LIFE & Energy Efficiency The EU LIFE Programme Since 1992, LIFE has contributed to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental policy and legislation by co-financing pilot or demonstration projects with European added value. In the Energy field, LIFE has been continuously supporting innovative projects that upgrade energy technologies and processes - both in the public and private sectors - all over the EU.
Photo: LIFE06 ENV/L/000121 - Dupont Energain/Hawkes
Energy efficient buildings
EFFERNERGY
Project number: LIFE06 ENV/L/000121 Title: EFFERNERGY - Energy Efficient Building Systems Beneficiary: Du Pont Contact: Wim Maes Email: Wim.Maes@lux.dupont.com Website: http://www.effenergy.dupont.com
This project developed two new insulation products that improve the thermal performance of existing buildings: •
An “easy to install” thermal mass panel that can be used inside walls, floors and ceilings, including in existing buildings. This panel, called DuPont Energain, works by absorbing heat in the daytime and releasing it at night, thus evening out temperature fluctuations in buildings and reducing their energy consumption by 20- 60%. For example, a 200 m2 building fitted with these thermal mass panels might save between 4 011 kWh and 6 101 kWh per year depending on its location in Europe. In independent tests using a house with two identical attics, the panelled attic was up to 7°C cooler in the summer, whilst during he winter the total energy required to keep it at a constant temperature of 20°C was 8% less.
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An insulation system based on two reflective breathable membranes (DuPont Tyvek Enercor) that combines heat loss reduction and weather proofing. If fitted with this system, a house with 150 m2 of roof surface and 100 m2 of wall surface could achieve energy savings of 1 542 kWh/yr. This would result in annual economic savings of between €93 and €231.
Environment