Residential and commercial buildings are major energy consumers. How can the trade and construction industry help reduce it?
To reduce their carbon footprints, contractors are using sustainable and green building techniques to conserve energy. Net-zero construction techniques have the potential to transform the way buildings use energy.
Top Five Net-Zero Construction Techniques
Here are some proven and popular net-zero construction techniques you can use:
Energy-Efficient Building Designs
The building design is the first and cost-effective step of construction. So, hire professionals who can work on net-zero techniques. These architects and designers can design a building that provides a significant reduction of the energy need for heating and cooling.
Factors you should consider for construction projects are:
- Site selection
- Climate
- Size of building
- Ventilation
- Insulation
Utilise the Power of Solar Energy
The sun is a huge energy source. It provides different resources which can generate non-polluting and sustainable electricity.
When solar energy is used to create electricity, there are no greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. Thus, solar energy has the minimum impact on the environment as compared to any other energy resources.
The utilisation of solar tempering is essential. Modern photovoltaic solar panels last for two decades, during which building owners benefit from lower energy bills. The utilisation of solar energy also helps people to avail state rebates and tax credits in their business.
Select Energy Efficient Appliances and Electronics
Use appropriate size of appliances as smaller size consumes less energy. You should be aware of new product releases in the market to maintain cost and efficiency.
Super-Insulate the Building Envelop
Super insulating is the process of making a building airtight. It is a cost-effective strategy to reduce energy consumption by creating a zero energy building. This super-insulating process includes sealing the outer wall, inner wall, and all building cavities.
Super Insulating ensures that the drywall has optimal energy-saving efficiency and proper cooling and heating of the building.
While insulating, contractors should check the R-value of different materials to measure the thermal resistance. “For example, a single pane of glass has roughly an R-value of 0.91, while a double pane has an R-value closer to 2.”
Utilise Green Construction Technology
Green Construction Technology promotes energy-saving and self-sufficient software. This software program removes human errors by identifying the least expensive factors to construct a highly efficient building.
The building’s energy use should be calculated during the design phase using energy modeling software. Designers plan calculated solutions to ensure that net zero energy can be achieved while keeping costs down.
Based on the results, design choices can be estimated to balance building performance and construction cost. Contractors use different tools to create 3D models throughout a construction project. In fact, the government also supports net-zero building efforts with Green Homes grants.
Conclusion
Because of the design challenges needed to meet the energy needs efficiently, designers must apply holistic design principles. Take advantage of the free naturally occurring assets such as solar energy, natural ventilation, thermal mass, etc.
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