The most important decisions regarding the building's environmental impact and energy efficiency are made during the construction planning phase. In this case, the effects of the solutions must be evaluated in terms of the object's entire life cycle.
Key factors affecting energy efficiency are locked in during the planning phase. It is often difficult and expensive to change them later. Since buildings can be designed to last up to a hundred years, their environmental effects are very long-lasting.
In life cycle thinking, the environmental effects of the building are examined over the entire life cycle. Improving the technical properties of the building may, for example, increase emissions during the manufacturing phase, but thanks to that, the energy consumption during the life cycle of the house can be significantly reduced.
Instead of partial optimization, focus on the whole
The structural and building technology of a house that consumes little energy is designed as a functional whole.
Instead of partial optimization of individual structural components and devices, the focus should be on the properties of the entire building. Energy regulations have long supported the overall energy audit of the building.
Overall economy and life-cycle cost-effectiveness are highlighted in procurement
Subscribers and owners play a decisive role in creating the conditions for energy-efficient solutions. They should emphasize functional requirements.
It is necessary to switch to procurement methods in which energy efficiency, low carbon and overall economy rise alongside other factors. The Procurement Act, when properly applied, provides good opportunities for this in the public sector.
Close cooperation necessary
When goals are set for the building's energy efficiency, indoor conditions and life cycle management, close cooperation between the various parties of the construction project is needed.
The production know-how and cost awareness of construction companies should be involved as early as possible in order to create both energy- and cost-effective solutions.
The intended use of buildings is of great importance to the operation of an energy-efficient building. During the commissioning phase of the building, the adjustments of the heating and ventilation system must be made carefully.
From almost zero-energy buildings to zero-emission buildings
According to the current regulations, new buildings must be almost zero energy buildings. A new definition of a zero-emission building (ZEB, zero-emission building) is coming into use with the reform of the Energy Efficiency of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which is being prepared. The goal is that all new buildings will be emission-free in the future.