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| Professor Feist: "We can still do it!"  Professor Wolfgang Feist opened with a clear message: "We can still halt the climate crisis. To do so, we need to make the right decisions now and then act upon them." The founder of the Passive House Institute also highlighted the parallels between the COVID-19 and the climate crises. In addition, Feist explained how improved energy efficiency in buildings and a significant change in the areas of mobility and energy could limit the extent of dangerous climate change. "Business as usual is not an option." In his press conferences, organised by the Passive House Institute in cooperation with the International Passive House Association, Professor Feist addressed the international press and made it clear that climate change is a certainty: "The CO2 which will lead toincreased temperatures in the next few decades was already emitted decades ago." Just like the COVID-19 virus, the symptoms of the climate crisis only become apparent after some time. However, unlike the Corona crisis in which "just" four or five percent of the population are seriously affected, the climate crisis will negatively affect more than 60 percent of the population and put the entire human civilisation at risk, Feist explained. "Avoid the most disastrous effects!" "We cannot change the past, but we can change the future! That is why we must act now so that the most disastrous effects can still be avoided. It will be hard work, but we can still do it!" Feist noted the fact that the primary energy demand has decreased in Germany where there has been significant growth in the economic output since 1990, even though there has been a considerable increase in air travel and total kilometres travelled. "This is primarily the result of improved efficiency, and this must be communicated."Expansion of renewable energy use Feist considers energy efficient buildings and renewable energy generation a perfect combination. "If the buildings consume very little energy, then this low energy demand can easily be met through renewable energy." Feist supported the strengthening of this positive development, among other things with more widespread use of renewable energy. The largest share of energy is used for heating buildings and for transport. "For this reason, switching from combustion motors to electric traction and energy efficient buildings is a crucial part of solutions for more climate protection." He was also supportive of the EU's European Green Deal "Obviously the EU understands that there is also a huge economic potential in climate protection and the change towards a sustainable society. This is a great opportunity for Europe!" said Feist. Five principles guide efficient construction Using the example of the world's first Passive House building in Darmstadt-Kranichstein, Germany, the physicist showed how drastically the demand for heating energy decreases in a Passive House building. Guided by the five principles – excellent insulation, high-quality windows, an airtight building envelope that avoids thermal bridges and a ventilation system with heat recovery – a Passive House building needs only very little energy for heating in winter. Less energy is needed The founder of the Passive House Institute developed the Passive House standard in the late 1980s, and in 1991, he and his family built the world's first Passive House building in Darmstadt. Monitoring of this property have proven that this Passive House, with an annual heating demand of 8.4 kWh per square metre, consumes around 87 percent less energy than a conventional building. This remains true even after more than 25 years. "Thatspeaks for the durability of the components, which has also been proven in a study, " says Feist. Four years ago, the pilot project was retrofitted with a mini split heat pump for heating and cooling, and a photovoltaic system. In the balance, the world's first Passive House produces more energy over a year than it consumes. Heat recovery is essential Misconceptions still abound regarding ventilation systems with heat recovery, because they allegedly consume a lot of power. "The use of 10 or 20 watts for the ventilation system which brings fresh and preheated air into the house is only a fraction of the amount of energy which must be supplied again if air exchange takes place without heat recovery. That's several hundred watts", explained Feist. Ventilation systems provide consistent temperatures and fresh air, also contributing to a high level of comfort. Benefits of a ventilation system One of the questions coming from the international participants of the press conference was whether a ventilation system offers any benefits in times of COVID-19. The answer from Feist was a resounding "Yes!" To explain: A ventilation system with heat recovery brings fresh, hygienically clean air into the home: this is not recirculated air, which has been the cause of concern to some. In addition, the systems certified for Passive House buildings are generally equipped with a highly efficient fine dust filter. "That keeps away significantly more germs than a conventional face mask. Passive House buildings are thus also good for health!" asserted Feist. Building the future sustainably It is generally accepted that for a climate-neutral building stock, the rate of retrofitting has to be increased. Feist cited an apartment building in Nuremberg, Germany, which was retrofitted using Passive House components according to the EnerPHit Standard developed by the Passive House Institute. "Subsequently, the renovated apartments had a heating demand of just 25 kWh/(m² a) instead of the previous heating demand of 200 kWh/(m² a). If more materials from renewable sources are used, then the future will be built sustainably, " says Feist. Implementable in all climates He further explained that the Passive House standard can be implemented in all climates. In this regard, the cooperation of large countries such as China is absolutely necessary. It is good news that entire districts are currently being built to the Passive House Standard in China, including the Bahnstadt in Gaobeidian which has more than a million square metres of certified Passive House living space. Grey energy Regarding grey energy, Feist referred to the fact that the greatest share of energy consumption is not caused by building materials but rather the operational energy demand, incurred during building use. "Energy efficient buildings are a key factor. And, of course, they can be realised with sustainable building materials. This is proven by several wooden Passive House buildings." said Feist. Passive House Open Days A good opportunity to visit Passive House buildings are the mid-year Passive House Open Days, which currently offer several interesting videos from the inhabitants. write your comments about the article :: © 2020 Construction News :: home page |