Buildings already represent 40% of primary energy use globally, and if we include the energy consumed in manufacturing the steel, cement, aluminum and glass used in building construction, this number grows to more than 50%.

In Romania 38% of the thermal energy consumption could be saved through minimal thermal rehabilitation of existing residential blocks.

The CO2 emission reduction potential from the thermal rehabilitation of old blocks alone is 4 million tons of CO2 per year. The good news is that the thermal rehabilitation of existing blocks program has made notable progress with 300 buildings expected to be finalized by the end of this year.

The first eco heated apartment building was also inaugurated in Sancraiu, Mures back in 2008. The building is built on a metal structure and heated with geothermal pumps that use ground heating and do not pollute. Using hot air pumped from the depths (130-150 metres) of the earth is not only an ecological process, but it is also cheaper than traditional methods of heating homes.

What’s more important is that starting with 2010 all existing buildings/apartments must have the energy performance certificate when sold or rented. The law is one of the main legislative instruments already “in force” for monitoring the energy efficiency level of the Romanian homes and encourages the development of high efficient buildings.

first Romanian passive house

New buildings have the main saving potential (both energy consumption and CO2 emissions). And first steps have been done into this direction, too. From the first passive house and first office building built in Romania by the owners of a sustainable construction company to full residential projects  – the first steps towards sustainability have been made.

Armonia (Harmony) is just one of the upcoming passive houses quarters to be built in the energy efficient (Therma-Protect in the specific example above) system. The thermal coefficient of all houses is 0.14W (m2 * K) and is part of the economic class KFW60 - in accordance with European decree on energy saving.

In the same sustainable and efficient manner, Green Renovation - started by Romania Green Building Council – is a contest for students that focuses on creative approaches to the concept of green renovation of a building. The aim is to design a renovation project of a typical Romanian apartment or single family home in order to create a better living space, in terms of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort and impact on the environment.

With over 250 attendees for the full day event, Build Green Romania: Construieste Verde! (photos, videos from the event)was an important conference that gathered real estate developers, construction companies, construction technology, materials, and expertise providers, financial institutions with energy efficiency focused products, academics, and government agencies  interested in understanding the next generation of greener buildings.

Thankfully, every little step we’ve already done and every other project on the role put this nation on the right track, allowing us to envision a country with buildings that consume zero energy.

It’s no longer a matter of ‘yes, we can’, but one of ‘yes, we’re doing it.’

Title inspired by Steve Borncamp’s presentation