The present times call for self-sufficient buildings that source energy and water from the environment, being at the same time an integral part of the urban fabric. Aluminium is a modern material that fits perfectly into the current trends of economic and ecological construction. Aluprof offers many solutions that successfully meet the energy-efficiency criteria, both in single-family housing and commercial buildings.

The essence of the energy-efficient buildings is to minimize energy loss. Here, each stage is of importance, whether we choose a right plot, a suitable project, and this until the very last details such as installing a window sill. Low energy house is, first of all, a perfectly insulated house that prevents heat from escaping.

Passive buildings have low energy requirements for heating purposes. They consume no more than 15 kWh/m2 per year. The level of primary energy consumption in this kind of building cannot exceed 120 kWh/m2 year for all energy needs. At the same time, in currently erected residential buildings, the energy consumption (heating only) is up to 120 kWh/(m2 year). The demand for energy in passive buildings is eight times smaller than in traditional ones.

The entire external layer of the passive building is air impermeable. However, the heat transfer coefficient (U) of the walls must be lower than 0.15 W/(m²K). This type of building requires appropriate windows, since untight window frames may lead to up to 30% of home’s energy loss. That is why the windows’ heat transfer coefficient should not exceed Uw= 0.80 W/(m²K). Passive houses often come equipped with a ground heat exchanger and a recuperator. Solar collectors are becoming increasingly popular too.

What might come as a surprise, passive buildings use a large amount of glazing (windows, glazed façades). Glazed areas are installed mostly at the southern side of the building and are practically absent from the northern, as the passive solar gain is usually rather low in there. Today, the energy-efficient windows can greatly reduce the heat losses and enable the maximum daylighting of interior spaces. In addition, they provide free solar energy to heat the rooms.

For more information on passive & energy-efficient building please visit: www.home.aluprof.com