Energy Efficient solution in Modern Building - (Group 02)

Energy Efficiency Solutions in Modern Buildings

Energy efficiency is a popular buzz word at the moment, energy efficiency is when something uses less energy to provide the same service and level/quality of output. Often times, it gets lumped into mean anything that is an energy – saving measure, but it should be noted that energy conservation is actually a different mode of preserving energy.

Implementing energy efficiency in the modern buildings are crucially important strategy for Energy says, “Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, clean the air we breathe, improve the competitiveness of our businesses and reduce energy costs for consumers.”

Though many building owners might complain about the initial costs of energy efficiency, ultimately, energy efficiency will result in reduced energy costs long term. On a more personal level, using energy efficient techniques in one’s own building will greatly reduce utility bills because less energy, electricity, etc. will be required to perform the same services, such as keeping the building cool or warm.

Energy efficiency can start in small ways and can be executed on a personal, individual level. Because of this, it’s one of the most promising policies in efforts to combat climate change and one with the aim of delivering maximum social and economic benefits.

Thus, energy efficiency is key for promoting environmental protections, as well as long-term way to reduce your energy costs in your own building. Once you have a better understanding of what energy efficiency is, you can start to educate others in your community about the long-term benefits of saving energy and transforming the way we consume resources.

Energy Efficiency Solutions

• ·         Active use of solar energy

·         

                Compare to the other HVAC systems active use of solar energy (thermal and photovoltaic solar collectors) on one hand has strong input o the design of the building and on the other hand the use of solar energy also has strong influence on the environmental performance of the building. The intensive use of solar energy requires a comprehensive integration of solar panels I the architectural design concept and influence the design if strongly. Solar panels can be mounted on walls and roofs, whereas in urban context roofs offer better conditions (less shading by other buildings, free choice of declination enabling higher degrees of efficiency).

• ·         Natural ventilation by wind

      For high rise building natural ventilation concepts by wind are innovative to conventional mechanical ventilation systems. The new office building of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt will be the first office building using only natural ventilation. The design of the building is based on wind and ascending forces around and in the building.

•     Minimization of electricity demand for artificial lighting

     Besides heating and cooling the energy demand for artificial lighting is of importance for the energetic performance of buildings. Buildings with huge overall width, like office buildings, tend to have substantial energy demand for artificial lighting. The development of innovative daylight concepts is the most important strategy to decrease the energy demand for lighting. Daylight concepts always have to be considered in combination with aspects for heating and cooling.

• ·         Passive cooling

Passive cooling strategies prevent the building from overheating by blocking solar gains and removing internal heat gains (e.g. using cooler outdoor air for ventilation, strong excess heat in thermal mass). Elements that contribute to passive cooling include, Fixed external shading, thermal mass, low window to wall area ratio, passive ventilation, nocturnal cooling, stacked windows, passive evaporation cooling and earth tempering ducts. Nocturnal cooling uses overnight natural ventilation to remove heat accumulated in the building mass during the day. The cooler nighttime air flushes and cools the warm building structure.

• ·         Strat with smart design

Cost effective less energy buildings begin with smart design. Designers and architects, as well as builders, should familiar with all steps involved in building a less energy building and should design the building so that builders and subcontractors can implement these steps as cost effectively as possible. There are several design parameters to which builders should ask designers to pay special attention. Detailed communication between the builder and designer will ensure that these critical details do not fall through the crack.

• ·         Super seal the building envelope

Super sealing the building envelope is the single most cost-effective measure builders can take to improve the energy efficiency of a less energy buildings. Several proven, air sealing approaches are available. Choose an approach that matches your climate, skills and budget.

• ·         Heat water wisely

Water heating is often the largest energy expense in a less energy buildings after heating and cooling. So it is important for designers and builders to select and locate efficient hot water heating technology, along with other measures, to minimize hot water use.