Links

Networks and Platforms

Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign
A European Campaign to raise awareness and change the landscape of energy
Sustainable Energy Europe is a European Commission initiative in the framework of the Intelligent Energy - Europe Programme. It contributes to achieve the European Union's energy policy targets within the fields of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, clean transport and alternative fuels.

European Renewable Energy Council
Created in the year 2000, the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) is the umbrella organisation of the European renewable energy industry, trade and research associations active in the sectors of bioenergy, geothermal, ocean, small hydropower, solar electricity, solar thermal and wind energy.

The European Green Building Programme
In 2005 the European Commission launched the GreenBuilding Programme. GreenBuilding is a voluntary programme aiming at improving the energy efficiency of non-residential buildings in Europe on voluntary basis. The programme addresses owners of non-residential buildings to realise cost-effective measures which enhance the energy efficiency of their buildings in one or more technical services.

PLEA - Passive and Low Energy Architecture
PLEA is an organisation engaged in a worldwide discourse on sustainable architecture and urban design through annual international conferences, workshops and publications. It has a membership of several thousand professionals, academics and students from over 40 countries.

The Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust is a private company set up by the UK Government in response to the threat of climate change. Their mission is to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy by developing commercial low carbon technologies and working with business and the public sector to reduce carbon emissions.

Energy Sustainable Communities Forum
The objective of this Energy Sustainable Communities Forum is to give ESC a permanent possibility to enter in contact with each other and to share information with communities which either have the same characteristics or which already have extensive experience in sustainable development.

This forum of exchange of information also proposes to better understand the criteria that define an advanced ESC, i.e. one that is already energy sustainable, as well as the ones that define an ESC which is still in an early stage of development. By presenting the success factors of ESC it encourages dissemination of the concept and aims to engage other communities in the initiative Energy Sustainable Communities.

ManagEnergy
ManagEnergy is an initiative of the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport, which aims to support the work of actors working on energy efficiency and renewable energies at the local and regional level. The main tools are sectoral advice, training, workshops and online events. Additionally information is provided on case studies, good practice, European legislation and programmes.

Conferences and events

23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Taking place from 1st to 5th September 2008 at the Feria Valencia in Spain, the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference will be the most important international Conference in the field of Photovoltaics. The Conference will provide an excellent platform for dialogue and information exchange across the World.

25th PLEA Annual Conference – Towards Zero Energy Building
University College Dublin, Ireland
22nd - 24th October 2008
PLEA (Passive and Low Energy Architecture) is a global community engaged in a continuing discourse on sustainable architecture and urban design. It actively exchanges ideas and information through annual international conferences, workshops and publications. Since 1982 PLEA has organised international conferences across the globe and now represents the longest running such forum addressing passive and low energy building design and realisation.

World Sustainable Energy Days 2008
Taking place in Wels, Austria on March 6 and 7, 2008, the World Sustainable Energy Days is the largest annual conference in this field in Europe. It offers a unique combination of events on sustainable energy production and use, covering energy efficiency and renewable energy sources for buildings, industry and transport.

European Partnering Event on “Energy Efficient Buildings and Renovation”
Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrum, IRC Stuttgart-Erfurt-Zürich, is going to organise together with the European Innovation Relay Centre Network (IRC), the REECO GmbH, further networks and stakeholders a European Partnering Event on 8th March 2008. The focus of this event is technologies in the area of "Energy Efficient Buildings and Renovation". Small and medium sized companies and research institutes in the field of energy efficient building and renovation such as: architects, engineering offices, craftsmen, producers of any kind of related product and technology have the opportunity to offer innovative products/know-how/technologies or request innovative solutions within Europe. For further information on the thematic focus and registration issues please visit: www.cleanenergy.ircnet.lu

This seminar is intended to mutually benefit two areas of technology: New low-exergy concepts for building energy systems and innovative approaches for classic district heating systems. Current R&D projects from both areas will be presented and jointly discussed. This event will sound out ways of combining both approaches to provide potential for optimising the energy supply to town districts. Appropriate research methods and approaches will be discussed.

International Conference for Enhanced Building Operations
The International Conference for Enhanced Building Operations (ICEBO) convenes annual forums of international leaders on enhanced building operations. The 8th conference will be held October 20-21, 2008, at the Ministry of Economics & Technology in Berlin, Germany. ICEBO promotes exchanges among engineers, contractors, energy agencies, industrial companies, contractors and building scientists dedicated to continuous improvements in building energy performance. Higher energy costs and concern for environmental impacts are highlighting the importance of these topics.

Build Green CEE - Energy Efficient and Ecological Design for the Region
The Build Green CEE conference, which will take place on 23-24 April 2008 in Bucharest, Romania, will bring together investors, real estate developers, construction companies, architects, engineers, technology and service providers, building management companies, real estate agencies, students and professors, NGOs, and public authorities eager to explore and benefit from the opportunities of building green. Within a context of rising energy prices & more stringent building codes, now is an opportune time for top companies to participate in the spectacular construction growth of the region and a mounting desire for better construction and energy efficiency.

Projects

New Energy for Old Buildings - Promoting RES and RUE Integration in Historic buildings
The project work on the creation of a network of light-house Renewable Energy Houses (REH) and capacity building among architects and planners through guidelines and training activities in the field of building integration of renewable energy and energy efficiency into historic buildings.

Key issues for Renewable Heat in Europe
The project analyses public policies supporting renewable heating and cooling (RES-H). It identifies best practice and develops concrete guidelines applicable at local, regional, national and European level. The project has a cross-sectoral nature, as it analyses a number of key issues, including solar thermal, biomass and geothermal.

REASURE
The aim of the EU research project REASURE is to combine and adapt scientific and technological knowledge with best engineering and architectural practice. REASURE aims to design, establish, develop and operate a number of Regional Design and Advice Support Units around Europe. These units will train and support the local practitioners (architects, engineers, designers etc) on the use and integration of energy efficient systems and techniques which are often based on renewable energy systems. The training will tackle the rehabilitation of the building stock and the construction of new buildings.

Energy Base office building in passive house standard, Vienna
Due to open in summer 2008, ENERGYbase by the Vienna Business Agency is the showcase project of a new generation of office properties setting new standards for energy optimized office buildings. Innovative office design and engineering technologies make it an international cutting-edge project when it comes to ensuring energy efficiency, the use of renewable energies and workplace quality. Companies as well as research and educational facilities can network and expand their technological know-how in the field of renewable energies.
See also the architects' website.

Großschönau, 1st European Passive House village
Initiated in 2001, Sonnenplatz Großschönau is the “First European Passive Housing Village”, located in Austria. (German only)

SOLANOVA - Building for Our Future
Initiated in 2003 and mainly funded through the EC´s 5th Framework Programme, SOLANOVA has been the first "Eco-buildings" project of the European Commission in Eastern Europe dealing with a "major renovation" of a large existing building. Thus SOLANOVA serves as best practice example for the proper implementation of the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings directive.

Niedrigenergiehaus im Bestand (Low Energy Buildings in the Building Stock) (German only)
Run by the German Energy Agency DENA, this website provides an overview of 140 best-practice buildings in Germany that have been refurbished to low-energy standard.

SHERHPA (Sustainable Heat and Energy Research for Heat Pump Applications)
SHERHPA brings heat pumps and refrigeration systems to the summit of innovation and sustainable development using natural refrigerants: Hydrocarbons, Ammonia and CO2. The SHERHPA Project was completed by December 2007. The project partners decided to maintain this website for another two years for information on follow-up activities.

PEPNet
ProEcoPolyNet is a Network for the Promotion of RTD results in the field of Eco-building technologies, small Polygeneration and renewable heating and cooling technologies for buildings.

UPP-Sol
UPP-Sol (Urban Photovoltaics: Polygeneration with Solar Energy), is a European Commission funded project within the 6th Framework Programme that started in June 2007. It is made up of a pan-European consortium of Research Centres, Universities, Local Authority and Industries. The main goal of the UPP-Sol project is to demonstrate the innovative technology of small solar concetrating collectors, designed for and installed on urban structures, providing multiple energy products to a nearby consumer.

PHDC - Passive and Hybrid Downdraught Cooling
Passive cooling and energy efficient design can substantially reduce reliance on fuel based heating and cooling, contributing to the European target energy saving of 35Mtoe by 2010. Passive and Hybrid Downdraught Cooling is now technically viable in many parts of the world. This has been established through a combination of research projects supported by the European Commission and built examples around the world. To move to a situation where the number of applications moves rapidly, from a few pioneering buildings, to many thousands, will require widespread acceptance of this approach among clients and professionals, as well as increased awareness by the general public. The target audience will include developers and owners of buildings, as well as building design professionals.

BUILDing inNOVAtion in the European Construction Sector'
The goal is to help construction firms (high-tech and less technology intensive companies) to find suitable funding for their new innovative projects, and give investors a better understanding of the technology and market possibilities of such new ideas. BUILD-NOVA aims to create a network of agents from three groups: construction-based customer-facilitators and promoters, technology providers, and the finance sector. It will then analyse the success factors and barriers to innovation in the European construction sector, produce guidelines for small construction firms on development of new innovative business ideas and products. Finally, it will organise business forums across Europe involving a range of different agents interested in the financing of innovation in the construction sector.

CenCe - Connecting Energy Clusters across Europe
The goal of CENCE is to support cooperation activities between participant Energy clusters for establishing, at EU level, a cooperation and learning platform that facilitates the promotion of entrepreneurial innovation through the exploitation of synergies, the exchange of knowledge, and the transfer of Best Practice.

STAND-INN
STAND-INN is addressing new manufacturing processes based on the IFC standards with objectives to create new and more efficient business processes, thus facilitating the construction sectors great potential for cost reduction and productivity increase, consequently, improving the competitiveness of the B&C industry. In addition, STAND-INN will contribute to the implementation of a recent European Directive on the design and energy performance of buildings and construction (B&C) industry.

POLIS
POLIS started in 2004 and is funded by the Commission of the European Communities under the PRIORITY 8.1 (Policy-oriented research) program. The project´s main goal is to create Decision Support Tools and Policy Initiative in Support of A Universal Design of Buildings.

Public initiatives

Austrian Program on Technologies for Sustainable Development
This research and technology program has been developed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT). It initiates and supports trendsetting research and development projects and the implementation of exemplary pilot projects.
See also: The “Building of Tomorrow” subprogram.

Haus der Zukunft
A subprogram of the formerly mentioned “Nachhaltig wirtschaften” initiative that started in 1999, "Building of Tomorrow" promotes the passive house and low energy solar building method for residential and office buildings. Thus far, the program has funded 156 projects with an overall financial volume of more than 19.2 Mio. €.

The website also includes a map of Austrian best-practice examples in the field of retrofitting and establishment of new buildings as a result of the initiative "Building of tomorrow"

Energy Systems of Tomorrow
"Energy Systems of Tomorrow" is a subprogram of the Austrian R&D Program on Technologies for Sustainable Development and focuses on the development of new technologies and concepts for a flexible and efficient energy system based on renewable energy sources. The subprogram aims to show their feasibility by realising demonstration projects.

1000 passive houses in Austria - Documentation network on passive houses
2nd documentation period of the joint project of IG Passivhaus Österreich under the programme line "House of the Future“, an initiative of the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) to set up a detailed network documentation on a representative cross-section of all passive houses in Austria.

Austrian e2050 initiative (in German)
ENERGIE 2050 (e2050) is an initiative by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) and aims to work on a long-term vision for Austria´s energy future. Among other aspects, the initiative focuses on the applying innovative technologies. E2050 organized workshops and hearings, conducts research, and works on joint IEA projects.

Intelligent Energy Europe – Energy Efficiency Projects (Buildings)
The Intelligent Energy - Europe programme is the EU's tool for funding action to improve energy conditions and move us towards a more energy intelligent Europe.

Concerto Plus
The CONCERTO initiative, launched by the European Commission, is a Europe wide initiative proactively addressing the challenges of creating a more sustainable future for Europe’s energy needs. Today, there are a total of 28 communities in 9 projects, each working to deliver the highest possible level of self-supply of energy. CONCERTO is part of the 6th framework research programme supervised by the DG Energy and Transport of the European Commission.

Eco-Buildings
This is a common portal for four Eco-buildings demonstration projects: SARA, BritainPubs, Demohouse and Ecoculture.
Eco-buildings is an energy demonstration initiative of the European Commission (DG TREN) within the sixth Framework Program. The portal will provide common information on project development and links to the individual projects and other relevant sites.

Sustainable Architecture Applied to Replicable Public Access Buildings (SARA)
SARA aims to construct sustainable, cost effective, high energy performance, public-access eco-buildings that are immediately replicable at large scale in many locations. The eco-buildings will be equipped with advanced sustainable energy technologies integrated by an innovative architectural approach and combined monitoring and building management systems.

DEMOHOUSE
DEMOHOUSE is focused on developing a decision-making tool to improve sustainable renovation of the existing housing stock in Europe.

EcoCulture
This project, which runs from 2004 until 2009, addresses demonstration of energy efficient technologies integrated into three high-performing cultural ECO-buildings: The Danish Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, The Amsterdam Library, and the New Opera House in Oslo. Focus will be on investigations, demonstration and testing of the following technologies which have been selected out of the integrated ECO-concepts as being especially innovative: energy storage (DK-"climate belt" with thermoactive slabs, NL-double aquifer); heat pump (DK-sea water, NL-ground water); advanced demand controlled hybrid ventilation; building integrated PV systems; aAdvanced Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and benchmarking; use of environmental friendly concrete for thermal storage in thermoactive slabs.

BRITA in PuBs
BRITA in PuBs - "Bringing Retrofit Innovation to Application in Public Buildings" – is a Project within the 6th Framework Programme of the European Union that aims at increasing the market penetration of innovative and effective retrofit solutions to improve energy efficiency and implement renewables, with moderate additional costs. This will be realised by the exemplary retrofit of 9 demonstration public buildings in four European regions. Secondly, the research work packages will include the socio-economic research such as the identification of real project-planning needs and financing strategies, the assessment of design guidelines, the development of an internet-based knowledge tool on retrofit measures and case studies and a quality control-tool box to secure a good long-term performance of the building and the systems. The third main pillar of the BRITA in PuBs project is dissemination, mainly publishing the research and demonstration work to different target groups via PR-campaigns and using local, national and international networks such as Energie Cités, the internet and other media, and arrangement and participation in symposia and conferences.

Institutions

Vienna Center for Appropriate Technology (GRAT)
The Center for Appropriate Technology (GRAT), based at the University of Technology in Vienna focuses on the responsibility for a socially and ecologically beneficial contact with technology and its consequences. Within flexible project and working structures the issues Appropriate Technology, Sustainable Development and Circular Flow Economy are revised and further developed in interdisciplinary research projects. GRAT elaborates and develops innovations in the fields ecodesign, renewable resources, product-service-systems, regional development and creation and dissemination of technology within national and international research and demonstration projects. The target is to adapt technology to human needs and resources.

German Energy Agency (dena)
The German Energy Agency (dena) is the national competence centre for energy efficiency and renewable energies. Its objectives include the environmentally friendly production, conversion and use of energy, and the development of sustainable energy systems with a greater emphasis on renewable energy sources. To this end dena initiates, coordinates and implements innovative projects and campaigns at a national and international level. It provides information to end consumers, works with all social groups active in politics and the economy and develops strategies for the future supply of energy. Its shareholders are the Federal Republic of Germany, the (KfW banking group, Allianz SE, Deutsche Bank AG and DZ Bank AG.

Austrian Heat Pump Association (LGWA)
The Austrian Heat Pump Association (LGWA) is Austria's leading authority on the use and benefits of heat pump technology and includes many of the country's leading manufacturers of heat pumps, installers and energy supplying companies as well as research institutions. Founded in the 1990ies, the non profit organization works in the field of promoting awareness and proper deployment of heat pump technology in Austria for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

International Energy Agency
The International Energy Agency (IEA) acts as energy policy advisor to 27 member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for their citizens. The IEA’s mandate is to incorporate the “Three E’s” of balanced energy policy making: energy security, economic development and environmental protection. Current work focuses on climate change policies, market reform, energy technology collaboration and outreach to the rest of the world, especially major consumers and producers of energy like China, India, Russia and the OPEC countries. With a staff of around 190, mainly energy experts and statisticians from its 27 member countries, the IEA conducts a broad programme of energy research, data compilation, publications and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and recommendations on good practices.

ProHeatPump
There are many untapped opportunities to save energy and encourage the use of renewable energy sources in Europe, but market conditions are not always helping. The Intelligent Energy - Europe programme is the EU's tool for funding action to improve these conditions and move us towards a more energy intelligent Europe. ProHeatPump is an Intelligent Energy Europe project with the main objective to promote energy efficient heat pumps for heating. The project focuses on systems for the residential sector and SMEs, i.e. small to medium size heat pumps and in particular on refurbishment where the needs for promotion is higher than for new buildings. The share of heat pumps and the testing of promotion means for heat pumps in identified target regions shall deliver information on appropriate marketing approaches to promote an extended use of heat. Promotion of heat pumps will be done by the means of improved and steady information on heat pumps of the target groups end users and installers as well as policy makers. Another important project topic is the investigation and evaluation of combinations of heat pumps and renewables.

Building Research Establishment (BRE)
BRE provides a consultancy, testing and commissioned research services covering all aspects of the built environment, and associated industries.

CIBSE
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) promotes the career of building services engineers by accrediting courses of study in further and higher education, by approving training programs and providing routes to full professional Registration. CIBSE offers a range of services focussed on maintaining and enhancing professional excellence throughout your career. CIBSE publishes Guidance and Codes which are internationally recognised as authoritative, and sets the criteria for best practice in the profession. Members receive the monthly Building Services Journal and regular email newsletters. A full program of meetings and events offers opportunities to meet and learn from colleagues, to explore new ideas and take part in continuing professional development. There are 16 regions in the UK and 3 overseas, in the Republic of Ireland, Australia & New Zealand, and Hong Kong. With CIBSE members in 80 countries, many international members live outside the formal regions - for example there are informal member groupings in Dubai, Malaysia and Mainland China. We work with other professional bodies, construction and engineering firms worldwide.

CIBSE´s scope include Daylight, Electrical Services, Lifts, Energy Performance, Combined Heat and Power, Natural Ventilation. Etc.

European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research (EU COST C13)
Glass and Interactive Building Envelopes
Participants of C13 represent a wide range of displipines from organisations throughout the European Union.The main objective is to increase the knowledge of properties and possibilities of glazing in order to increase the performance of building envelopes, to reduce the energy consumption and to improve the quality of life with respect to interior space, impact on the environment and human welfare. The Signatories will make optimal use of existing and currently developing knowledge, and will aim to function as a source of valuable information to National and International Standards organisations

Centre for Window and Cladding Technology
The Centre for Window and Cladding Technology is a leading information provider and trainer in the field of building envelopes and glazing. It is an industry funded Centre based at the University of Bath. CWCT sets industry Standards and publishes both standards and guidance. A restricted area, The Cladding Forum, contains resources, documents and advice for the Centre's members.

BauXund Forschung und Beratung
"BauXund Forschung und Beratung", which translates "BuildHealthy Research and Consulting" is a Vienna (Austria) based consulting company specialised on environmental and health topics related to construction issues. Bauxund works on various issues related to buildings, from defining environmental criteria during development to implementing environmental quality measures during the construction or renovation phase. Bauxund consults both private developers and public authorities.