IEA Annexes On-Line

What is the IEA?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) acts as energy policy advisor for its 26 member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for their citizens. Founded during the oil crisis of 1973-74, its initial role was to coordinate measures in times of oil supply emergencies. But during the last decades, the energy markets have changed, and so has the IEA. It now focuses well beyond oil crisis management on broader energy issues, including climate change policies, market reform, energy technology collaboration and outreach to the rest of the world. With a staff of around 150, mainly energy experts and statisticians from its 26 members countries, the IEA conducts a broad program of energy research, data compilation, publications and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and recommendations on good practices. IEA publications are known world-wide for their objectivity.

In recognition of the significance of building energy usage, the IEA has established an Implementing Agreement on Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems (ECBCS). The function of ECBCS is to undertake research and provide an international focus for building energy efficiency. Tasks are undertaken through a series of annexes that are directed at energy saving technologies and activities that support their application in practice. Results are also used in the formulation of international and national energy conservation policies and standards. Visit www.ecbs.org for more info.

The Annexes are, in many cases, the state of the art in building performance knowledge. Some of the Annexes, such as Annex 24: Heat, Air and Moisture Transfer in Highly Insulated Building Envelopes, represent landmark studies that have forwarded science (in this case heat, air and moisture simulations like WUFI) dramatically.

I keep several of the Annexes on my shelf for quick reference. They are all available in PDF format at www.ecbs.org/docs/index.htm.