Passive Houses A regional energy efficiency solution? Ir.-arch. Erwin Mlecnik, senior expert R&D

‘Passive house’ can be a regional solution for energy efficiency and quality improvement in the built environment  What are the real needs/ problems?  What are the lessons from passive houses?  How can regional development be introduced?  Expected consequences? Content

SEE 2001

 Need for integrated approach  Improved quality - High energy efficiency – cost effective  Need for market assurance  Energy performance  Comfort  Levers for quality improvement Needs / problems

 Factor 4 – factor 10 – factor 20  Natural capitalism Rapid development of the ‘Passive house’ concept Basic & applied research

 ‘Passive house’ advantages:  Energy performance standard set (demand space heating < 15 kWh/m 2.a)  Knowledge available (  Comfort and financial issues examined (CEPHEUS,..)  Tools available for skill development (PHPP,..)  Quality assurance procedures available (certification,..) Basic & applied research

Energy measurement in Hanover-Kronsberg Basic & applied research

annual heat consumption [kWh/(m²a)] 63 row houses in Heidelberg (Bj. 1962) 41 low energy houses Niedernhausen low energy houses, Hessia 22 houses, PH settlement Wiesbaden passive houses Kronsberg Benutzereinfluss im Passivhaus occupants influence: the average is important old buildings low energy buildings > 90% reduc- tion passive houses

Comfort measurements in Hanover-Kronsberg Basic & applied research

How to market? Quality increase reached! Energy efficiency = added benefit THERMAL COMFORT VISUAL COMFORT ACOUSTICAL COMFORT AIR QUALITY USER FRIENDLY LESS MAINTENANCE HEALTHY COST EFFICIENT BUILDINGS Basic & applied research

What to market?  Reduction of heat losses  Improved airtightness  Use of passive solar gains  Comfort ventilation  Efficient household equipment  Renewable energy INTEGRATED CONCEPT Regional development

 Clustered technology groups  Glazing  Frames, doors  Thermal insulation  Mechanical ventilation  Heat production  …  Technology does not cause CHANGE Regional development

 ‘Change agency’ to stimulate innovation  Regional = reduce geographical distance  SME oriented  Technology is a 2-way exchange of information Regional development

 Crucial = start  Pressure to approve innovation  Provide gatekeeping & communication channel  Credible change agent  Recommend innovations with beneficial consequences Regional development Arch.: denc!-studio, photo: PHP Arch.: E. Ubachs, photo: G.De bruyn Arch.: C. Debrabander, photo: PHP Arch.: denc!-studio, photo: PHP Arch.: E. Ubachs, photo: PHP Arch.: G. Sabbe, photo: PHP Office building Havenbedrijf Gent Arch.: evr-architecten School in Beernem Arch.: Buro II

Growth phase Belgium: income tax reduction for passive houses since 2007 Brussels: passive house demonstration programme Total budget 5 billion EUR grants 100 EUR/m2 + technical guidance (facilitator) + building and designers distinguished Vorarlberg (A); Frankfurt (D), Wels (A),..: Obligation passive house standard Regional development

Princess Elisabeth Station - Antarctica Source: IG Passivhaus Austria Consequences

Passive renovation Eupen Arch.: O.Henz; foto: PHP Source: Trecodome Consequences

Innovation ConsultancyR&D Consequences

Quality by experience Quality oriented building team Designers Product development Industry Contractors Consumer aware! Consequences  Changes occur in the system

„Why heating? If without is more comfortable!“