Airtightness versus local mentality in South-Eastern Europe

Low or zero energy buildings are becoming increasingly popular and the use of passive-house principles are providing a solid foundation for achieving energy consumption targets and good indoor quality. However, such design methodology has been better received in central and northern Europe than in the south and the Mediterranean, where people are used to houses that are open to the external environment. This habit is in contrast to the basic principles of good airtightness, energy efficiency and the achievement of a good indoor air quality. Because of this mentality and current construction methods, it has been noticed, according to the European Environment Agency, that the average heating consumption of residential properties in Greece is almost double that of Sweden. To unlearn a given situation is more difficult than to learn something new and the current crisis is an opportunity to investigate new design principles and methodologies, to face the critical construction issues and challenges, to develop practical manufacturing solutions as well as to communicate that good airtightness is not a disadvantage. A zero energy building procedure in southern and Mediterranean climate should balance the proper design requirements with the, often contradictory, local ways and demands of using buildings. Furthermore, this procedure should place much importance on the human experience and satisfaction with the building’s architecture and user’s habits, rather than just the national or European legislations based on numbers. A building needs good airtightness but this requirement sounds like a negative and deterrent request to local communities. Research over the last 12 years of the Greek experience constitutes a practical field of experiments with different results to take in to consideration and avoid compromising the way to a low-consumption society with proper indoor air quality. Especially regarding airtightness, there cannot be any achievement without the acceptance and the contribution of the local population. This research was based on BlowerDoor tests applied in Greece since 2010 and reflects the situation on the existing building stock, along with interviews with home owners and professionals (engineers, architects and contractors), and provides conclusions and suggestions for similar cases.