Climate change has shifted the focus to energy efficiency, making it crucial for architectural services. Many people seek green buildings that save money and improve public perception.
Energy-efficient buildings also cost less, reducing power and waste disposal costs.
Moreover, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has gained popularity as most people seek sustainable solutions.
Therefore, designing energy-efficient buildings is essential for saving money and selling architectural services.
Here we will explore practical methods to Make a Building (or Home) More Energy Efficient.
Consider Insulation
Insulation is crucial in designing energy-efficient buildings for colder climates, as it significantly reduces energy consumption.
The walls and roof of a property let off most heat. 35% of your heat escapes through the walls, and 25% passes through the roof.
As a result, to keep their houses warm, residents must constantly run the central heating system. Heating water consumes energy, which raises energy costs.
So, Insulate the attic and any cavity walls to these expenses.
However, there is caution with this. Insulation is not more helpful for people who live in warmer climates. Instead of trapping heated air within, they would want to let it out.
Check out the location and its weather before installing insulation.
Additionally,Builders can improve building energy efficiency and relief in enclosed shop building by regulating insulation solutions to specific climate conditions.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
energy-efficient lighting used inside and outside a building is another technique to save energy use in buildings. According to Environmental Encyclopedia, Fluorescent light bulbs are an excellent substitute for incandescent ones because they typically last 20 times longer and require at least 75% less energy.
Even a simple act of replacing a few light bulbs can significantly improve a situation. Fluorescent bulbs also require less frequent replacement because they typically last longer than incandescent bulbs.
Moreover, LED light fixtures and bulbs are an even better option because they use less energy and can last up to five times longer than fluorescent ones.
Additionally, LEDs run substantially cooler, which helps lessen the cooling demand in some business buildings.
Focus on Renewable Energy Sources
Fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and oil, account for 74% of the world’s energy needs. Burning them depletes natural resources and harms the environment.
Luckily, renewable energy sources provide less waste and are available in the long term.
Moreover, AdvancesAdvancesAdvances in technology, such as solar cells, convert the sun’s energy into renewable energy. This reduces the need for non-renewable sources and improves building efficiency.
Additionally, a partnership with an Energy System Engineering Firm is paramount to fully control the potential of renewable energy integration in building design.
Consider the Size
A building’s energy consumption increases with every square inch added to its design. Sometimes, Size is unavoidable. It is impossible to create a tiny multi-story apartment building.
On the other hand, you may consider how your design decisions impact a building’s scale. It’s imperative to prioritize functionality over style when creating energy-efficient structures.
Moreover, your ideas may make the building bigger than its requirements.
For energy efficiency, consider reevaluating smaller buildings. It requires less energy to heat and cool down quickly.
Moreover, they use fewer materials to construct, which results in indirect energy savings.
