Amory’s Angle: Three Major Energy Trends to Watch

On September 15, 2013, in Efficiency, General, Green News, Innovations, Renewable, by PM100
0

Credit to: RMI

Amory-1

Lovins image copyright RMI.

By Amory B. Lovins

Popular media and political chatter are abuzz with a cacophony of energy news and opinion. Amid the chaos, some orderly strands can be discerned. Here are three themes that merit attention:

EFFICIENCY IS ACCELERATING

Government forecasts predict U.S. energy intensity (primary energy used per dollar of real GDP) will continue to decline roughly two percent annually through 2040, but that the drop will be steepest in automobiles.

Motivated in part by more stringent fuel economy standards coming down the pipeline, lightweighting—the core of the new “platform fitness” approach, which focuses on optimizing a vehicle’s structure first before addressing propulsion technology and fuel source—has been the industry’s hottest strategic trend for several years (see “Battling America’s Automotive Obesity Epidemic,” page 28). (more…)

Tagged with: • • •
 

World’s first Passive House office tower certified

On July 27, 2013, in Architecture, Buildings, General, Innovations, PassivHaus, Renewable, Sustainability, by PM100
0
Passive-House-certified-Tower-1

Photo: © LANG consulting. The first certified Passive House office tower.

Sources: iPHA,  Land Consulting

High levels of energy efficiency are all the more important when it comes to high-rise buildings. For the first time ever, an office tower in Vienna has achieved the Passive House Standard. The certificate was presented by Susanne Theumer of the Passive House Institute on the 20th floor of the building with a prime view of the old city. The glazed facade of the building on the bank of the Donaukanal (“Danube Canal”) rises almost 80 metres high. The building, characterised by superior indoor air quality and minimal energy consumption, is home to 900 employees of the Austrian Raiffeisen-Holding Group. (more…)

Tagged with: • • • • •
 

Energy company inaugurates Passive House as new headquarters

On June 21, 2013, in Architecture, Buildings, Efficiency, General, Green News, Innovations, PassivHaus, Renewable, Sustainability, by PM100
0

Presentation of the certificate in the Danish port city of Esbjerg

Passive-House-certified-new-headquarters_1

© Passivhaus Institut: Passive House certified new headquarters in the Danish port city of Esbjerg

Credit to: www.passivehouse-international.com

 Esbjerg/Darmstadt. The Danish regional energy company Syd Energi (SE) has inaugurated its new headquarters in the Danish port city of Esbjerg. One of the world’s largest Passive House buildings and an architectural highlight, this four-storey rotunda with a sea view not only meets the requirements of the Passive House Standard, but will also produce more energy than is required for the building’s mechanical systems. This 9000 square metre building will provide some 420 people with carbon neutral workplace. After a construction period of almost 18 months, the official inauguration of the building with presentation of the Passive House Certificate took place on Friday. The Danish Finance Minister, Bjarne Corydon, and the Mayor of Esbjerg, Johnny Sotrup, were also present and commended the exemplary character of this project. (more…)

Tagged with: • • • • • • •
 

New Passive House hotel at the edge of Lake Garda

On June 21, 2013, in Architecture, Buildings, Efficiency, environment, Green News, PassivHaus, Sustainability, by PM100
0

“Bonapace” offers energy efficient rooms with holiday flair

Passive-House-hotel-Bonapace-1

Credit to: www.passivehouse-international.com

Torbole/Innsbruck. Spending holidays in a Passive House is now also possible in the small town of Torbole at the edge of Lake Garda, where just in time for the summer holidays, a family enterprise has opened a hotel built according to the extremely energy efficient Passive House Standard. As typical for Passive House buildings, the rooms can be heated and cooled via the air filtered in through the incredibly silent ventilation system. With their increased  level of sound proofing, triple-glazed windows provide for peaceful holidays and exceptional comfort.

A few weeks after the 1 May 2013 opening of the hotel, those involved in the project met in Torbole for the official awarding of the Passive House Certificate. “The building has been meticulously planned; all connections as well as the technology have been implemented in an exemplary way,” said Dr. Wolfgang Feist, Director of the Passive House Institute, after a tour through the new building. (more…)

Tagged with: • • • • • • •
 

Cost-Effective Energy Revolution with Passive House

On April 19, 2013, in Buildings, Efficiency, Green News, Innovations, PassivHaus, by PM100
0

Source: International Passive House Association

PHI Press Release, 19 April 2013

International conference for sustainable buildings in Frankfurt, Germany.

17-International-Passive-House-Conference-2013

Photo: Hellenic Passive House Institute. 17th International Passive House Conference 2013

The energy revolution is well on its way, and Passive House offers a viable and cost effective solution for the building sector. The latest developments and innovative projects will be presented at the 17th International Passive House Conference, held in Frankfurt, Germany, on 19 and 20 April 2013. Renowned speakers from all over the world will give lectures on a variety of topics, ranging from thermal insulation to photovoltaic systems for roofs. A trade exhibition held in parallel to the conference will provide an overview of the latest components and systems for building owners and property developers. (more…)

Tagged with: • • • • • •
 

Summer Academy for Passive Buildings in Bulgaria and Romania

On March 22, 2013, in Architecture, Buildings, Efficiency, General, Green News, Partners, Sustainability, by PM100
0

Credit to: Energy Plus International

 Summer Academy for Passive Buildings in Bulgaria and Romania_img_1  Summer Academy for Passive Buildings in Bulgaria and Romania_img_0

Energy+ International Ltd is planning series of trainings and events in Bulgaria and Romania to promote the most energy efficient standard – the Passive House Standard. The Summer Academy for Passive Buildings will start on May 13th in Sofia Bulgaria with a 7 day training “Certified Passive House Designer” CEPH for international professionals. Guest lecturer will be the Passive House designer from Denmark arch. Anders Sonnichsen who is well known to the Bulgarian architectural community as a member of the panel of judges for the Passive House design competition in Lozen, Bulgaria. (more…)

Tagged with: • • • • • • •
 

Royal Institute of British Architects recognises the Passive House

On February 20, 2013, in Architecture, Buildings, Efficiency, environment, General, Green News, Innovations, PassivHaus, Sustainability, by PM100
0

Credit to: Passivhaus Institut, Germany

Wolfgang Feist awarded Honorary Fellowship – Visits to projects in the UK 

Darmstadt. Prestigious recognition for Dr. Wolfgang Feist and the Passive House in London: The German pioneer in energy efficient construction was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The award ceremony took place on 6 February with a gala dinner held at the head office of the renowned architects association. The founder and director of the Passive House Institute and professor of building physics at the University of Innsbruck also took advantage of this trip to visit a selection of innovative building projects and exchange information with major stakeholders involved in the development of the Passive House concept in the UK. (more…)

Tagged with: • • • • • • •
 
« Previous Entries Next Entries »