M. Haase1* , I. Andresen1, B. Time1, and A. G. Hestnes2

1 SINTEF Building and Infrastructure, Trondheim, Norway
2 NTNU, Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts, Trondheim, Norway
* Corresponding Author, matthias. haase@sintef. no

Abstract

For typical energy efficient office buildings different energy concepts are studied and the role of the building envelope in each of the concepts is described. The total energy consumption is simulated for four different construction standards and the results are compared. First, the Old Norwegian standard from 1997 was studied and the resulting energy savings of special construction details is shown. Then, the resulting energy savings of the New Norwegian regulations (TEK 2007) are calculated. Then, different energy concepts are applied to a typical office building and the resulting energy savings are shown. Finally, possibilities for on-site renewable energy production to reach zero net energy buildings are explored.

The results show that significant efforts are needed in order to bring Norwegian buildings up to the passive house standard. In particular, significant improvements of construction details regarding insulation levels and air tightness of the envelope are needed. Also, efficient heat recovery systems are crucial. A careful design of super-efficient envelope systems and building geometry can lead to zero net energy buildings in Norway.

Keywords: climate, energy concept, sensitivity, simulation

1. Introduction

In order to realize energy performance requirements of a higher standard according to today’s and future Technical Regulations, it is necessary to develop new design strategies without sacrifices in other performance codes, standards or guidelines. Prior experience related to the introduction of new energy performance requirements has shown that the design energy performance levels are either not met, or they are fulfilled at the expense of indoor climate, technical quality (e. g. moisture related problems), or architectural quality. Therefore it seems appropriate to determine the parameters of building design that have the biggest influence on energy consumption of buildings. Special focus has been put on the building envelope and some parameters that have an influence on the building load [1]. A lot of work has been done for residential buildings and thus this paper focuses on office buildings [4].