Policies and practices for an energy efficient European housing stock

The housing stock has a major energy saving potential and is mostly considered to be the sector in which energy efficiency most cost effectively could be achieved. 30% of all energy use is consumed in the housing stock. The European union has formulated targets for a reduction of CO2 emissions to be achieved by a combination of energy efficiency...

Progress of energy reduction in the Dutch non-profit housing sector

The European Union formulated high ambitions of energy reductions to be realised in the built environment. The existing housing stock covers a major share of energy use and is seen as high potential to contribute to the savings. This should be realised in the first place by reducing the energy demand for heating by renovation of the existing...

Dwelling on Courtyards: Exploring the energy efficiency and comfort potential of courtyards for dwellings in the Netherlands

The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon and the dependency of buildings on fossil fuels were the two main issues that formed this dissertation. UHI results in higher air temperatures in dense urban areas compared with their suburbs and rural surroundings. This phenomenon affects human health through thermal discomfort and air pollution....

Value propositions for business models for nZEB renovation

It is poorly understood what the characteristics are of households who want to engage in nZEB single-family home renovations. This paper addresses the research question: What are customer segments, and what are their customer values and motives to choose for a nZEB renovation of privately-owned single-family dwellings in the Netherlands?...

Tenant involvement in renovation for low energy performance

The general goal of tenant involvement is to ensure that retrofitting projects are successful not only from a technical point of view but also from a social perspective. When possible, strategies should be included to reward users for energy efficient behaviour. Energy monitoring and feedback are tools in support of energy savings. But how do...

Exergy in the built environment. The added value of exergy in the assessment and development of energy systems for the built environment.

This doctoral research studied the added value of exergy for the assessment and development of energy systems for the built environment, aiming at a reduced need for high-quality energy input. Currently the analysis and development of energy systems for the built environment is based on the energy concept. Energy however gives an incomplete...