Make a Smart Investment
Build Energywise
Building Insulation
January 2012
1
The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature
caused by certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. These gases allow light in but trap heat,
like the glass walls of a greenhouse.
Climate Change –
Challenging Building
Carbon dioxide is the most significant
greenhouse gas generated by human activity. The current levels of carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere are higher than at any
time in the past 20 million years. Fossil
fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas used
in energy production and transport, are the
greatest source of emissions.
The climate change phenomenon is expected to present significant challenges to
humanity, from desertification to rising sea
levels. In the Baltic Sea area temperatures
may even fall as a result of changes to the
Gulf Stream.1
With buildings accounting for 40 percent of Europe’s annual energy consumption2, improving their energy efficiency is
the key way to cut emissions. In the construction of new buildings, the installation
of high-quality thermal insulation is the
most cost effective method for reducing
energy consumption.3
References:
1. Bryden H et al, Slowing of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation
at 25° N. Nature 2005; 438.
2. Petersdorff C et al, Mitigation of CO2 Emissions from the Building Stock.
Cologne: Ecofys, 2004; II.
3. Petersdorff C et al, Cost Effective Climate Protection in the Building Stock
of the New EU Member States. Cologne: Ecofys, 2005; IV/V.
4. Egenhofer C et al, Revisiting EU Policy Options for Tackling Climate
Change. A Social Cost-Benefit Analysis of GHG Emissions Reduction
Strategies. Brussels: Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), 2006.
5. Rødsjø A, Kyotopyramiden. Published in Dokka TH, Hermstad K,
Energieffektive boliger for fremtiden. Trondheim: SINTEF Byggforsk, 2006.
2
Buildings Have Remarkable
CO2 Reduction Potential
The Kyoto Pyramid highlights the reduction of heat loss as the most significant and effective single measure.
Improving energy efficiency in buildings
could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by
460 million tonnes every year.3
This equates to six million cars being
taken off the roads for a total of fourteen
years or planting a forest three times the
size of France.
Five Effective Steps to Reducing
Energy Consumption:
1. Reduce Heat Loss
• Install additional insulation
• Improve air tightness
• Use effective heat recovering
ventilation
Results Can Be Achieved with
Existing Building Practices
Comparing alternative technologies for
tackling Climate Change, the Centre for
European Policy Studies (CEPS) concluded
that energy efficient insulation in new
buildings is the best way to prevent climate
change whilst also improving competitiveness.4
Importantly, the report also pointed
out that improved energy efficiency in
buildings can already be delivered using
current know-how, with no new resources
required for its implementation. It is also
cost effective and poses no significant
risks.
2. Use Electricity Efficiently
3. Use Solar Power
• Positioning of buildings
• Use of collectors
Transport
32%
In Europe, buildings consume
more energy than either transport
or industry.2
5. Select energy source
4. Monitor and control consumption
3. Use solar energy
4. Manage Your
Energy Consumption
• Ensure appropriate use
and management
5. Choose Your
Energy Source
The Kyoto Pyramid is an internationally
approved model outlining effective measures for the reduction of energy consumption.
• Heat pump
• Biofuel
• District heating
• Electricity or gas
Insulation
Heating Efficiency
Wind on-shore
Integrated Gasification
Combined Cycle
2. Use electricity efficiently
1. Reduce heat loss
The Kyoto Pyramid, a model for
energy efficient building based on
the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol.5
From Words
to Deeds
COMPARISON OF CO2 REDUCTION TECHNOLOGIES
More benefits, less implementation problems
Industry
28%
• Use energy efficient electrical
appliances and lights
• Avoid unnecessary use
The Kyoto Pyramid is
The Energy Efficiency Model
Biofuel
Buildings
40%
Combined Heat and Power
Nuclear
• New measures are being put in
place to limit energy consumption and
man made carbon dioxide emissions
• Buildings are the highest energy
consumers in Europe
Hydrogen
• Improving energy efficiency in
buildings is the most significant and
effective means of reducing energy
consumption
Biomass co-firing
CO2 Capture and Storage,
Pulverised Coal Combustion
CO2 Capture and
Storage Industry
Cost efficiency
Cost of CO2 reduction
• Minimising heat loss is the best
way to reduce energy consumption
• Insulation is the most effective
method for reducing heat loss.
Insulation in new buildings is the easiest and most cost efficient method
for conserving energy and preventing climate change.4
3
Climate change caused by the greenhouse effect is
happening faster than many species can adapt, and
the new and more unpredictable climate poses unique
challenges to all life on Earth. Now is the time to act.
Energy Efficiency –
The Emerging Trend in Building
Low-energy buildings have been researched
and built in Europe since the 1970´s
and their numbers are increasing rapidly.
The past decade has seen the building of
thousands of even more sophisticated
passive buildings. EU has passed a directive
that makes all new buildings nearly zeroenergy buildings by the end of 2020.
No new technical skills, special equipment or materials are needed to build an
energy efficient building. Even passive
buildings can be constructed using common construction methods. This applies to
both new buildings and renovation.
In old buildings the target is to upgrade the energy efficiency of each building
component when it becomes due for renovation.
Standard building
Passive building
Standard building
Passive building
150.000
125.000
440.000
100.000
330.000
CO S T (€)
ENERGY/CO2 (KG)
550.000
220.000
Saved energy/CO2
110.000
75.000
Cost saving
50.000
25.000
0
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
TIME (YEARS)
ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION
0
10
20
30
40
TIME (YEARS)
E CON OMICA L D IM ENS I O N
Break even after less than 10 years
Source: Calculation based on the PAROC® Tikkurila pilot passive house.
4
50
The Best Kind of Efficiency:
Energy That Is Not Used
The most sustainable and environmentally friendly energy is energy that is not
used. Energy efficient building makes this
concept a reality, following the principles
of the Kyoto Pyramid model.
The first priority is to prevent heat loss
through the building envelope and ventilation. This can be achieved through the
use of high quality insulation solutions,
high standard windows and doors and
ventilation with effective heat recovery. It
would be difficult to overestimate the importance of air tightness.
The second priority is to select energy
efficient electrical appliances and to consider the position of the building and
direction of the windows to optimise the
use of solar energy.
The choice of energy source is less
important in energy efficient buildings,
since the consumption is so limited.
This is especially true in passive buildings, where no separate heating system is
required.
Quality in Design
The beauty is in the detail. To cover the
before mentioned features, special attention must be paid to the design work.
Each and every detail must be carefully
considered. Minimising the effect of thermal bridges is key.
Attention to Detail
During Construction
High quality craftsmanship is a prerequisite for achieving energy efficiency in
building, particularly in ensuring the
appropriate level of air tightness.
Energy Costs
100
50
25
Standard
Low
Passive
Energy Consumption
100
50
25
Standard
Low
Passive
CO2 Emissions
100
50
THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASSIFICATION
25
1. Standard Building
Standard buildings are constructed to meet minimum building standard energy
efficiency requirements.
2. Low-Energy Building
A low-energy building consumes only half of the energy needed in a standard
building. Efficiencies are achieved through improved insulation and windows
and a ventilation heat recovery system. Annual energy consumption for heating
is in the range of 50-60 kWh/m2.
3. Passive Building
A passive building consumes only a quarter of the energy required for a standard
building. It has no separate heating system, apart from a heat recovery ventilation
system, and stays warm by using energy generated in the building. Efficiency is
based on passive building envelope solutions: low U-values and extremely good
air tightness.
Annual energy consumption for heating depends on geographic location, from
15 kWh/m2 in Central Europe to 30 kWh/m2 in the far North. Passive building
is expected to become standard in the near future. Architectural aspects, such as
window size, can always be designed to suit customer requirements.
4. Near-Zero and Plus-Energy Building
In EU a nearly zero-energy building means a building that has a very high energy
performance. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be
covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including
energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby. Plus-energy building
features bring the passive building beyond the zero consumption level by incorporating even more active systems such as solar panels. Plus-energy buildings are
currently rare but could become the new trend in the future.
Standard
Low
Passive
Thanks to minimised heat loss and
efficient use of energy, a passive
building consumes less than a quarter of the energy used by a standard
building.
From Words
to Deeds
• Energywise buildings are
constructed using existing materials,
techniques and methods
• Careful design and production are
key to the Energywise concept
• Quality insulation is the single
most important factor
• Builders can choose the level of
energy efficiency best suited to their
needs.
5
The greenhouse effect can be mitigated through effective
insulation, implementing the Kyoto Pyramid and energy
economy measures, and through the use of renewable
energy such as solar and wind power.
PAROC® Energywise house™ –
Energy Efficient Building Solutions
Paroc is an energy efficiency expert and a
leading developer and provider of energy
efficient insulation solutions.
PAROC® Energywise house™ is a
forward thinking, energy efficient building
concept that draws on the Paroc know-how.
Its aim is to demonstrate to building authorities, designers, architects, professional
builders, dealers and house owners the
undisputable benefits of energy efficient
building; cozy and comfortable living, fresh
and healthy indoor air, minimized heating
energy costs and decreased CO2 emissions.
PAROC® Energywise house™ also
provides ideas, recommendations and instructions to help realise low-energy and
passive buildings and offers energy optimising solutions for renovators.
PAROC® Energywise House™
With the Energywise House™ concept, Paroc would like
to give advice and instructions about what you can do
to reduce the energy consumption when building new
houses or when renovating. An energywise solution
means that higher requirements than those stipulated in
the building regulations are fulfilled, which is a good
investment for the future. So, when you want to build
energywise, think PAROC® Energywise House™.
References:
6. Nieminen J et al, Energy Consumption and Profitability of Energy-Saving
Measures in a Low-Energy Small House. Espoo: VTT Technical Research Centre
of Finland; 1994.
6
The PAROC® Energywise house™ Concept
Significantly Lower
The concept consists of four energy efficiency options: Low-Energy, Passive and PlusEnergy for new buildings and Energy Optimized solutions for renovations. However,
the Plus-Energy buildings are still currently rare.
Life Cycle Costs
PAROC® ENERGYWISE HOUSE™ CONCEPT
Standard
Low-Energy
Buildings
Passive
Buildings
Near Zero
Energy-/
Plus-Energy
Buildings
Energy
Optimized
Renovations
Energywise buildings and solutions are beneficial in many ways, e.g. in terms of cost
efficiency, comfort and their positive environmental impact. Passive building is in many
cases the optimal solution when considering the life cycle of a building.
A Smart Investment
Freedom in Design
Energywise building can bring savings of
up to 50 000 euros over 25 years, amounting to the cost of a new car and may
achieve resale prices up to 30 % higher in
comparison with standard houses.6
As with any building, an Energywise house
can be designed to suit your style and taste.
Your imagination is the only limit when
creating stylish and cosy interiors.
Easy to Maintain
Moderate Additional
Building Costs
Upgrading the energy efficiency of a
building to a passive level requires an extra investment of only 5-10 %, as heating
systems can be downgraded or left out
entirely.
Building Type
Investment
Low-Energy
+ 0-5 %
Passive
+ 5-10 %
Plus-Energy
+ ≥ 10 %
The repair and maintenance work in a
passive building is reduced because no
separate heating system is needed. Moreover, the house will be fitted with fewer
technical appliances using less energy.
Low
Passive
In the Energywise design of a building
the investment decision is based on
total costs derived by adding up the
energy costs throughout the whole
life cycle of the building to the cost of
construction. In terms of lifespan cost,
passive building represents optimal
design.
From Words
to Deeds
• The best efficiency is energy that
is not used
• An Energywise building is a worthwhile investment that considerably
reduces your energy use - and your
energy dependence
Environmentally Sound
It is estimated that energy consumed
during the entire life cycle of a building
makes up to 80-90 % of its environmental burden. Energywise buildings are significantly more environmentally friendly.
The energy savings offered highlight the
key role of owners, designers and builders
in creating a better future for the generations to come.
• Energywise buildings look no
different – you choose the design
• Energywise buildings are draughtless, warm and comfortable
• Energywise buildings are an
investment in a better future for the
generations to come.
Healthy and Comfortable
People spend more than 80 % of their
time indoors and a third in their bedrooms. Thanks to careful insulation,
Energywise houses are draughtless and
warm throughout. Efficient and controlled ventilation, an air tight building envelope and low-emission building materials mean that indoor air is always clean
and fresh.
An Exciting Business
and Job Opportunity
The growing energy efficiency sector is
generating new business activity and job
prospects. New innovations will emerge,
energy efficiency specialists from designers to builders will be needed and the
whole construction business will develop
to a new level.
Read more about our Energywise
Projects in Passive house levels at
paroc.com
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Paroc Group is one of the leading manufacturers of mineral wool insulation products
and solutions in Europe. PAROC® products and solutions include building insulation,
technical insulation, marine insulation, structural stone wool sandwich panels and acoustics
products. Paroc has production facilities in Finland, Sweden, Lithuania and Poland, and
sales and representative offices in 13 countries across Europe.
Building Insulation produces a wide range of
products and solutions for all traditional building
insulation. The building insulation is mainly used for
thermal, fire and sound insulation of exterior walls, roofs,
floors, basements, intermediate floors and partitions.
Sound absorbing ceilings and wall panels for interior
acoustic control, as well as industrial noise control products,
are available in the range.
Technical Insulation is used for thermal, fire and sound
insulation in building techniques, industrial processes and
pipe work, industrial equipment and ship structures.
PAROC ® fire proof panels are lightweight steelfaced panels with a core material of stone wool.
PAROC® panels are used for façades, partition walls and
ceilings in public, commercial and industrial buildings.
The information in this brochure describes the conditions and technical properties of the disclosed products, valid
at the time of publication of this document and until replaced by the next printed or digital version. The latest
version of this brochure is always available on Paroc web site.
Our information material presents applications for which the functions and technical properties of our products
have been approved. However, the information does not mean a commercial guarantee, since we do not have full
control of third party components used in the application or the installation.
We cannot warrant the suitability of our products if used in an area which is not provided in our information
material.
As a result of constant further development of our products we reserve the right to make alterations to our
information material.
PAROC and red and white stripes are registered trademarks of Paroc Oy Ab. © Paroc Group 2012
2063BIEN0112
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PAROC GROUP
P.O.Box 47
FI-00621 Helsinki, Finland
Phone +358 46 876 8000
www.paroc.com
A MEMBER OF PAROC GROUP