Low Energy Commercial Buildings - Factor 2-4-10 reduction

While the energy use in Norwegian residential buildings is decreasing, the energy use in commercial buildings is increasing. This may be due to a range of different factors like lack of knowledge of integrated energy design, higher comfort requirements, m ore use of glass, etc. To build new knowledge and develop integrated solutions that will lead to a significant reduction in the energy use of commercial buildings, the following tasks will be carried out: Task 1: Case studies Investigation of a number of existing state-of-the-art buildings realised in Norway and abroad. Task 2: Innovative technologies and integrated concepts. The main focus for the project is to develop new integrated building concepts, design strategies and tecnologies that will sig nificantly reduce the energy use for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, while at the same time keep a comfortable indoor climate. The project will focus on the integration of passive strategies (advanced facades) in combination with advanced stor age, building integrated renewable energy production efficient control strategies and HVAC equipment. Task 3: Pilot buildings The integrated building concepts, technologies and strategies developed in the project will be implemented in pilot buildings. Task 4: Post doc. studies Two post doc studies will be carried out. One will be focusing on the architectural challenges of low energy commercial buildings, while the other will be focusing on optimal design and control of heating, cooling and ventilation systems. Task 5: International cooperation International cooperation through the International Energy Agency, Nordic projects, and EU projects. Task 6: Information dissemination Information will be disseminate through web-site, workshops, seminars, art icles, and design guidelines for architects and engineers.