Green Buildings in Cold Climate

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to enlighten and analyze how the differences in policies, regulations and other instrumental means affect the environmental footprint and energy consumptions of buildings in cold regions such as northern Japan and northern Norway. Simulations are conducted as a part of a case study to further enlighten and visualize by figures the differences between Japan and Norway. The report also includes an assessment of the feasibility and potential measures that complies with green building aspects in cold climate. The result show great difference between the two countries regarding energy efficiency in existing buildings and the major means are: locations, cultural and historic background, policy and regulation strategies based on each nation prerequisites and available resources.