Findings
Content:
· Findings
· Report: Based on your feedback
Findings
We recommend the preparation of a second generation of CEN(-ISO) standards on the energy performance of buildings.
Why?
- The current CEN-EPBD standards are used in many EU Member States.
- But often in a “practical way”: by copying parts of CEN standards into national standards or building codes, mixed
with national/regional choices and input data. Some of the main reasons:
- Phase difference in development of national methods versus mandate to CEN to develop European standards
- Need for an (‘all-in’) national (or regional) document
- CEN-EPBD standards are not optimized to simply be referenced and used as such (examples are given in the
interim report below).
- There is a strong interest from target groups (European industry, building professionals and key actors from the
Member States) in transparent and efficient Europe-wide methods
So?
- A more direct use of the CEN standards would be much more efficient and transparent.
- But at the same time room is needed for national/regional choices.
The recommendations include ways to meet both requirements.
The EPBD-recast calls for a wider spectrum of application, which is also reflected in these recommendations.
How?
- We prepared, for discussion, a proposal for a common format for the second generation of standards with the
following features:
- More consistency and transparency of the overall structure
- A clear separation between common procedures and national/regional choices and input data
- with (where possible) the national/regional choices and input data in a tabulated form, to make the choices
[to be] made at national level transparent and fit for brief and clear National Annexes to the CEN standards
- Decrease of the number of options, where feasible
- All procedures software proof and unambiguous
- Drastic reduction of the volume of the standards by moving informative parts to an accompanying Technical
Report
- with consequently strongly decreased efforts for national implementation of the standards (including
translations)
In addition:
- Bring in more harmony in the level of detail of the procedures:
- What is optimum balance between harmonized detailed (e.g. hourly) procedures and simplified procedures
(with expert knowledge built in)
- What are the M.S. expectations on the accuracy of model and on the availability of reliable input data
- To reconcile different options; e.g. to avoid large discrepancies between simplified and detailed procedures
- Expected intensified cooperation CEN and ISO:
- CEN standards used as basis; including the recommendations for improvements
- European experts retaining the initiative
- Already several European standards (EN’s) are also global (EN-ISO) standards
With pleasure we herewith present to you, for information, the following final report from the CENSE project: