Advancing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in EU Buildings: Detailed Solutions for the Revised EPBD
The European Parliament's adoption of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) underscores a significant commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability and decarbonising the EU’s building stock. This directive, with a strong focus on the renovation and improvement of existing buildings, offers a transformative opportunity for building owners to align their properties with the transition from brown assets to green assets outlined in the EU taxonomy.
To effectively meet the directive's stringent measures and broader climate objectives, optimisers of commercial real estate must implement detailed sustainable mechanical and electrical engineering designs. Here's how these designs can address key areas while adhering to LEED certification criteria:
Strengthening Energy Efficiency Standards
Integrate advanced HVAC systems using refrigerants with no or very low GWP impact, and energy recovery ventilation to minimise energy consumption. Optimise natural daylight and lighting systems with LED fixtures and occupancy sensors for energy-efficient illumination.
Promotion of Renovation
Enhance building envelope insulation and upgrade appliances to meet energy efficiency standards. Implement smart thermostat systems for precise temperature control and energy savings during renovations. Design for electrification and consider the whole building life cycle GWP. Building automation and control systems to optimise energy usage and enhance occupant comfort by having control devices that measure indoor environmental quality indicators.
Integration of Smart Technologies
Deploy building automation systems (BAS) and smart meters for real-time energy monitoring and analysis. Incorporate Internet of Things (IoT) devices for predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making. Building automation systems capable of effective control and balancing functionalities to ensure optimum generation, distribution, storage and use of energy.
Focus on Zero-Energy Buildings (ZEB)
Design building envelopes with high-performance windows and cool roofs to minimise energy loss. Design a very low energy demand building, with zero on-site carbon emissions or very low operational GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions. Integrate renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels and solar thermal systems for net-zero or positive energy balance.
Enhanced Building Performance Certification
Implement commissioning processes to ensure peak efficiency of mechanical and electrical systems. Utilise energy modelling software to optimise system design and provide comprehensive energy performance reports.
Alignment with EU Climate Goals
Adopt sustainable materials and construction practices to reduce embodied carbon emissions. Implement energy-efficient lighting controls and integrate energy storage systems for grid stability and resilience.
Impact on Industry and Economy
Stimulate green building innovation through research initiatives and promote workforce training for green building projects. Foster collaboration between stakeholders to drive market adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices, enhancing sustainability and investment potential for all. Promote improvements in buildings energy performance and get access to reliable buildings information through data-driven technologies.
Choose the right Consulting Engineers for the job.
To meet the criteria of these new EU directives, and to produce greener, smarter, more productive buildings with less waste, sustainable design solutions must be at the core of the planning process from start to finish. Choosing an M&E consultant with a proven track record in achieving globally recognised certifications such LEED, NZEB, WELL Being Standard and BREEAM is a really good start.
Get in touch with Scott, Head Of Sustainability at Metec to find out more.
