A new database has been created which makes it easier to compare energy consumption in buildings in Europe. Data is available from 27 member states of the European Union, Croatia and Serbia. Diagrams enable users to make comparisons between countries at a single glance.  more...

For the competition, 18 interdisciplinary student teams from all over the world developed and built houses that generate at least as much energy – using solar systems – as they consume. They were supported by their universities, researchers and companies. From Germany, students took part from Hochschule Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG) and RWTH Aachen University, supported with government energy research funds. Whereas the design from Constance has perfected a modular construction system, with the Aachen team the focus is on recycling. After ten disciplines, the two homes achieved 4th and 5th places.  more...

Until now, buildings regularly require more energy and provide less user quality in practice than was to be expected from the installed technology during the planning. That has structural reasons. The naerco research project has investigated this aspect and developed the success contracting concept: pre-defined energy and quality parameters are contracted out as part of a function-based tender. A contractor guarantees their realisation for 15 years. The contractual process also includes continual control of the agreed values and a bonus-malus system.  more...

Nuremberg´s new central library unites the collections from several sites. For this purpose, a partly listed group of buildings were refurbished, converted and expanded. The focus was on achieving a state-of-the-art building and usage concept as well as excellent energy efficiency, whereby the aim was to consume 30 per cent less primary energy than stipulated by the 2007 German Energy Saving Ordinance for new buildings. Demanding indoor climate requirements, particularly for the collection of medieval documents, made the task particularly tricky.  more...

The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology has presented a new concept for the Energy-Optimised Construction (EnOB) research initiative. This formulates new requirements for research projects and readjusts the focus, whereby the emphasis is now on interfaces between buildings and the urban energy infrastructure. Performance and efficiency analyses shall investigate the buildings in terms of their interaction with the energy systems to a greater extent than was previously the case. Particular attention shall be paid to analysing the lifecycle of the actual building operation with energy-optimised operational management.  more...

Instead of screwing various module and collector types for solar power and solar heat on the roof, an obvious idea would be to use a hybrid collector that can do both and which creates a uniform appearance. In addition to generating photovoltaic electricity, which only utilises 15-20 % of the incident solar radiation, a so-called PVT collector can use the remaining radiation energy for generating heat. Researchers are working on optimising the output and production of these systems.  more...

Regardless whether in the office, at home or in school, too little daylight or unfavourable lighting impair visibility in rooms and strain the eyes. Based on the example of schools and homes for the elderly, it was investigated how new lighting concepts and new lamp, luminaire and ballast technology can help to improve the situation. A measurement system was used to monitor the lighting and energy properties. The new lighting systems and optimised technology enabled the electrical energy requirements in a school to be reduced by around two thirds.  more...

Lightweight and transparent membrane structures enable large spaces, such as courtyards in old building complexes, to be roofed over. Supplemental to the additional space created, this also achieves savings in terms of the heating and lighting. Artificial light is not necessary and the heat losses from the adjacent buildings can be reduced. However, an intelligent building management system is essential in order to create a pleasant indoor environment. To ensure that this is achieved, scientists have developed new concepts and components for the use of film and membranes in old buildings.  more...

A new office building for around 190 members of staff at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is scheduled for completion on Potsdam's Telegrafenberg hill in summer 2014. Alongside the historic main buildings from the 19th century, an energy optimised new building is being constructed in the form of a cloverleaf. With this building, the PIK wants to set a benchmark for energy efficient construction. With the official laying of the foundation stone for the new building at the end of June, the research institute simultaneously celebrated its 20th anniversary.  more...

In November 2011, the "Bambados" Swimming Pool - a leisure pool built to the passive house standard - opened in Bamberg, Upper Franconia. The monitoring is starting at the beginning of April. The measurements will show whether the concept proves itself in practice and whether the planned energy savings can also be achieved in reality. In the BINE interview, Esther Gollwitzer from the Passive House Institute (PHI) discusses the concept behind the new leisure pool and draws an initial balance.  more...