The energy and thermal performance of two university buildings in Southern Brazil with the aim of achieving environmental efficiency

This paper demonstrates the results of research concerning eco-efficiency at the University of Passo Fundo – Southern Brazil. Its objective is to identify the factors that affect energy consumption in buildings of Higher Education Institutions and to elaborate a methodology that can facilitate the evaluation of the degree of influence of each...

Practicing learning and learning in practice: Testing learning tools for energy demand side management projects

The history of energy demand side management (DSM) projects shows that accomplishing lasting energy-behavioural changes is difficult. The CHANGING BEHAVIOUR project aims at a better understanding of energy-related behavioural change, in order to improve the DSM practice. The approach is one of continuous interaction between researchers and...

Energy efficiency management in public university campi - a Brazilian case

The Brazilian pioneer experience in energy efficiency management in public university campi is the Permanent Program in Efficient Energy Use of the University of São Paulo (PURe), running since 1997. Total built area of the university totalizes above 1 million square meters throughout more than 20 cities in the state of São Paulo, which results...

Just another business case?: Enhancing the agency for energy-efficient refurbishment among private homeowners

Private home owners can reduce their energy use significantly and move towards a low carbon lifestyle by retrofitting their homes in an energy efficient standard. Seen from a societal perspective energy efficient refurbishment of homes can play a pivotal role to reach significant reductions of CO2 emissions. However, current experiences are...

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...

Economic advantages of applying model predictive control to distributed energy resources: The case of micro-CHP systems

The increasing presence of distributed energy resources, information and intelligence in the electricity infrastructure increases the possibilities for larger economic efficiency of power systems. This work shows the possible cost advantages of applying a model predictive control (MPC) strategy to residential energy systems. MPC can take future...

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...

Energy certificate in the energy performance of buildings directive: Effectiveness of the application on the existing housing stock in the UK

The use of fiscal instruments in sustainable building policies

Although progressive government guidelines and knowledge about sustainable building exist, sustainability measures are not adopted in large scale. Several barriers have been identified, especially the perceived costs of implementing environmental management and the lack of market demand. The choice of fiscal instruments is an important issue in...