Action plan for energy-efficient housing in the UNECE region

Posted on: 27 October 2011
By: mackene
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To address the challenges of improving energy efficiency in the housing sector, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has published an Action Plan for Energy Efficient Housing. It outlines three policy areas for action: energy efficiency governance; energy performance standards; and access to energy efficiency.

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Guides on low impact building materials

Posted on: 26 October 2011
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A series of five information papers for architects, specifiers, materials suppliers and building contractors on low impact building materials is being launched on 31 October 2011. The introductory guides published by IHS BRE Press provide an overview of the benefits and limitations of using various low impact building materials in construction projects. Materials covered in the series are hemp lime, straw bale, unfired clay masonry, cross-laminated timber and natural fibre insulation. Each publication examines the key properties of the respective materials and features research carried out at the University of Bath alongside input from industry experts with commercial experience of the materials’ application in major construction projects.

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European buildings under the microscope: A country-by-country review of the energy performance of European buildings

Posted on: 26 October 2011
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This project carried out by the Buildings Performance Institute Europe, screens European buildings, building codes and other regulatory measures across all 27 Member States as well as Switzerland and Norway. The collected data provides a picture of the European building stock and its energy and CO2 saving potential. The data was used to model a variety of scenarios for the systematic renovation of the European building stock. The report of the study is in three parts:

Part 1 surveys 27 Member States, together with Norway and Switzerland, examining the floor space area of residential and non-residential buildings, building typologies, characteristics and energy performance of current stock. The information is drawn from the statistical offices of national administrations and is presented in a form that permits European comparisons and analysis.

Part 2 provides detailed information and analysis relating to current barriers, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive implementation, the European building codes and major programmes that are designed to improve energy performance in buildings.

In Part 3 the available data were used to develop and assess the energy performance scenarios for the buildings sector in Europe with the aim of illustrating potential energy savings and CO2 reduction pathways, reflecting the EU’s 20% energy saving target for 2020, as well as the EU’s long term 80-95% GHG emission reduction target for 2050. The scenarios describe the impact of building retrofit strategies to achieve the 2020 and 2050 targets. The scenarios are built on different renovation rates and depths and illustrate the impact of different ambition levels regarding the European environment and economy.

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World Sustainable Building Conference. Helsinki, 18-21 October 2011

Posted on: 21 October 2011
By: isadm
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This conference addresses new opportunities for improving quality of life, mitigating effects of climate change and making new business. 51 Scientific Sessions and 10 Special Forums covering all the themes of the conference. A large number of presentations, a conference report and videos of the event are available online.

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4th Nordic Passive House Conference. Helsinki, 17-19 October 2011

Posted on: 19 October 2011
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The aim of the Nordic Passive House conference series is to share knowledge and find new solutions for very low-energy and nearly zero-energy houses. The conferences gather along North-European building professionals increasing the awareness and acceptance of very low-energy houses in construction market. The 4th Nordic Passive House Conference is connected to World Sustainable Building Conference SB11 arranged from 18th to 21st October 2011. Presentations are available online.

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Guidance on the design and construction of sustainable, low carbon mixed use buildings

Posted on: 6 October 2011
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The last in the series of the five Target Zero Guidance reports is now available. The report contains invaluable information for professionals responsible for the design of mixed-use buildings. Its findings demonstrate that the 2010 Part L compliance target of reducing operational carbon emissions by 25% is readily achievable using a package of compatible, cost-effective energy efficiency measures. The study provides guidance for the fifth of the five building types covered by the Target Zero project, the mixed-use building, which comprises office and hotel accommodation. The report investigates three priority areas of sustainable construction: operational carbon emissions, BREEAM assessment rating and embodied carbon. Target Zero is a programme of work, funded by Tata Steel and the British Constructional Steelwork Association, to provide guidance on the design and construction of sustainable, low and zero carbon buildings in the UK. Five non-domestic building types have been analysed: a school, a distribution warehouse, a supermarket, a medium to high rise office and a mixed-use building.

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Videos on off-site construction

Posted on: 5 October 2011
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Off-site construction specialist, Yorkon, has launched a new on-line video gallery to help improve the understanding of modular buildings among architects, contractors, specifiers and occupiers. This latest in a series of web resources also aims to increase awareness of the bespoke design solutions, quality and potential of off-site construction that can now be delivered in sectors as diverse as health, education, nuclear, transport, chemical, commercial, and retail. Videos in the gallery include: How off-site construction can benefit major food retailers; How a modular building is assembled on site; Why schools should consider an off-site approach for new teaching accommodation; Off-site solutions for healthcare providers; How a modular building is manufactured off site.

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INSITE11 Conference: Rethink refurbishment. Watford, 4-5 October 2011

Posted on: 5 October 2011
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This event covered the following themes: Sustainable retrofit of buildings; Revitalising communities; Performance in operation; Wellbeing. Presentations and videos are available online.

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Let’s construct Europe’s future with innovative buildings and infrastructures: Construction and societal challenges. Warsaw, 4-5 October 2011

Posted on: 5 October 2011
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This 5th Conference of the European Construction Technology Platform, combined with a Conference of the Era-Net Eracobuild, was held to show how the construction sector contributes to the EU’s  Europe 2020 initiative, a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Issues covered included: sustainable construction, European Recovery Plan, energy efficient buildings, efficient infrastructures, cultural heritage, materials, ICT, innovation, business, and smalls and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The participation of programme owners and managers from the Member States involved in the Era-Net Eracobuild also illustrated the wish of building up a European Research Area in the sector. Presentations are available online.

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Retrofit: Moving in and moving on. Nottingham, 16-17 September 2011

Posted on: 17 September 2011
By: isadm
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The annual conference of the sustainable building association, AECB, looked at issues around refurbishment as many of the Retrofit for the Future projects were coming to a conclusion. While recent focus has been on energy issues, this event aimed to look at some other areas that may have been bypassed. These include community involvement, usability, embedded carbon, ethics and language. Some presentations are available online.

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