The Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory (LREC) promotes an initiation course on the "Passive House" Methodology in Ponta Delgada on October 24-26.
 
The course aims to provide participants with knowledge on the key concepts associated with the thermal performance of buildings and the principles of bioclimatic building. Moreover, it is also intended to disseminate the main requirements and criteria of the "Passive House" methodology for the development of thermal projects in buildings with high energy performance.
 
Furthermore, the initiative also aims to provide detailed information on the calculation algorithm - thermal balance - used by the "Passive House" concept and develop a monitored case study to consolidate the knowledge acquired during the course.
 
The research on energy consumption of buildings and zero or almost zero carbon emissions, "Near Zero-Energy Buildings" (NZEB), has intensified. In this regard, the European Union published in 2010 the amendments to the directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD). This legal document ensures that the new buildings in all Member States will have nearly zero energy needs by 2020; energy reduction in this area is a priority under the 20-20 goals.
 
Those interested in participating may register on the LREC page at the address www.lrec.azores.gov.pt, where they may follow this course.