Reveal Marketing Research study in partnership with ProBCA – Building energy-efficient homes: The solution for Lower bills and a sustainable future
Reveal Market Resources Study No. 169
Bucharest, September 23, 2024. The rising cost of living prompts Romanians to prioritize the energy efficiency of homes to lower bills. At the same time, climate change and European regulations require new constructions and major renovations to comply with the nZEB (nearly zero energy building) standard.
According to the latest study by Reveal Marketing Research, construction specialists emphasize the importance of choosing the right building materials to meet these requirements, with AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) being a relevant example due to its high energy performance.
The ideal home offers a balance between comfort and energy savings
For 67% of Romanians, energy efficiency is a key feature of the ideal home, and construction experts describe an energy-efficient home as one that is environmentally friendly, does not generate high costs for lighting, heating, and cooling, and maintains a constant indoor temperature.
Additionally, 80% of Romanians assess the value of a home based on its maintenance costs. In this context, specialists mention key factors for improving a home’s energy efficiency, including the choice of building materials and insulation, the importance of windows and doors, selecting the appropriate heating system, and saving electricity through solutions such as photovoltaic panels.
“Most clients are concerned with the energy coefficient these days, and many request photovoltaic panels. Additionally, the heat pump is a viable solution; although it requires a higher initial investment, the long-term benefits justify these costs,” notes D. Lelia, Construction Design Engineer.
Masonry materials can significantly contribute to the thermal insulation and energy efficiency of buildings
The nZEB standard (nearly zero energy buildings) focuses on the use of materials and technologies that enhance the thermal performance of buildings.
“Current regulations require all buildings to have near-zero energy consumption; however, implementing these can be challenging, especially due to higher initial costs or the need for more advanced construction techniques,” mentions D. Ciprian, Structural Engineer.
According to the 2023 study, 56% of specialists stated that one of the main reasons they prefer to build with AAC is the material’s good energy efficiency, a percentage that has seen a significant increase compared to the previous study (49%).
In the current year’s study, experts describe AAC as offering high thermal resistance due to its porous structure, which helps maintain a constant indoor temperature, thus reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
“AAC has superior thermal efficiency compared to brick. It is easy to handle and work with. It prevents the formation of dampness or mold if properly insulated, and it maintains the indoor temperature well,” notes P. Mihai, Thermal Installations Engineer.
Furthermore, this material allows the construction of relatively thin walls without compromising thermal insulation, which also contributes to optimizing interior space, an important advantage in modern construction projects, especially in urban areas where space is limited.
Thus, using materials such as AAC is an important step in sustainable building and complying with nZEB standards, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
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About Reveal Marketing Research
Reveal Marketing Research is a full-service market research company specializing in marketing research, sociological studies, customer insight, business strategy, market development. With expertise in more than 20 industries, Reveal Marketing Research believes that market research is the foundation for making the right decisions and positioning brands. Its qualitative and quantitative solutions have been helping companies in Romania and other European countries for 16 years.
Reveal Market Resources, study no. 169: Reveal Market Resources is a data hub of free research studies given to advertisers with the aim of supporting the marketing and communications market in Romania.
Methodology: The study included a qualitative exploratory approach through 4 in-depth interviews with construction specialists (architect, structural engineer, builder, thermal installation engineer) aiming at a detailed analysis of this sector.