Estimation of energy consumption of different housing construction systems in study case in Spain

Abstract

First of all, this paper evaluates the energy consurnption of a building just in the construction and operation phase, inside the whole life cycle analysis. The study establishes a methodology to evaluate the energy consumption in terms of J per square meter of floor area, using a way based on accepted LCA practices. Secondly, this evaluation is focused on two terraced l10uses in a region of the centre of Spain. Both buildings have been built with similarity, and they have the same geometrical characteristics and typologies such as place, volume, area site, orientation and econornical level. Nevertheless, both have different construction system. The one has been built with low environmental impact materials, such as structural wood, softwood window frames, cork on insulation no PVC, low VOC paints, etc. The other one has been built with conventional construction materials, such as steel reinforced concrete, aluminium window frames, polyurethane insulation, PVC pipes, etc. Those latter materials are the most commonly used on habitual construction in this region. Both evaluations are compared. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the influence of the chosen construction system in energy consumption. Energy dernand for construction operations depends on the construction system and the selection of construction materials too. There is a close relation between energy consumption and C02 emissions, as it is obvíous. The balance between those both construction system helps to offer alternatives to conventional construction of less environmental effects. Decision-makers, designers, architects have been able to assess the effects of sorne actions and to know sorne strategies concerned to energy conserving or other sustainable aspects.