Abstract
Standards are evidence based on science, technology and practice. Test standards are rating procedures designed to give consistent outcomes. They are based on compliance organized and approved by a legally or consensually recognized body. They provide requirements, procedures and guidelines for testing design, installation, use and disposal. Standards aim to achieve component/system interoperability, satisfy legislation and facilitate healthy and safety. Standards can be an effective instrument for addressing energy efficiency in buildings to support the achievement of decarbonisation targets when there is effective enforcement through compliance checks, incentives and other supporting instruments. Building energy codes, also known in some countries as “energy standards for buildings”, “thermal building regulations”, “energy conservation building codes” or “energy efficiency building codes” are a policy instrument used by governments to limit energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment whilst ensuring occupant comfort. Building energy codes often stipulate desired energy efficiency characteristics for building by either prescribing minimum energy performance requirements for each building component or adopt a performance approach that requires a holistic assessment of building energy performance. This report presents an analysis of current test methods that can be applied to Solar Building Envelope (SBE) technologies. It is the result of the work of international experts within Subtask B of IEA SHC Task 56. Relevant standards for construction products, solar thermal collectors, photovoltaics, daylighting systems, ventilation devices and heat pumps are selected and assessed. The selection includes the most important standards for fire protection as applied to SBE technologies. For each standard, the report assesses its applicability to SBE technologies. At the end, recommendations are presented on how current standards and regulations could be improved to prepare the ground for a wider adoption of SBE systems.