Energy and energy performance
Approximately 40% of the total yearly energy consumption in the Netherlands is used in buildings. The building practice has a great need for predicting and calculating the various elements of energy use of buildings. This makes sense, because besides the environmental need to reduce energy use, energy costs money.
Using less energy will result in money-saving. This means that when a company or consumer is considering the purchase of a new boiler or lighting, they should also consider the energy use of this device. The financial investment in such a device, after all, goes beyond the initial investment: the energy itself also has to be paid each year. And the aggregate costs of this over the years could be even higher than the purchase price.
Sustainable construction
Sustainable construction means that homes, buildings and other structures are developed and used with respect for people and the environment. Sustainable construction does not just concern energy-saving in homes and buildings, but also includes:
- the use of sustainable materials with take account of the environment and the health of residents and users;
- a healthy indoor environment due to good ventilation which prevents moist, mould and accumulation of hazardous substances.
- sustainable demolition, where materials can be used again (reuse and recycling);
- responsible use of water;
- respect for the environment;
- prevent raw materials for construction from being
Sustainable construction is therefore a very broad term.