Plus-Energy Building

Sustainable and environmentally sound building technology

The Communication Building, constructed in 2012, was designed as a plus-energy house. A plus-energy building generates more energy than it consumes for heating and electricity. The positive energy balance is achieved through optimal insulation, energy-efficient heating technologies, and the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, bioenergy, wind, or hydropower.

The building’s photovoltaic system generates more energy than it´s necessary for its primary energy demand, producing a surplus of energy based on calculated usage. Notably, the building undercuts the allowable energy efficiency standards set by the 2009 Energy Saving Ordinance for non-residential buildings by an impressive 70%.

For this achievement, it was awarded the climate protection badge „H.ausgezeichnet“, which recognises highly energy-efficient residential and non-residential buildings in Rhineland-Palatinate. To meet the criteria of a plus-energy house, the components described below play a crucial role.

The photovoltaic system supplies the building complex with electricity. Power surpluses are used to supply other buildings on campus.
A highly efficient building envelope ensures the minimisation of the heating demand. This is achieved by insulating the exterior walls, the floor slab and the roof with insulating materials,
windows with triple thermal insulation glazing and insulated window frames.
Smart LED lighting technology uses sensors for demand-oriented control (motion detectors, dimmers).
The building has a modern building management system that controls the solar input and internal heat sources in combination with highly efficient heat recovery of the ventilation technology in such a way that only a small amount of local heat is required and optimal energy management is ensured.

Tips and measures

Check the insulation of walls and roof as well as the quality of windows and doors

Use sustainable/renewable raw materials for insulation

Consider the use of ventilation technology and photovoltaics

Check governmental funding programmes for innovative technologies and materials

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