The energy requirements of buildings

In this study a simple and accurate dynamic one-capacity model is used to investigate systematically the effect and potential of energy conservation measures on the heating requirement of buildings. The value of present and future building codes is studied under various Central European weather conditions. Three building codes are identified. For these building codes, parameter variations of the envelope, the inner part, and the operational mode of the building are performed. Three static parameters (the total heat loss coefficient, the internal capacity and the response time) and one dynamic parameter (the heating period, here defined as the number of hours with a heating requirement) turn out to be central quantities in the characterization of the thermal behaviour of a building.