23 gases, whose greenhouse effect is 14,000 times more powerful than carbon. In terms of energy, air conditioning’s projected development is also a source of concern. If India or China were to reach a 50% ownership rate, the annual production of a country like Norway would be required to provide the necessary electricity. Quite apart from any consumption peaks during warmer months, which are difficult to manage for electricity producers and lead to power cuts. PASSIVE HABITATS, A REAL ASSET IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AIR CON Passive buildings, with up to 80% lower energy consumption, are an effective alternative to the systematic installation of air-conditioning units. Reinforced thermal insulation, airtightness, balanced ventilation, orientation according to the cardinal points and winds, revegetation of the surrounding areas, installation of double or triple glazing with solar control, fitting of blinds or shutters, etc. All these options naturally reduce the indoor temperature. In Gaobeidian, 100 km south of Beijing, China is building the largest complex of passive houses in the world: Train Passive House City. Materials play a leading role in passive houses. So-called “phase-change” materials used for the construction of “thermal walls” are offering new prospects. These paraffin substances have a melting point that can be adjusted, for example to 20 °C. As soon as the ambient temperature exceeds this level, the materials “melt”, absorbing heat. When the temperature drops, particularly at night, they resolidify and release the latent heat. Meanwhile, a green or reflective white roof protects 1 bn metric tons of CO2 is emitted each year by conditioned air, out of a total of 37 billion, according to the International Energy Agency Train Passive House City, the largest complex of passive houses in the world, is under construction in Gaobeidian (China), 100 km south of Beijing.
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