I frequently run into the dilemma that we, in the ‘energy-intensive world’, want to switch to a sustainable approach, and want to switch to renewable energy sources, but that we absolutely do not want to give up anything of our… Continue Reading
The Trias Energetica is one of the generic guidelines that has a wide adoption in the Netherlands since the nineties: it states that, in order of importance: 1 reduce energy demand, 2 use renewable energy 3 use fossil fuels as… Continue Reading
It is remarkable that the kg/m2 approach for buildings , as described in the previous article, is nearly completely absent. That is, nowadays. More then 100 years ago it was regularly used a a criterion in architectural competitions, the lower… Continue Reading
Recently I wrote about the Bitcoin, and other crypto currencies, as being the clothes of the emperor. They represent “ NOTHING”. Have no other value as ‘faith’. Which will become problematic, when it turns out there is no ‘heaven’. No… Continue Reading
Since quit a few years I am involved in mass retrofit projects for 0-energy performance, mainly with prefab panel based solutions. In the Netherlands, but also in Europe, recently among others within the EU H2020 project More-Connect, in which 5… Continue Reading
The Netherlands, as one of the first countries in the world, will have a mandatory material performance requirement for new buildings. Which is unique, after 25 years of pushing and trying. There will be a set ambition, though very low… Continue Reading
As I wrote more often, the Netherlands is focused on developing zero energy retrofits. Most of these initiatives address the whole house, packed in thick prefab elements, and powered by PV panels for the ( reduced) heating demand plus the… Continue Reading
It started dawning, the past weeks, as I was listening to some presentations on several events I visited. Have you ever wondered what in fact it means, renovation or retrofitting houses and buildings for 0-energy performance? A focus on operational… Continue Reading
Labor , as used to make physical changes, seems to disappear completely as a production factor. While about 150 years ago the labor power, ‘LP’ , was the major force in society, besides the Horsepower, the HP. Maybe even you… Continue Reading
When it comes to energy in the built environment, we have a pretty good picture of how and what. To ban fossils as source, we create Zero energy buildings, ZEB. These buildings still use energy but on site produced from… Continue Reading