Objective
Vorarlberg's experience with the low energy building programme provides a collection of data unique in the EU for verifying specific energy consumption calculations in the residential building industry. As the methods of calculation used are very similar to anticipated standardized EU procedures.
After several years' operation, the actual consumption figures of the low energy buildings and the energy outputs of thermal solar systems are to be determined and compared with the theoretical forecasts.
The results are to be correlated with key figures and evaluated:
- For low energy buildings, for example, this includes specific aspects of the type of construction and choice of material; type of heat supply; solar alignment, specific energy consumption values; building size; climatic zones.
- For thermal solar systems: collector type, size and orientation; hot water consumption; application of the system
- For power consumpt.: appliance config., consumpt. figures (light, power, heat)
1. Introduction
In 1989 the Energieinstitut Vorarlberg initiated a pilot project - the 'Vorarlberg energy saving house' special subsidy programme; this has been an integral part of funding guidelines since January 1990.
This programme provides for financial aid from the Province for residential buildings which achieve less than the limit value of 60 kWh/m2 a for the theoretical heating energy demand (calculated according to an energy balance developed from the Swiss standard SIA 380/1 and evolving from heat losses through transmission and ventilation as well as heat gains through sun, persons and waste appliance heat) and comply with specific criteria appertaining to degree of utilization of the space heating and hot water supply as well as primary energy use and emissions.
Two important intermediate results are the forecast consumption figures for fuel and electrical energy, in order to permit direct comparison between the theoretical and actual situations. All significant values are summarized in a 'building energy certificate' and handed over to the client on allocation of the subsidy.
Further stipulations to be observed in this programme include: advice and attendance by an energy consultant, audit and monitoring of the implementation, recording of all energy consumption figures over at least three heating periods.
Parallel to this, a special subsidy for thermal solar systems introduced in the middle of 1991 which is awarded based on similar criteria. All individual data and calculations are filed centrally and the essential results are assigned to a relational database.
2. Experience to date
More than 1,000 single-family, row and multi-family houses as well as thermal solar systems have been designed, built and funded in accordance with the guidelines.
2. Project implementation
Project duration: Dec. 1995 to 31. Oct. 1999
Phase 1 - Sept. 95 to Dec. 96: Development of evaluation methods with reference to approximately 20 similar (type of building or system, climatic zone, year of construction) test buildings in each case. Correlation of the methods with regional authorities who have commenced similar activities (e.g.Nordrein-Westfalen Upper Austria).
Phase 2 - Jan. 97 toJuly 98: Evaluation of energy controlling results and calculations, as well as distribution of any additional questionnaires to the owners of all low energy buildings and thermal solar systems which went into service before 1993. Collection and storage of data (at least two full years of operation).
Phase 3 -July 98 to Dec 98: Evaluation of data, random checks on site and adaptation of methods where required.
Phase 4 - Dec 98 to April 99: Evaluation of energy controlling results and calculations, as well as distribution of any additional questionaires to the owners of all low energy buildings and thermal solar systems which went into service before 1995. Collection and storage of data (at least two full years of operation).
Phase 5 - April 99 toOct. 99: Evaluation of all results and compilation of a final report with recommendations for the establishment of calculation models, funding schemes and evaluation procedures.
3. Utilization of the results
Final report with all evaluations and sample building descriptions.
Recommendations for determining specific energy consumption based on know-how acquired in practice. These should also be applied as the basis for drafting energy certificates: the energy certificate should be focused as much as possible on verifiable criteria which are relevant in practice.
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6850 Dornbirn
Austria