Why is international harmonization of energy performance calculation methods important?
A ‘nationally’ calculated energy performance value is the product of: the actual building (of course) “the EP METER” with which you ‘measure’ your building. This is the calculation method that consists of the national definitions, nationally assumed indoor and outdoor conditions, and –last but not least: the calculation engine. It’s obvious that you need the […]
If the set of EPB standards is used in different countries, will -for a given building- the energy performance rating be the same for each country?
No. Each EPB standard is unambiguous, however allows specific choices to be made at national/regional level for accommodating differences in climate, building tradition, policy and user behaviour. Example 1: The energy performance depends much upon the outdoor climate (e.g. temperature and solar radiation). Using different climates leads to different results. Example 2: Each country/region can […]
There are several possible choices and alternatives in the EPB standards. Doesn’t this hinder the comparability and harmonization of the methods?
Having explicit and traceable options in a common methodology is a rational way to take into account national or regional differences in climate, legal context, building tradition and building use. The Mandate M/480 from the European Commission to CEN explicitly asked to develop a harmonized but flexible methodology. Such differences will indeed hinder the international […]