Energy efficient houses built according to the energy performance requirements introduced in 2005 in Denmark

In order to meet new energy requirements introduced in Denmark in 2005 and prepare the way for future buildings with even lower energy consumption, single-family houses were built with the purpose to demonstrate that it is possible to build typical single-family houses with an energy consumption that meets the demands without problems concerning building technology or economy. The paper gives a brief presentation of the houses and the applied energy-saving measures. The paper also presents results from measurements of total energy consumption, indoor climate and air tightness. Measured and expected energy consumptions are compared and differences explained. Furthermore, results from detailed calculations of the utilization of electricity-related heat gains are presented including the potential for reductions in the electricity consumption using low-energy products. Looking at the energy consumption in relation to the energy framework draft for future new energy regulations, the paper concludes that the single houses can relatively easily keep the future energy framework. The energy consumption of the houses is on a level corresponding to a classification as low-energy house in class 2 or an energy consumption of 75% of the required maximum energy consumption. With minor modifications some houses could be classified as low-energy class 1 corresponding to an energy consumption of only 50% of the required.