Energy efficiency and low carbon footprint

Understanding Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency refers to the process or system that uses less energy to provide the same level of service.
Buildings themselves represent 40% of total energy consumption globally, hence, efficient use and recycling of energy can help to decrease carbon emissions.

Designing Energy Efficient Buildings

From the design phase, a building should be planned to use natural resources in an optimal way, such as maximizing natural light and ventilation.
The building’s orientation can have a significant impact on energy use and comfort levels for its occupants. For example, south-facing windows can allow more winter sunlight and warmth to enter homes in the northern hemisphere.
Making use of insulation, coming from walls, windows and roofs, to reduce use of heating and cooling systems.

Low Energy Building Materials

The use of sustainable building materials can have a significant impact on a building’s energy footprint.
Use of materials with high thermal mass like brick or concrete can absorb heat and release it slowly which can help maintain consistent indoor temperatures throughout different seasons.
Climate appropriate construction materials should be used. For example, in hot and dry climates, earth-based construction materials like adobe can help to achieve comfortable indoor temperatures with less need for mechanical cooling.

Fostering Indoor Environmental Quality

Energy efficient buildings must consider the comfort and health of occupiers. Avoid using materials with toxic off-gassing and ensure good indoor air quality and access to daylight.
Integrating plants and greenery within and around the building can also contribute to cleaner indoor air.

Low Carbon Technologies

Deploy low carbon technologies, for example, renewable energy systems like solar panels, wind turbines or ground-source heat pumps.
These technologies reduce dependency on fossil fuels, therefore reducing the overall carbon footprint of the building.

Retrofitting and Building Upgrades

For existing buildings, consider retrofitting to upgrade energy performance, for instance by improving insulation, installing energy efficient appliances or upgrading heating systems.
Regular changes and upgrades ensure that the building maintains a high level of energy efficiency over time.

Monitoring and Evaluating Energy Performance

Regular monitoring and evaluations should be performed to assess energy performance of the building. This can help identify further improvements and ensure maintained efficiency.
Energy performance certificates can be used to verify and demonstrate the sustainability credentials of a building.