The aim of REASURE project was to combine and adapt scientific and technological knowledge with best engineering and architectural practice and to design, establish, develop and operate a number of Regional Design and Advice Support Units around Europe, which aimed, trained and supported the local actors (architects, engineers, designers, practitioners, etc.) on the use and integration of energy efficient Renewable Energy Sources systems and techniques, either when rehabilitating the building stock or when constructing new buildings. The specific objectives of the proposal included: the adaptation of already developed practical educational material and design tools to the local conditions so that are suitable for use within the scope of the project, the organization of specific events promoting the use of RES in buildings (like architectural competitions, seminars, etc.) among local actors, the assessment of the energy characteristics of each involved regions' building stock and the development of a specific ready-to-use rehabilitation plan for the buildings located within the region giving emphasis to a number of specific important buildings.
The White Paper on renewable Energy proposes market measures for fair access to the electricity market, fiscal and financing measures, a bio-energy initiative and improved building regulations. The Community Strategy for action plan, of which ALTENER is an integral part, incorporates a take-off campaign of renewables, one of the aspects of which is the integration of renewables in a larger number of communities.
Communities and the buildings which constitute the urban fabric, play a significant role in energy consumption in Europe. In 1995, the domestic and tertiary sectors represented around 40% of total final energy consumption in EU, with this value remaining fairly constant (average annual growth of 0.3%) over the decade 1985- 1995. Higher energy efficiency in new buildings produced a dampening effect, however increased living standards and urbanization have resulted in larger living areas in residencies and in greater appliance penetration.
The White Paper states that the total energy requirements in the domestic sector could be reduced by 50% in EU until the year 2010, half of which could be accounts for by introducing passive and active solar technologies in buildings.
The integration of renewable energies in Communities presents a significant challenge, given that sustainable communities are not provided with constantly accessible power supplies, but function through variable mix if supplies, energy conservation and demand side management.
Existing technology and further developments can be expected to have a decisive nature on the future shape of the fuel mix. Appropriate use of technology is required to ensure the development of RES, to maximize the efficiency of use and minimize environmental impact.
The advice and support process of REASURE project was designed and operated in a way that flexibility, interactivity between the technical consultants and the professionals, opportunity for continuous update and improvement through a self sustainable infrastructure of a permanent nature and through the supplemental activities foreseen in the project's workplan (architectural competitions, development of rehabilitation strategies), ensured the promotion of RES integration into buildings in the selected regions.
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Buildings
: Development Agencies
: Energy Efficiency
: Renewable Energy Sources & Systems
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