Defining nearly zero-energy housing in Belgium and the Netherlands

Europe expects the housing sector to evolve towards ‘nearly zero-energy’ dwellings. Meanwhile, general terms and research, marketing and legal definitions considering such dwellings have already been introduced. Appraisal of existing definitions is now needed for further policy development. This paper examines what nearly zero-energy terms can...

Passive house networks: A social innovation targeting innovation in SME's in the construction sector

This study examines opportunities for the emergence of SME networks regarding highly energy-efficient housing, as well as the barriers they face. A theoretical innovation diffusion model is developed from the point-of-view of social and environmental entrepreneurship and sustainable consumption. The qualitative analysis reflects key elements...

Challenges and opportunities of the passive house concept for retrofit

For newly built houses and renovations European and national ambitions prescribe increasing levels of energy performances, even including achieving the passive house standard, net zero energy or carbon neutral houses. For highly energy-efficient renovation, project information from first demonstration projects is now becoming available. This...

Bioclimatic design in Türkiye: A comparison of the traditional with the contemporary

Emphasizing the impact of bioclimatic design elements on the energy performance of dwellings, this paper aims at comparing traditional houses with the contemporary to learn from the past experiences and implement them in new design practice. This paper’s focus is on the architectural design phase. Significant design elements mentioned in the...

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...

Policies for improving energy efficiency in the European housing stock

According to EC forecasts, if energy efficiency could be increased 1% annually until 2010, two-thirds of the potential energy saving in the EU could be achieved. This would comply with 40% of the EU's Kyoto obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% on the 1990 level by 2010-12, by cutting 200 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year....

Energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies in urban renewal

Discussion on the potential impact of the energy certificate on existing housing: The UK as a case study

In 2003 the European Commission introduced the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in recognition of the importance of energy savings in the urban housing stock. One of the key elements described in the Directive is the introduction of energy certificates in a property transaction. This article discusses the anticipated efficiency...