Ecology is one of the most pressing problems of mankind. One of its important tasks is the correct rational consumption of energy resources. Therefore, the issue of energy efficiency of buildings is now relevant - an assessment of the efficiency of consumption of thermal and electrical energy during their operation. This indicator can hardly be overestimated.
A real estate object, during the construction and operation of which all parameters were taken into account, will be able to maintain the required level of energy supply over a long period. In this case, owners who comply with the established norms are entitled to benefits from tax legislation.
This term reflects the degree of energy consumption. To make the calculation of the energy efficiency of buildings simpler, a classification by class has been adopted in the Russian Federation. Non-compliance of buildings with the established parameters is evidenced by deviations in the specific consumption of heat energy. The relevance of this issue is due to the many apartment buildings that differ in basic characteristics. Strict control over compliance with the main parameters will ensure high quality and long-term operation of new and renovated facilities.
Determination of energy efficiency is a procedure that will have to be carried out before the commissioning of the following buildings:
- built after the entry into force of the new rules;
- reconstructed;
- restored through major repairs;
- subject to supervision by a special government body.
Bills on this issue contribute to a more efficient use of resources.
What is energy efficiency of buildings and its calculation
The wording presented in federal acts of legislation of the Russian Federation is complex. In fact, energy efficiency should be understood as the ratio of the useful action from the resources used to their amount over a certain period of time.
When calculating, you have to take into account many factors, so there is no exact formula. Experts evaluate each object individually.
Before starting the procedure, you must make sure that you have information on all the requested characteristics.
Contrary to popular belief, energy efficiency is not synonymous with energy conservation. The difference is that, when calculating the first indicator, they are guided by rational energy consumption. It occurs when the demand for resources decreases without negatively affecting quality. When calculating energy savings, the role of the main parameter is played by obvious savings.
Thanks to the new approach, small glossy white signs will soon appear on every building and many other properties. They will have a designation indicating the building's energy efficiency class.
People living in the house, future owners and tenants will be able to find out without much difficulty how the object meets the required standards. This information will allow you to save on payments for water supply, heating and ventilation.
Energy efficiency classification of a building: table
Today, specialists rely on a system that includes 5 classes. Each of them is divided into several levels. Therefore, when evaluating an object, you should be guided by the table below.
Building | Class | The difference between the actual and standardized value of the specific characteristic of heat energy consumption for building maintenance,% | activity |
New buildings and buildings that have undergone restoration | A ++ | up to -60 | Economic incentives. |
A + | from -50 to -60 | ||
A | from -40 to -50 | ||
B + | from -30 to -40 | ||
V | from -15 to -30 | ||
C + | from -5 to -15 | There is no need to apply them. | |
WITH | from +5 to -5 | ||
WITH- | from +15 to +5 | ||
Buildings that are in operation. | D | from +15.1 to +50 | In the absence of justification for reconstruction, the building is demolished. |
E | more +50 |
This classification has already proven itself in other countries. Its use on the territory of Russia is due to many advantages. These include a noticeable decrease in the size of utility bills. At the same time, housing and communal services will not cease to perform their functions.
The energy efficiency class assigned to a building is a parameter that should not be ignored when buying a property. There is no section on energy efficiency in the project documentation that is attached to the house being put into operation. Because of this, an energy audit must be included in the list of necessary measures. To do this, the owner will have to contact specialists. They will determine the actual amount of resources wasted during the heating season and compare the result with the predetermined rates.
The basic level is designated by the letter "C". Class A is given to new buildings built in full compliance with the requirements of government agencies, whose functions include monitoring energy conservation. Buildings that have been in use for a long time are assigned class D or E. This is due to the fact that they require much more energy to ventilate and heat them than to maintain buildings with a high level of energy efficiency. The results obtained during the survey are used to issue a passport. Without this, the operation of the building becomes impossible.
Objects receive level A (highest) and B (high), if during the development of the project such points were thought out, such as:
- heat points of individual type;
- automated systems for accounting and resource management;
- lighting in places with the highest traffic;
- devices whose functions include equipment power compensation.
The class may change after major repairs or reconstruction. In this case, the plate with the outdated inscription will definitely be replaced with a new one.
How to determine the energy efficiency class of a building
Calculation of energy efficiency is a procedure that requires special knowledge. The complexity of this stage can be explained by the fact that in order to obtain an accurate result, it will be necessary to inspect the object, develop and implement a program to increase productivity and efficient energy saving.
The list of factors that must be taken into account when making calculations must include:
- the level of tightness;
- the amount of energy that comes from renewable sources;
- readings of indicators C1 and C2. The first ones are designed for heating, cooling and ventilation systems. The latter help determine the level of energy efficiency of equipment for providing residents with hot water;
- the amount of heat energy;
- thermal characteristics of partitions;
- condition of mechanical ventilation.
Also, one should not forget about such parameters as the complexity and size of the structure.
The main tool in determining the energy efficiency of a building is the calculation and experimental control over the standardized indicators. The duration of the reporting period is 12 months. Having collected all the necessary information, the specialist only has to compare it with the data for a similar period. The last step is to analyze the results obtained. The information is entered into a personal energy passport. A competent approach is a guarantee that the quality of the services provided will increase, and the costs of paying for it will decrease.
There are several ways to calculate the energy efficiency of a building, including:
- Short-term measurement method. The necessary indicators are taken from the upgraded systems only once. To determine the main criteria that characterize the rest of the equipment, an analytical survey is carried out.The difference between the readings of older and newer models is determined by comparison.
- Continuous measurement method. Data collection in this case occurs within a certain period of time. The periodicity allows for a complete analysis. The advantages of this method include the rapid detection of weak points in the equipment used. Knowing the shortcomings will have a positive effect on the modernization of engineering systems.
- Calculation and experimental method. The procedure is carried out, focusing on the data obtained during the survey of all equipment. This check takes quite a long time. Calculations are carried out using a special program. Thanks to it, an energy consumption curve is formed, on which all changes are obvious.
The method is chosen taking into account the type of engineering structure. After conducting a comprehensive survey of the systems, the owner will receive an opinion, which will indicate the industries in need of modernization. The calculation of the energy efficiency class is necessary if 3 years have passed since the building was put into operation. This time is quite enough for an even distribution of heat protection and moisture to occur. The low population is of no particular importance.
Who assigns the energy efficiency class
The body of the State Construction Supervision Agency is responsible for this. It is he who monitors the compliance of the calculated (for new buildings) and actual (for houses already put into operation) energy efficiency with the standards. Owners and developers must submit an energy declaration every 5 years. When compiling it, it is necessary to take into account climatic conditions, the materials used during construction, the level of equipment of the building with utilities.
Licensed professionals should be invited for the energy certification. A self-conducted audit of a building is unlikely to be recognized as legitimate. Each owner is interested in obtaining the highest energy efficiency class.
It should be noted that from 01/01/16, it is impossible to put into operation structures whose class is less than B. Conflicts arising from a sharp change in energy efficiency are resolved in court.
Buildings that cannot be classified as mandatory for determining the energy efficiency class are inspected by the owner's decision.
This indicator does not need to be determined if the house falls into one of the following categories:
- religious buildings;
- buildings with an area less than 50 m2;
- monuments of culture and heritage;
- auxiliary buildings;
- temporary structures, the service life of which does not exceed 2 years;
- individual construction.
Benefits from increased energy efficiency
People who live in energy efficient buildings can benefit from certain benefits. The legitimacy of their claims is stipulated by Government Decree No. 600. A reduction in the tax burden is allowed if the owner has fulfilled the conditions specified in Article 381 (clause 21) of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.
To confirm the high class of the structure, he must provide an energy passport. It should include information obtained during the last audit. In addition to reducing utility bills and property tax, the list of advantages includes an improvement in the environmental situation.
How to improve the energy efficiency of a building
During operation, there is a gradual decrease in energy efficiency. To ensure a comfortable stay in a residential building, optimization is carried out. The scope of work is quite extensive. Timely updating of ventilation, low-current, engineering systems, as well as lighting equipment, will avoid many problems. Reorganization takes time, financial investment and physical effort. The length of the period during which they are justified depends on the quality of the work performed.
All aspects should be optimized. For example, updating lighting equipment does not only mean replacing light bulbs in stairwells. This is unlikely to help improve the energy efficiency class. To achieve his goal, the owner needs to fully automate the system, install sensors, and determine the optimal level of illumination. It is not recommended to ignore these events. Otherwise, the cost of major repairs will make an impressive gap in the budget, without bringing the desired effect.
How to upgrade the class of a building
In order for a white plate with the designation A ++ to appear on the house, you must:
- use high-quality materials during construction;
- timely carry out both major and current repairs;
- involve professionals in the implementation of activities;
- during operation, be guided by the principles of the correct use of available resources.