The Power of Design: Product Innovation in Sustainable Energy Technologies

3.8 Energy-Saving Technologies in the Built Environment

Bram Entrop

University of Twente, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Construction Management and Engineering, The Netherlands

3.8.1 Design and Energy Use in the Built Environment

In the European Union, the energy use of the built environment is believed to be more than 40% of the total energy use (EC, 2002). Due to multiple negative environmental effects of this energy use, reducing energy use and making use of renewable energy sources receive a lot of attention. In many countries the energy use of buildings is being reduced through construction regulations. As well as that, the energy performance of buildings is made transparent by energy labels.

It is in this context that this section gives an overview of energy-saving technologies that have been, are being, or presumably will be adopted in the built environment. First the role of energy consumption will be elaborated on by giving a framework for particular energy-saving technologies.

The science involved in the energy use of buildings, ranging from houses to offices and from libraries to hospitals, is building physics. The provision of a certain level of human comfort forms the basis for building physics and for building-related energy use. Users of buildings – for example, residents and employees – want to feel comfortable in a building that gives them shelter from the outdoor climate. Therefore, it is necessary to provide them light, ventilation, low levels ...