European regulation | Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) | Energy Savings Certificates | European Standards |
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
The European Directives for buildings have lead to national regulations, particularly with a view to reduce energy consumption.
The objective of the EPBD (Directive 2002/91/CE of 16/12/2002) is to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the Community, taking into account outdoor climatic and local conditions, as well as indoor climate requirements and cost-effectiveness.
This Directive lays down requirements as regards:
- the general framework for a methodology of calculation of the integrated energy performance of buildings;
- the application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of new buildings;
- the application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of large existing buildings that are subject to major renovation;
- energy certification of buildings; and
- regular inspection of boilers and of air-conditioning systems in buildings and in addition an assessment of the heating installation in which the boilers are more than 15 years old.
Within this general frame, each Member State must adapt the Directive to its national Law before 04/01/2006, with its own method to design energy performance standards, in particular regarding minimum requirements.
Energy Savings Certificates
An Energy Saving Certificate-system imposes an energy saving target on a specific market segment (energy suppliers for instance). This segment can realise its target by implementing energy saving measures in specified target groups (households, build environment, small businesses, transportation, etc.) for which it earns certificates. The certificates have to be handed in as a fulfilment of its own obligations. In case of a surplus these certificates can be traded with parties that have a shortage. Parties without obligations also can earn certificates and put these on the market. By imposing obligations on competitive parties it is expected these parties will look for opportunities to realise energy saving against lowest costs.
European Standards
CEN (European Committee for Standardization) is currently in charge of standards regarding buildings ventilation. Within CEN, Technical Committee 156 is actually writing these Standards.
Here are the most common European Standards:
- EN 13141-1 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Part 1 : externally and internally mounted air transfer devices
- EN 13141-2 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Part 2 : exhaust and supply air terminal devices
- EN 13141-3 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Part 3 : range hoods for residential use
- EN 13141-4 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Part 4 : fans used in residential ventilation systems
- EN 13141-6 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Part 6 : exhaust ventilation system packages used in a single dwelling
- EN 13141-7 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Part 7 : performance testing of mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation units (including heat recovery) for mechanical ventilation systems intended for single family dwellings
- PR EN 13141-8 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Belgian Building Research Institute Part 8 : Performance testing of inducted mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation units (including heat recovery) for mechanical ventilation systems intended for a single room - PROJECT
- PR EN 13141-9 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Part 9: Humidity controlled external air inlet - PROJECT
- PR EN 13141-10 - Ventilation for buildings - Performance testing of components/products for residential ventilation - Part 10: Humidity controlled exhaust air terminal - PROJECT