We have been investigating differing approaches to low
energy buildings, to see if there is a system that can help inform our design
process to produce beautiful liveable buildings that contribute to a Carbon
Positive Environment. In doing so we have had to delve into quite technical
aspects of building science, but by navigating this we are also being linked to
experts who can analyse and inform us of how our buildings can perform.

European construction policies are moving more actively
towards promoting the theories of very low energy building. European energy
policies and the European active energy reducing construction systems seem to
be more advanced than the rest of the world. Saying this many countries are
adopting and manipulating these systems to suit their different climates.

There are three European systems: The French Effinergie
System, the Swiss Minergy System and the German Passive House System. Each
system produces standards for high performance buildings with very low energy
requirements with the intent of having zero emissions.

 “Passive house uses
passive solar design, superinsulation, advanced window technology,
airtightness, ventilation, low energy appliance and light choice. Passive house
buildings are zero heating buildings, ie they are comfortable without the need
to heat.” The German Passive House certification is based on a test after
construction. Many countries are seeing the advantage of the Passive House system,
and in Brussels they actually have it as part of their mandatory building code
for all new buildings.

The French Effinergie System is similar and also requires a test
after construction. The French system takes into account the varied climate
zones within France. The system promotes low energy consumption and takes into
account the energy consumption of heating and hot water systems, appliances for
ventilation and heating, lighting and air-conditioning. Again air tightness and
high thermal efficiency are integral to the process.

The Swiss “Minergy recommends the construction of compact,
well-insulated and air-tight buildings in order to attain good energy
consumption standards. The buildings must be fitted with an automatic
air-renewal system with heat recovery. A fee is charged for certification.” From
what I can glean the Swiss system takes into account thermal mass and thermal
gain, whereas the German system does so to a lesser degree. The Swiss system is
based on planning and as I understand there is no post construction testing.

These standards are all about optimum occupant comfort
without high energy consumption. So, they are not about austerity or
deprivation, which I think the idea of sustainability can imply.  There is an extra cost in construction with
the implementation of these systems due to the higher value building materials
and required degree of care in construction, but there is a reduction in
ongoing energy costs, with the creation of a more comfortable built
environment. All systems include a heat recovery unit, which is a mechanical
system that cleans and moves air around a building. 

These systems are of high value and have many lessons to
offer to the Australian Building Industry. I am wary of the additional embodied
energy required for these systems especially if using imported high efficiency
windows and the heat recovery units, which are typically not used in Australian
buildings. Somehow an understanding of the impact of the embodied energy of
these items in regards to the life energy use of a building would help in
providing a full vision of the energy use of these buildings.