Manual for improving the energy performance of existing buildings using timber and derived timber products

Abstract

Against a background of advancing climate change, brought about by CO2 emissions, and rising energy prices, it becomes ever more important to use renewable energy sources and, above all, to improve the energy performance of existing buildings. A significant step in this connection is the introduction of energy certificates for buildings within the EU, which must be accompanied by recommendations for the cost-effective improvement of the building鈥榮 energy performance. The upcoming introduction of this Energy Performance Certificate was the key reason for a research project of the Department of Building Physics at the Technische Universit盲t M眉nchen. The project鈥檚 primary aim is the development of design principles that will lead to a reduction of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the built stock, using renewable and sustainable materials such as timber and timber derived products. The resulting manual provides technical support for energy consultants in helping them to choose ecological and reasonable energy refurbishment measures. Technical drawings of the particular measures are rounded off with explanation of the main structural and physical aspects as well as cost-effectiveness.