Make a Smart Investment Build Energywise Building Insulation January 2012 1
The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature caused by certain gases in the Earth s atmosphere. These gases allow light in but trap heat, like the glass walls of a greenhouse. Climate Change Challenging Building Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas generated by human activity. The current levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are higher than at any time in the past 20 million years. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas used in energy production and transport, are the greatest source of emissions. The climate change phenomenon is expected to present significant challenges to humanity, from desertification to rising sea levels. In the Baltic Sea area temperatures may even fall as a result of changes to the Gulf Stream. 1 With buildings accounting for 40 percent of Europe s annual energy consumption 2, improving their energy efficiency is the key way to cut emissions. In the construction of new buildings, the installation of high-quality thermal insulation is the most cost effective method for reducing energy consumption. 3 References: 1. Bryden H et al, Slowing of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation at 25 N. Nature 2005; 438. 2. Petersdorff C et al, Mitigation of CO2 Emissions from the Building Stock. Cologne: Ecofys, 2004; II. 3. Petersdorff C et al, Cost Effective Climate Protection in the Building Stock of the New EU Member States. Cologne: Ecofys, 2005; IV/V. 4. Egenhofer C et al, Revisiting EU Policy Options for Tackling Climate Change. A Social Cost-Benefi t Analysis of GHG Emissions Reduction Strategies. Brussels: Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), 2006. 5. Rødsjø A, Kyotopyramiden. Published in Dokka TH, Hermstad K, Energieffektive boliger for fremtiden. Trondheim: SINTEF Byggforsk, 2006. 2
Buildings Have Remarkable CO 2 Reduction Potential Improving energy efficiency in buildings could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 460 million tonnes every year. 3 This equates to six million cars being taken off the roads for a total of fourteen years or planting a forest three times the size of France. Results Can Be Achieved with Existing Building Practices Comparing alternative technologies for tackling Climate Change, the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) concluded that energy efficient insulation in new buildings is the best way to prevent climate change whilst also improving competitiveness. 4 Importantly, the report also pointed out that improved energy efficiency in buildings can already be delivered using current know-how, with no new resources required for its implementation. It is also cost effective and poses no significant risks. The Kyoto Pyramid is The Energy Efficiency Model The Kyoto Pyramid is an internationally approved model outlining effective measures for the reduction of energy consumption. The Kyoto Pyramid highlights the reduction of heat loss as the most significant and effective single measure. Five Effective Steps to Reducing Energy Consumption: 1. Reduce Heat Loss Install additional insulation Improve air tightness Use effective heat recovering ventilation 2. Use Electricity Efficiently Use energy efficient electrical appliances and lights Avoid unnecessary use 3. Use Solar Power Positioning of buildings Use of collectors 4. Manage Your Energy Consumption Ensure appropriate use and management 5. Choose Your Energy Source Heat pump Biofuel District heating Electricity or gas Buildings 40% Transport 32% In Europe, buildings consume more energy than either transport or industry. 2 5. Select energy source 4. Monitor and control consumption 3. Use solar energy Industry 28% 2. Use electricity efficiently 1. Reduce heat loss The Kyoto Pyramid, a model for energy efficient building based on the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol. 5 COMPARISON OF CO 2 REDUCTION TECHNOLOGIES From Words to Deeds More benefits, less implementation problems Hydrogen Biofuel Cost of CO 2 reduction Insulation Wind on-shore Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Biomass co-firing CO 2 Capture and Storage, Pulverised Coal Combustion CO 2 Capture and Storage Industry Nuclear Heating Efficiency Combined Heat and Power Insulation in new buildings is the easiest and most cost efficient method for conserving energy and preventing climate change. 4 Cost efficiency New measures are being put in place to limit energy consumption and man made carbon dioxide emissions Buildings are the highest energy consumers in Europe Improving energy efficiency in buildings is the most significant and effective means of reducing energy consumption Minimising heat loss is the best way to reduce energy consumption Insulation is the most effective method for reducing heat loss. 3
Climate change caused by the greenhouse effect is happening faster than many species can adapt, and the new and more unpredictable climate poses unique challenges to all life on Earth. Now is the time to act. Energy Efficiency The Emerging Trend in Building Low-energy buildings have been researched and built in Europe since the 1970 s and their numbers are increasing rapidly. The past decade has seen the building of thousands of even more sophisticated passive buildings. EU has passed a directive that makes all new buildings nearly zeroenergy buildings by the end of 2020. No new technical skills, special equipment or materials are needed to build an energy efficient building. Even passive buildings can be constructed using common construction methods. This applies to both new buildings and renovation. In old buildings the target is to upgrade the energy efficiency of each building component when it becomes due for renovation. 550.000 Standard building Passive building 150.000 Standard building Passive building ENERGY/CO2 (KG) 440.000 330.000 220.000 Saved energy/co2 COST ( ) 125.000 100.000 75.000 50.000 Cost saving 110.000 25.000 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 TIME (YEARS) ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 TIME (YEARS) ECONOMICAL DIMENSION Break even after less than 10 years Source: Calculation based on the PAROC Tikkurila pilot passive house. 4
The Best Kind of Efficiency: Energy That Is Not Used The most sustainable and environmentally friendly energy is energy that is not used. Energy efficient building makes this concept a reality, following the principles of the Kyoto Pyramid model. The first priority is to prevent heat loss through the building envelope and ventilation. This can be achieved through the use of high quality insulation solutions, high standard windows and doors and ventilation with effective heat recovery. It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of air tightness. The second priority is to select energy efficient electrical appliances and to consider the position of the building and direction of the windows to optimise the use of solar energy. The choice of energy source is less important in energy efficient buildings, since the consumption is so limited. This is especially true in passive buildings, where no separate heating system is required. Quality in Design The beauty is in the detail. To cover the before mentioned features, special attention must be paid to the design work. Each and every detail must be carefully considered. Minimising the effect of thermal bridges is key. Attention to Detail During Construction High quality craftsmanship is a prerequisite for achieving energy efficiency in building, particularly in ensuring the appropriate level of air tightness. Energy Costs 100 50 25 Standard Low Passive Energy Consumption 100 50 25 Standard Low Passive CO 2 Emissions 100 THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASSIFICATION 50 25 1. Standard Building Standard buildings are constructed to meet minimum building standard energy efficiency requirements. 2. Low-Energy Building A low-energy building consumes only half of the energy needed in a standard building. Efficiencies are achieved through improved insulation and windows and a ventilation heat recovery system. Annual energy consumption for heating is in the range of 50-60 kwh/m 2. Standard Low Passive Thanks to minimised heat loss and efficient use of energy, a passive building consumes less than a quarter of the energy used by a standard building. 3. Passive Building A passive building consumes only a quarter of the energy required for a standard building. It has no separate heating system, apart from a heat recovery ventilation system, and stays warm by using energy generated in the building. Efficiency is based on passive building envelope solutions: low U-values and extremely good air tightness. Annual energy consumption for heating depends on geographic location, from 15 kwh/m 2 in Central Europe to 30 kwh/m 2 in the far North. Passive building is expected to become standard in the near future. Architectural aspects, such as window size, can always be designed to suit customer requirements. 4. Near-Zero and Plus-Energy Building In EU a nearly zero-energy building means a building that has a very high energy performance. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby. Plus-energy building features bring the passive building beyond the zero consumption level by incorporating even more active systems such as solar panels. Plus-energy buildings are currently rare but could become the new trend in the future. From Words to Deeds Energywise buildings are constructed using existing materials, techniques and methods Careful design and production are key to the Energywise concept Quality insulation is the single most important factor Builders can choose the level of energy efficiency best suited to their needs. 5
The greenhouse effect can be mitigated through effective insulation, implementing the Kyoto Pyramid and energy economy measures, and through the use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power. PAROC Energywise house Energy Efficient Building Solutions Paroc is an energy efficiency expert and a leading developer and provider of energy efficient insulation solutions. PAROC Energywise house is a forward thinking, energy efficient building concept that draws on the Paroc know-how. Its aim is to demonstrate to building authorities, designers, architects, professional builders, dealers and house owners the undisputable benefits of energy efficient building; cozy and comfortable living, fresh and healthy indoor air, minimized heating energy costs and decreased CO 2 emissions. PAROC Energywise house also provides ideas, recommendations and instructions to help realise low-energy and passive buildings and offers energy optimising solutions for renovators. PAROC Energywise House With the Energywise House concept, Paroc would like to give advice and instructions about what you can do to reduce the energy consumption when building new houses or when renovating. An energywise solution means that higher requirements than those stipulated in the building regulations are fulfilled, which is a good investment for the future. So, when you want to build energywise, think PAROC Energywise House. References: 6. Nieminen J et al, Energy Consumption and Profi tability of Energy-Saving Measures in a Low-Energy Small House. Espoo: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland; 1994. 6
The PAROC Energywise house Concept The concept consists of four energy efficiency options: Low-Energy, Passive and Plus- Energy for new buildings and Energy Optimized solutions for renovations. However, the Plus-Energy buildings are still currently rare. Significantly Lower Life Cycle Costs PAROC ENERGYWISE HOUSE CONCEPT Standard Low Passive Low-Energy Buildings Passive Buildings Near Zero Energy-/ Plus-Energy Buildings Energy Optimized Renovations Energywise buildings and solutions are beneficial in many ways, e.g. in terms of cost efficiency, comfort and their positive environmental impact. Passive building is in many cases the optimal solution when considering the life cycle of a building. In the Energywise design of a building the investment decision is based on total costs derived by adding up the energy costs throughout the whole life cycle of the building to the cost of construction. In terms of lifespan cost, passive building represents optimal design. A Smart Investment Energywise building can bring savings of up to 50 000 euros over 25 years, amounting to the cost of a new car and may achieve resale prices up to 30 % higher in comparison with standard houses. 6 Moderate Additional Building Costs Upgrading the energy efficiency of a building to a passive level requires an extra investment of only 5-10 %, as heating systems can be downgraded or left out entirely. Building Type Low-Energy Passive Plus-Energy Investment + 0-5 % + 5-10 % + 10 % Healthy and Comfortable People spend more than 80 % of their time indoors and a third in their bedrooms. Thanks to careful insulation, Energywise houses are draughtless and warm throughout. Efficient and controlled ventilation, an air tight building envelope and low-emission building materials mean that indoor air is always clean and fresh. Freedom in Design As with any building, an Energywise house can be designed to suit your style and taste. Your imagination is the only limit when creating stylish and cosy interiors. Easy to Maintain The repair and maintenance work in a passive building is reduced because no separate heating system is needed. Moreover, the house will be fitted with fewer technical appliances using less energy. Environmentally Sound It is estimated that energy consumed during the entire life cycle of a building makes up to 80-90 % of its environmental burden. Energywise buildings are significantly more environmentally friendly. The energy savings offered highlight the key role of owners, designers and builders in creating a better future for the generations to come. An Exciting Business and Job Opportunity The growing energy efficiency sector is generating new business activity and job prospects. New innovations will emerge, energy efficiency specialists from designers to builders will be needed and the whole construction business will develop to a new level. From Words to Deeds The best efficiency is energy that is not used An Energywise building is a worthwhile investment that considerably reduces your energy use - and your energy dependence Energywise buildings look no different you choose the design Energywise buildings are draughtless, warm and comfortable Energywise buildings are an investment in a better future for the generations to come. Read more about our Energywise Projects in Passive house levels at paroc.com 7
Paroc Group is one of the leading manufacturers of mineral wool insulation products and solutions in Europe. PAROC products and solutions include building insulation, technical insulation, marine insulation, structural stone wool sandwich panels and acoustics products. Paroc has production facilities in Finland, Sweden, Lithuania and Poland, and sales and representative offi ces in 13 countries across Europe. Building Insulation produces a wide range of products and solutions for all traditional building insulation. The building insulation is mainly used for thermal, fi re and sound insulation of exterior walls, roofs, fl oors, basements, intermediate fl oors and partitions. Sound absorbing ceilings and wall panels for acoustic regulation, as well as industrial noise control products, are available in the range. Technical Insulation is used for thermal, fi re and sound insulation in building techniques, industrial processes and pipe work, industrial equipment and ship structures. PAROC fire proof panels are lightweight steelfaced panels with a core material of stone wool. PAROC panels are used for façades, partition walls and ceilings in public, commercial and industrial buildings. The information in this brochure describes the conditions and technical properties of the disclosed products, valid at the time of publication of this document and until replaced by the next printed or digital version. The latest version of this brochure is always available on Paroc web site. Our information material presents applications for which the functions and technical properties of our products have been approved. However, the information does not mean a commercial guarantee, since we do not have full control of third party components used in the application or the installation. We cannot warrant the suitability of our products if used in an area which is not provided in our information material. As a result of constant further development of our products we reserve the right to make alterations to our information material. PAROC and red and white stripes are registered trademarks of Paroc Oy Ab. Paroc Group 2012 2063BIEN0112 PAROC GROUP P.O.Box 47 FI-00621 Helsinki, Finland Phone +358 46 876 8000 www.paroc.com A MEMBER OF PAROC GROUP 8