© 2011, CleanEdison Inc. www.cleanedison.com July 2011 {cmot}

Improving Energy Consumption in New Buildings: Energy Efficiency Buildings

Architecture does not only have to take into consideration the style and durability of a building. Modern approaches and eco tendencies have also interfered with what architecture used to be; green buildings ensure energy efficiency and are a major trend nowadays. "Energy efficiency buildings" are not just words; they are a dream for the future.

Green buildings are not only constructed through a process that implies a high degree of responsibility when using resources, thought off through the entire life-circle of the building, but this process also comes up with measures to reduce energy consumption and diminish wastes.

When you think about energy efficiency buildings, you will not only stop at the point where operating energy consumption (i.e. heating, lighting) is reduced, but, you will also have to take into consideration the energy wasted with the extraction, processing, transportation and installation of the materials used for the building (embodied energy). This is why real energy efficient buildings are called "zero-energy" buildings.

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Wood is definitely a better choice than brick, concrete or steel, because buildings made up of wood will only have a low level of embodied energy. Operating energy, on the other hand, talks about windows, walls, ceilings and floors. Proper insulation and professional windows are vital to "seal" the building and so, reduce energy waste.

Standards are high and this "energy efficiency buildings" concern is becoming more and more debated and engineers come up with innovative solutions to limit energy consumption as much as possible, without diminishing the comfort people need to feel when entering a building.

Clever solutions result in cooling the house in summer and keeping it warm in winter using minimum energy. This is done by the simple orientation of the windows and walls and the placement of awnings, porches and trees to shed the house during summer and maximize solar gain during winter. If windows have an appropriate orientation, natural daylight can completely replace electric lighting (during daytime). This is how simple measures can lead to great results and resources can be spared while expenses become lower.

The popularity of the "green" has opened a lot of topics and has given birth to brand new concepts that many would not have thought as possible several decades ago. The future comes with major changes and energy efficiency buildings are an important part of what the future prepares for us. We have to admit: besides the trend, these changes are really needed.