Powerhouse Brattørkaia / Snøhetta. Image © Ivar Kvaal
In the face of increasingly alarming predictions regarding the climate crisis, just increasing the efficiency of buildings is no longer enough. Zero energy buildings – or, better yet, energy positive buildings – make it possible to mitigate the negative impacts of the construction industry, which is responsible for 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions. These are buildings capable of producing more energy than they consume through the use of renewable sources. To reach this ambitious goal, it is necessary to follow three main steps:
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Install a renewable power system to provide clean energy;
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Include high efficiency systems, such as climatization equipment and low energy lighting.
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Improve the construction envelope to conserve energy and reduce loads.