Net zero and embodied energy – outPHit describes new approaches

25.5.2022
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The outPHit consortium has released two reports delving into the topics of net zero rating approaches and the evaluation of embodied energy in building components. Both concepts will be put to use in outPHit’s case study projects across Europe.

Adequate Net Zero Rating Approach
As outPHit and the EU strive for a sustainable future, it is vital to pick the appropriate yardstick. Inappropriate incentives could cause lock-in effects at a later date even if they sound reasonable at first glance. The newly published approach will help project managers navigate the different concepts of “net zero” to ensure a reliable and robust assessment of building concepts with regard to carbon emissions and the transition to renewable energy sources.

Embodied Energy Evaluation Tool
The energy that goes into the manufacturing of building components plays a far less decisive role in the overall energy balance of a building than the energy consumed during building operation, for example, in the form of heating. It is nonetheless important to evaluate both sources of energy for a complete building energy inventory. Though outPHit, the Passive House Institute has thus investigated appropriate assessment methods for manufacturing and operational energy. The Embodied Energy Evaluation Tool will be new add-on to the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP). It can be used to assess and compare single materials, opaque assemblies, glazing and window frames and even entire buildings with regard to manufacturing and operational energy as well as CO2.

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