Tomasz M. Mróz

Airtightness of Buildings in Poland

Abstract Implementation of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduced the first legal airtightness regulations into the 2008 Polish Building Codes. Unfortunately these provisions are currently not sufficiently precise or developed in relation to testing procedures to ensure appropriate airtightness. Generally there is a low level of awareness, experience and knowledge among architects, designers, investors, contractors and there are no certification requirements imposed for measurement companies. Currently there has been little incentive to construct airtight buildings but this could improve with new initiatives. It is concluded, that with the right encouragement, even small buildings can be constructed to tighter values than the currently required n50 value of 1.5 air changes per hour (ac/h). In larger buildings n50 values between 0.3 and 0.5 ac/h can be achieved quite easily. Unfortunately much work is hampered by a lack of specialist knowledge and because measurements are not compulsory. This paper presents a general overview of the building airtightness requirements and measurement issues in Poland. Some representative airtightness measurement data are presented for available residential and commercial buildings.

Multicriteria Aided Design of Integrated Heating-Cooling Energy Systems in Buildings

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the possible application of integrated heating-cooling systems in buildings. The general algorithm of integrated heating-cooling system design aid was formulated. The evaluation criteria of technically acceptable variants were defined. Fossil fuel energy consumption, carbon dioxide emission, investment, and total exploitation cost were identified as the most important factors describing the considered decision problem. The multicriteria decision aid method ELECTRE III was proposed as the decision tool for the choice of the most compromised variant. The proposed method was used for a case study calculation—the choice of an integrated heating-cooling system for an office building.