EU POLICIES ON ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS: the role of air tightness and ventilation Users & Stakeholders TightVent Meeting, Brussels 24 MARCH 2011 Dr Marina Economidou Expert in Energy Efficiency Buildings Performance Institute Europe BPIE

Overview A Few Words about BPIE EU Building Policies: opportunities & challenges Why care about ventilation & air-tightness? Airtightness in New and Existing building policies Concluding remarks BPIE

Non-profit association in Brussels; operational since Feb 10 Founding partners: eceee, European Climate Foundation, Climate Works Focus on energy efficiency in buildings throughout Europe Centre of expertise in buildings (technical expertise) European centre for a global best practice network Targeted independent research, policy analysis & evaluation to support policy implementation A FEW WORDS ABOUT BPIE BPIE

EU framework EPBD (2002/91/EC) Definition of requirements for the energy performance of buildings methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings scheme of assessing the energy performance of a building (EPC) Mechanism of regular inspections of heating & air conditioning systems EPBD (2010/31/EC) New nearly-zero-energy buildings constructed after 2020 (public sector buildings in 2018) A harmonised calculation methodology to push MS minimum energy performance requirements towards cost-optimal levels Existing building stock shall be renovated to very low-energy standards (no specific target be set for the renovation of existing building). For major retrofits the 1000 m² threshold is eliminated. A more detailed and rigorous procedure for issuing EPC EU 2020 – 20/20/20 Target BPIE EU BUILDING POLICIES: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES

Energy Efficiency Plan 2011 Non-binding targets 1)MS to set their own indicative targets 2)EC to review progress in 2013 and propose binding targets for all MSs if it appears the 20% target will not be achieved. Public Sector Set an example Renovation rate to be doubled to at least 3 % per year Renovation should bring buildings up to level of the best 10% of national building stock Energy efficiency standards to be incorporated more fully into public procurement. ESCOs Both the private and public sectors Legislative proposals to increase their role Training Improving training for architects, engineers, auditors etc. to meet implementation of technically demanding building solutions. BPIE EU BUILDING POLICIES: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES

EPBD and Air tightness Common general framework for the calculation of energy performance of buildings (Annex 1): “The methodology shall be laid down taking into consideration at least the following aspects: … (d) natural and mechanical ventilation which may include air- tightness;...” EU BUILDING POLICIES: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES BPIE

CO 2 Saving potential IMPORTANCE OF AIR-TIGHTNESS AND VENTILATION BPIE ABATEMENT COST TOTAL IMPROVEMENT POTENTIAL * Source: JRC: Environmental Improvement Potentials of Residential Buildings. South European countries with warm climates

Indoor air quality Build Tight – Ventilate right ‘Leaky’ buildings Discomfort Space heating/cooling Deterioration ‘Too air-tight’ buildings Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms: e.g. headaches, fatigue IMPORTANCE OF AIR-TIGHTNESS AND VENTILATION BPIE

Nearly zero energy buildings Air-tightness : part of integrated NZEB solution Multiple definitions : Climate, building types, building traditions, etc. So does ventilation ! Need: Common and cross- national understanding BPIE Example of low energy standards: Passive House

Air tightness of EU buildings * Source: Preliminary BPIE data for its ‘Transforming Europe’s Buildings’ study BPIE

Max. air tightness levels BPIE * Source: Preliminary BPIE data for its ‘Transforming Europe’s Buildings’ study ATCZ UK

Renovations Air-tightness & Ventilation to be considered in renovation solutions Current renovation rates ~1% per year Targeted renovation rates ~3% per year Need for large scale solutions BPIE

Some concluding remarks Legal framework: exists but more support is required for implementation Importance of Build Tight – Ventilate Right Environmental reasons Comfort reasons Greater need for air-tightness and ventilation measures: NZEB RENOVATIONS BPIE

Thank you! Marina Economidou

BPIE’s mission Support the development of ambitious – but pragmatic buildings related policies and programs at EU and Member State Level. Drive timely and efficient implementation by teaming up on European and member state level with local authorities, communities, industrial players, research organisations and consumers. Provide the knowledge that is necessary to conduct both activities successfully A FEW WORDS ABOUT BPIE BPIE