End-user experiences in nearly zero-energy houses

Mlecnik, E.; Schütze, Thorsten; Jansen, Sylvia J.T.; Vries, G. de; Visscher, Henk; Hal, J.D.M. van

doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2012.02.045

Cited by 93 publications

(64 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…A number of other research investigations have attempted to evaluate a range of additional beneficial outcomes for end-users of low energy buildings. These have stretched beyond energy performance to include winter and summer thermal conditions experienced, indoor air quality, and comfort in general [36]. Such research determined that whilst energy costs were important, these other comfort factors were key necessities for user satisfaction.…”

Section: Review Of Previous Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Passive House and Low Energy Buildings: Barriers and Opportunities for Future Development within UK Practice

Pitts

2017

Sustainability

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This paper describes research carried out to understand better the current and future emphases emerging from practice for the design and development of "Passive House" and low energy buildings. The paper initially discusses the extant position, particularly with regards to the UK and considers how regulation and assessment systems have changed in recent years, as well as projecting ideas forward taking account of contemporary political situations. Relevant previous research into Passive House and low energy design and construction is then reviewed. The need for greater understanding of professionals and their communication/collaboration with clients were identified as important factors impacting development. Those involved in the design and construction practice therefore have key roles in the process of enhancing energy efficiency. Five industry/practice based professional organizations were interviewed in-depth to gain insights into their experience of current low energy design, and to extrapolate the outcomes to future scenarios. The method employed used a structured interview technique with key question areas to lead the discussion. The anonymized responses discussed are grouped around key themes. Evidence suggests there has been a move towards the adoption of voluntary high level standards because of potential limitations with mandatory regulations and because of perceived additional benefits of higher quality design. This change is now more than previously, being driven by informed clients, design professionals, and the industry, with regulation taking a secondary role. New opportunities and barriers are becoming evident and these require further consideration.

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Section: Review Of Previous Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Passive House and Low Energy Buildings: Barriers and Opportunities for Future Development within UK Practice

Pitts

2017

Sustainability

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“…(2013) cites a number of studies (Larsen & Jensen 2011, Mlecnik et al 2012, Schnieders 2005) in relation to Passive House dwellings in several European locations where it is noted that there may be a risk of overheating in the current climate unless a number of alterations including active cooling were implemented. McLeod et al (2013) does however point out that Passive House dwellings may offer marginally more protection from overheating than other highly insulated options (Findings for the 2050s heavy weight passive house greater than 25°C for 6.6% of the year whereas a heavy weight 'well insulated' building greater than 25°C for 8.2% of the year).…”

Section: Evidence Of Overheatingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of regulations on overheating risk in dwellings

Mulville

Stravoravdis

2016

Building Research & Information

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“…For instance, Mlecnik et al [25] refer to a study where occupants of Passivhaus homes reported improved freshness of air in the bedrooms during the morning period. However, the suitability of the Passivhaus standard for the UK context remains a contentious issue, with questions regarding the necessity and/or desirability of MVHR in UK dwellings [26][27][28], particularly in a social housing context.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On one hand, a review of post occupancy evaluation studies in passive houses in Central Europe by Mlecnik et al [18] found users of passive houses usually feel more comfortable in winter months compared to summer months. They suggest that further attention to overheating is required in order to improve user satisfaction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Investigation of Indoor Air Quality in UK Passivhaus Dwellings

McGill

Sharpe

Oyedele

et al. 2017

Smart Energy Control Systems for Sustainable Buildings

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The adoption of the German Passivhaus Standard in the UK has grown rapidly in recent years. Stimulated by the shift towards energy efficient design and rising fuel costs, the concept is perceived as a potential means of meeting energy and carbon targets through an established, reliable methodology. However the performance of the Standard in terms of adequate indoor air quality and thermal comfort in a UK climate remains under-researched. This paper describes the use of the Passivhaus Standard in a UK context, and its potential implications on indoor environmental quality. A case study is presented, which included indoor air quality measurements, occupant diary, building survey and occupant interviews in a Passivhaus social housing project in Northern Ireland. The study found issues with indoor air quality, the use and maintenance of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, lack of occupant knowledge and the perception of overheating in the case study dwellings. The findings provide a much needed insight into the indoor environmental quality in homes designed to the Passivhaus standard; which can be disseminated to aid the development of an effective sus-

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End-user experiences in nearly zero-energy houses

Cited by 93 publications

References 7 publications

Passive House and Low Energy Buildings: Barriers and Opportunities for Future Development within UK Practice

Passive House and Low Energy Buildings: Barriers and Opportunities for Future Development within UK Practice

The impact of regulations on overheating risk in dwellings

An Investigation of Indoor Air Quality in UK Passivhaus Dwellings

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