High-rise solution to cut Europe's energy use
article from Energy in Buildings & Industry magazine, September 2005

Improving the energy efficiency levels of high-rise buildings would be one of the most cost-effective ways of cutting Europe's energy usage. In a first ever pan-European look exclusively at high-rise housing, a new study, prepared for the annual meeting in Prague of 28 European housing ministers, shows how a programme concentrating on improving such buildings could cut carbon dioxide emissions by 35m tonnes, whilst reducing Europe's total final energy demand by a massive 1.5 per cent.

High-rise buildings are defined as multi-family buildings with more than four storeys. The study advocates the incorporation of energy efficiency improvements into generally required refurbishments as a central element of sustainable refurbishment. The 28 countries covered by the project were organised into eight groups, depending on their socio-economic 'group' and climate. The greatest saving potential (39 per cent) can be found in moderate climate countries in Eastern Europe like Hungary and Slovakia. But the UK also offers some of the cheapest savings in terms of the net cost of carbon mitigation.

In addition to financial and ecological benefits, the study emphasises other "less tangible benefits". These include increased energy security, system reliability, resource conservation, resident's comfort, and employment opportunities for construction workers.

The study has been jointly published by the International Energy Agency and EuroACE, representing energy efficiency companies. It was undertaken by a team led by Pedro Guertler for the Association for the Conservation of Energy

© EIBI, 2005