Recently, the European Commission adopted a new Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which will restructure the old regulations and directives, as well as adding several new ones.
Between 2021 and 2030, the new measures and charges will be applied across all industrial and applicable residential settings, to reach the 30% binding target by 2030.
Consumer Involvement
While the changes focus on industrial practices above all else, there are provisions for improving residential energy-efficiency in homes across Europe as well. For example, there is a clear focus this time around towards updating and including consumers into the whole planning process itself. Consumer involvement is an area that was lacking to at least some degree previously, and experts agree that including them in the whole planning process could lead to them making better, more intelligent decisions while designing, renovating or building their homes. As to what some of those measures could be, top analysts within the European Commission have a few ideas.
Energy Efficient Doors
Insulated windows, such as double-paned windows have long been an essential part of living in the colder parts of Europe, and in the coldest sections of Northern Europe, even the doors must have at least some degree of insulation during the bitter, winter months. However, energy-efficient doors are still not adopted as widely as they should be in North Western Europe.
This is primarily due to the fact that parts of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Wales and other nations in the region do not experience the same degree of bitter cold as their North European neighbours do. However, a lack of energy-efficient doors eventually leads to every improperly insulated home in these regions using up several more units of energy per day than they should need to.
For help with the new energy usage and emission control targets set forth by the EC, it is highly advisable for homeowners across the Europe to consider energy-efficient doors while planning their next remodelling project. As The Home Design Group points out, by choosing uPVC Bi-fold or French doors, it is not only possible to maximise the heating efficiency during winters, but at the same time, the material also minimises the need to turn on artificial lights during the day. Doors that allow in the light but do not allow an exchange of temperature between the internal and external environments can reduce energy bills down significantly.
Smart Home Integration
Within the EPBD itself, there is a very clear provision that seeks to incorporate methods for defining residential and commercial structures in terms of a brand-new smartness indicator system. It is assessed, based on the structure’s technological integrations that allow it to be more energy-efficient, as well as providing the occupants with multiple options for interacting with the building’s various systems. Smart thermostats, motion sensing lights, PV-arrays, smart energy meters, dimmer switches, etc. are all part of the green home initiative.
Even older techniques such as the time-tested, double-glazed window, MHVR systems, and gap sealing should still be considered essential in homes and commercial facilities that have not yet adopted those or have not checked up on their previous work recently. The idea is to always save energy, be it via new or old means.
