–Energy Renovation of Buildings: Achieving Sustainability and Efficiency
Energy renovation of buildings: The transition to a more sustainable future
In recent years, we are making many efforts as a society to address the challenges of climate change and promote sustainability. In this context, energy renovation has become a key strategy to achieve this.
In this article we will discuss energy renovation, the many benefits it offers and Hitachi Cooling & Heating's commitment to providing efficient solutions.
Europe leads the wave of building renovation
Europe has positioned itself as a leader in implementing energy renovation policies and programmes. Numerous countries have set ambitious targets to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings in order to reduce emissions and promote energy savings.
In sectors such as hospitality, health and education, legislation on energy use is an important incentive for renovation, but it is not the only one. Measures to support health and wellbeing, as well as building use patterns, have also been put in place to ensure maximum comfort and wellbeing of users.
Causes of an ageing building stock
According to the European Commission, buildings account for 40% of the EU's energy consumption and 36% of its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, it is estimated that 85-95% of these buildings will still be standing in 2050, so renovation of the existing stock is essential to reduce emissions and energy consumption.
It is clear that the lack of action in this area can lead to hidden environmental, health and social costs.
- Environmental: Obsolete buildings are a major contributor to air pollution, accounting for more than half of the fine particulate matter.
- Health: Such pollution, in turn, has an impact on the health and well-being of the population, increasing health care costs and lowering productivity such as depression, stress and absenteeism.
- Social: Energy poverty is one of the consequences of an ageing housing stock. In Europe, more than 50 million people cannot heat, cool or light their homes sufficiently, resulting in costs of 194 billion euros.
How can retrofitting be addressed?
Retrofitting is crucial to decarbonise the continent. The key is to focus on various aspects to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of living spaces:
- Thermal insulation: incorporating insulating materials in facades, roofs, partitions and floors helps to significantly reduce temperature losses and eliminates acoustic and humidity problems.
- Solar shading: using blinds, curtains, awnings, etc. helps to reduce the demand for cooling in summer, which helps to save energy and reduce energy bills.
- Energy installations: services such as cooling, heating and hot water production consume 50% of a home's energy. Replacing older systems with modern equipment is therefore a cost-effective approach to improving the long-term energy efficiency of buildings, while improving the health and well-being of their occupants. In the same way as replacing conventional energy use with clean, renewable energies such as aerothermal energy.
Sustainable and energy efficient buildings
Deep renovation of buildings has become a priority in the search for sustainable solutions. Beyond the economic aspects, this transformation offers a wide range of benefits covering both environmental and user well-being:
- Reduction of the building's energy demand and consumption: decrease in both the amount of energy needed and demanded to meet users' comfort requirements.
- Opportunity to incorporate renewable energies such as aerothermal, geothermal or solar thermal energy.
- Reduction of CO2 emissions.
- Increased thermal and acoustic comfort thanks to insulation.
- Generation of jobs in the construction sector. It is estimated that by 2030, around 160,000 jobs could be created in Europe linked to investments in energy efficiency.
- Revaluation of the building on the real estate market.
Hitachi Cooling & Heating solutions for renovation projects
Hitachi Cooling & Heating plays a key role in the energy renovation of buildings. Through its innovative technology and commitment to the environment, Hitachi offers highly efficient HVAC solutions that help maximize energy savings and reduce carbon emissions.
The full range of Hitachi VRF systems provides benefits such as individual comfort, reduced energy costs, greater flexibility to accommodate building aesthetics and reduced space requirements for air conditioning equipment.
Hitachi chillers offer optimum efficiency and performance for residential and commercial spaces. Their advanced technology ensures energy savings and their compact design makes them ideal for any environment.
by Hitachi Cooling & Heating
