
TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY:
Building Performance Engineering

Where do we start?
Energy Audit
Energy diagnosis for buildings is a systematic process that allows you to evaluate the energy efficiency of a building, identifying critical points and opportunities for improvement. Here is a general guide to the main steps: ________________________________________ 1. Gathering preliminary information - General data of the building: Year of construction, intended use, size, number of floors, usable surface area. - Technical documentation: Architectural, plant and structural projects, existing energy certificates, any previous diagnoses. - Energy consumption: Gas, electricity and other energy bills for the last 3 years. ________________________________________ 2. Visual inspection and on-site surveys - Check the condition of the building envelope (walls, roofs, windows, thermal bridges). - Check the heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and domestic hot water production systems. - Detection of any energy losses or problems (e.g. air infiltrations, insufficient insulation). ________________________________________ 3. Energy consumption analysis - Analyze recorded consumption by comparing it with standard parameters (e.g. local climate data and building type). - Use specific software to simulate the energy behavior of the building. - Identify any anomalies or inefficiencies. ________________________________________ 4. Advanced measurements and tools - Thermography: To identify heat loss or thermal bridges. - Blower Door Test: To measure the air tightness of the building. - Instrumental monitoring: Sensors for temperature, humidity and energy consumption in real time. ________________________________________ 5. Energy modeling - Create an energy model of the building to simulate energy performance. - Evaluate intervention scenarios: improvements to the envelope, updating of systems, integration of renewable energy. ________________________________________ 6. Proposal for improvement interventions - define concrete solutions such as: - Additional thermal insulation (walls, roof, floors). - Replacement of windows with high-performance glass. - Installation of condensing boilers, heat pumps or photovoltaic solar systems. - Introduction of controlled mechanical ventilation systems (VMC). - Calculate the expected energy savings, investment costs and payback time. ________________________________________ 7. Drafting the energy diagnosis report The report must include: - The current energy status of the building. - The inefficiencies found. - Suggested interventions, with cost-benefit analysis. - A plan to monitor improvements after implementation.
Thermographic analysis
Thermographic surveys are essential tools in building energy diagnosis for several reasons: 1. Identifying heat loss: Thermographies allow you to identify areas where the building loses heat (or gains heat in the summer), such as poorly insulated window frames, poorly insulated walls or thermal bridges. These losses are difficult to identify with traditional methods, but with thermography they become immediately visible. 2. Inspection without damaging the structure: Thermographic surveys are non-invasive, which means that it is not necessary to physically intervene on the surfaces of the building. The analysis is carried out simply by detecting the temperature of the surfaces through the use of a thermal camera. 3. Monitoring energy losses: They allow you to map energy losses in real time, precisely identifying where to intervene to improve energy efficiency, reduce consumption and cut costs. 4. Insulation assessment: Thermographies clearly highlight the quality of insulation in every part of the building, such as walls, roofs, floors and windows. They allow you to detect areas with poor insulation or deterioration of insulation materials. 5. Checking systems and equipment: Thermographic surveys can also be used to analyze the efficiency of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, detecting any malfunctions or defects that could compromise energy performance. 6. Preventing structural damage: Thermography can also reveal humidity or water infiltration that could lead to structural damage or compromise internal comfort. Identifying these problems at an early stage can avoid costly repair work in the future. 7. Planning renovations: When undertaking a renovation, thermography provides precise data to plan targeted interventions, such as adding thermal insulation or replacing windows, resulting in energy savings and improvements in the building's performance. In short, thermographic surveys offer a detailed and immediate overview of the energy efficiency of a building, allowing you to identify and resolve energy problems in a targeted and effective way

NZEB
Design of a building that meets the requirements of NZEB ( Near Zero Energy Building )
focuses on:
- low energy requirements:
The building is designed to minimize energy consumption, thanks to solutions that improve thermal insulation, system efficiency and energy performance optimization.
- production of energy from renewable sources:
A significant portion of the energy required is produced on-site or nearby using systems that exploit renewable sources (e.g. photovoltaic panels, solar thermal, heat pumps, geothermal).
- advanced energy efficiency:
The building envelope (walls, windows, roof, floors) is designed to reduce heat loss and improve living comfort, thanks to the use of innovative materials and advanced technologies.
What we intend to achieve during the renovation?
Energy Requalification
The efficiency of a thermo-technical system depends on an integrated design that combines:
• High efficiency envelope and systems.
• Use of renewable sources.
• Intelligent and adaptive management.
The most efficient thermal design solutions combine advanced technologies and energy optimization strategies:

1. Advanced thermal insulation systems Good insulation reduces the energy requirement for heating and cooling. High-performance insulation materials: - Rock wool or glass wool: Excellent thermal and acoustic resistance. - Polyurethane foam panels: High efficiency and reduced thickness. - Aerogel: Innovative material with excellent insulating properties. - Natural insulators: Cork, wood fiber, hemp, or cellulose for sustainable solutions. Design of construction details - Minimize thermal bridges. - Use of external thermal jackets to even out wall insulation. ________________________________________ 2. High-efficiency heating and cooling systems A. Heat pumps Air-to-water or geothermal heat pumps: - Suitable for heating, cooling and domestic hot water. - High COP (Coefficient of Performance) and use of renewable energy. B. Radiant systems Radiant floors, walls or ceilings: - They even out heat distribution and improve comfort. - They work at low temperatures, increasing the efficiency of heat pumps. C. Hybrid systems Combination of heat pumps with condensing boilers for high thermal needs. ________________________________________ 3. Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) A. Heat recovery CMV systems with heat recovery units allow heat to be transferred from the outgoing air to the incoming air, reducing energy consumption. B. Integrated dehumidification Essential for humid climates or in buildings with radiant systems. ________________________________________ 4. Optimization of domestic hot water - Heat pumps for DHW: They offer high efficiency compared to traditional boilers. - Stratified storage tanks: They allow for optimizing the withdrawal of hot water. - Intelligent recirculation: Minimizes heat losses in distribution systems. ________________________________________ 5. High-performance building envelope A. High-performance glass - Triple glazing with low-emissivity coating and thermal break frames. - Selective glass to reduce heat gain in summer and maximize natural light. B. Ventilated roofs Reduction of summer overheating and better winter insulation. C. Dynamic shading Adjustable external sunshades or awnings to control solar radiation. ________________________________________ 6. Maintenance and monitoring: - Implement predictive maintenance systems based on sensors that detect malfunctions. - Monitor energy consumption with analysis platforms to identify inefficiencies

What tools and solutions do we suggest to improve the performance of the building and the efficiency of your investment?

The introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has represented a fundamental turning point in the energy and heating design sector, offering new opportunities to improve the efficiency and quality of heating design services.
The combined use of Building Information Modeling and Building Energy Modeling (BEM) in design allows the integration of geometric, functional and performance data to optimize energy performance and overall design.
What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)? - It is a process based on a 3D digital model that integrates all the relevant information of a building throughout its life cycle: design, construction, operation and maintenance. - In the context of thermotechnical engineering, BIM facilitates planning and coordination between HVAC, water, electrical and structural systems. Applications of BIM in thermotechnical design 1. Interdisciplinary coordination: - integrates heating, cooling, ventilation and hydraulic systems with the architecture and structure of the building. - identifies and resolves conflicts (e.g. collisions between ducts and structures) already in the design phase. 2. System simulation: - models the paths of fluids (air, water) to optimize energy distribution. - simulates the efficiency of thermal systems in different configurations. 3. Data management: - stores information on insulation materials, HVAC equipment, thermal bridges and control systems. - makes maintenance more efficient, thanks to a complete database of systems. 4. Integration with BEM: - Exports the geometric and technical data needed to perform detailed energy analyses. ________________________________________ What is Building Energy Modelling (BEM)? - It is a process that uses dynamic simulations to predict the energy behaviour of a building. - Evaluates aspects such as energy consumption, thermal comfort, heating/cooling needs and the impact of renewable sources. Applications of BEM in thermotechnical design 1. Energy performance simulation: - Analyzes the energy behaviour of the building throughout the year. - Optimizes orientation, shape, insulation materials and thermotechnical systems. 2. Calculation of thermal demand: - Estimates thermal loads to correctly size HVAC systems. - Includes analysis of the building envelope and solar gains. 3. Optimization of design solutions: - Compares different design scenarios to identify the most efficient combination. - Evaluate the impact of passive solutions (e.g. insulation, orientation) and active solutions (e.g. heat pumps, solar panels). 4. Renewable energy integration: - Simulate the integration of photovoltaic, solar thermal, geothermal and other renewable sources. - Optimize the management of energy produced and stored. 5. Comfort analysis: - Evaluate thermal comfort parameters, indoor air quality and natural lighting. ________________________________________ The integration between BIM and BEM offers a complete approach to design highly efficient buildings. Here is how they interconnect: 1. Data transfer: - BIM provides BEM with information on geometries, materials, HVAC systems and loads. - BEM returns simulation results to BIM to update the project. 2. Workflow automation: Software such as Revit, ArchiCAD or Bentley can be connected to energy simulation tools (e.g. IES VE, EnergyPlus, TRNSYS) to transfer data seamlessly. 3. Iterative design: The continuous collaboration between BIM and BEM allows you to test design solutions and implement changes in real time, improving efficiency and reducing errors. 4. Optimization and regulatory compliance: - The BEM model can verify compliance with energy rating systems (e.g. LEED, BREEAM). - BIM integrates the results into the digital model to ensure that all specifications are met. ________________________________________ What are the advantages of the BIM-BEM combination in thermotechnical design? - Efficiency: It reduces time and costs thanks to integrated planning. - Precision: It provides accurate estimates of energy consumption and system sizing. - Collaboration: Improves communication between the different disciplines involved in the project. - Sustainability: Facilitates the achievement of energy efficiency and emissions reduction objectives. - Post-construction management: Improves maintenance thanks to complete traceability of the systems. ________________________________________ The integration between BIM and BEM is a powerful tool for thermotechnical design, allowing to create more efficient, sustainable and energy-compliant buildings. For complex projects, this approach is increasingly essential.
What does energy and environmental certification mean and why can they be useful to you?
Certification of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability
Energy certification is important for several reasons: 1. Energy saving: It allows you to understand the energy efficiency of a property, highlighting any improvements that could reduce consumption and costs related to heating, cooling and lighting. 2. Reduction of environmental impact: It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of energy resources, promoting the use of renewable sources and more sustainable solutions. 3. Real estate enhancement: A property with a good energy class is generally more appreciated on the market, as it promises lower long-term management costs. 4. Legislative regulations: In many countries, it is mandatory to provide energy certification in the case of buying or selling a property, as required by European directives and local regulations. 5. Tax incentives: Energy certification is often required to access tax bonuses and incentives related to energy efficiency, such as those for the renovation and installation of low environmental impact systems. Energy certification serves to promote greater awareness of energy efficiency, improve the quality of the built environment and stimulate the real estate market towards greener and more convenient solutions. In Italy, energy and environmental certification systems for buildings play a fundamental role in promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental protection. These systems evaluate the energy performance and environmental impact of buildings, promoting the adoption of sustainable building technologies and practices. Environmental certification systems are voluntary standards recognized at international or national level that evaluate the environmental impact of buildings throughout their life cycle. Among the main ones: 1. CASACLIMA (KlimaHaus) System developed in Alto Adige that evaluates the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of new or renovated buildings. 2. ITACA Protocol developed in Italy based on Green Public Procurement (GPP) criteria. It is often used for the evaluation of public buildings. 3. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) International certification promoted by the Green Building Council. It assesses aspects such as energy efficiency, water use, sustainable materials and indoor environmental quality. 4. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) British environmental assessment method that analyses aspects such as site management, energy, transport, materials, waste and health. 5. WELL Building Standard Certification that focuses on the health and well-being of occupants, including factors such as lighting, air quality, water and comfort. ________________________________________ These systems represent an opportunity to incentivise a transition towards more sustainable construction, improving the economic and environmental value of buildings

CasaClima
CasaClima presents itself as a fundamental platform for the development of projects at a national level throughout Italy that promotes the construction of buildings that comply with specific criteria of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, with the aim of minimizing energy consumption and improving the quality of life of the inhabitants. The main characteristics of the CasaClima system are: 1. Energy efficiency: CasaClima certified buildings must be designed to reduce energy consumption, using solutions that maximize the performance of the building envelope, the efficiency of the systems and the use of renewable energy. 2. Certification based on precise standards: CasaClima issues a certification that attests the energy class of the building based on rigorous calculations and measurements, including thermal insulation, quality of materials and design. 3. Living comfort: CasaClima also pays particular attention to internal comfort, ensuring healthy and well-ventilated environments. Aspects related to air quality, thermal well-being and humidity management are also promoted. 4. Environmental sustainability: In addition to energy efficiency, CasaClima also evaluates the environmental impact of buildings, encouraging the use of ecological materials and the adoption of solutions for the use of renewable energy, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and photovoltaic systems. 5. The careful control of the project documentation and energy calculation by the CasaClima Agency and the direct checks on the construction site for each individual building ensure that quality is not only designed, but also actually implemented. Over the years of its life, the CasaClima project has been able to spread a real culture of energy efficiency and sustainable living, becoming a quality brand that guarantees not only low energy consumption and limited environmental impacts, but also excellent living comfort and, consequently, a higher value of the property. One of the strengths of the CasaClima model is represented by the continuous updating of the evaluation system carried out both by the CasaClima Agency staff and by countless consultants, contractors and suppliers (CasaClima Network). In essence, CasaClima is synonymous with buildings that meet high standards of energy efficiency, sustainability and comfort, representing an important step towards more ecological and conscious construction.