ENERGY CERTIFICATION OF BUILDINGS AND MODERN ENERGY CONCEPTS

Abstract

The introduction of energy certification of buildings in Croatian legislature and the classification of buildings in energy classes in accordance with their annual thermal energy requirements for heating purposes introduces a number of key changes in construction. They will play a considerable role in the improvement of construction quality, creation of a modern energy concept for new buildings, modernisation of existing buildings, and will significantly contribute to the reduction of energy consumption in the building construction sector, the latter being the largest individual energy consumer. This paper presents the new legislative framework and the implementation methodology for energy audits and energy certification of buildings in the Republic of Croatia (RH), and it elaborates on the expected influence on the development of the integral approach to design and the long term approach to building analysis, taking into consideration the entire lifespan of the building. Energy certification of buildings provides us with transparent data on energy consumption in buildings on the market, energy efficiency is recognised as an indication of quality, investments in new and innovative concepts and technologies are encouraged, as is the use of alternative energy supply systems in buildings, the market for new low-energy buildings develops, the existing buildings sector is modernised, and a contribution is made towards a general reduction of energy consumption and towards environment protectio.