Real estate firms are now requiring their portfolios to be aligned with the Paris Agreement as well as various climate change performance metrics such as SBTi, CRREM, and the EU Taxonomy for buildings. Our deep knowledge of top-down and bottom-up modelling techniques enables us to provide robust advice on how your real estate portfolio can comply with these metrics through cost-effective interventions.
Decarbonising the buildings sector must start with reducing our energy demand before exploring renewable energy options. Our consultancy approach closely follows the energy hierarchy, and we believe that the revival of traditional and passive design techniques is crucial in achieving comfortable indoor conditions in a warming climate without making the planet pay. With our expertise in building physics, dynamic energy simulations, and latest building technologies, we are able to advise on the most feasible way to meet stringent energy efficiency requirements — both for newly constructed and existing assets. Realising the extent of the ‘energy performance gap’ within the sector, we also offer to closely monitor the performance of our projects post-construction to ensure that the project performs as intended.
A schematic showing how a low-energy building would operate in winter (top) and summer (bottom), utilising measures such as continuous insulation, airtight membrane, acoustic ventilators, and a water-to-air heat exchanger.
References
[1] Song, J.-H., Lim, J.-H. and Song, S.-Y., 2016. Evaluation of alternatives for reducing thermal bridges in metal panel curtain wall systems. Energy and Buildings [Online], 127, pp.138–158. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.05.078.
[2] Abdul Hamid, A., Bagge, H. and Johansson, D., 2019. Measuring the impact of MVHR on the energy efficiency and the IEQ in multifamily buildings. Energy and Buildings [Online], 195, pp.93–104. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.05.004.
[3] Gillott, M.C., Loveday, D.L., White, J., Wood, C.J., Chmutina, K. and Vadodaria, K., 2016. Improving the airtightness in an existing UK dwelling: The challenges, the measures and their effectiveness. Building and Environment [Online], 95, pp.227–239. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.08.017.
[4] Passivent, 2019. Aircool ventilators [Online]. Passivent. Available from: https://www.passivent.com/app/uploads/2022/01/4634-63222-Passivent-Aircool-Ventilators-Single-A4-pages-medium-quality-low-resolution_FINALAPPROVED.pdf.
[5] Almodovar, J.M. and La Roche, P., 2019. Roof ponds combined with a water-to-air heat exchanger as a passive cooling system: Experimental comparison of two system variants. Renewable Energy [Online], 141, pp.195–208. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.03.148.
Passivhaus is a German building energy certification scheme that has proven to reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared with a typical building whilst also providing a thermally comfortable indoor environment. Stemming from our strong belief in the energy hierarchy, Joule fully supports Passivhaus and is qualified to provide comprehensive certification services — from project inception up to completion and post-occupancy monitoring.
A schematic of a Passivhaus, illustrating various strategies implemented to achieve ultra-low energy consumption. Image courtesy of Passivhaus Institut.
At Joule, we acknowledge the limitations of modelling software and that they are an attempt to represent (an overly complex) reality. Nonetheless, when performed correctly, the outputs of simulations can be useful in informing important design decisions. Through our extensive knowledge of building energy simulation tools, we are able to conduct energy, daylight, and overheating assessments required under various compliance and certification schemes. This includes UK’s Part L, Part O, NABERS, LEED, Estidama, and GSAS.
