Network Café Making existing homes more sustainable

Teus van Eck told a very full audience how to make existing homes more sustainable. He did this using a 10-step plan. The first 9 steps deal with the most relevant parts of your home and how they can be improved. You need to do the first 9 steps before you start on step 10.

He pointed out to us some of the attention/bottlenecks that come up in sustainability:

- Many people do not have money to invest in these kinds of measures.

- Tenants are dependent on the landlord.

- Low-income people often have homes with high energy consumption.

- Energy for homes is only 15-20% of total energy demand. If we do not change our behaviour with regard to transport, food and buying behaviour, we will continue to mop the water off.

- Fortunately, fantastic (technical) developments are taking place. Where possible, opt for a neighbourhood approach.

During his presentation, he went through all 10 steps, namely:

  1. How is the current situation regarding energy consumption, insulation, heat leaks, air leaks, mode of occupancy.

  2. How is the heating system functioning and is Low Temperature (LT) heating already possible?

  3. Insulation value of the external envelope (facades, roofs floor) and possibilities for improvement.

  4. Insulation value of glass, window frames and doors and possibilities for improvement.

  5. Ventilation and heat recovery (CHP).

  6. How do we regulate indoor temperatures?

  7. Domestic hot water (use, installations, consequences LT heating).

  8. Cooling: is it necessary and if so, as sustainable as possible.

  9. How do we limit electricity consumption for appliances (fridge, washing machine, etc.)?

And only then

10. Choose the right energy sources. Think solar PV, solar thermal, external heat sources with collective systems, heat pumps, biomass, energy storage, sustainable hydrogen and infrared.

It was a very interesting talk, but just talking about sustainability will not get you there, action is required.

Using a 10-step plan, Teus van Eck explains how you, can make your existing home more sustainable:

  1. What is the current situation regarding energy consumption, insulation, heat leaks, air leaks, mode of occupancy. To what extent is it necessary/desirable to do it together with the neighbours/neighbourhood? Are there plans for renovation anyway?
  2. How is the heating system functioning and is L(age) T(emature) heating already possible?
  3. Insulation value of the external envelope (facades, roofs floor) and possibilities for improvement.
  4. Insulation value of glass, window frames and doors and the possibilities for improvement.
  5. Ventilation and W(armte)T(erug)W(inning).
  6. How do we regulate indoor temperature?
  7. Domestic hot water (use, installations, consequences LT heating).
  8. Cooling. Is it necessary and, if so, as sustainable as possible.
  9. How do we reduce electricity consumption of equipment?
  10. Choose the right energy sources. Think solar PV, solar thermal, external heat sources with collective systems, heat pumps, biomass, energy storage, sustainable hydrogen and infrared.

It requires a huge commitment and change in current economic thinking. Put your shoulders to the wheel, do it together, solidarity, it must become a supported challenge !

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