Building in Use - Economical Aspects

Heating and cooling costs

Heating and cooling costs incurred over the lifespan of a residential building are significant. This is not only due to monetary considerations but also to the need to reduce CO₂ emissions from residential heating systems – seen by EU-member states as important constituents in meeting their Kyoto targets.

Heating costs are directly linked to the energy consumed by a building, which is itself influenced by many factors. These include:

building location / climate
building geometry (size, shape, volume/surface ratio)
thermal performance of the building envelope (U-values)
thermal mass (thermal capacity to exploit energy gains)
ventilation
heating system efficiency
number of occupiers and their lifestyles

In reality the choice of energy (electricity, oil, natural gas, renewable energy such as wood or solar heating and district heating) used for heating or cooling can be much more decisive for heating and cooling costs than the type of wall construction. Electricity is often the most expensive heating energy. Other options include oil, natural gas, renewable energy (wood or other biomass, solar heating) and district heating. The last two possibilities are normally cheap, but this will depend on location and future trends.

New developments in clay roof tile technology reduce heating costs for the house. Cellular structure of new clay roofing panels can isolate the house from heat in summer and cold in winter. New solar tiles are being designed as solar collectors to heat transfer fluid and produce renewable energy that can be used in the house.

ťThe Clay Life Cycle
ť	Building in Use
	ť Economical Aspects
	ˇ Lifecycle costs
	ˇ Investment costs
	ˇ Maintenance costs
	ˇ Heating and cooling costs
	ť Environmental Aspects
	ť Social Aspects

Š TBE-Europe 2005
www.staywithclay.com