims to identify the suitability of existing overheating calculation methods and propose recommendations for the EPBD. The study results provide a cross-sectional overview of twenty-six European countries. The most influential overheating calculation criteria are listed the best approaches are ranked. The paper provides a thorough comparative assessment and recommendations to align current calculations with climate-sensitive metrics. The results suggest a framework and key performance indicators that are comfort-based, multi-zonal, and time-integrated to calculate overheating and modify the EU's next building energy efficiency regulations. The results can help policymakers and building professionals to develop the next overheating calculation framework and approach for the future development of climate-proof and resilient residential buildings.

Energieffektivisering av byggnadsbeståndet är en viktig del av EU:s klimatarbete, och systemet med energideklarationen (EPC) är ett centralt politiskt verktyg för ändamålet. Forskningen om hur EPC påverkat fastighetsmarknaden är dock inte helt entydig. Fastän statistisk forskning huvudsakligen tyder på ett samband mellan en högre energiklass och en högre köpeskilling, marknadsförs inte energiklassen som en lönsam grön strategi. Genom att intervjua svenska fastighetsaktörer om deras syn på och användning av energideklarationen ämnar denna studie undersöka om EPC-märkningen (energiklassen), som ingår som ett obligatorium i alla försäljnings- och hyresannonser, spelar någon roll för betalningsvilja och investeringsbeslut. I det fall det finns en lönsamhet i energieffektivitet borde energideklarationen vara ett värdefullt informationsverktyg. Den borde dessutom leda till en kontinuerlig förbättring av energiklasserna i det svenska byggnadsbeståndet och på lång sikt bidra till att uppnå klimatmål på nationell och internationell nivå. År 2022 väntas tillägg till befintlig EU-lagstiftning som kommer öka fokus på energieffektivisering för att uppnå de globala klimatmålen, vilket gör det än mer angeläget att utreda EPC-systemets tillämpning och potentiella fördelar på den svenska fastighetsmarknaden. Resultaten av denna studie visar att EPC-märkningen inte har haft en speciellt stor inverkan på marknaden sedan den infördes eftersom den inte skapar ekonomiska incitament att investera i energieffektivitet, och de energieffektiviseringsåtgärder som deklarationen föreslår är alltför generiska och bristfälliga. På det hela taget har deklarationen en svag ställning och är för närvarande främst begränsad till en formalitet. Värdet av en bra energiklass kommer dock sannolikt att öka till följd av implementeringen av EU-taxonomin, och denna ökning beror till stor del på de finansiella fördelar en bra energiklass kan medföra. Resultaten i denna uppsats ifrågasätter ett energiklassning, Improving the energy efficiency of the building stock is an important part of the EU's climate work, and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scheme is a key policy tool for this purpose. Research on the impact of the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) on the real estate market is not entirely clear. While statistical research mainly suggests a correlation between a better energy class and a higher price, the energy class is not being marketed as a profitable green strategy. By interviewing Swedish real estate actors about their views on the energy performance certificate (EPC) this study seeks to investigate whether the EPC label, which is included as a mandatory element in all sales and rental advertisements, plays a role in willingness to pay and investment decisions. If there is a profitability in energy efficiency, the EPC should be a valuable information tool. In addition, it should lead to a continuous improvement of the energy performance of the Swedish building stock, and in the long term contribute to achieving climate goals at national and international level. In 2022, amendments to existing EU legislation are expected that will increase the focus on energy efficiency to achieve the global climate goals, making it even more urgent to investigate the application and potential benefits of the EPC scheme in the Swedish real estate market. The result of this study shows that the EPC label has not had a significant impact on the market since its introduction, since it does not create financial incentives to invest in energy efficiency and since the energy efficiency improvement measures proposed by the declaration are too generic and insufficient. On the whole, the energy performance certificate has a weak position and is currently mainly limited to a formality. However, the value of a good energy class is likely to increase as a result of the implementation of the EU taxonomy, and this transition is largely dependent on the financial benefits a good en

Energieffektivisering av byggnadsbeståndet är en viktig del av EU:s klimatarbete, och systemet med energideklarationen (EPC) är ett centralt politiskt verktyg för ändamålet. Forskningen om hur EPC påverkat fastighetsmarknaden är dock inte helt entydig. Fastän statistisk forskning huvudsakligen tyder på ett samband mellan en högre energiklass och en högre köpeskilling, marknadsförs inte energiklassen som en lönsam grön strategi. Genom att intervjua svenska fastighetsaktörer om deras syn på och användning av energideklarationen ämnar denna studie undersöka om EPC-märkningen (energiklassen), som ingår som ett obligatorium i alla försäljnings- och hyresannonser, spelar någon roll för betalningsvilja och investeringsbeslut. I det fall det finns en lönsamhet i energieffektivitet borde energideklarationen vara ett värdefullt informationsverktyg. Den borde dessutom leda till en kontinuerlig förbättring av energiklasserna i det svenska byggnadsbeståndet och på lång sikt bidra till att uppnå klimatmål på nationell och internationell nivå. År 2022 väntas tillägg till befintlig EU-lagstiftning som kommer öka fokus på energieffektivisering för att uppnå de globala klimatmålen, vilket gör det än mer angeläget att utreda EPC-systemets tillämpning och potentiella fördelar på den svenska fastighetsmarknaden. Resultaten av denna studie visar att EPC-märkningen inte har haft en speciellt stor inverkan på marknaden sedan den infördes eftersom den inte skapar ekonomiska incitament att investera i energieffektivitet, och de energieffektiviseringsåtgärder som deklarationen föreslår är alltför generiska och bristfälliga. På det hela taget har deklarationen en svag ställning och är för närvarande främst begränsad till en formalitet. Värdet av en bra energiklass kommer dock sannolikt att öka till följd av implementeringen av EU-taxonomin, och denna ökning beror till stor del på de finansiella fördelar en bra energiklass kan medföra. Resultaten i denna uppsats ifrågasätter ett energiklassning, Improving the energy efficiency of the building stock is an important part of the EU's climate work, and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scheme is a key policy tool for this purpose. Research on the impact of the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) on the real estate market is not entirely clear. While statistical research mainly suggests a correlation between a better energy class and a higher price, the energy class is not being marketed as a profitable green strategy. By interviewing Swedish real estate actors about their views on the energy performance certificate (EPC) this study seeks to investigate whether the EPC label, which is included as a mandatory element in all sales and rental advertisements, plays a role in willingness to pay and investment decisions. If there is a profitability in energy efficiency, the EPC should be a valuable information tool. In addition, it should lead to a continuous improvement of the energy performance of the Swedish building stock, and in the long term contribute to achieving climate goals at national and international level. In 2022, amendments to existing EU legislation are expected that will increase the focus on energy efficiency to achieve the global climate goals, making it even more urgent to investigate the application and potential benefits of the EPC scheme in the Swedish real estate market. The result of this study shows that the EPC label has not had a significant impact on the market since its introduction, since it does not create financial incentives to invest in energy efficiency and since the energy efficiency improvement measures proposed by the declaration are too generic and insufficient. On the whole, the energy performance certificate has a weak position and is currently mainly limited to a formality. However, the value of a good energy class is likely to increase as a result of the implementation of the EU taxonomy, and this transition is largely dependent on the financial benefits a good en

The refurbishment of buildings is one of the main keys to pursue the targets of the European Green Deal, and to accomplish the European Union has applied two mechanisms among others: the European policy and the European Research and Technological Development (RTD) projects. On the one hand, the EU has published the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 with an assessment framework composed by Measurable Progress Indicators (MPI) that can be considered the main legal instrument to measure the progress of the decarbonisation together with health & wellness, social and economic related targets of the Directive 2018/844, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). On the other hand, the RTD projects also pursue the targets of the EU but following their own assessment methodology com-posed by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Considering the parallelism of these two mechanisms, the objective of this study is to analyse the applicability of the EU's assessment framework by the RTD pro-jects, establishing a critical point of view of the viability of the MPIs and identifying the barriers and chal-lenges of the evaluation system proposed by the EU. Regarding the methodology, the applicability of MPIs by RTD projects has been analysed in five stages: (1) Identification and listing of the MPIs of EU Recommendation; (2) selection of European RTD projects; (3) identification of the KPIs applied by the projects; (4) study of the concordance of the MPIs of the Commission Recommendation's assessment framework and the KPIs of the RTD projects; (5) evaluation of the barriers and challenges of the applica-bility of the EU's MPIs based on the level of agreement with the projects' KPIs. This investigation shows that although some evaluation scopes of the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 do agree with high degree with RTD projects, many MPIs present barriers related to the low reliability, the absence of standardised calculation methods, and the lack of data. Besides

In Europe, buildings are responsible for more than one third of the total final energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions. In the last twenty years, the European Union has published a succession of energy performance of building directives to define and ensure the fulfilment of a series of objectives regarding greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, energy efficiency and energy generation from renewable sources in buildings. For its part, Spain is adapting its legal framework, transposing these directives with the aim of achieving greater energy efficiency and sustainability for buildings. Under this context, an energy, economic and environmental assessment is performed to analyze the impact of these regulatory changes on a single-family home including a photovoltaic installation for self-consumption with surpluses and/or a solar thermal installation for domestic hot water supply, located in each one of the eight thousand one hundred thirty-one municipalities that make up Spain. The energy behavior of the original house is compared with that obtained after it is updated with these new facilities. The transient system simulation tool is used for the energy study. The results show that the European objectives are far exceeded. The energy savings achieved range from 67% to 126%, carbon dioxide emissions decrease by 42% to 100% and energy bills are reduced in cost by 32% to 81%. The findings of this work can be used by policymakers as guidelines for the development of national strategic plans and financial incentives for the promotion of small-scale residential photovoltaic and solar thermal applications, as well as by designers, supervisors, managers and developers to include them in their projects.

[EN] In Europe, buildings are responsible for more than one third of the total final energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions. In the last twenty years, the European Union has published a succession of energy performance of building directives to define and ensure the fulfilment of a series of objectives regarding greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, energy efficiency and energy generation from renewable sources in buildings. For its part, Spain is adapting its legal framework, transposing these directives with the aim of achieving greater energy efficiency and sustainability for buildings. Under this context, an energy, economic and environmental assessment is performed to analyze the impact of these regulatory changes on a single-family home including a photovoltaic installation for self-consumption with surpluses and/or a solar thermal installation for domestic hot water supply, located in each one of the eight thousand one hundred thirty-one municipalities that make up Spain. The energy behavior of the original house is compared with that obtained after it is updated with these new facilities. The transient system simulation tool is used for the energy study. The results show that the European objectives are far exceeded. The energy savings achieved range from 67% to 126%, carbon dioxide emissions decrease by 42% to 100% and energy bills are reduced in cost by 32% to 81%. The findings of this work can be used by policymakers as guidelines for the development of national strategic plans and financial incentives for the promotion of small-scale residential photovoltaic and solar thermal applications, as well as by designers, supervisors, managers and developers to include them in their projects.

[EN] In Europe, buildings are responsible for more than one third of the total final energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions. In the last twenty years, the European Union has published a succession of energy performance of building directives to define and ensure the fulfilment of a series of objectives regarding greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, energy efficiency and energy generation from renewable sources in buildings. For its part, Spain is adapting its legal framework, transposing these directives with the aim of achieving greater energy efficiency and sustainability for buildings. Under this context, an energy, economic and environmental assessment is performed to analyze the impact of these regulatory changes on a single-family home including a photovoltaic installation for self-consumption with surpluses and/or a solar thermal installation for domestic hot water supply, located in each one of the eight thousand one hundred thirty-one municipalities that make up Spain. The energy behavior of the original house is compared with that obtained after it is updated with these new facilities. The transient system simulation tool is used for the energy study. The results show that the European objectives are far exceeded. The energy savings achieved range from 67% to 126%, carbon dioxide emissions decrease by 42% to 100% and energy bills are reduced in cost by 32% to 81%. The findings of this work can be used by policymakers as guidelines for the development of national strategic plans and financial incentives for the promotion of small-scale residential photovoltaic and solar thermal applications, as well as by designers, supervisors, managers and developers to include them in their projects.

Most legislations concerning ventilation are based on comfort criteria, but ventilation is also important for the health of the occupants. The comfort criteria can be viewed as a pragmatic tool to achieve an adequate ventilation for precautionary health measures. From a comfort and health perspective, the ventilation rate and an efficient air distribution are both important for achieving a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Yet, most legislative requirements concern the ventilation rate. This is not enough, and it is recommended that legislation also address the air distribution. In particular, the efficient distribution of fresh air to the occupied zones or the concentrations of pollutants in the occupied zones. Because there are clear links between ventilation and health, it is extremely worrying that the “energy efficiency first” principle advocated in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has led to decreasing ventilation requirements in the European Union legislations, at the same time as the objective is to aggressively tighten the envelopes of the building stock. A second consequence of EPBD is probably that many naturally ventilated buildings will be retrofitted with mechanical ventilation systems. It is not clear that this would be the more sustainable solution in the long run., Urban Transitions

[ES] El tiempo de retorno de la energía (*EPBT, por sus siglas en inglés de *Energy *PayBack Time) es la evaluación del requerimiento de energía para la fabricación de un sistema fotovoltaico. Indica los años necesarios porque un sistema fotovoltaico genero una cierta cantidad de energía para compensar el consumo de energía durante su ciclo de vida, incluidos los requisitos energéticos para la fabricación, ensamblaje, transporte, instalación, operación y mantenimiento, y desmantelamiento o reciclaje de los sistemas. En este *TFG se compara el *EPBT de diferentes tipos de sistemas fotovoltaicos: *mono-Si, multe-Si o de capa fina., [EN] The energy return time (* EPBT, for its acronym in English * Energy * PayBack Time) is the assessment of the energy requirement for the manufacture of a photovoltaic system. Indicates the years necessary because a photovoltaic system generated a certain amount of energy to compensate for energy consumption during its life cycle, including the energy requirements for the manufacture, assembly, transport, installation, operation and maintenance, and dismantling or recycling of the systems. In this * TFG the * EPBT of different types of photovoltaic systems is compared: * mono-Si, fine-Si or thin layer., [CAT/VA]El temps de retorn de l'energia (EPBT, per les seues sigles en anglés de Energy PayBack Time) és l'avaluació del requeriment d'energia per a la fabricació d'un sistema fotovoltaic. Indica els anys necessaris perquè un sistema fotovoltaic genere una certa quantitat d'energia per a compensar el consum d'energia durant el seu cicle de vida, inclosos els requisits energètics per a la fabricació, assemblatge, transport, instal·lació, operació i manteniment, i desmantellament o reciclatge dels sistemes. En aquest TFG es compara el EPBT de diferents tipus de sistemes fotovoltaics: mono-Si, multi-Si o de capa fina.

[ES] El tiempo de retorno de la energía (*EPBT, por sus siglas en inglés de *Energy *PayBack Time) es la evaluación del requerimiento de energía para la fabricación de un sistema fotovoltaico. Indica los años necesarios porque un sistema fotovoltaico genero una cierta cantidad de energía para compensar el consumo de energía durante su ciclo de vida, incluidos los requisitos energéticos para la fabricación, ensamblaje, transporte, instalación, operación y mantenimiento, y desmantelamiento o reciclaje de los sistemas. En este *TFG se compara el *EPBT de diferentes tipos de sistemas fotovoltaicos: *mono-Si, multe-Si o de capa fina., [EN] The energy return time (* EPBT, for its acronym in English * Energy * PayBack Time) is the assessment of the energy requirement for the manufacture of a photovoltaic system. Indicates the years necessary because a photovoltaic system generated a certain amount of energy to compensate for energy consumption during its life cycle, including the energy requirements for the manufacture, assembly, transport, installation, operation and maintenance, and dismantling or recycling of the systems. In this * TFG the * EPBT of different types of photovoltaic systems is compared: * mono-Si, fine-Si or thin layer., [CAT/VA]El temps de retorn de l'energia (EPBT, per les seues sigles en anglés de Energy PayBack Time) és l'avaluació del requeriment d'energia per a la fabricació d'un sistema fotovoltaic. Indica els anys necessaris perquè un sistema fotovoltaic genere una certa quantitat d'energia per a compensar el consum d'energia durant el seu cicle de vida, inclosos els requisits energètics per a la fabricació, assemblatge, transport, instal·lació, operació i manteniment, i desmantellament o reciclatge dels sistemes. En aquest TFG es compara el EPBT de diferents tipus de sistemes fotovoltaics: mono-Si, multi-Si o de capa fina.

[ES] El tiempo de retorno de la energía (*EPBT, por sus siglas en inglés de *Energy *PayBack Time) es la evaluación del requerimiento de energía para la fabricación de un sistema fotovoltaico. Indica los años necesarios porque un sistema fotovoltaico genero una cierta cantidad de energía para compensar el consumo de energía durante su ciclo de vida, incluidos los requisitos energéticos para la fabricación, ensamblaje, transporte, instalación, operación y mantenimiento, y desmantelamiento o reciclaje de los sistemas. En este *TFG se compara el *EPBT de diferentes tipos de sistemas fotovoltaicos: *mono-Si, multe-Si o de capa fina., [EN] The energy return time (* EPBT, for its acronym in English * Energy * PayBack Time) is the assessment of the energy requirement for the manufacture of a photovoltaic system. Indicates the years necessary because a photovoltaic system generated a certain amount of energy to compensate for energy consumption during its life cycle, including the energy requirements for the manufacture, assembly, transport, installation, operation and maintenance, and dismantling or recycling of the systems. In this * TFG the * EPBT of different types of photovoltaic systems is compared: * mono-Si, fine-Si or thin layer., [CAT/VA]El temps de retorn de l'energia (EPBT, per les seues sigles en anglés de Energy PayBack Time) és l'avaluació del requeriment d'energia per a la fabricació d'un sistema fotovoltaic. Indica els anys necessaris perquè un sistema fotovoltaic genere una certa quantitat d'energia per a compensar el consum d'energia durant el seu cicle de vida, inclosos els requisits energètics per a la fabricació, assemblatge, transport, instal·lació, operació i manteniment, i desmantellament o reciclatge dels sistemes. En aquest TFG es compara el EPBT de diferents tipus de sistemes fotovoltaics: mono-Si, multi-Si o de capa fina.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has an especial feature for existing buildings, a Recommendation List of Measures (RLM) designed to improve the energy performance of these buildings. This feature has not been properly studied by researchers or policymakers, in spite of being one of the main tools that can encourage building owners to perform renovation activities. Considering the scarce research focusing on the recommendations list of measures, more information is needed in order to identify weaknesses, barriers and improvements of this tool. This is especially important since the European commitment to reduce their emissions in 2020 are far from reaching the proposed goals, mainly becouse of the low renovation rate. This critical review is based on the current literature mainly from reports delivered by the Commission and academic research. The study focuses on the requirement set by the directive, its current performance, barriers and improvements that can be made to take this tool to a level that can be effectively used by policymakers, certifiers and owners. The upgrade of the recommendation list of measure should strengthen their calculation methods and procedure from both local authorities and the Commission. This should be in line with the certifiers’ needs in order to do relevant work, including proper training, mandatory field inspections and tools. Lastly, financial policies and information should be implemented to accompany the certificate, ensuring that building owners interested in renovation have assistance and financial facilities or easy access to relevant information on this matter. The main conclusion of this study reveals that the regulatory framework could use some strictness in order to avoid ‘just enough’ implementations. Ambiguous definitions and too flexible obligations should be revised, especially cost-effectiveness and training for the certifiers. Attention on how to deliver the information to building owners should be increased

Global energy consumption is projected to increase by 48% in 2040 compared to 2012. A more detailed analysis of the distribution of energy consumption calls attention to the fact that the building sector is responsible for up to 40% of our energy and resource consumption in both developed and developing countries, and up to 30% of all energy related greenhouse gas emissions. Due to their life cycle, which is expected to be several decades, a significant number of residential buildings will need to improve their energy performance in order to effectively reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. More than 40% of Europe's residential buildings have inefficient energy conservation measures because they were built in the 1960s. Moreover, between 1961-1990 the housing stock doubled. By improving energy efficiency in domestic buildings, many benefits can be achieved, such as reduced operating costs, increased indoor environmental quality, user satisfaction and labour productivity. Two important measures to reduce energy consumption and lessen the effect of global warming are the Energy Performance of Buildings Directives (EPBD) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). The main measure concerning the renovation of residential buildings is the establishment of a certification system for the energy performance of buildings which will include recommendations for the optimal or cost-effective improvement of the energy performance of a building or building unit. The most common model used to draw up the list of recommendations that accompanies the energy certificate refers to an automatic list. This is based on standard measures according to the type of building, without considering the actual energy consumption. Examples of these measures include increased insulation, replacement of windows and the use of heat pumps. According to different sources, the list of energy measures is often of little practical use. This is because energy certifiers do not

The EU members have adopted regulations and official methods for evaluating the energy performance in buildings. Most of these methods are applied at the end of the project phase, with few opportunities to correct erroneous design decisions when the desired building energy performance is not achieved. It is demonstrated that there is no European standard for sustainability and that the decision-making process during the development of a building project is compromised by the methodologies and some concepts, as thermal inertia, are withdrawn. Currently, the industry has been developing alternative tools for evaluating energy performance and CO2 emissions in buildings over their entire life cycle. These software programs, which belong to the BIM environment, use databases and make simplifications adapted to the stage of design when the software can be applied. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of this software and how the databases and simplifications influence the decision-making process in building design. Calculation examples are carried out with various tools and compared to real building performance data. The results demonstrate that, as with the official methods, the tools influence the results and therefore condition, sometimes wrongly, the decision-making process to produce better buildings.

The EU members have adopted regulations and official methods for evaluating the energy performance in buildings. Most of these methods are applied at the end of the project phase, with few opportunities to correct erroneous design decisions when the desired building energy performance is not achieved. It is demonstrated that there is no European standard for sustainability and that the decision-making process during the development of a building project is compromised by the methodologies and some concepts, as thermal inertia, are withdrawn. Currently, the industry has been developing alternative tools for evaluating energy performance and CO2 emissions in buildings over their entire life cycle. These software programs, which belong to the BIM environment, use databases and make simplifications adapted to the stage of design when the software can be applied. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of this software and how the databases and simplifications influence the decision-making process in building design. Calculation examples are carried out with various tools and compared to real building performance data. The results demonstrate that, as with the official methods, the tools influence the results and therefore condition, sometimes wrongly, the decision-making process to produce better buildings.

[EN] Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) are a significant part of the energy efficiency strategy of the European Union. As buildings represent approximately 40% of the final energy use in Europe, the reduction of their energy demand is key for a sustainable future. This paper takes a qualitative approach and presents data about professional and market barriers, as well as the educational market in relation to the implementation of nZEB policies for new and retrofit buildings in 11 European countries. Different levels of policy enactments and market penetration are reported and are generally found to be more advanced in western and central European countries. Furthermore, gender equality is examined in the building sector in relation to nZEB and presents significant gaps, with a more balanced situation reported in southern Europe. The accreditation and targeted education of nZEB experts is still almost non-existent in the examined countries, and the need for training of building professionals is highlighted as a critical missing component of current policy. This research aims to be the first step towards the creation of educational material and programmes as a mean to accelerate the transition to nZEB.

[EN] Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) are a significant part of the energy efficiency strategy of the European Union. As buildings represent approximately 40% of the final energy use in Europe, the reduction of their energy demand is key for a sustainable future. This paper takes a qualitative approach and presents data about professional and market barriers, as well as the educational market in relation to the implementation of nZEB policies for new and retrofit buildings in 11 European countries. Different levels of policy enactments and market penetration are reported and are generally found to be more advanced in western and central European countries. Furthermore, gender equality is examined in the building sector in relation to nZEB and presents significant gaps, with a more balanced situation reported in southern Europe. The accreditation and targeted education of nZEB experts is still almost non-existent in the examined countries, and the need for training of building professionals is highlighted as a critical missing component of current policy. This research aims to be the first step towards the creation of educational material and programmes as a mean to accelerate the transition to nZEB.

[EN] Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) are a significant part of the energy efficiency strategy of the European Union. As buildings represent approximately 40% of the final energy use in Europe, the reduction of their energy demand is key for a sustainable future. This paper takes a qualitative approach and presents data about professional and market barriers, as well as the educational market in relation to the implementation of nZEB policies for new and retrofit buildings in 11 European countries. Different levels of policy enactments and market penetration are reported and are generally found to be more advanced in western and central European countries. Furthermore, gender equality is examined in the building sector in relation to nZEB and presents significant gaps, with a more balanced situation reported in southern Europe. The accreditation and targeted education of nZEB experts is still almost non-existent in the examined countries, and the need for training of building professionals is highlighted as a critical missing component of current policy. This research aims to be the first step towards the creation of educational material and programmes as a mean to accelerate the transition to nZEB.

After the oil crisis in the 70s energy regulation codes were implemented, but a great portion of existing dwellings have not been retrofitted to current requirements. To face this issue several actions were taken in the European Union (EU), among these, the implementation of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), which include a Recommendation List of Measures (RLMs) to retrofit buildings. Some concerns exist about the lack of confidence on these recommendations. The main objective of this study is to analyze the usefulness of the EPC, answering if it is possible to deliver a realistic financial assessment about renovation strategies using these tools. The study is based on three indicators: Consumption, energy saving variations and profitability. The study is based on a renovation project case study, where simulations and Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) were performed, in order to identify the different results that EPC’s and an energy efficiency assessment could lead to. The results show important differences in all the concepts evaluated.

Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) are a significant part of the energy efficiency strategy of the European Union. As buildings represent approximately 40% of the final energy use in Europe, the reduction of their energy demand is key for a sustainable future. This paper takes a qualitative approach and presents data about professional and market barriers, as well as the educational market in relation to the implementation of nZEB policies for new and retrofit buildings in 11 European countries. Different levels of policy enactments and market penetration are reported and are generally found to be more advanced in western and central European countries. Furthermore, gender equality is examined in the building sector in relation to nZEB and presents significant gaps, with a more balanced situation reported in southern Europe. The accreditation and targeted education of nZEB experts is still almost non-existent in the examined countries, and the need for training of building professionals is highlighted as a critical missing component of current policy. This research aims to be the first step towards the creation of educational material and programmes as a mean to accelerate the transition to nZEB., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Research methods  The research used several large datasets, about dwellings theoretical energy performance, most of which were related to energy label certificates. All the datasets containing theoretical performance were merged with actual energy data. In addition to that, some were also enriched with socioeconomic and behaviour related data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) or from surveys which were designed for the purpose of this research. Simple descriptive statistics were used to compare average theoretical and actual consumptions. Advanced statistical tests were used for detecting correlations, followed by several regression analyses. In a separate scenario study, the resulting averages of both theoretical and actual consumptions were extrapolated nation-wide in order to be compared with the existing policy targets. Due to low predictive power of the variables in regression analyses, a sensitivity analysis of the theoretical gas use was performed on six assumptions made in the theoretical calculation to show how an increment in one of the assumptions affects the final theoretical gas consumption and whether this can explain the performance gap. Last but not least, longitudinal data of the social housing dwelling stock between 2010 and 2013 was analysed, focusing on dwellings that had undergone renovation. The goal was to find out whether the theoretical reduction of consumption materialised and to what extent. A comparison of the actual reduction of different renovation measures was made in order to show what renovation practices lower the consumptions most effectively. The discrepancies between actual and theoretical heating energy consumption in Dutch dwellings. Discrepancies between theoretical and actual gas and electricity consumption On average, the total theoretical primary energy use seems to be in accordance with actual primary energy consumption but when looking at more detailed data, one can see that the contribution of gas to the actual prim

The slideshow was presented at the 01/12/2015 QUALICHeCK webinar in order to discuss the new framework we developped to include ventilative cooling techniques in the Belgian EPBD calculation methods.

The building sector accounts for 40 % of the energy usage, and to be able to reach the energy reduction goals set within the EU and Sweden, the building sector needs to change toward energy efficiency. The building sector has a lot of energy saving potential, and within the sector, the HVAC- and plumbing section has the greatest saving potential. Since building trade magazines are directed to practitioners within the building sector, and also their main channel for information regarding projects and developments, this study has used qualitative content analysis on articles, regarding energy efficiency, between the years of 2002-2014. Two building magazines and one HVAC- and plumbing magazine were used to cover the field of what issues regarding energy efficiency were mediated to the readers. The study found out that during the first years, the magazines mediated a positive image towards energy efficiency measures, but mentioned little concrete action plans. After the implementation of more stringent laws, the magazines mediated different issues in a more equal spreading, however two different issues battled to be heard. These were concerns regarding the risks of using new methods not tried before, the lack of clear definitions from the authorities and a focus on a holistic perspective that included environmental thinking. The most recent years focused on practical solutions, adopting a holistic perspective that included both buildings and individual behaviors. During the years, the magazines in general framed energy efficiency measures as something positive and mediated the image of that energy efficiency measures would be taken in the future.

The building sector accounts for 40 % of the energy usage, and to be able to reach the energy reduction goals set within the EU and Sweden, the building sector needs to change toward energy efficiency. The building sector has a lot of energy saving potential, and within the sector, the HVAC- and plumbing section has the greatest saving potential. Since building trade magazines are directed to practitioners within the building sector, and also their main channel for information regarding projects and developments, this study has used qualitative content analysis on articles, regarding energy efficiency, between the years of 2002-2014. Two building magazines and one HVAC- and plumbing magazine were used to cover the field of what issues regarding energy efficiency were mediated to the readers. The study found out that during the first years, the magazines mediated a positive image towards energy efficiency measures, but mentioned little concrete action plans. After the implementation of more stringent laws, the magazines mediated different issues in a more equal spreading, however two different issues battled to be heard. These were concerns regarding the risks of using new methods not tried before, the lack of clear definitions from the authorities and a focus on a holistic perspective that included environmental thinking. The most recent years focused on practical solutions, adopting a holistic perspective that included both buildings and individual behaviors. During the years, the magazines in general framed energy efficiency measures as something positive and mediated the image of that energy efficiency measures would be taken in the future.

The need to reduce energy bills and the need for protection for the user has made the government of Spain develop new regulations that reinforce thermal isolation requirements. The adopted methodology for evaluating energy performance in buildings is based on informatics tools, where it is difficult to check the measures for improving energy efficiency work. The objective of this paper is to compare the current methodology for evaluating energy needed for cooling in Spain with the methodologies of some European countries. The research is based on applying those methodologies over a case study conducted on the Mediterranean coast of Spain (warm conditions), applying different U-limits and evaluating the obtained energy needed for cooling from each method. The results show that improving constructive solutions and increasing thermal isolation thickness in some cases do not offer the expected results as the energy needed for cooling raises especially in methodologies belonging to cold countries.

The passing by the European Parliament of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in 2003 obliges all European member states to implement energy regulations for buildings based on the concept of energy performance by the year 2009 ultimately. Given the importance of the development of innovations in energy technology, and a transition to a sustainable energy supply system, it is necessary that policy instruments for energy conservation in the building sector stimulate the development and diffusion of innovations. This thesis contributes to knowledge about the content of energy performance policy and concludes that the effect of Dutch energy performance policy in encouraging innovation is limited. Energy efficiency improvements, by energy performance policy, seem to have come from the overall optimisation of all the energy related features of residential buildings. Insulation levels improved, although not spectacularly. Efficiencies of heating technology improved, although this seems partly to be as a result of the ongoing development that started in the 1980s. The efficiency of fans used for ventilation improved, as did the efficiency of all sorts of auxiliary devices needed in heating technology, as well as the efficiency of heat recovery in balanced ventilation systems. Although energy performance policy seems to have contributed to the optimisation of all energy related features of residential buildings, it did not cause a breakthrough of innovative technology such as solar thermal systems or heat pumps. The study of the innovation system of the Dutch construction industry identifies how the project-based nature of the construction industry is an obstacle to "learning-rich" collaboration between the various stakeholders. The study contributes to the discussion about the impact of government policy for energy conservation in the building sector, in the context of climate change policy., OTB

The passing by the European Parliament of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in 2003 obliges all European member states to implement energy regulations for buildings based on the concept of energy performance by the year 2009 ultimately. Given the importance of the development of innovations in energy technology, and a transition to a sustainable energy supply system, it is necessary that policy instruments for energy conservation in the building sector stimulate the development and diffusion of innovations. This thesis contributes to knowledge about the content of energy performance policy and concludes that the effect of Dutch energy performance policy in encouraging innovation is limited. Energy efficiency improvements, by energy performance policy, seem to have come from the overall optimisation of all the energy related features of residential buildings. Insulation levels improved, although not spectacularly. Efficiencies of heating technology improved, although this seems partly to be as a result of the ongoing development that started in the 1980s. The efficiency of fans used for ventilation improved, as did the efficiency of all sorts of auxiliary devices needed in heating technology, as well as the efficiency of heat recovery in balanced ventilation systems. Although energy performance policy seems to have contributed to the optimisation of all energy related features of residential buildings, it did not cause a breakthrough of innovative technology such as solar thermal systems or heat pumps. The study of the innovation system of the Dutch construction industry identifies how the project-based nature of the construction industry is an obstacle to "learning-rich" collaboration between the various stakeholders. The study contributes to the discussion about the impact of government policy for energy conservation in the building sector, in the context of climate change policy., OTB

OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment

OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment

OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment

OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment

Práce srovnává, jak vlády vybraných Evropských zemí stimulují občany a podniky k tomu, aby stavěli energeticky úsporně se zaměřením na ekonomickou stránku věci. Práce srovnává poznatky, sjednocuje je a vyvozuje patřičné závěry., The main goal of this thesis is analysis on how governments in different European countries are stimulating citizens and businesses to build energy-efficient homes, with focus on the economic side of the problem. Subsequently, a comparison is presented based on findings from different countries.

Práce srovnává, jak vlády vybraných Evropských zemí stimulují občany a podniky k tomu, aby stavěli energeticky úsporně se zaměřením na ekonomickou stránku věci. Práce srovnává poznatky, sjednocuje je a vyvozuje patřičné závěry., The main goal of this thesis is analysis on how governments in different European countries are stimulating citizens and businesses to build energy-efficient homes, with focus on the economic side of the problem. Subsequently, a comparison is presented based on findings from different countries.

Práce srovnává, jak vlády vybraných Evropských zemí stimulují občany a podniky k tomu, aby stavěli energeticky úsporně se zaměřením na ekonomickou stránku věci. Práce srovnává poznatky, sjednocuje je a vyvozuje patřičné závěry., The main goal of this thesis is analysis on how governments in different European countries are stimulating citizens and businesses to build energy-efficient homes, with focus on the economic side of the problem. Subsequently, a comparison is presented based on findings from different countries.

Práce srovnává, jak vlády vybraných Evropských zemí stimulují občany a podniky k tomu, aby stavěli energeticky úsporně se zaměřením na ekonomickou stránku věci. Práce srovnává poznatky, sjednocuje je a vyvozuje patřičné závěry., The main goal of this thesis is analysis on how governments in different European countries are stimulating citizens and businesses to build energy-efficient homes, with focus on the economic side of the problem. Subsequently, a comparison is presented based on findings from different countries.

Práce srovnává, jak vlády vybraných Evropských zemí stimulují občany a podniky k tomu, aby stavěli energeticky úsporně se zaměřením na ekonomickou stránku věci. Práce srovnává poznatky, sjednocuje je a vyvozuje patřičné závěry., The main goal of this thesis is analysis on how governments in different European countries are stimulating citizens and businesses to build energy-efficient homes, with focus on the economic side of the problem. Subsequently, a comparison is presented based on findings from different countries.

Práce srovnává, jak vlády vybraných Evropských zemí stimulují občany a podniky k tomu, aby stavěli energeticky úsporně se zaměřením na ekonomickou stránku věci. Práce srovnává poznatky, sjednocuje je a vyvozuje patřičné závěry., The main goal of this thesis is analysis on how governments in different European countries are stimulating citizens and businesses to build energy-efficient homes, with focus on the economic side of the problem. Subsequently, a comparison is presented based on findings from different countries.

Bakalárska práca sa zaoberá tvorbou preukazu energetickej náročnosti budovy obecného úradu v obci Tvarožná. Teoretická časť sa zameriava na európske smernice o energetickej náročnosti, ich rozbor a spôsob akým boli zaradené do legislatívy v Českej republike a okrajovo aj na Slovensku. Výpočtovú časť tvorí analýza energetických potrieb a tokov budovy, rozbor zadaného objektu a návrh úsporných opatrení na zlepšenie energetického stavu objektu. Navrhnuté opatrenia sú v závere tejto časti posúdené z energetického a ekonomického hľadiska. Projektová časť obsahuje štyri preukazy energetickej náročnosti budovy. Prvý je vyhotovený na základe východiskového stavu a zvyšné tri sú alternatívami navrhnutých opatrení., The bachelor thesis deals with the creation of the energy performance certificate of the municipal office building in the village Tvarozna. In the theoretical part it focuses on the European directives on energy performance, their analysis and the way they have been included in the legislation in the Czech Republic and marginally also in Slovakia. The calculation part consists of the analysis of energy needs and flows of the building; the analysis of the specified object; and the proposal of energy saving measures to improve the energy status of the building. The proposed measures are assessed from the energetic and economic point of view in the conclusion of this part. The design part includes four energy performance certificates for the building. The first one is based on the baseline condition and the remaining three are alternatives to the proposed measures.