Introduction
As the world population grows, so does the demand for buildings. However, this growth comes at a cost, as buildings are responsible for a significant amount of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In order to reduce this impact, it is essential that we make buildings more energy efficient. This article explores some of the ways in which new buildings can be designed to be more energy efficient.
Building Orientation
The orientation of a building is one of the key factors in determining its energy efficiency. Ideally, a building should be designed so that it is oriented to take advantage of natural light and heat. In the Northern Hemisphere, this means that the building should be oriented to face south, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the building should face north. This orientation allows the building to capture the maximum amount of sunlight during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating.
Insulation
Insulation is an important factor in making a building energy efficient. The walls, roof, and floor of a building should all be well insulated to prevent heat loss. This insulation can be achieved through a variety of materials, including fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. It is also important to ensure that there are no gaps or cracks in the insulation, as these can allow heat to escape.
Apertures
Apertures (doors and windows) are another important factor in making a building energy efficient. Ideally, apertures should be double or triple glazed, with a low-emissivity coating to prevent heat loss. They should also be well-sealed to prevent drafts. Additionally, it is important to consider the size and placement of apertures, as these can affect the amount of natural light and heat that enters the building.
Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling are major contributors to energy consumption in buildings. In order to reduce this impact, it is important to choose an efficient heating and cooling system. This can include systems such as heat pumps, which are more energy efficient than traditional HVAC systems. It is also important to ensure that the heating and cooling systems are properly sized for the building, as oversizing can lead to unnecessary energy consumption.
Natural ventilation is a technique used to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption in buildings. It involves the use of natural forces such as wind and temperature differences to create airflow and circulate air throughout a building. Natural ventilation flows can be either passive or active. Passive natural ventilation is achieved by designing buildings to allow for cross ventilation through open windows, doors, or vents, while active natural ventilation uses mechanical fans to increase airflow. By using natural ventilation flows, buildings can reduce their reliance on artificial heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving the overall sustainability of the built environment. Additionally, natural ventilation can provide occupants with a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, as it helps to remove pollutants, control humidity, and regulate temperature.
Lighting
Lighting is another important factor in making a building energy efficient. LED lighting is the most energy efficient type of lighting available and should be used wherever possible. Additionally, lighting should be designed to take advantage of natural light, with windows and skylights placed strategically to allow natural light to enter the building.
Renewable Energy
In addition to the above factors, it is also important to consider the use of renewable energy sources in a new building. The most popular source of renewable energy in buildings are solar panels. Other sources are wind turbines and geothermal systems. These sources can provide clean and renewable energy to the building.
Water recycling
Water recycling is a crucial aspect of energy-efficient buildings. By capturing and treating grey water from sources such as showers, sinks, and washing machines, buildings can reduce their reliance on freshwater resources and lower their overall water consumption. This not only conserves a valuable resource, but also reduces the energy needed to treat and transport water to the building, which in turn can lead to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, recycled water can be used for non-potable applications such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling systems, further reducing the demand for freshwater.
Benefits of an energy efficient building
Energy efficient buildings offer numerous environmental and economic benefits. Firstly, they reduce the amount of energy consumed, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates the negative impact of climate change. This reduction in energy consumption also decreases the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and decreases the overall carbon footprint of the building. Secondly, energy efficient buildings save money on utility bills in the long run, as they require less energy to operate. This means that the initial investment in energy-efficient technologies and building design pays off over time, as the building's occupants save money on energy costs. In addition to energy cost savings, energy-efficient buildings can also provide other benefits such as improved indoor air quality, increased comfort for occupants, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, energy efficient buildings can increase the overall value of the property, making it a more attractive investment in the eyes of potential buyers or renters. Banks have also started offering beneficial interest rates on home loans for buildings with a high rating energy performance certificate. (https://www.apsbank.com.mt/green-homeloan/). Overall, investing in energy efficient buildings is not only good for the environment but can also provide significant economic benefits for building owners and occupants alike.
Cost Savings
Estimating energy cost savings for energy efficient buildings can be challenging as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the location, climate, and building design. However, studies have shown that energy efficient buildings can typically achieve energy savings of 20-30% or more compared to conventional buildings that do not include energy-efficient methods.
While the initial cost of designing and constructing an energy-efficient building may be higher, the long-term cost savings in energy costs can often offset these initial costs. Overall, while the exact energy cost savings for an energy-efficient building will depend on a variety of factors, it is clear that investing in energy efficiency can provide significant benefits both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact. For example, a study published by Grant Thornton Malta and Dhalia Malta titled ‘The Malta Property Landscape – A True Picture’ (April 2023) estimated the net present value (NPV) of financial benefits resulting from employing energy efficient measures to be of Eur 19,000 over 5 years and Eur 43,700 over 30 years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a new building energy efficient is essential to reducing the impact of buildings on the environment. By considering factors such as building orientation, insulation, windows, heating and cooling, lighting, and renewable energy sources and water recycling, it is possible to design buildings that are both comfortable and energy efficient. The efficiency can lead to considerable environmental and financial savings over the lifetime of the building. As the world continues to grow, it is important that we continue to prioritize energy efficiency in building design, in order to create a more sustainable future.
