Do you take energy efficiency into account in your architecture project?

For a long time, when making a purchase or investment in a property, both individuals and companies evaluated different factors: state of preservation, location, surface area, nearby services and communications, profitability,...

However, in the last two decades, materials and quality of construction have also gained significant value. This translates into savings in future costs, both for maintenance and preservation, as well as energy savings.

In this last aspect, energy efficiency is where the most improvement is being promoted. Both from public institutions and IDAE (Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy), dependent on the Ministry for Ecological Transition, as well as through changes in legislation, such as the RITE (Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings).

Energy certification in homes

In the case of homes, the emphasis is being placed here. The first steps began in 2002, with the Energy Efficiency Directive in Buildings. Subsequently, through the Royal Decree 47/2007, of January 19, which approves the basic procedure for the energy efficiency certification of new buildings. However, the final endorsement occurred in 2013, with the Royal Decree 235/2013, of April 5, which approves the basic procedure for the certification of the energy efficiency of buildings.

Legally, any home or property that is to be sold or rented must obtain this energy certification. This is the well-known color scale from A to G that appears on any household appliance we buy these days.

In the case at hand, in construction, it would be the relationship of energy consumed to maintain the interior under comfortable living conditions for its occupants. Various factors come into play for improving this relationship, such as good prior design and appropriate choices of both materials and equipment as well as their installation. All these steps are aimed at standardizing minimums so that buildings have a sense of sustainability and energy efficiency.

The importance of the Passivhaus standard

Thanks to constant technical evolutions, we must take a step further. As early as 1988, the Passivhaus standard originated in Central Europe. It is based on 5 points to reduce energy consumption by 70% compared to a traditional home:

• Excellent thermal insulation.
• High-performance door and window carpentry. Sealing to prevent air infiltration.
• Absence of thermal bridges.
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

In the case of undertaking projects based on this standard, there would be a significant qualitative leap from the legally required minimums to excellence, placing these projects at the forefront of innovation. To comply with these standards and achieve the Passivhaus certification, a building must meet the following requirements:

• Heating demand: < 15 kWh/(m²a)
• Cooling demand: < 15 kWh/(m²a)
• Primary energy demand: < 120 kWh/(m²a) (heating, hot water, and electricity)
• Tightness: < 0.6 air changes per hour (value with a pressure differential of 50 Pa)

Towards a more efficient future in the architecture sector

Buildings, in addition to strictly complying with energy efficiency regulations, go further. They provide added value to this asset, as they imply savings on electricity bills, reduced payback time, and an added bonus when the property valuation increases.

Currently, energy efficiency no longer sounds like science fiction or a distant future. It is not an unnecessary expense; it is an obligation and a necessity for any type of construction. It adds more value to architecture projects and contributes to the well-being of the people who occupy them.