Energy Saving News
Energy Efficiency In Buildings The Key To Climate Change Combat
The world's buildings account for about 30% of the global energy consumption.
The remaining 70% is due to transportation (about 30%) and factories/mines (about 40%).
Environmental concerns have lead governments to implement regulatory measures to make cars and factories more energy efficient, but little has yet been done for buildings.
Considering the amazing technological advances we dispose of today, and which have provided us with energy efficient systems (from window glass to air conditioning and lighting), implementing changes in that sector can be achieved for virtually no net cost.
For example, the average US refrigerator consumes only 25% of the electricity used by its predecessors, 30 years ago, despite being larger and offering more features.
While the planet endures the consequences of climate change (devastating floods, killer typhoons, disturbed weather conditions affecting crops), and with the UN's secretary-general urging for action to be taken, the world's politicians persist in arguing over who will have to cover the costs related to any changes that are made to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.
Making buildings more energy efficient is the cheapest way of reducing pollution, CO2 emissions and saving energy. This should be made clear, as the main reason for procrastinating on taking action is financial.
Indeed, it is estimated that an efficient building is at least 5 times cheaper to run than an inefficient building, via heating, cooling and lighting.
A consultancy firm, McKinsey & Company, has noted that major key energy efficiency systems for buildings allow a return of investment within less than 12 months, and significantly reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
The implementation of such energy efficient systems depends on governmental initiatives to take action.
Policies have already been put in place in Germany and Singapore, for example, towards the construction of green buildings. In California, the latest building and appliances standards are expected to avoid the need for 5 large power plants in the next 10 years.
Buildings last for decades, which means that the choices we make today, in regards to making buildings energy efficient, will have a substantial impact on our energy use for a very long time.
Energy efficient buildings consume less energy, which in turn enhances economic growth (because finances are made available for other purposes like creating new jobs), and they also promote energy saving and environmental sustainability.
This can be achieved without any collateral damage to economic development.
Energy efficient buildings are also particularly appealing to Asia - currently the world's fastest growing economy - because its share of global energy consumption has doubled in the past 30 years, and its buildings' share of energy use is growing at similar rates.
China and India are constructing over 50% of the world's new floor space.
Without well-crafted policies, energy efficient improvements are likely to evolve relatively slowly for buildings in Asia.
As China is in the process of developing, if the Chinese government can establish means to improve the country's energy efficiency, it will save money and strengthen its energy security.
A number of preconditioned beliefs represent a probable cause for the reluctance to take action, and should be dismissed.
For instance it is believed that green buildings are much more expensive to build than conventional builds. Although the initial cost is about 5% higher (decreasingly so, as new technologies are gradually available for more practicality), in the long run, cheaper energy bills will more than account for that upfront price difference.
Also, energy-efficient buildings are thought to be uncomfortable. This is derived by the misconception that energy efficiency means poor quality lighting or inexistant heating/cooling, etc. In reality, it's the opposite: several studies have shown that well-designed buildings are in fact more comfortable. Environmentally friendly offices retain employees better and fewer sick days are taken. Energy efficient builings increasingly show higher capital values.
The reluctance to alter old habits or adapt to new methods is the main obstacle to change. Governments need to set standards that can become progressively more stringent over time. The building and construction industries need to develop enhanced creativity to incorporate cost-effective, energy efficient systems in their new builds. Small changes can lead to a very significant positive impact on the world's environment and economies.
Monday 30th November 2009
