Products and Systems

Achieving the goals of Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and Zero Emission Buildings (ZEB) requires the use of materials and systems that ensure high performance in areas such as thermal insulation, air tightness, energy-efficient windows and doors, and advanced ventilation systems with heat recovery. To guide the selection of these materials and systems, a range of certification schemes and standards are available, ensuring compliance with stringent energy efficiency and sustainability criteria.

Key Areas of Focus for High-Performance Buildings

1. Thermal Insulation: Proper insulation is vital to reducing energy consumption and achieving NZEB and ZEB standards. Certified products such as mineral wool, polystyrene, or natural materials (e.g., cork, cellulose) can drastically reduce heat transfer, improving the building’s thermal envelope.
2. Air Tightness: Air tightness is a critical component of energy efficiency. Certified sealing products, tapes, membranes, and caulking systems help maintain indoor environmental quality and minimize energy loss by preventing leaks through the building envelope.
3. Windows and Doors: High-performance windows and doors, such as those with triple glazing or low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, are essential to minimize heat loss and solar gains. Certifications like Passive House or similar schemes can guide the selection of windows and doors that meet high thermal and air-tightness standards.
4. Ventilation Systems with Heat Recovery: Mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery (MVHR) ensure optimal indoor air quality while recovering heat from exhaust air, significantly reducing energy demands. Certified MVHR systems should meet energy efficiency standards that align with NZEB and ZEB goals.
5. Thermal Bridges: Addressing thermal bridges is essential in preventing heat loss and condensation in high-performance buildings. Certified thermal break materials and construction techniques help mitigate thermal bridging at junctions between different building elements, such as wall-to-floor or wall-to-roof connections, as well as around windows and doors. By minimizing thermal bridges, energy efficiency is improved, and building longevity is enhanced through the prevention of moisture-related issues.

Certification Schemes for Low-Embodied Carbon and Sustainability

When considering the environmental impact of building materials, it’s important to look at low embodied carbon in construction materials and systems, ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Some key certification schemes to consider include:

• BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): Recognized globally, this scheme focuses on sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and material selection.
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): This certification assesses the energy performance of buildings and the environmental impact of materials, prioritizing energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions.
• Passive House Certification: Especially important for NZEB and ZEB, this certification focuses on high energy efficiency, specifically around thermal performance, air tightness, and mechanical ventilation.
• Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): EPDs provide transparent information about the environmental impact of materials, including their embodied carbon. Products with EPDs can help ensure compliance with EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) goals for low embodied carbon.

Previous Experience and Best Practices

Past projects provide a wealth of knowledge in the deployment of NZEB and ZEB solutions. Successful case studies often highlight the importance of integrated design approaches, where building materials, systems, and certification schemes work together to meet performance and sustainability targets. Using products with proven performance in similar projects can guide your selection process. Make sure to always read product data sheets in order to have the right method statements in place and do not forget about on-site testing!

Where to Look

• EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive): The EPBD establishes general energy performance requirements for buildings across the EU. Each member state transposes these requirements into its own national legislation to ensure compliance and implementation at the national level.
• Product databases: Many certification bodies, such as Passive House or BREEAM, offer searchable product databases that list certified materials and systems.
• Technical literature and case studies: Reviewing published research, technical documents, and project case studies can provide insights into the performance and certification of high-efficiency building materials and systems.

By relying on certified, sustainable, and low-carbon materials, aligned with recognized schemes, you can ensure the successful deployment of NZEB / ZEB, contributing to a more energy-efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly future.