The low-energy house, between economy and ecology

Since the Grenelle Environment Forum, the public could see opportunities to build otherwise. Green Home that is still too rare today may become a standard in the years to come, heralded by the labels and other government standards.

Known as the " BBC Effinergie ", the low-energy house has an energy performance certificate or ECD (energy performance) of class A. You've seen the posters with the levels of various colors on your home appliances distributors, and although this principle also applies to construction, to differentiate the good elements of ecological worse. ECD can differentiate energy consumption of a house or building and the environmental impact of this consumption on the greenhouse effect.

The question arises as to how a low energy house may receive a rating of excellence? Several factors come into play figure, the house labeled BBC Effinergie to divide by three energy requirements for heating, and releases CO2 into the atmosphere. Increasing this performance if you install a heat pump that will reject 200Kg of CO2 against a ton of fossil fuel for a conventional system.

But again, how the low-energy house can it be as effective? First, it is often associated with innovative construction techniques such as wooden house yet but the concept is based on simple principles.

Thus, during construction, the orientation of the field is studied carefully in order to take maximum advantage of the benefits of the sun's path. North-South, it will guarantee optimum heat in summer and winter. Associated with orientation, a high insulation will help keep heat in winter but also to avoid the stifling effect this summer. Indeed, the BBC house has large windows and bright spaces. The glass used - improved insulation - this will create comfort without thermal bridging or air stream.

Finally, the low-energy house is a house with sealed air flow is completely controlled through a high-performance ventilation system (or even double shift as for the passive house ) that will ensure an air free from indoor pollution, as molds.

The low-energy house can live in perfect comfort by uniting under economic and environmental ambitions.

By: Lisa T.