Logo

Buildings Guide

Residential Services
Print

Active Options

Active technologies (options) involve the use of mechanical and electrical systems for the conditioning and running of a building. Active options should never be a substitute for good design. They should only be implemented when passive options alone are not sufficient to meet the minimum requirements. Best available technologies with high efficiency values should be used and be powered as far as possible by renewable energy.

Energy-efficient buildings can be achieved through a holistic design with energy-efficient technologies and intelligent building management. This holistic design follows the Strategic Approach paradigm of first implementing load-reducing “Passive Options” for building design, followed by energy-efficient “Active Options” for thermal conditioning and ventilation as needed and then fine-tuning building operation through “User Behaviour and Energy Management”.

How to use this tool:

This page allows you to see detailed information on the various design options (passive, active, user behaviour and energy management) to achieving energy efficient buildings. Please click a tab to read more about each option providing information on technology overview including a key message, energy efficiency potential, cost and energy savings data and good practice examples.

Select an Option

Passive Active User

Select available Technology

Was this page helpful?   Be the first to vote on this page!
Logo

makes energy efficiency in buildings and appliances transparent. For investors, policy-makers and actors involved in implementation and consultancy. Learn more ...

We recommend reading our essential documents on buildings:

Cover
Cover