ISO 13790 Building Energy Balance Testing for Environmental Certification

ISO 13790 Building Energy Balance Testing for Environmental Certification: A Comprehensive Guide

ISO 13790 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the requirements for building energy balance testing for environmental certification. The standard aims to ensure that buildings meet specific energy efficiency and environmental performance criteria, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The legal and regulatory framework surrounding ISO 13790 is governed by various national and international standards, regulations, and laws. Some of the key regulations include:

International and National Standards

The following international and national standards apply to ISO 13790 building energy balance testing for environmental certification:

Standard Development Organizations

ISO 13790 is developed and maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which is a non-governmental organization that develops, publishes, and promotes international standards. Other standard development organizations involved in building energy efficiency and environmental performance include:

Standard Evolution and Updates

Standards evolve over time to reflect changing technologies, regulations, and industry needs. ISO 13790 has undergone several revisions since its initial publication in 2008.

Standard Compliance Requirements

Compliance with ISO 13790 is mandatory for buildings seeking environmental certification. Building owners, designers, and operators must demonstrate that their buildings meet the standards requirements through regular energy audits and testing.

Industry-Specific Examples and Case Studies

The following industries and sectors require compliance with ISO 13790:

Example: A commercial building owner in a European country must comply with EU EPBD regulations, which require buildings to meet energy efficiency targets specified by ISO 13790.

Why is this test needed and required?

ISO 13790 building energy balance testing for environmental certification is essential for several reasons:

Consequences of not performing this test

Failure to conduct ISO 13790 building energy balance testing can lead to:

Step-by-Step Explanation of the Test

The ISO 13790 building energy balance testing process involves the following steps:

1. Building characterization: Gather information on building type, size, occupancy, and energy usage patterns.

2. Energy audit: Conduct an on-site energy audit to identify areas for improvement.

3. Data collection: Collect data on building energy consumption, including electricity, gas, and water use.

4. Testing equipment calibration: Calibrate testing equipment, such as meters and sensors, to ensure accuracy.

5. Testing procedure: Perform testing according to ISO 13790 requirements, including measurement of energy consumption, air leakage, and thermal performance.

Testing Equipment and Instruments

The following equipment is used for ISO 13790 building energy balance testing:

Testing Environment Requirements

The testing environment must meet specific requirements, including:

Sample Preparation Procedures

Building owners must prepare their buildings for testing by ensuring that all systems, including HVAC, lighting, and plumbing, are functioning as intended.

Testing Parameters and Conditions

The following parameters and conditions are measured during ISO 13790 testing:

Measurement and Analysis Methods

Data is collected using a variety of methods, including:

Calibration and Validation Procedures

Testing equipment must be calibrated and validated to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Quality Control Measures During Testing

Building owners must implement quality control measures during testing to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.

Test Results and Reporting

Results of the ISO 13790 building energy balance testing are reported in a detailed report, including:

The report is used by building owners to identify areas for improvement and implement measures to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts.

Standard-Related Information Conclusion

ISO 13790 building energy balance testing for environmental certification is an essential tool for building owners, designers, and operators seeking to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of their buildings. Compliance with ISO 13790 is mandatory in many countries, and building owners must demonstrate that their buildings meet the standards requirements through regular energy audits and testing.

Standard Requirements and Needs Conclusion

The consequences of not performing ISO 13790 building energy balance testing can be severe, including non-compliance with regulations, increased energy consumption and costs, negative environmental impacts, and reduced property value. Building owners must conduct this test to ensure compliance with national and international regulations and to reduce the environmental impact of their buildings.

Test Conditions and Methodology Conclusion

The ISO 13790 building energy balance testing process involves a series of steps, including building characterization, energy audit, data collection, testing equipment calibration, and testing procedure. The testing environment must meet specific requirements, and building owners must prepare their buildings for testing by ensuring that all systems are functioning as intended.

Test Results and Reporting Conclusion

The results of the ISO 13790 building energy balance testing are reported in a detailed report, including energy consumption data, air leakage rates, and thermal performance data. The report is used by building owners to identify areas for improvement and implement measures to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, ISO 13790 building energy balance testing for environmental certification is an essential tool for building owners seeking to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of their buildings. Compliance with ISO 13790 is mandatory in many countries, and building owners must demonstrate that their buildings meet the standards requirements through regular energy audits and testing.

Appendix

The following appendix provides additional information on ISO 13790: