European Codes and Standards: New Horizons for Buildings

Greenhouse gases, including CO₂, have been identified as the culprits of global warming and the vast majority of industrialised countries have agreed to cut emissions drastically over the coming decades. Buildings account for nearly 40% of the energy used in most countries. They are responsible for a similar level of global CO₂ emissions. Therefore, energy efficiency in buildings is one of the keys to reducing greenhouse emissions. The main driving force to achieve the ambitious goals that have been set for the reduction of greenhouse gases will come from energy efficiency regulations, building codes, standards, labels, certifications, obligations, and incentives, all of which have been multiplying steadily over recent decades. This course focuses on those main driving forces.