An Introduction to the ECBCS Programme
The IEA (International Energy Agency) Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems 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.
The Programme has been established on an equitable basis to carry out joint research projects. A contractual agreement provides the commonly agreed general rights and obligations for participants. Information about joining the programme can be found here.
The largest benefits arising from participation in ECBCS are those gained by national programmes, such as leverage of R&D resources, technology transfer, training and capacity-building. Countries lacking knowledge can benefit from the experiences of those with more expertise, thereby avoiding duplicated research efforts. In particular, countries can most easily realise the benefits of participation if their own experts have taken part in projects and have assisted in producing deliverables taking into account their national requirements and priorities.
Many current and former researchers from ECBCS projects are often directly involved in formulating standards, regulations and codes and will use the knowledge gained in their work for ECBCS to inform and improve them. This indirect form of deployment can be one by which the Programme has a strong although less obvious impact.
All member countries have the right to propose new projects, and each country then decides whether or not to participate on a case by case basis. Most ECBCS projects are carried out on a 'task shared' basis, in which participating organisations arrange for their own experts to take part. Certain projects are 'cost shared' in which participants contribute funding to achieve common objectives.
Information about joining the ECBCS Programme can be found here.
Strategic Planning - R&D Strategies
The R&D strategies are derived from research drivers, national programmes within IEA countries, and the IEA Future Building Forum Think Tank Workshop, held in March 2007. The R&D strategies represent a collective input of the Executive Committee members to exploit technological opportunities to save energy in the buildings sector, and to remove technical obstacles to market penetration of new energy conservation technologies. The R&D strategies apply to residential, commercial, office buildings and community systems, and will impact the building industry in three focus areas of R&D activities:
1. Dissemination
2. Decision-making
3. Building products and systems
View the full Strategic Plan 2007-2012 "Toward Near-Zero Primary Energy Use and Carbon Emissions in Buildings and Communities".
Further information
The latest news about the ECBCS can be found in the twice-yearly ECBCS News and in the latest Annual Report.
For further information, please contact the ESSU (secretariat) or the Executive Committee Chair:
Chair: Dr Morad R. Atif
Tel: +1 613 993 9580
Email: morad.atif@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
ESSU: Mr Malcolm Orme
Tel: +44 (0)121 262 1920
Email: essu@ecbcs.org
