What is Energy Efficiency in Construction?
Energy efficiency in construction is a fancy term that covers everything from buildings to furnishings to appliances used in the building sector, and everything that is to do with saving energy (in any form). It’s a much broader definition than simply recycling and renewable energies.
What Makes a Building Energy-Efficient?
The first step to make a building energy efficient is to make sure that there is solid insulation inside the walls and ceiling. The reason why is because heat is transferred from the inside of the building to the outside via solid materials. Making sure that there is sufficient insulation between the inside and the outside will reduce the heat transfer between both sides.
The second step is to make sure that the air flows smoothly inside the building. Ensuring that the air in the building flows well can play a huge role in making a building energy efficient as well. Improving the airflow inside the building will greatly reduce temperature differences and will also make the air inside the building healthier for humans to breathe.
The third step is to make sure that the windows are installed properly. Improperly installed windows can lead to a lot of the heat inside the building is released freely to the outside. Proper installation of windows will ensure that the heat inside the building is regulated and the heat is retained inside the building.
How is Energy Efficiency Incorporated into Construction Projects?
Some consider it energy efficient to be using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or LED lights. If you want to be even more energy-efficient, make sure you are using energy-efficient appliances in your home. Installing double or triple-glazed windows will help keep more heat inside your home. If you have thick curtains or blinds, close them during the day to keep heat in. Replace any leaky doors or windows with thermal double-glazed windows. Replace your old boiler with a new, more efficient one.
How Can Energy Efficiency Be Improved for Houses?
Check how well insulated your house is. Have a professional insulation company come in to assess any gaps that need to be filled.
The lighting in your house can be replaced with ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs.
There are ENERGY STAR qualified products to replace the appliances you are using at home. The washer, dryer, refrigerator, and others can be replaced with ENERGY STAR qualified models.
How Can Energy Efficiency Be Improved for Office Buildings?
The first step is to make sure that the heating system inside the office building is working properly. Make sure they can be controlled individually to make sure that excess heat and energy is not wasted.
Consider switching the current lighting with High-Efficiency Fluorescent Lamps (HELs), or better yet, Light Emitting Diode (LED) when the fixtures are replaced or upgraded.
Prepare the garden for summer so it isn’t problems with heat and energy efficiency.
Workplace Energy Efficiency
In a lot of offices, old computer equipment and technology are still being used. Switching to newer workstations will not only make the technology more energy-efficient, but it will also be far more productive than with older models.
If you have the budget, using ENERGY STAR qualified appliances for the office kitchen will save a lot of energy. Using ENERGY STAR qualified conference room equipment or replacing them will also save a lot of energy.
Replacing low-efficiency air-conditioning will save a lot of energy.
Upgrading to light-emitting diode lamps is always a wiser choice. You will also be able to replace light bulbs a lot easier in the future.
Turn off computers and other office equipment when you’re not using them.
