A Comparison Between Spanish and Australian Building Energy Efficiency Codes. A Case Study

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to compare the requirements established by Spanish and Australian Building Codes in energy efficiency terms through a case study. First the BCA (Building Code of Australia) was analyzed in detail by studying its structure and finding a correlation of the sections with the Spanish Building Code (CTE; Código Técnico de la Edificación) in Spain. Then the contents in both regulations were identified; as were the building classification; usages and climate zones by climate severity defined for summer and winter using accumulated global radiation and degree per day average. Other factors; such as solar heat gain coefficient; helped develop and facilitate the comparison between both Building Codes. To illustrate the comparison; a detached house was analyzed by implementing the energy requirements for both Building Codes; and by providing construction solutions through natural insulation. The points that presented de most notable differences were identified; as well as the topics with more restrictive regulation notable differences; whose regulation is more restrictive in each aspect. Finally; a programmed software; capable of automatically determining these data; was developed to facilitate the comparison for any other case study.