The classification of high rise buildings in Europe resulted in the identification of four building categories that have the highest impact on energy consumption in Europe. Since the impact of the Cost-effective project depends on the extent to which technical concepts to be developed are able to offer solutions to challenges in these buildings in terms of energy consumption, indoor comfort, user satisfaction with the building use and occupant health, the four categories were investigated in terms of these challenges.

From the data that was provided by the partners, it appeared possible to categorise all buildings in Europe into five common building categories. Apparently, construction methods for high rise buildings in Europe depend on the period in which they were built, rather than on national customs, as is the case for dwellings. The report fully descrives these five categories.

In the report on categorisation of high-rise buildings, a classification of high rise buildings in Europe is presented. The classification leads to the identification of five building categories that have the highest impact on energy consumption in Europe. In this report, the five building categories are further presented with representative buildings in each category.

This flyer was prepared and distributed during the BAU - Building & Construction Trade Fair in Munich from 12 to 19 January 2009