ABSTRACT
Today, energy-optimized nonresidential buildings with a comparatively low heating and cooling demand can be realized (see Chapter 1). In these buildings, it is possible to establish a pleasant interior climate largely by passive measures without costly building services equipment. This is made possible primarily by a combination of carefully coordinated measures with the following basic elements: very good thermal insulation and solar protection, sufficient thermal storage capacity in the building, and an airtight building envelope in conjunction with basic ventilation as well as heat recovery (see Chapters 3 and 8). Avoiding mechanical cooling and air conditioning in summer in favour of low energy cooling is possible if the buildings are planned carefully so that architecture, structural design, occupants’ requirements, and building services equipment are carefully synthesized in an integrated overall concept.
