Energy efficiency in buildings helps achieve sustainability and reduces utility bills. Builders can achieve energy efficiency in various ways, including insulation and structural design.
A building's structural design determines its energy efficiency. For instance, building orientation and window placement might produce more natural light during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting. In addition, buildings require insulation. Insulation keeps heat indoors in the winter and obstructs heat penetration during the summer. So, insulation helps the building self-regulate, reducing the energy expended on air conditioners and heaters.
Next, adopting the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) standards can also help ensure energy-efficient buildings. The LEED standards stipulate guidelines for material selection, water efficiency, and air quality. For instance, the LEED standards provide that a building can earn points using energy-saving systems and equipment like LED lighting, solar panels, and HVAC systems.
Finally, the adoption of smart building technologies also helps reduce energy consumption. For instance, building automation systems (BAS) can control lighting, heating, and ventilation. Similarly, energy monitoring systems can help households track energy use and make necessary adjustments.
