Energy efficient solutions in buildings -G14

Energy efficient solutions in buildings

Buildings are of different kinds and types in the modern world with the technological development. So, the energy usage in the buildings were increased as a result of the technological development. Major areas where the buildings use energy are in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting and in major appliances such as water heating, refrigerators, freezers, dryers etc. and as result of these energy consumption in the buildings are increasing day by day. It is considered that buildings are the largest energy consumers in the world. So that to reduce this matter, energy efficient solutions were introduced to modern buildings.

Energy efficient buildings are designed with a low consumption of energy as possible. Energy efficiency in buildings can be defined as a cost-effective way while contributing to the environmental climatic challenges by producing economic and social benefits, anticipating regulatory requirements and reducing or elimination of greenhouse gas emissions. There are 4 categories of energy efficient buildings which can be identified in modern buildings. Those are low energy buildings, passive energy buildings, zero energy buildings and plus energy buildings. Zero energy building is a building with zero net energy consumption which it is achieved by producing same or higher amount of energy that is used by the buildings and also it has zero carbon emissions.

 Energy efficient buildings can be constructed by using quality building and insulation materials which prevent heat loss in the building and by producing natural lighting and ventilation to the building as much as possible.

Natural lighting and ventilation can be supplied for the building with the use of wind direction, cross ventilation, landscape to channel cooling breeze and the sun direction and those can be used in places such as courtyards, louvers, openings, verandahs etc. New technologies for heating, cooling, and ventilation not only can achieve large gains in efficiency, but they can improve the way building systems meet occupant needs and preferences by providing greater control, reducing unwanted temperature variations, and improving indoor air quality. Innovations include glass coatings that reduce absorption and re-emission of infrared light, thermal conductivity improvements (e.g., multiple panes of glass, filling gaps between glass panes using argon, krypton, or xenon,13 and improved frame design), and the use of low-iron glass to improve visible clarity.  

Lighting quality plays an essential role in buildings and it uses high amount of energy. A well-designed lighting system can enhance

productivity and the energy consumption. good building and lighting design, window and window covering technologies (such as blinds and diffusers), lighting sensors and controls (including occupancy sensors and light sensors), and lighting devices (LEDs and others) can be identified as main strategies to improve the efficiency and quality of lighting. Good lighting design can ensure that light levels are adjusted to user requirements.

Energy use in buildings depends on a combination of good architecture and energy systems design and on effective operations and maintenance once the building is occupied.

And thus, creating or designing buildings with good energy systems can reduce the energy consumption in buildings. By using energy efficient solutions in buildings, energy consumption and GHG emissions. This will led to a more advantageous and environmental friendly building constructions with increase of sustainability in the buildings.