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An increasing focus on expert knowledge and competencies with energy efficiency
aspects of building design, construction and renovation is another opportunity
to enable larger-scale changes. Architecture students today learn
about sustainability issues in building design and materials. Multi-disciplinary
teams are cooperating to design high efficiency buildings without compromising
wishes and needs of inhabitants (Hofer, Herzog, Grim 2011). Knowledge and
education centres are being established to combine “know-what” and “knowhow”
under one roof (Promising practice 9).
Multi-family apartment buildings require a different kind of support that what
is needed for single-family homes. These include new financial models and
planning processes that involve building co-owners. This is of particular importance
in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries with a large stock of
multi-family apartment buildings that date from the Soviet era and where largescale
renovations often require a (hard to reach) quorum of apartment owners.
Energy efficiency refurbishment has become a priority for CEE countries in recent
years. In many countries the EU emission trading scheme has facilitated
funding for large scale refurbishment of multi-story block buildings (Fammler
2011). There are an increasing number of energy experts capable of providing
guidance and advice on the process of collective decision-making and building
renovation (Promising practice 10).
In general, active involvement in the planning and implementation of energy
efficiency measures is an opportunity not only for multi-apartment buildings
but for all owner-occupier constellations and building types. Involvement goes
beyond awareness raising and information to help people make decisions and
take action, providing advice and support where needed. Useful tools to inform
people about energy issues include standards and eco-labels for appliances
and energy labels for buildings as implemented through the EU’s Ecodesign and
Energy Performance of Buildings Directives.
Bundles of policy instruments that address more than one consumption phase
(purchase, use, disposal) for energy consuming products and appliances could
help to reduce almost 30% of additional housing-related GHG emissions by
2030. Measures include the enhancement of existing instruments such as optimising
performance standards for existing buildings, promoting efficient appliances,
individual metering, increased energy advisory and audit services for
residential customers, or the implementation of an energy tax on final energy
consumption to prevent rebound effects (Brohmann et al. 2011; Maxwell et al.
2011).
Promising practices
Promising practice 9: The Danish Knowledge Centre
A Knowledge Centre for Energy Renovation of Buildings has
been created in Denmark. This organisation offers courses
and advice for professionals in the construction and renovation
sector based on state-of-the art knowledge and experience.
Promising practice 10:
Multi-apartment building renovation pilot in Latvia
A pilot project to implement energy efficiency measures in
Latvian multi-family apartment buildings that require a 51%
quorum among residents was undertaken in 2009-2010. An
energy expert, together with building managers and building
“elders” (spokespeople) informed residents about possible
renovation and financing options and their potential benefits.
http://mechanisms.energychange.info/project-stories/5
Challenges and opportunities for sustainable lifestyles 57