Sustainable Renovation in Buildings: an analysis of the regulation framework in North-Western Europe

Abstract

Buildings account for around 40% of total energy consumption; also buildings account 36% of CO2 emissions in Europe. The reduction of energy consumption and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector constitute important measures which are needed to reduce energy dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. The Directive on Energy Performance in Buildings (EPBD) is the main legislative instrument affecting energy use and efficiency in the Europe building sector. The EPBD (Energy Performance in Buildings Directive) will help reduce EU buildings energy consumption in the long run. A requirement that all new buildings must be net zero energy consumers by 2020 has received the most attention. The recast further sets a framework for: · Creating an integrated methodology for measuring energy performance; · Establishing minimum performance standards for new and certain existing buildings; and, · Conducting regular inspections of critical buildings system. Proper thermal rehabilitation of a building will lead to a significant reduction of heating energy demand offering a higher degree of comfort, and better condition for hygiene. Directive that can be related more directly with the sustainable renovation and sustainable construction is the European directive about energy performance in buildings. The main directive of energy performance certificate includes a methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings, minimum requirements to achieve cost optimal levels, the objective of nearly zero-energy buildings by 2020, a point of financial incentives and market barriers and different points of energy performance certificates. Last part of this document is about protection of heritage, it is important because the thermal rehabilitation of housing buildings appears as a great challenge for sustainable urban development.