Net Zero Energy Buildings and efficient HVAC solutions hot topics at MCE

The biennial Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE), currently being held at Fiera Milano, covers an area of 325,000 m² and this year plays host to over 2100 exhibitors, each offering a range of ground-breaking solutions to help improve the energy performance of buildings. With a number of countries establishing long-term targets and regulations that require zero energy building construction, MCE 2012’s “Next Energy” exhibition space and “Zero Energy Buildings” seminars could signal the start of a promising future for heating and cooling equipment relying on natural refrigerants in the building sector.

Zero Energy Buildings – game-changer for energy efficient technology

In the global construction industry, the goal of designing zero energy buildings is rapidly becoming a key market driver. It has been suggested that by 2035 this market could reach a staggering $1.3 trillion (€0.97 trillion), whilst by 2020 worldwide revenue from the market is projected to hit $690 billion (€515 billion), with most growth occurring in the European Union.

Many different technologies can be used to make zero energy buildings possible, from efficient lighting, to glazing, insulation, solar photovoltaic and energy efficient HVAC systems such as CO₂ heat pumps, which are on show at the ALDES stand at the Mostra Convegno trade show.

MCE “Zero Energy Buildings” seminar organised by AICARR and REHVA

Looking at some of the drivers behind the shift towards zero energy buildings the Italian association for air conditioning, heating and refrigeration, AICARR, in association with REHVA, the Federation of European Heating and Air-conditioning Associations organised the popular workshop “Zero Energy Buildings”.

Presentations included:

• News from the European Commission: Mr Olli Seppänen, REHVA General Secretary, looked at both the EU roadmap for moving towards a low carbon economy by 2050 and the EU energy efficiency action plan. Within this context he discussed the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast, which requires that by 31 December 2020, all new buildings are nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB), requiring investment in highly efficient HVAC systems.

• Energy boundaries and scientific definition of nZEB based on the results of REHVA task Force: Livio Mazzarella, from the Polytechnic of Milan, presented a definition of nearly zero energy buildings, which are buildings that on an annual basis draw from outside sources equal or less energy than they provide using on-site, renewable energy sources. This general definition has been proposed by the REHVA nZEB task force to clarify the exact technical meaning of EPBD recast requirements in order to support national implementation.

• Energy Labeling, ECO Labeling and Certification in nZEB: Sylvain Courtey from, Eurovent Certification Company, talked about the different levels of certification from Ecodesign requirements to the European Eco-label, and the various requirements for HVAC products. Currently the 2002 Energy Labelling Directive covers Residential Air Conditioners, which will be replaced by a new Directive in 2013. In the future water boilers and heaters, including heat pumps, will also be subject to the Energy Labelling Directive, whilst Ecodesign will soon concern chillers and refrigeration.

“Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione” and “Progettare l’Efficienza è un’Arte”

The busy MCE Conference programme was accompanied by two unique initiatives, “Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione” and “Verso La Classe A 2012”, specialised exhibition spaces within the broader Mostra trade fair, where a selection of 117 of the most innovative and energy efficient products such as boilers, heat pumps and solar panels, were on display.

Also taking place was the prize giving ceremony the of Concorso di Idee 2011 “Progettare l’Efficienza è un’Arte”, launched and organised by VIESSMANN to promote energy efficiency and the integration of building architecture and engineering. Well-known Italian TV presenter Giorgio Tartaro awarded the prizes.