Lessons from reality - Examples of near zero energy dwellings in practice

Abstract

In the frame of the EPBD Recast,each EU Member State is establishing legislative actions to prepare both the building sector and the (future) building owners to the future nearly zero energy ambition level. However, there are architects and builders who do not wait for this strengthening, but decide to build nearly zero energy houses right now, in a hands on way. In this paper, 14 nearly zero energy dwellings built in Flanders are presented. They represent a diversity in construction type, dwelling typology, air tightness level, insulation level and heating system. The only technology they have in common is a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery.The lessons that can be learnt from these dwellings are presented by means of a comparison between theoretical and real energy performance and indoor comfort based on monitoring and surveying.