25th PLEA International Conference
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Proceedings of the Passive and Low Energy Architecture 2008 Conference

Foreward
About PLEA 2008
Acknowledgements



Foreward Back to index
The UCD Energy Research Group has been active for over 30 years. Based in the University College Dublin School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering, UCD ERG has undertaken research, development, education and dissemination activities on energy utilisation in buildings and sustainable architectural design. It has been an active participant in the PLEA community for much of its history.

So, it was with great enthusiasm that UCD ERG accepted the invitation to host this 25th anniversary PLEA conference and to celebrate PLEA’s role in advancing not only passive and low energy architecture but also its important contribution to many related issues in pursuit of a sustainable future.

Given various national moves towards zero carbon building and zero energy building it seemed timely to organise an international conference with such a focus. While many advances have been made through innovative architectural and building engineering research and construction there remain many challenges. In particular, how do we address the growing pressure on our cities and their impact on the environment?

The response to the call for abstracts was tremendous with both a global and contextual spread. From some 635 abstracts submitted, 151 oral papers and 110 poster papers were selected and these comprise the contents of these proceedings. It is always a matter of regret that so many could not be included, but it was also encouraging to see such a strong interest in this field; and this bodes well for the future of PLEA.

It is clear that more work is needed to deliver zero energy buildings and cities, but it is our belief that the PLEA community has much yet to contribute. PLEA conferences will continue to play an important role and act as an international forum for sustainable architecture and urban design. UCD ERG plans to continue to play a full role is contributing to this important activity.

Editors:
Paul Kenny, Vivienne Brophy, J. Owen Lewis


About PLEA 2008 Back to index
Passive and Low Energy Architecture (PLEA) is a global community engaged in a continuing discourse on sustainable architecture and urban design. It actively exchanges ideas and information through annual international conferences, workshops and publications. Since 1982 PLEA has organised international conferences across the globe and now represents the longest running such forum addressing passive and low energy building design and realisation.

2008 represented PLEA’s *25th anniversary and the conference took place at University College Dublin, Ireland with the theme ‘Towards Zero Energy Building’. At a time of great change in building design it represented a milestone in the advance of passive and low energy architecture.

The aim of the conference was to provide a forum for exchange and discussion around the many relevant aspects of architecture including:
  • Zero Energy Building
  • Low Energy Communities and Neighbourhoods
  • Sustainable Urban Design
  • The Occupant and Climate-Sensitive Architecture
  • Building and Community Integrated Energy Technologies
  • Innovative Materials, Components and Systems
  • Indoor Environmental Quality
  • Natural Ventilation
  • Passive Solar and Daylight Design
  • The Role of Education
  • Design Tools and Techniques
  • Construction and the Environment
  • Water and Waste
  • Environmental Theory and Architecture
  • Zero Energy Building Regulation and Policy


Acknowledgements Back to index
The successful delivery of any event is due to the generous contributions of time and effort of many people. We would like to acknowledge the contributions of everyone who gave so freely to ensuring that PLEA 2008 was such a success. We would particularly like to thank the following:

  • The PLEA Board of Directors for inviting UCD ERG to host the 25th anniversary conference PLEA 2008. In particular, we would like to thank Koen Steemers and Simos Yannas for their constant support and encouragement.

  • UCD President Hugh Brady for supporting our event and encouraging UCD ERG is our research and educational efforts in this area.

  • Head of the School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering, Mark Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Architecture, Loughlin Kealy and Professor of Architecture, Hugh Campbell for their support of the event and encouragement and latitude.

  • John Gormley TD, Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for their support of the PLEA 2008 conference.

  • The PLEA International Advisory Board for their support and participation in guiding and advising throughout the planning and hosting phases.

  • The PLEA 2008 Technical Review Committee whose work behind the scenes ensured the quality of the event through abstract and full paper reviewing.

  • The Local Organising Committee whose thankless job it was to deal with all the details that add up to a successful event. In particular, thanks go to Leah, Triona and Lisa of Conference Partners and to Sinead in KiDesign.

  • The Keynote Speakers who inspired and helped focus and motivate the minds of delegates on the work at hand.

  • The PLEA 2008 Principal Sponsor, Sustainable Energy Ireland, for generous support.

  • Main Sponsors of the PLEA 2008 including the Office of Public Works, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and University College Dublin and all sponsors and supporters.

  • And lastly but by no means least, to all the Authors of papers for their enthusiasm, patience, insights and participation in this event.


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