Energy efficient solutions in modern buildings

Energy efficient solutions in modern buildings

Energy efficient buildings are the buildings that have the highest energy saving potentials. These buildings are basically built by using architectural design aspects. Saving energy is the one of most actual topic in today. Shape of the structure, orientation of the building and the number windows and the places they need to be located are decided to obtain the maximum usage from these kinds of buildings. Most important aspects with strong influence on the building design are outdoor temperature, solar radiation, humidity and wind. These aspects can be use to get the maximum utilization from the building.

In general following methods can be taken as the strategies of designing energy efficient building.

Minimization of electricity demand for artificial lighting 

The development of innovative daylight concepts is the most important strategy to decrease the energy demand for lighting. daylight is a one of easiest method of getting energy source freely. If people can design the lighting system with involve day light, it almost impact for the betterment of the whole building. Buildings with huge overall width, like office buildings, tend to have considerable amount of energy demand for artificial lighting. for such cases, day light can be used by installing materials like glasses within the building to get maximum usage.

 Solar energy is a strong input of energy source for a building and on the other hand use of solar energy has strong influence on the environmental performance of the building. Solar energy requires a comprehensive integration of solar panels in the architectural design concept and influences the design of the building strongly. Solar panel can be installed on the walls and roofs, whereas in urban context roofs are the most suitable condition. This can be use for solar electricity generating and solar water heating.

Natural ventilation by wind

For modern buildings natural ventilation is a best way of innovative alternatives to conventional mechanical ventilation systems.

The first office building of using only natural ventilation is the new office building of European Central Bank in Frankfurt. The design of the building is based on wind forces around and in the building. It helps to save the energy cost and even saves the lives of occupants.

Cooling case from windows

Keeping cool indoors when it is hot outdoors is a problem. Some day’s sun causes indoor temperatures to rise to uncomfortable levels. Air conditioning provides some relief for that. But the initial cost of installing an air conditioner and the electricity costs to run it can be high. In addition, conventional air conditioners use refrigerants made of chlorine compounds, contribute to the depletion of ozone layer and global warming. Therefore, an alternative method of keep cooling and reduce the use of air conditioners is natural cooling. 

The most effective way to cool the building is to use the doors and windows with right size and right orientation. The primary source of heat buildup is sunlight absorbed by building through roof, walls and windows. Therefore, by varying them, cooling demand can be changed.

Cool roofs

Cool roofs are the roofs which made by highly reflective materials to reflect more light and absorb less heat from sunlight, which keep homes cooler during hot climate.

Building envelop

The building envelop refers to the external walls, windows, roof and floor of a building. this barrier between indoors and outdoors is important with regards to ventilation and insulation of a conditioned space. A tighter envelop more effectively keeps conditioned air in, reducing the load on the HVAC system, and therefore increasing the energy efficiency at which it operates. Similarly, insulation helps slow the conduction of heat through walls. Improving the efficiency of the building envelope is generally a low cost, high return method for increasing efficiency in buildings.