Research of Some Aspects of Relation Between Ecology and Energy Efficiency In Tradtional Architecture

The evolution of traditional buildings reflects the uninterrupted development and the assimilation of the most worked out structural and architectural solutions. The new requirements of the EU regulations (from 2020 all new buildings must meet the requirement of almost zero-energy level) as well as applicable laws in Lithuania (the Lithuanian building regulations STR), however, set strict requirements which are difficult to apply to the traditional architecture.. On the other hand, not all measures aimed at building energy efficiency are compatible with the concept of ecology (usually attributable to the traditional architecture). Due to the aforementioned confrontation, the purpose of this research is to use the comparative analysis method to examine some of the measures determining energy efficiency of a building and the rationality of these measures in the context of building’s lifecycle (which consists of construction, operation and demolition stages). One of the tested measures in this issue is the improvement of thermal properties of external envelope’s elements to meet the requirements of existing building regulations (according STR2.05.01: 2005). The research examines the ability of the improved thermal resistance of traditional buildings’ external envelope in assessing the benefits during the operation stage. The rationality is determined by comparing the energy savings during fifty-year-long lifespan (STR2.01.09: 2005) with the energy needed to produce the material (i.e. embodied energy). After comparing several different thermal insulation materials, e.g. mineral wool, EPS panels, straw insulation, the best solution is found.Besides the aforementioned, this research examines some principles of “passive design” applied in traditional buildings of various Lithuanian ethnographic regions. Four buildings varying in size, plan configuration, external envelope area, etc. were analyzed: “Viengale Pirkia” and “Dvigale Pirkia” from Dzūkija, “Troba” and “Kry iavinis” houses from emaitija. The research is based on the methodology of evaluation of geometric efficiency by Parasonis, Keizikas et al. (2012a, b). The findings allow us to make the following conclusions:1. The research has indicated that the energy savings of insulated buildings (per lifetime period) are several times bigger than the energy needed to produce the applied insulation materials.2. Based on the ratio of embodied energy and saved energy of tested materials, the research shows that the straw is the most rational insulation. It is also characterized as being a natural material as wel