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Aluminium energy performance

Nowadays, energy efficiency is one of the key elements to evaluate the sustainable character of buildings.

Initiative and certification schemes are developed in many countries trying to consider such building energy performance, like the energy passport in Germany or the HQE label in France. At the European level, the ongoing recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) shows that energy performance is at the heart of building design for new projects and renovations in Europe.

Aluminium is a key material to respond to this energy challenge in buildings. Intelligent façades incorporating aluminium systems can decrease energy consumption in buildings by up to 80%.

The key feature of these intelligent buildings is their constructive interaction with the exterior, markedly reducing energy demands in heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. This is achieved through numerous techniques and processes including shade management, photovoltaics, optimised glazing systems, intelligent ventilation mechanisms and appropriate light.

The contribution of glazing surfaces to the energy performance of buildings is then a complex issue which needs to be modelled at building level, considering the requirements of natural lighting and thermal performances.

As a BUILD UP Partner, the European Aluminium Association shares and promotes its existing knowledge, guidelines, tools and best practices for energy-saving measures in buildings across Europe.

Find resources, post your materials, and share knowledge on www.buildup.eu the European portal for energy efficiency in buildings.