Developing an integrated offer for sustainable renovations

Within an ERANET-ERACOBUILD project, this study investigates the opportunities and barriers to establish a “one stop shop” with an integrated supply side, to counteract the fragmented offer in sustainable renovation of single-family houses and to increase the level of knowledge, skills and innovations. Aspects of providing reliable information...

A comparative evaluation of low-energy, passive and zero-energy houses in The Netherlands and Belgium

The presented research aims to evaluate highly energy-efficient dwellings, in particular Passive Houses (PH), in Flanders and in The Netherlands, based on end-user experiences. In the introduction the definition of PH in the Benelux countries Belgium and The Netherlands is compared with the Nordic countries and certification and comfort issues...

Energy saving goals require reform of building regulations and control

Exploring robustness of energy performance of dwellings top occupant behaviour: Renovation and post occupancy

In this paper, we focus on the influence of occupant behaviour on the energy performance of dwellings, before and after renovation process. In this context, ‘ventilation control pattern’, ‘maintenance’, and ‘heating energy demand’ are selected as the key parameters of the study. The aim is to reveal the sensitivity of energy performance of a...

Building regulations and control in the face of climate range

Since a few years the attention for building regulatory systems and enforcement procedures is growing. Various developments in society, politics and the construction industry have influenced changes in the systems of building control in the last 20 years. The influence of climate change and the related demands on buildings will have a very...

Energy regulations require strickter enforcement as response to climate change

Since a few years the attention for building regulatory systems and enforcement procedures is growing. Various developments in society, politics and the construction industry have influenced changes in the systems of building control in the last 20 years. The influence of climate change and the related demands on buildings will have a very...

Upgrade or replace?: The effect of the EPBD on the choice between improvement or replacement

What is better: improvement or replacement by new construction? The choice between life cycle extension and replacement of existing buildings is at itself a vital but very difficult decision, involving a wide range of different aspects and affecting several contrary and often conflicting interests. The emerging ecological awareness of the...

The impact of energy performance regulations on systems of building control