Welcome to the TREES web site

Intelligent Energy -Europe programme, contract n° EIE/05/110/SI2.420021

Objectives

Numerous European research and demonstration projects concerned the improvement of thermal performance of buildings, but the dissemination of the results remains limited in the professional practice and education, the knowledge level being very different among European countries. Much effort has been dedicated to new buildings, though much more energy is consumed in the existing building stock. This high energy consumption has dramatic consequences for low income families (“energy poverty”). A focus on social houses has very positive environmental and economic effects. Such a policy will also influence the rest of the building sector.

The implementation of the European Directive on the energy performance of buildings (December 2002) will impulse some changes that require innovation and skill. The aim of the TREES project is to organize a collaboration between researchers -or professionals dealing with innovation- and teachers, in order to integrate new knowledge in training : architecture courses and continuing education of social housing managers.

Description of the work

Important decision makers in social housing renovation are the managers in social housing associations or companies, and architects. These groups are therefore targeted and appropriate educational structures are contacted in order to constitute a users group to whom the deliverables are proposed for a review and exploitation.

The renovation of social houses is a specific topic. Therefore modular educational material has been developed : it can be used in a flexible way within more global courses (e.g. continuing education of architects, building managers etc.). An internal review among the partners allowed best practice in Europe to be collected.

The users group has been invited to workshops : the produced material has been presented and evaluated, then its implementation in courses is being discussed. The partners have evaluated this feedback and adapted the material. The final deliverable is now available on the internet, ready to be used in courses.

Results

The final product is in the form of texts and slides in English. Advanced technologies are described by specialists (e.g. integrating solar hot water systems on a roof, preheating ventilation air, insulating and reducing thermal bridges). Tools are proposed (e.g. thermal calculation, life cycle assessment), allowing to assess the interest of these technologies in terms of energy saving and improvement of environmental quality. The presentation of case studies (e.g. European demonstration projects) illustrates the approach and professional good practice. The material could eventually be translated for replication in various countries. It is hoped that harmonisation of the knowledge at a European level will help to promote good practice, particularly in the new member states.

Disclaimer

The sole responsibility for the contents of this web page lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Communities. The European Commission is not responsible to any use that may be made of the information contained therein.