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The impact of the BENG measures
What do the new NZEB measures mean for buildings and cities? From 1 January 2021, all permit applications for new construction projects must comply with the requirements of these Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings (Beng).
Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings
Climate change is increasingly present in the news and also in construction and project development. Construction is responsible for 39% of all CO2 emissions worldwide, while operational emissions (from energy used to heat, cool and light buildings) account for 28%.
By introducing the NZEB measures, the Netherlands hopes to take a serious step in reducing the impact on climate change.
BENG solution
The production of sustainable energy is becoming more and more of a challenge due to the strong densification of our cities. Buildings are getting taller and the number of square meters of roof surface for traditional solar panels is limited available to meet the local energy demand. Fortunately, with the height of the buildings, an attractive option is becoming available that allows you to comply with renewable energy regulations: facades!
Compared to roof panels, PV façades generate relatively more energy in winter, autumn and spring. It is precisely in these seasons that energy production runs overtime through the use of heat. PV facades also produce more energy in the early and late hours of the day when the sun is low and this is precisely the moment when you need the energy the most. This means that a PV facade can be additional to a potential roof system.
Why solar panels from Studio Solarix?
It is clear that the integration of solar panels in the facades is emerging as a very cost-effective option to achieve energy neutrality. At Studio Solarix, however, we do not believe that this should result in a lesser aesthetics of our cities. PV facades should not become synonymous with the so-called dark glass city without identity and beauty. We produce solar panels that work efficiently and look beautiful.
The modular facade systems of Studio Solarix can combine active solar panels with non-active panels made of other materials (which in turn depend on the design goal). Both panels can be extensively customized with colors, patterns and LED lighting. In this way we can make future buildings sustainable and inspiring!
Are you still figuring out the impact of the BENG measures or are you interested in combining design with renewable facade energy, please contact us!
What are the BENG measures?
The measures set the condition that from 2020 every new building in the Netherlands must be designed with a strict three-step strategy:
– A new building must be well designed with a highly insulated and airtight building envelope. (BENG 1)
– All remaining primary energy supplies for heating, cooling, light and energy for all everyday electrical appliances must be efficiently provided. To accomplish this, efficient electrical, mechanical and hydraulic facilities are required. (BENG 2)
– If the building has been made efficient by means of the above steps, the building must become energy neutral through local production of renewable energy by means of biomass, wind and of course solar panels. (BENG 3).
There are solid means to comply with and realize the NZEB measures for residential homes, such as applying insulation, the use of heat pumps instead of gas boilers, double or triple glass panes, and the addition of solar panels on the roof or on facades.