How Energy-Efficient Buildings Reduce Environmental Impact

Energy efficient buildings demand less energy which is directly proportional to less energy production. Due to this, the excessive release of greenhouse gases is reduced which happens mostly to meet the energy needs of traditional buildings. Not only that, but the burden on natural resources decreases too. We will definitely be able to slow down the destruction of our environment, the earth, and the life within it.

In short, traditional building practices not only require more energy, but they are harmful to the environment as well. The purpose of this article is to explore the role of energy-efficient buildings in mitigating the environmental impact. Here, we will look at various benefits of energy-efficient buildings that are not just beneficial for you but also for the earth.

Importance of Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Energy efficiency means providing the same quality of service at the cost of less energy. This can be done by upgrading the building and its facilities. It can include insulation, heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, building design, and orientation. By upgrading such facilities, you can cut the loss of energy greatly. For example, you can also use smart lights that are energy efficient as compared to traditional light bulbs. They provide the same work but at the cost of less energy.

Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact. However, you cannot single-handedly make a difference in the environment even if you are being energy efficient. But, when it becomes a trend and everyone chooses efficiency over a splurge of energy, it sure can change the path of this world.

Environmental Impact of Traditional Buildings

Traditional buildings mostly rely on non-renewable energy sources for energy. Their heating and cooling systems are built using old and unreliable materials. Thus, none of those systems are efficient enough. Especially poor insulation around windows and doors makes it hard to maintain the temperature inside these buildings. The lighting bulbs and older plumbing systems used in these buildings also cause great energy loss. 

Traditional buildings use a lot of energy which makes them energy inefficient. Their inefficiency does not only mean a higher energy consumption rate but there are a lot of other demerits as well. This includes high carbon emission which plays an important role in the global warming process. Using more energy also means increased energy production. This in turn increases the strain and burden on natural resources as well as the waste generated to produce the required energy.

Ways Energy Efficient Buildings Reduce Environmental Impact

Energy efficient buildings impact the environment in a very positive way. If you want to know more, keep reading! 

• Energy Conservation:

Energy efficient buildings reduce overall energy usage and loss. These buildings have modern systems, better building shells, and advanced technology. All this comes together and works towards energy conservation. 

• Renewable Energy Integration:

Traditional buildings are all about consuming non-renewable energy resources. However, energy efficient buildings are designed to use renewable sources to meet their energy needs. That means a better and cleaner ecosystem with a reduced carbon footprint. 

You can also conserve energy by installing solar panels, wind turbines, or hydroelectricity in your building. What type of renewable energy source would be best for you depends upon your surroundings. 

• Waste Reduction:

Efficient buildings have adopted practices that work for the betterment of the environment. Overall, less waste is produced as a result. When you opt for renewable resources, the waste automatically reduces. It leaves behind a cleaner and more liveable environment for the occupants. 

Benefits of Energy Efficiency

Multiple benefits of energy efficiency are given below, 

• Environmental Benefits:

As discussed above, energy efficient buildings require less energy for work. That automatically reduces the overall impact on the environment caused due to energy production. Lesser energy production means lower greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and water waste. 

• Economic Benefits:

Efficient buildings help you save a lot on production too. It is only natural that less energy production allows you to reduce overall costs, resources, and water. When it is done on a major level, many people can benefit from these cost savings. So if you want huge economic benefits, you need to invest a bit in the beginning to make your building energy-efficient. 

• Social Benefits:

Energy efficiency does not only benefit the owners and managers. It also increases the air quality of your building by making it cleaner and better. That means, your occupants, visitors, and anyone coming into your buildings will get an enhanced environment. 

Technologies and Innovations

Technologies and innovations have given a new shape to the concept of energy efficiency. With time, different upgrades are being introduced that not only help the buildings save the environment but also help you save a lot in the long run. 

• Energy Efficient Building Design:

The engineers and architects come together to design a building that has more natural light, windows, has good ventilation, airy, and so much more. All these things not only make the building energy efficient but also make it healthy for the occupants. 

• Smart Building:

Introducing new innovative design solutions for energy efficiency involves the use of modern technology. It makes your building more advanced and up to the mark. Nowadays, buildings use sensors and automated systems to control the overall functionality. The integration of smart and latest tech is how peak efficiency is achieved. 

Policy and Regulatory Support

• Government Initiatives:

The governments of various countries are also trying to move their country towards being energy efficient. Many countries have strict policies and laws that set a standard on the energy consumption as well as the carbon emission of a building. These laws and policies are critical for mitigating the environmental impact due to the wastage of energy. 

Some examples of such policies or programs are International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

• Incentives and Programs:

There are fines and penalties for not working according to the set energy standards. However, in case you do not know, many governments also offer financial incentives and rebates for energy efficient upgrades. Some US states not only provide grants and loans but also offer tax credits to support you to become energy efficient.

Challenges and Future Trends

• Barriers to Adoption:

Even with all the support the governments are providing to become energy efficient, the trend is too slow. This is due to some barriers and hurdles in the way to becoming energy efficient. 

Like, the cost of upgrading. The cost of energy efficiency and smart technology is so high that it shrouds the long-term benefits. Not only that but the homeowners and builders lack awareness. They do not quite understand the benefits of being energy efficient.

Different states have different policies regarding this. Some states have inefficient incentives. It complicates the implementation of upgrades and also makes it difficult to navigate between the policies. Most of all, upgrading a building isn't something anyone can do. It requires the expertise of a professional and it is time-consuming and costly.

• Emerging Trends:

There are many ways you can become energy efficient. Such as utilizing solar energy, or using smart technology that monitors the use of facilities and lighting to minimize the use of energy. 

Work is being done in research centers to become more advanced and explore more energy storage options. As more and more people become energy efficient, the policies will become even more strict to keep striving towards being more energy efficient.

New types of materials are being made for the insulation of buildings such as aerogels. Emphasis has been placed on reusing building materials by recycling them to reduce waste and much more.

Conclusion

The use of natural resources is increasing day by day to meet our energy needs. For example, we use water to cool down energy plants or take out waste. To help this process, wood is used to turn water into steam to turn turbines. Dumping such hot and dirty water in the rivers and sea is destroying the ecosystem. It harms not only the locals but the biodiversity of the sea as a whole. There are only a few examples of the many things happening to produce energy.

However with energy efficient buildings, all of this can be avoided. Environment can be saved and your utility bills can be reduced. So what are you waiting for?