Συνεδρίαση 15 Μαρτίου 2005, Βρυξέλλες
ΗΜΕΡΗΣΙΑ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΗ
ACE Taskforce Environment and Sustainable Architecture
Agenda for 15th March 2005
Venue: Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE)
29 Rue Paul Emile Jenssen, Brussels
Time : 10.30h to 17.00h (including a standing lunch Buffet offered by ACE)
1.0 Introduction
1.1. Welcome address: Livia Tirone, Chairperson
1.2. Short introduction by each attendee
1.3. Adoption of the Agenda
1.4. Adoption of the minutes of the last meeting
2.0. Theme 1: Buildings’ Energy
Performance Directive
2.1. Prepare a position paper (5 to 10 page document) on the Buildings’
Energy Performance Directive, for the ACE to post on the web site, with
the aim to inform the Member Organisations of the new responsibilities
and opportunities the Directive poses for Architects as from January 2006.
2.2. TFESA nominated Miguel Angel Romero to accompany the work of the
Technical Committee of the CEN on Environmental Performance of Buildings
- Miguel Angel Romero will report on developments.
2.3. Discussion on the transposition of the Directive in the Member States
(presentation proposals are welcome);
3.0. Theme 2: Environmental Assessment
3.1. Prepare a position paper (5 to 10 page document) on the Strategic
Environmental Assessment Directive, for the ACE to post on the web
site, with the aim to inform the Member Organisations of the opportunities
the Directive poses for Architects.
3.2 Discussion on the transposition of the Directive in the Member States
(presentation proposals are welcome);
3.3 Progress on the possibilities of the adaptation of the Danish environmental
management and design tools ABCPlanner / 3DPlanner to other EU cities;
4.0 Theme 3: Thematic Strategy on
the Urban Environment
4.1 Report on the developments, by Adrian Joyce
4.2 Future Actions will be discussed
5.0 Theme 4: Energy Services Directive
5.1 Prepare a position paper (5 to 10 page document) on the Energy
Services Directive, for the ACE to post on the web site, with the aim
to inform the Member Organisations of the opportunities the Directive
poses for Architects.
6.0 Other themes to be discussed
6.1 Integrated Products Policy
6.2 CPD and REACH
6.2 Indoor Air Quality by Albert Dubler
6.3 ACE Policy on Sustainable Architecture, by Livia Tirone
7.0 Work Programme
7.1 Definition of Agenda for the next Meeting
7.2 Setting of Priorities and Outputs
7.3 Assignment of Tasks and Priority given to Issues
7.4 Setting of Deadlines for Tasks and Key Dates
7.5 Method and Lines of Communication
8.0. Any Other Business
8.1. Items notified in writing to the Chairperson ahead of the Meeting
9.0. Next Meeting
9.1. Date will be agreed
Livia Tirone
Chair of the Taskforce Environment and Sustainable Architecture
ΕΝΗΜΕΡΩΤΙΚΟ ΣΗΜΕΙΩΜΑ
Αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι,
Στέλνω συνημμένα το από 27/03/05 σχέδιο πρακτικών της συνάντησης εργασίας της 15/03/2005 στις Βρυξέλλες, το οποίο εξουσιοδοτήθηκε να συντονίσει η κα L. Tirone πρόεδρος της επιτροπής για το περιβάλλον και την βιώσιμη αρχιτεκτονική, με κύριο αντικείμενο την διατύπωση απόψεων για τις οδηγίες Energy performance of buildings, Environmental assesment, Thematic strategy on the urban environment και Energy services.
Υποβάλλω επίσης το υπόμνημα της 16/03/2005 που απέστειλα στους συναδέλφους της επιτροπής, προκειμένου να το χρησιμοποιήσουν στην σύνταξη των πρακτικών μετά την συζήτηση της προηγούμενης, ή και αργότερα για τον εντοπισμό των νέων δυνατοτήτων και ευθυνών των αρχιτεκτόνων που προκύπτουν απο τις υπό εξέταση οδηγίες για τις χώρες – μέλη. Σχετικές διευκρινήσεις μπορούν να δοθούν στην αυριανή συνάντηση.
Φιλικά
Α.Δ.Τριποδάκης
ΣΥΝΗΜΜΕΝΑ:1.
Athens, 16.03.05
Dear Livia and Adrian,
My first working experience with TFESA was quite positive. It was a pleasure to collaborate with a well coordinated group of highly experienced and qualified colleagues.
I send you hereby my remarks for the three directives we discussed.
THEME 1: ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BLDGS
Firstly, I would repeat my general observation (for future reference, since the directive is at this stage a finished text) that even though the analysis of the methodology (Art.3) to be elaborated by the member states includes a number of aspects related to the passive performance of building shells (annex 1f,g,h,i) this highly important (particularly for architects as we all know) perspective, is not expressed clearly and strongly in the main text.
More importantly, the very definition of Energy Performance of a building only as a measurement of a quantity being consumed, does not include the amount that may be saved under a preventive approach.
Secondly, as to the responsibilities and opportunities posed for architects, I would briefly mention the following:
- The enhancement of the architects role in each member state by the establishment of a strong participation (along with other experts of related disciplines) in the process of determining the methology of calculation, the minimum requirements for new and existing buildings and certification. (Art. 3,4,7)
- The strengthening of the participation of architects in policy making at the EC level and more specifically in the committee (Art. 14) for the reviewing of the directive (Art. 11) as well as the reviewing of the general framework. (Art. 13)
- As a consequence of the above a new responsibility is created for each member state i.e. to acquire the necessary number of expert architects, qualified to undertake the afore mentioned roles in the immediate future.
THEME 2: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Again the opportunities here for architects (given that their range of expertise is necessarily broadened) lie in their participation in:
- The preparation of env. reports (Art.5) and alternatives for proposed plans and programmes (in particular town and country planning and land-use art. 3.2.a).
- The consultations (Art. 6,7).
- The monitoring (Art. 10)
- The determination of the types of plans and programmes, subject to Env. Assessment for each member state. (Art. 13.4)
- The reporting and reviewing process of the directive (Art. 12)
THEME 4: ENERGY END-USE EFFICIENCY
My general remark concerning the proposal is similar to the observations above for the directive on energy performance.
In annex 3.1 where eligible areas for energy efficiency programmmes are identified, a substantial difference of approach may be noticed between the selection of areas concerning buildings (a.b.c,d…j) and those related to travel (k), which address both active and passive measures.
If the concept of sustainability is to be strongly promoted and subsequently a strategy of prevention combined to the reduction of consumption is adopted, the fact that the building’s shell, if properly designed, can be the most efficient energy saving tool (a fact that is common knowledge to all of us), should be clearly emphasized in the directive. (As Manfred explicitly put it: “A building is not only an energy consumer … it may also be an energy producer”)
Having this overall attitude in mind I would think that the text’s context (which is already quite revolutionary for the present state of affairs as you stressed) could be broadened to include a series of passive energy efficient bioclimatic measures and programmes for buildings which constitute the major consumer of energy in our urbanized societies.
The role of ACE in the elaboration of the EC proposal to that end, would be fundamental.
With my best wishes
Alexander
P.S.: Thank you both, for your warm and hospitable welcoming to your group.
2.
NOTES TO PRESENT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGARDING
TASK FORCE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE WORK IN PROGRESS AND PRIORITIES FOR 2005:
The main content themes the TFESA has been developing are:
- The Energy Performance Directive
- Environmental Assessment
- The Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment
- The Energy Services Directive (not yet approved)
- Labelling of Products
- Communication Events for local professionals in the EU in connection with the TFESA meetings
- Working Groups on the themes that concern the profession
Theme 1: Energy Performance Directive (EPB Directive):
The TFESA will prepare a position paper (5 to 10 page document) on the Buildings’ Energy Performance Directive, for the ACE to post on the web site, with the aim to inform the Member Organisations of the new responsibilities and opportunities the Directive poses for Architects as from January 2006. It was agreed that Bill Gething will prepare the draft paper for circulation among the members of the TFESA, taking into account the following comments received during the Brussels TFESA March 2005 meeting. The paper will be prepared in time for the Autumn General Assembly. The comments were the following:
- The EPB Directive, in article 7.1 states that apartments don’t require individual certification. The TFESA feels that this article practically undermines the directive, as the climatic and therefore energy performance conditions in different apartments in the same building can vary considerably between different locations and orientations. More than 50% of all dwellings in the EU are apartments and this optional clause would exclude from energy certification a far too large amount of dwellings. The TFESA proposes that the Member Organisations propose to their respective Member States to make compulsory the certification of each individual apartment type in each individual building. The type will be categorised by - orientation, position vv enclosure and exposure, characterisation of the building envelope etc…
- The TFESA is also feels that the fact that a certificate for a new building can be obtained on the basis of simulation (calculation) and is then valid for the duration of 10 years is not a satisfactory condition. This is due to the fact that simulations don’t, in general, correspond to the real performance of the building. The TFESA proposes that the Member Organisations propose to their respective Member States to make compulsory the certification of new buildings to be issued on the basis of monitored results, within two years from completion of construction (as during the first year the building will be drying out).
- Only in the Annex to the EPB Directive there is a mention of passive measures – design and construction measures introduced into the building envelope in order to reduce the building’s demand for energy. The TFESA proposes that the Member Organisations propose to their respective Member States to make it a priority to improve the buildings’ energy performance firstly by acting on the demand side via passive measures before active and supply side measures are contemplated. The assessment method that will allow certification to be comparable across the EU, will hopefully take this strategy into consideration. The TFESA also proposes that Member Organisations propose to their respective Member States to make a clearer statement than the directive manages to do on the priority given to passive measures prior to active measures.
- The EPB Directive states that any refurbishment / renovation works worth over 25% of the value of the building require energy certification. In Germany the all renovation requiring building permission is required to present energy certification. The TFESA feels that this option is recommendable to the Member Organisations and to the Member States.
- As the EPB Directive doesn’t set target values for energy performance of buildings it is the responsibility of each Member State to include these targets in their regulations.
- The TFESA maintains that the Architects’ role in the implementation of the EPB Directive is crucial in as much as it is the profession that is trained to make recommendations for building improvements in an independent and holistic way.
Miguel Angel Romero has been appointed by the Architects’ Council of Europe to accompany the work of the Technical Committee of the CEN CEN/BT WG 174 "INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS”. This working group will begin to work in 2006 and will focus on Environmental Performance of Buildings which widens the concept of energy certification of buildings to other environmental indicators. This is one of the specific recommendations that was proposed in the Sustainable Construction Methods and Techniques Working Group for the DG Environment chaired by Livia Tirone and co-ordinated by the Architects’ Council of Europe during 2003.
The discussion on the transposition of the Directive in the Member States showed that most MS are waiting for the CEN universal Assessment Method to be presented to transpose the EPB Directive. Portugal has approved the transposition of the EPB Directive together with the relevant updated regulations in Council of Ministers in January 2005, which were developed in close co-ordination with the CEN.
The Directive comes into force in January 2006, leaving little time for Member States to prepare – and to make the most of the transposition as soon as it comes into force.
The TFESA is discussing the advances, the implications for the profession and the best ways to promote its transposition to the advantage of the result and to the advantage of the profession.
Theme 2: Environmental Assessment:
The TFESA will prepare a position paper (5 to 10 page document) on the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, for the ACE to post on the web site, with the aim to inform the Member Organisations of the opportunities the Directive poses for Architects. The paper will be prepared in time for the Autumn General Assembly. Among other aspects, this paper will include an introduction to the Danish environmental management and design tools ABC Planner / 3Dplanner and will raise the Member Organisations awareness in relation to the following aspects:
- Inform the Member Organisations of the existence of the directive and how it differs from the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive;
- Inform the Member Organisations of the levels at which the Directive can be used at - a tool for decision makers;
- Inform the Member Organisations how it is relevant for the architectural profession (as the architects are working also as planners...);
- Inform the Member Organisations that most EU MEMBER STATES did not comply with the article in the Directive, that obliges them to communicate to the EC which of their planning mechanisms they would subject to the directive;
Vibeke Grupe Larsen has been working closely with the Directive on the ABC Planner and with the 3Dplanner, that include a Database of examples of good practice that can work as benchmarks for each proposed indicator.
Theme 3: Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment
Adrian Joyce has been asked to keep the TFESA informed on the relevant developments, as there is direct connection to the TFESA any longer, as the working group Sustainable Construction Methods and Techniques was not continued. It is nonetheless clear that the European Commission has taken seriously some of the recommendations of the final report of the Sustainable Construction Methods and Techniques working group. The European Commission is taking actions such as the creation of the CEN Technical Committee on Integrated Environmental Performance of Buildings, which widens the concept of energy certification of buildings to include other environmental indicators in a building passport.
Theme 4: The Energy Services Directive
The TFESA will prepare a position paper (5 to 10 page document) on the energy Services Directive, for the ACE to post on the web site, with the aim to inform the Member Organisations of the opportunities the Directive poses for Architects. The paper will be prepared in time for the Autumn General Assembly.
One of the major stumble blocks in the path of increasing energy efficiency has been the energy utilities’ driving force to increase the amount of energy they sell every year as an indicator of commercial success and in order to also increase their profits. The Energy Services Directive introduces a new paradigm with quite a revolutionary positioning for energy utilities - finally allowing them to address the supply of energy as a series of services provided to the end user, as opposed to the traditional measured amount of energy supplied. This new positioning allows energy suppliers to look at their energy supply role in a wider context – the service provided is clearly the use the end user puts the energy to. This Directive allows energy utilities to work in favour of energy efficiency, as they will, for example, provide the clothes washing service in a complete way. The energy utility will be able to supply a highly efficient washing machine and charge a specific amount per wash. The cost includes the energy use but also all other costs related with the washing machines’ acquisition cost etc, the profit of the energy utility will be all the higher the more efficiently the service is provided. As this directive is still to undergo the European Parliament reading, all the comments of the TFESA / the ACE may well be incorporated. Comments that will be taken into account in the policy paper:
- Article 6A calls for free audits to buildings to be performed by the energy utilities. This is not acceptable for the architectural profession as in some Member States the contractual relationship between the architect and the building owner often starts with the architect performing an audit and recommending a set of improvements to improve the energy performance of the building;
- It is much more likely that the architect can offer independent and tailor made solutions for the specific building at hand, than the utility; This is actually stated in article 12, and contradicts article 6A mentioned above;
- It is necessary to clarify the difference between an energy audit required in the Energy Services Directive as opposed to the energy certification required in the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive;
With the relevant fine-tuning this directive can be very relevant for the increase in energy efficiency and may also become a precedent for construction products. In the same way that the energy service can become the focus when energy supply was in question in the past, in the case of supply of materials the focus can be on providing solutions.
Theme 5: Labelling of Products
A potential new work area for this work group is to assemble available information on various labelling systems. Following this, an analysis of these systems should take place with the objective of giving clear guidance about them to architects.
Theme 6: Communication Events for local professionals in the EU in connection with the TFESA meetings
The TFESA has come to the following resolutions during the Lisbon May 2004 and the Strasbourg October 2004 meetings, regarding the meetings of the Task Force:
- As all the TFESA experts have to travel in order to meet, and as all are interested in communicating with local professionals in the EU MS, the TFESA has decided to, in future, select the location for the meetings in terms of the real local professional interest in sustainable construction / architecture. This will make the efforts of the TFESA experts more worth it, as the local professionals the events are addressed to are also an important source of knowledge.
- The idea is to attract local architects, local projects, local politicians, in order to raise the relevant issues connected with the mainstreaming of sustainable construction / architecture (FE: what are the barriers of good architecture in the new building code of each Member State, and ACE can bring the future regulations to the knowledge of architects). The programme of the event should adapt to the reality of the time and of the place the meeting is being held at, in order to raise the relevance and the profile of the event (FE: Good local examples to present – will both bring credibility to the example and make the interchange at the event less abstract).
- On a more ‘hands on’ approach it may also be relevant to present the advances on modelling programmes on different indicators of sustainability with whole life cost calculations. The aim is to take away among other the cultural barriers and help Architects to be able to use these tools to reach the building frame demanded by the new codes. These tools make better Architects because they allow them to create better buildings for clients.
Theme 7: Working Groups on the themes that concern the profession
It is clear that there is a high level of expertise available in the TFESA and in other Task Forces of the ACE. This resource could be used to prepare and facilitate the profession’s imminent changes required of the profession in responsibility, methodology and tools, a consequence of the global trends towards sustainable development. An example of these emerging changes that require a considerable effort on behalf of the profession to comply with the new requirements, is the taking on board of the dimension of the energy performance of buildings. All these new requirements rely on know-how (training and education) and experience, but are also important opportunities for the profession to perform an always more complete role for society.
Also, with the co-ordination of the working group Sustainable Construction Methods and Techniques the ACE has demonstrated to have the capacity to manage and support the development of relevant documents in a specific thematic area.
Based on the above, the TFESA sees a considerable potential in the ACE with TFESA promoting the development of relevant policy documents in emerging thematic areas, with the objective of supporting the profession.
Action
The General Assembly is requested formally approve the above work elements for the Work Group, recommending which work elements are to be pursued during 2005.
Livia Tirone
Lisbon, 2005/03/22