The thermal insulation characteristics of Joris Ide THERMOCONFORT® contribute decisively in the construction of houses classified as NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings). This has a significant impact on energy consumption, but also on the market value of the building.
Learn the differences between passive, NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings) and Low-E houses:
Passive Houses
In order to be classified as passive, a house would have to consume less than 15 kWh/sqm/year, which corresponds to burning less than 1.5 liters of gasoline/sqm/year. The energy consumption for heating a passive house is reduced by more than 75% compared to the similar consumption of a conventional house. These are buildings constructed according to the Passive House Standard of the German Institute for Passive Houses in Darmstadt, Germany. This standard is extremely rigorous in terms of the norms and regulations on the energy efficiency of buildings.
NZEB houses
NZEB houses are buildings with almost zero energy consumption. They are built according to the European constructions legislation, in particular the Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings, as amended and supplemented.
Low-E houses
Low-E houses are low energy consumption houses but which, for various reasons, cannot be classified as passive houses. This category includes the houses with energy consumption for heating and cooling below 50 kWh/sqm/year.
Once you have decided what type of energy efficient house you want, know that the process involves 3 main steps, interconnected with one another, among which:
Design and Energy Balance
The design stage unfolds as in the case of any other project: design sketch, strength, architecture, however, a passive house requires from the first stage all the network & installation designs (water and sanitation, heating, cooling, ventilation, electricity), as well as all details of architecture and the energy balance calculation which is at the heart of a passive house design.
Building and monitoring
The General Contractor together with the beneficiary have to execute absolutely all building works according to the design documentation, with no improvisations, no changes during construction and no changes of materials or thicknesses. If certain unpredictable situations require changes, then the design company will include such changes in the energy balance calculation. If it does not fall within the standard parameters, the company will identify solutions for aligning with Passive House norms.
Certification of a passive house
If you wish to get the certification, then the supervision by an authorized representative of the Passive House Institute is mandatory from the start of the design.