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The initial scope of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was founded under another name already in 2002, and has since then evolved into the comprehensive decree it is today. Recently, EPBD has been coupled with IEQ, indoor environmental quality. Our expert, Åsa Norén Lundh, Indoor Environmental Competence Center Manager at Swegon, will explain how these two concepts meet and what it means for the future.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) aims to improve energy efficiency of buildings, and it is a key policy under EU’s strategy called The Green Deal.
While energy savings and carbon emission reductions remain the directive’s primary goals, there is a growing recognition of the importance of IEQ and in making sure that energy-efficient buildings also support health, comfort and well-being among building occupants. For the first time, IEQ has been included in the EPBD recast and member states will incorporate it into their national legislation.
The link between EPBD and IEQ
Historically, the emphasis on energy efficiency has sometimes led to unintended and unwanted consequences, such as poor ventilation, high levels of indoor air pollution and disruptive noise. These issues can result in uncomfortable indoor environments that negatively impact on peoples’ productivity and well-being. Worst case, the result is sick buildings and dissatisfied tenants who are unwilling to stay and pay.
IEQ encompasses several factors that influence the indoor environment, including air quality, thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics. The recent revisions of the EPBD, which emphasise an integration of IEQ requirements, will pave the way for significant changes in the indoor climate where people should be able to perform and thrive. This alongside the transition towards a reduced energy dependency.
The directive focuses on four core aspects of EPBD and IEQ
1. Ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ):-
- Using mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and smart ventilation systems, e.g demand controlled ventilation, is highlighted as a way to ensure adequate intake of fresh air while minimising energy losses.
- Planning and designing resilient solutions for ventilation, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) with adaptable airflows is encouraged in order to be prepared for future pandemics.
- Improved air filtration and CO2 monitoring systems are identified to help prevent build-up of pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
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- Adequate insulation of buildings, adaptive HVAC solutions and smart building technologies are pointed out as vital means to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while optimising energy use.
- Passive design strategies such as thermal mass and shading, are promoted to reduce reliance on active cooling which can be energy-intensive.
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- Natural daylight is underscored as a means to reduce energy consumption from artificial lighting while also enhancing occupant well-being.
- Smart lighting systems, such as LED solutions with adaptive controls, are recommended as they contribute to both energy efficiency and human-centric lighting design.
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- Acoustic comfort is gaining attention due to its impact on productivity and well-being.
- Measures such as soundproofing materials, noise insulation and strategic building design are encouraged in order to mitigate external and internal noise disturbances.
Smart technologies and IEQ optimisation
It is evident that advancements in smart building technologies will play a crucial role in balancing energy efficiency and IEQ. Sensors, automation and AI can dynamically adjust ventilation, lighting and temperature to suit the needs inside the building in real time, while also considering numerous external factors, such as environmental conditions, energy supply and demand, to mention a few. The integration of building automation controls and smart regulation of the HVAC functionality ensure that energy savings are not compromising a healthy and comfortable indoor climate.
If I look at the current changes of EPBD and reflect upon its continuous evolvement, it is likely that IEQ monitoring and reporting will become mandatory in energy performance assessments. A truly sustainable building is not only energy-efficient, it is also supporting a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. IEQ may even emerge as a key KPI for green investments in the sustainable building sector. So, the latest developments of EPBD, with the integration IEQ parameters, substantial efforts will be made across the EU economic area to create a future building stock that is both green and healthy.
Important enablers to achieve the EPBD and possible IEQ targets are the HVAC suppliers, Swegon being one of them, offering products and systems, design strategies and recommendations for improved energy efficiency that makes people to feel good inside. The upside of things, is that the systems and technologies are already available. Get familiar with us at Swegon through our guide about air handling units and ventilation, have a specific look at WISE for demand controlled ventilation and let our recommendations for energy efficiency support your projects already today.
