The ECBCS Research Programme

The IEA (International Energy Agency) Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems (ECBCS) Programme carries out research and development activities toward near-zero energy and carbon emissions in the built environment. The R&D activities focus on the integration of energy-efficient and sustainable technologies into healthy buildings and communities. ECBCS projects and activities have produced long-lasting decision-making tools and integrated systems technologies. Outcomes from the Programme are publicised through many seminars and conferences. ECBCS' mission is to develop and facilitate the integration of technologies and processes for energy efficiency.

The remit of the ECBCS Programme covers every aspects of energy conservation in buildings and community systems. Significantly, community wide energy systems are taking on increasing importance in providing energy services to buildings. For all building types, there are many issues relating to design, construction and performance in practice that need to be resolved. Therefore, the Programme carries out projects in the following areas:
  • Community scale energy systems
  • Performance benchmarking
  • Integrated system design including renewable energy sources
  • Renovation and retrofit
  • Construction technologies
  • Electric lighting and daylighting
  • Energy measurement, management & auditing
  • Environmental assessment
  • Thermal simulation
  • Ventilation
  • Control of moisture in buildings

Specifically for non-residential buildings, we have carried out research to better understand how energy reduction may be achieved through improved design and operation of systems, including:

  • Low energy cooling systems
  • Fault detection and commissioning

Sometimes challenges posed by certain building types require special attention. Therefore, the ECBCS Programme has undertaken projects on the following end use sectors:

  • Educational buildings
  • Office buildings
  • Hospitals
  • Residential buildings
Newsletter Newsletter

ECBCS News is published twice each year (in June and December). It is intended for a general audience of those active in fields relating to operational energy saving for buildings and community systems.

The December 2012 edition features articles on -

  • Large Scale Retrofitting of Buildings in Spain
  • Case Studies & Guidelines for Energy Efficient Communities
  • Net Zero Energy Residential Building Case Studies
  • High Temperature Cooling & Low Temperature Heating in Buildings
Annual Report Annual Report

The Annual Report provides an overview of progress made by the ECBCS Programme, including summaries of new, ongoing and recently completed projects.

Site updated - November 2012