Magne Karoliussen (45) and Anette Ihle (45) have lived in the house in Stavanger since 1991 for the past 14 years. Together they have children Mie (10) and Stellan (12). In winter, the tiny family could feel drafts from the windows and walls. The house did not keep the heat well, and they could hear noise from the cars on the E39 nearby. Acquaintances recommended that they contact several craftsmen to collect offers. The house received an energy rating of E. What would it take to get a more energy-friendly house? A craftsman recommended a number of measures: Changing to windows with three layers of glass Installing balanced ventilation Upgrading the body of the building Six months later, the craftsmen were starting the work, which took just over two months. Karoliussen and Ihle are very satisfied with the result. The indoor climate is better, and the house retains more heat. – It’s not as cold as the floor. And at night there is noticeably less noise from outside than before, says Ihle, referring to car traffic on the E39. Magne Karoliussen and his family had the ventilation that had to go between the floors “cased”. The craftsmen pulled the wall out somewhat, making room for built-in shelves and a TV hidden in the wall as a frame. Photo: Øystein Otterdal / news EU directive can result in large expenses for Norwegians If we are to believe the reports from Brussels, very many Norwegian households may be required to carry out similar upgrades as Ihle and Karoliussen. Here are some of the measures currently being discussed among EU member states: New buildings must be zero-emission buildings from 2030. Energy efficiency: The 15 percent worst insulated buildings must be upgraded by 2030. The second worst must be renovated by 2033. The energy labeling changes: A must correspond to zero-emission buildings and G must be the worst 15 percent. The EU sees a great need for energy efficiency to reduce household energy consumption and to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The Council of the European Union agreed this autumn on a proposal for a “building energy directive”. This is being negotiated now. – The member states have proposed that all buildings should have energy class D by 2033, but we know that many in the EU parliament will go even further, says consumer and communications manager Carsten Henrik Pihl at the interest organization Huseierne. Three layers of glass contribute to a better indoor temperature all year round at the home of the Ihle Karoliussen family. Photo: Øystein Otterdal / news He follows the development closely and is excited about the end result. Will some housing types get exemptions? What will the directive mean for Norwegian consumers? A final decision is expected in January or February. In any case, Norway will be bound by the directive because we are part of the EEA agreement. – If you want to upgrade the home, for example, to the standard from 2010, you have to change the windows and re-insulate. This could cost between half a million and one million kroner for an ordinary house, says Pihl, who emphasizes that the price depends on how big the upgrades are needed. Received financial support from the state NOK 500,000 to NOK 1 million in upgrades is a significant sum for the vast majority of people. It was also the case for the household of Karoliussen and Ihle, which confirms that the total amount ended up in this price range. – I feel that we have received a lot for our money, and that it has been a sensible investment, says Ihle. In total, they received NOK 115,000 in support from Enova for the upgrades. Applying for the support was also not as bureaucratic as Ihle and Karoliussen had feared, thanks to help with documentation requirements from Bjerga Bygg. Anette Ihle notices that the indoor climate has improved after the renovation. The windows let in less heat in the summer, and retain the heat better in the winter. Photo: Øystein Otterdal / news The upgrades contribute to the energy demand in the house being around 40 per cent lower than before. Karoliussen and Ihle’s home went from energy label E to C after the craftsmen had done their part. – If the EU directive is adopted, this family would probably be ordered to improve the home by 2033. This is really very dramatic, and something people should think about before they buy an old home, says general manager Tor Erland Asdahl at Bjerga Bygg. He says that he is surprised by what is apparently coming from the EU. – As I read it, this will be a case that could have enormous significance for Norwegian homeowners, says Asdahl. May apply to every fourth home Based on the EU Commission’s original proposal, Huseierne calculated that approximately 200,000 Norwegian detached houses, semi-detached houses and terraced houses would be covered by the proposal. New rules or not, Homeowners notice that more and more people want to introduce measures to reduce electricity costs. – In slightly older and drafty houses, you can quickly halve your heating costs by improving energy efficiency, says Carsten Pihl. Asdahl in Bjerga Bygg does the same, who says that it will often pay off in the form of Enova support with a comprehensive upgrade. – Most of us, myself included, would probably prefer to do it step by step. But to get as much public support as possible, it might be worth doing everything at once, he says. – Such public support schemes are needed to get people on board with the green shift, says Magne Karoliussen, who is delighted with the upgrades and financial support from Enova. Photo: Øystein Otterdal / news Both Homeowners Carsten Henrik Pihl and Bjerga Bygg CEO Tor Erland Asdahl recommend these measures in the first place for older houses: A heat pump. A small intervention, can be installed now and gives immediate effect in a time of high electricity prices. Replacing windows. Heat loss is greatest through the windows, and new energy-efficient windows can limit the loss. Additional insulation and windproofing
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Magne and Anette have already taken action at home – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
