Increasing Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency of Buildings
Increasing Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency of Buildings in Russia: Problems and Solutions
Yurij A. Matrosov, PhD Mark Chao Cliff Majersik
ABSTRACT Over the past decade, a new generation of building energy codes has taken effect in Russia. These codes, which mandate a reduction of at least 40 percent in energy consumption for heating, have led to the need for an increase of 2.5 to 3 times in envelope thermal performance. Consequently, a fundamental transformation has taken place, toward the production, sale, and use of energy-efficient construction materials and products, and changes in building design methods New technologies and design approaches for building envelopes include design of widened buildings with a lower surfacearea-to-volume ratio; energy-efficient windows with sealed glass units; use of efficient thermal-insulation materials in exteriorwall systems; and others. Implementation of these new systems and technologies has run into some problems both in design and in operation. This paper discusses these problems and the solutions that have emerged.
INTRODUCTION Increasing the energy efficiency of the buildings sector of Russia is a complex problem. Its successful resolution can be viewed in terms of national energy security and environmental protection, rational use of non-renewable natural resources, as well as mitigating the “greenhouse effect” by curtailing emissions of carbon dioxide and other substances into the atmosphere. The resolution of this problem is possible by combining work on energy efficiency in buildings (Matrosov 2004), and work on energy efficiency in ventilation, heat delivery, and heat supply of buildings (Dmitriev 2005). Such an approach corresponds with Russian policy, as the state has an interest, ultimately, in reducing consumption of primary fuel and energy resources – the strategic bases of its long-term existence. At the G-8 summit in St. Petersburg in July 2006, the problem of energy security was a leading
Yurij A. Matrosov, PhD Mark Chao Cliff Majersik
ABSTRACT Over the past decade, a new generation of building energy codes has taken effect in Russia. These codes, which mandate a reduction of at least 40 percent in energy consumption for heating, have led to the need for an increase of 2.5 to 3 times in envelope thermal performance. Consequently, a fundamental transformation has taken place, toward the production, sale, and use of energy-efficient construction materials and products, and changes in building design methods New technologies and design approaches for building envelopes include design of widened buildings with a lower surfacearea-to-volume ratio; energy-efficient windows with sealed glass units; use of efficient thermal-insulation materials in exteriorwall systems; and others. Implementation of these new systems and technologies has run into some problems both in design and in operation. This paper discusses these problems and the solutions that have emerged.
INTRODUCTION Increasing the energy efficiency of the buildings sector of Russia is a complex problem. Its successful resolution can be viewed in terms of national energy security and environmental protection, rational use of non-renewable natural resources, as well as mitigating the “greenhouse effect” by curtailing emissions of carbon dioxide and other substances into the atmosphere. The resolution of this problem is possible by combining work on energy efficiency in buildings (Matrosov 2004), and work on energy efficiency in ventilation, heat delivery, and heat supply of buildings (Dmitriev 2005). Such an approach corresponds with Russian policy, as the state has an interest, ultimately, in reducing consumption of primary fuel and energy resources – the strategic bases of its long-term existence. At the G-8 summit in St. Petersburg in July 2006, the problem of energy security was a leading
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