What steps for an efficient energy transformation of the building?

Greenflex presents here 10 action ideas to adapt the building sector to the repercussions of global warming throughout the life cycle (temperatures, droughts, floods, availability of materials and energy, etc.). Obviously not exhaustive, these concrete avenues aim to help private and public actors to get started in the short term and anticipate essential changes in the medium term.

Short term

1 - Install shade, sunshades or other devices to combat high heat

For example, as part of the EnergieSprong project, the Georges Rascol school in Saint-Jean-de-Védas has installed sunshades in particular to improve summer comfort and reduce glare for users.

2 - Green roofs to help insulate buildings, limit indoor temperature rises and reduce urban heat islands

For example, the roofs of the 25 Verde building in Turin are entirely green. The interior courtyard has also been designed like a forest and each apartment has two adult-sized trees on its terrace.

3- Increase the albedo and thermal inertia of buildings by using suitable coverings and materials

E.g. repainting roofs and dark surfaces reduces their reflective effect. Cool Roof offers this type of solution in particular, with a low-tech and social justice approach.

4 - Integrate anti-flooding construction devices and prevent shrinkage-swelling of clays

For example, to protect against flooding, we can integrate piles and floating bridges into constructions. In areas subject to shrinkage-swelling of clays, deeper foundations can be made and avoid planting trees near buildings.

5 – Implement rainwater management systems

For example, the heart of the vegetated block of the Bonne ZAC is equipped with infiltration wells which make it possible to recover rainwater from the park rather than discharging it into the sanitation network.

Medium and long term

6 - Carry out technical and bio-geo-climatic studies for each new construction or renovation project, in order to integrate climatic hazards

For example, tools allow you to visualize simulated climate changes for decades to come, the resilience of territories and their vulnerability to different criteria (floods, droughts, biodiversity, storms, etc.).

7 - Develop low-tech/eco-designed ventilation and air conditioning solutions and encourage their deployment in existing systems

Ex. adiabatic air conditioning is a cooling technique which relies on the evaporation of water to lower the air temperature. It consumes up to 10 times less energy than traditional air conditioning and uses equipment without refrigerant.

8 - Give a second life to existing infrastructure and materials, and extend their lifespan thanks to flexibility and mixed uses

For example, in Suresnes, the former Airbus laboratories have been transformed to accommodate student accommodation, shops and tertiary spaces. The project was designed with an approach of reusing as many materials as possible, and Zero Net Artificialization.

9 - Deartificialize soils and reintegrate nature into the city by choosing local species adapted to current and future climatic hazards

For example, in Medellin, Colombia, green corridors have been created, using carefully selected species. They have made it possible to reduce the urban heat island effect.

10 - Promote energy self-consumption

For example in Lyon, Hikari is a positive energy island, bringing together offices, housing and shops. It relies on photovoltaic panels on the facade and roof, a geothermal system and a cogeneration plant with an absorption machine.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.