Type of Building Code

Type of Building Code

• Cooling Based
• Prescriptive Codes
• Trade Off
• Performance Codes for Refurbishments

  Based on the same principles as new building obligations.

• Performance Codes for New Builds

  The code is a performance-based code that requires projects to show compliance with the maximum primary energy consumption called the ‘Cepmax’ coefficient. Computer simulation is mandatory for all projects.

• Energy Declaration
• Model / reference Building
• Mix of different models / Hybrids

Energy Covered

Basis for Energy Requirements

• Overall performance frame

  Building’s maximal consumption – Cepmax, Maximum primary energy consumption requirement (mean value – 50 kWhep/sm².year.

• Final Energy
• Primary Energy

  The requirement of maximum conventional consumption of primary energy is reflected by the coefficient "Cepmax" on the consumption of heating, cooling, lighting, hot water and health auxiliaries (pumps and fans) . The value of Cepmax is 50 kWh / (m². Annum) of primary energy, modulated according to the location, altitude, type of building use while encouraging: 'technological change and industrial sectors significant for all of the buildings and equipment, a high level of energy quality of buildings.

• Life Cycle Assessment considered (embedded energy)

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code

• Heating

  No specific heating demand energy requirements, however heating demand is included in the overall energy calculation.

• Cooling

  No specific cooling demand energy requirements, however cooling demand is included in the overall energy calculation.

• Dehumidification
• Ventilation

  No specific ventilation energy requirements, however ventilation demand is included in the overall energy calculation.

• Airtightness

  Mandatory Airtightness under 4Pa of building envelope is limited to 0.8 m3/hm2for Single Family Homes, 1.2 m3/hm2 for other residential buildings, offices, hotels educational and health care buildings and 2.5 m3/hm2 for other buildings.

• Thermal bridging

  Treatment of thermal bridges (connecting floor / wall) mandatory, continuous insulation requirements.

• Hot water

  No specifc hot water demand energy requirements, however heating demand is included in the overall energy calculation. DHW renewable energy systems is a requirements for most buildings.

• Technical installations
• Lighting

  No specific lighting requirement, however lighting is included in the overall energy performance calculation.

• Appliances
• Design, position & orientation of building

  Bioclimatic design of buildings to be completed before the Building Permit submission

• Heat recovery

  Partially, heat recovery is not required, however if a heat recovery system is used, the system has to be included in the overall energy performance calculation

• Passive solar

  The requirement of minimum energy efficiency of the building is defined by the coefficient "Bbiomax" (needs bioclimatic building). This requirement imposes a limitation on simultaneous energy requirement for the components related to the design of buildings (heating, cooling and lighting), thus imposing its independent optimization of energy systems implemented.

• Passive cooling

  Considered through the coefficient "Bbiomax".

• Natural ventilation

  RT 2012 defines categories of buildings in which it is possible to ensure a good level of comfort in the summer without having to resort to an active system cooling. For these buildings, the regulations require that the highest temperature reached in the premises, during a sequence of 5 days very hot summer does not exceed a threshold.

• Solar protection

  Considered through the coefficient "Bbiomax".

• Daylighting requirements

  Considered through the coefficient "Bbiomax". Summer comfort requirement, The requirement is based on the interior temperature (Tic) reached by the building during a five day summer sequence.

• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others)

  The use of renewable energy is, with few exceptions, is mandatory in all new buildings.

• Local renewable sources
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates

Enforcement

Type of Enforcement

• Local enforcement
  Control are done by local inspectors on a small set of erected buildings.
• Third party inspection
  Once works have been completed then an independent verification of the works must take place, either by an accredited agency or professional surveyor. The surveyor must certify that the works have been completed in accordance with RT2012, and that there has been compliance with the energy proposals that were submitted.
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants
• Post Occupancy control
  Not mandatory yet.

On-site Inspections Occur

• On-site inspections
• During construction
• Post completion
• Post occupancy
  Not mandatory yet.

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
  Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
• Existence of EPC register database at national level
• Inspection of boilers
  Since 2008, inspections every 1-2 years depending on the size of the boiler.
• Inspection of HVAC systems
  Since 2010, inspections every 5 years.

Penalties for Non-compliance

• None
• Fine
  Mainly fines.
• Imprisonment
  Imprisonment or refusal of permission to occupy are possible but are only applied in case of high risk to peoples safety.
• Refusal of permission to occupy
• Refusal of permission to construct
• Demolition

Measures Supporting Enforcement

• Commissioning requirements
  Partially, there are no commissioning requirements yet. Requirements are set up for meters which shall enable a good energy management of the building"
• Airtightness testing required prior to compliance
  Air tightness blower door tests are mandatory for residential buildings but are not requested for non residential buildings.
• Mandatory Computer Modeling
  Computer simulation is mandatory for all projects.
• Training of Inspectors
• Other

Values for New Buildings

Code History and Future Targets

• How far in advance are future targets set?

  2020
• Are stakeholders informed of future targets far in advance?

  Yes

Zero Energy Targets

• Are all end uses considered in the target?
• Is there a realistic roadmap towards ZEB
• National Target date for nZEB

  By 2020 all new buildings should be energy-positive.

• Special Requirements for public buildings

Supporting Measures

• Incentives/Rewards to Encourage People to go beyond Minimum Level?
• Involvement of Stakeholders in the Development of Codes
• Level of Training Provided to Stakeholders Following Implementation of Code?
• Provision of Appropriate Information for General Public
• Education Systems to Ensure Capacity
• Supporting Labeling Schemes
• Supporting Certification Schemes
• Codes Free to Access?