Increasing renewable energy uptake will bring the need for greater energy flexibility and storage in order to match supply with demand. What if buildings could play this role, by offering thermal storage capacity that is currently untapped? This event will explore this concept, and make the link between the different elements of the Energy Package, from energy performance of buildings (EPBD) to electricity market design.
Written by Ruxandra Cracea on . Posted in Press releases
Brussels, 30 November 2016: The Concrete Initiative welcomes the initiatives on buildings which the European Commission has outlined under its “Clean Energy for All Europeans” package, in terms of the important role which they will play to achieve the EU’s 2030 energy and climate goals. The package, published today, contains important items relating to buildings, including proposed revisions of the Directives on Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD), Energy Efficiency (EED) and Renewable Energy, and a new “Smart Finance for Smart Buildings” initiative.
Written by Ruxandra Cracea on . Posted in Press releases
Brussels, 28 October 2016: A new study by 3E has demonstrated the huge potential of buildings’ thermal mass to maximise the use of renewable energy. This can result in up to a 25% CO2 reduction per dwelling, up to 50% reduction in the need for peak electricity supply capacity and savings of up to €300 per household per year.
Written by Ruxandra Cracea on . Posted in Publications
One of the challenges which we face today in terms of renewable energy is the mismatch between when this energy is generated and when it is needed. In order to make the most of the energy generated by renewables, such as wind and solar, flexibility is needed in the electricity grid. Heavyweight buildings can provide this flexibility by allowing for consumer energy demand to be shifted in time by using structural thermal energy storage.
Written by Jessica Johnson on . Posted in Publications
In terms of safety, one area of concern for citizens is how well protected they are in the event of a fire breaking out. In this document, The Concrete Initiative outlines its views on what needs to be done to ensure a high level of protection for people in buildings, tunnels and other infrastructure.
Written by Jessica Johnson on . Posted in Publications
The European Commission has embarked on several initiatives to analyse and improve construction and demolition waste (C&DW) recycling rates across Europe. According to the Commission, construction and demolition waste accounts for a third of the EU’s total waste production per year, amounting to some 450-500 million tonnes.
Written by Jessica Johnson on . Posted in Publications
Did you know that concrete can store energy and that, later on, this energy is then released? This effect, which is due to the high ‘thermal mass’ of concrete, makes buildings more energy efficient, lowers CO2 emissions, and improves wellbeing and comfort.
Written by Jessica Johnson on . Posted in Press releases
Brussels, 2 July 2014: The Concrete Initiative welcomes the proposals put forward yesterday by the European Commission on resource efficiency opportunities in the building sector (COM(2014) 445). In order to achieve its purpose, it is important that the approach taken covers the impacts of the construction works during its whole life cycle. When only partial aspects are covered, their impacts should be assessed with the whole picture in mind in order to avoid transfer of burdens and sub-optimisation.