Score - Sustainable Construction in Rural and Fragile Areas for Energy efficiency

The following guidelines come from a deep analysis of case studies, norms, and regulations, relating at both national and regional levels. This analysis is summarized in a card that can be downloaded in French language.

The natural lighting consists on guarantee a sufficient natural illuminance in buildings, without using electricity and artificial lighting.The unity measurement is the Daylight Factor (DF); it describes the ratio of outside illuminance over inside illuminance, expressed in per cent. In general words, sky is considered as misty with 10 000 lux; therefore, DF will be 2% with an inside illuminance of 200 lux.To improve the natural lighting, basic suggestions could be done:

• To adjust the position of windows
• To adapt the nature of glass (in regards to their light transmission index)
• The nature and the color of the floor-covering, the clearer they are, the more natural light they reflect
• Light shafts made ​​of highly reflective material to bring natural light into "blind" rooms

 French thermal regulations introduced in version 2012, take into consideration these factors by calculating the bioclimatic requirements (heating, cooling and lighting needs). Unfortunately, creating several openings can occur the following problems:

• Cost, a glass surface is more expensive than a solid surface
• Thermal performance, glasses are less isolating than solid walls
• Dazzling

To avoid these risks and put the glass in the right place and the right proportion, it is necessary to involve a specialized consultant, even if they are often too late in the design process.

Indication for the bio-construction action plan

Pursuant to the guidelines written above, are here synthetically reported the criteria/examples for pilot projects to be financed in MED territory, in relation with the specific treated theme. These criteria/examples, together with the ones resulting from all the themes of eco-construction tool matrix, will make up a Bio-construction Action Plan for each partner countries.Bio-climatism, which is part of natural lighting, being integrated in thermal regulation RT 2012, is well studied by professionals. However, a common computer tool would have to be used to pay attention at this theme at the first stage of the project. It would contribute not to increase costs in a too-high way, during this part where budget is usually really controlled. European programs would be interesting to be implemented to deep on these topics. Software already exists but are not sufficiently used. An advertising campaign for architects and engineers schools would contribute teaching users to new technologies.

Case studies

Plateforme technique de l’Arbois

Download PDF (France language)