Low energy building design: What are the core principles?

Source: zero energy consumption and Zero-energy building

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of the building environment on the environment, low energy building design is receiving increasing attention. Traditionally, buildings consume a lot of energy, and their Carbon footprint is the main cause of global warming. What are the core principles of low energy building design, which aims to minimize energy consumption and promote sustainable development?

1.Efficient building fabrics

Fabric first! Efficient insulation is the primary principle of low energy building design. A well insulated building will have much lower heating needs, saving residents money and reducing the cost of installing heating equipment. Architectural designers should strive to improve the u value of building regulations as much as possible.

Windows and doors should also be considered, as they are usually the weakest part of the building envelope, allowing for heat dissipation and cold air entry. Double or triple glazed windows with low radiation coatings and insulation frames help to minimize heat loss to the greatest extent possible.

2. Air tightness

Air tightness is a key consideration for low energy buildings. Air leakage can cause serious energy loss and have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Buildings with poor airtightness can lead to higher energy consumption, discomfort, and higher energy costs. Air tightness testing must be carried out during the construction process to identify and correct air leakage issues before building entry.

3. Passive solar design

Passive solar design is a method of using solar energy for winter heating. To avoid overheating in summer, attention must be paid to limiting the solar gain during this period. This involves the strategic layout of windows and the use of materials that absorb and store heat.

4. Low flow temperature heating system

No matter what heating system you install, you can be prepared for success by ensuring that the central heating configuration allows for low flow temperatures. Ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, and to a lesser extent, gas boilers all operate with the highest efficiency at lower flow temperatures. The planned UFH system with a water supply temperature of 35-40 º C will ensure the best future choice for your new home.

5. Renewable energy

In the UK, the most commonly used and economically feasible renewable energy sources are solar photovoltaic and ASHP. For heating, ASHPs and GSHPs are feasible and commonly used choices. Ground source heat pumps have the highest operating efficiency, but due to their high installation costs, they often only have economic competitiveness for larger properties.

Solar photovoltaic can be used for power generation and reduce the demand for purchases from the grid. We found that these systems typically recoup costs within six years, making them a good choice for most new and existing properties.

In summary, low energy building design is a comprehensive approach that integrates multiple principles to minimize energy consumption and promote sustainability. Efficient insulation, high air tightness, passive solar design, low-temperature heating, and renewable energy are some core principles.

As architects and homeowners, understanding these principles is crucial for building buildings that are both sustainable and energy-efficient.