Residential properties account for a significant amount of energy consumption. As such, it is equally important to look into possible ways of reducing the carbon footprint of an average home. There is an increasing trend in green-building practices as well as retrofitting existing structures to make them more energy-efficient. If you plan to build a house that is not only affordable but also energy efficient, here are practical and feasible tips.
Start with a super-insulated building envelope
Building materials such as structural insulated panels or sip panels create an airtight envelope with high thermal performance. Each panel has built-in insulation which SIP UK manufacturers can customise in thickness to meet the thermal requirements of a home.
By focusing on insulation, you are already addressing one of the main ways to achieve high energy-efficiency. Minimising thermal bridging in walls, floors, and ceiling can reduce the building’s dependence on artificial indoor heating and cooling methods.
Whole-house approach to energy efficiency
A whole-building approach considers the home as a single system where each component or part impacts the overall performance of the entire building. The goal of a whole-house approach is to ensure optimum efficient use of all resources such as water, electricity, and gas while at the same time minimising waste. Achieving a design that focuses on the interconnected aspects of every part of a home results in lower utility consumption, better comfort, and a healthier environment indoor for occupants.
Building design focused on smart energy-use
Every professional involved in constructing a building needs to be oriented on the primary goal of achieving optimum energy efficiency. The architect, engineers, and builders need to collaborate on a design that is not only cost-effective but also carries out the objective of reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Heating and cooling system design
Heating and cooling systems are no doubt one of the most significant contributors to the utility expenses of a home. Some heating and cooling systems are more efficient than others, but it is also essential to consider the needs of the house. In choosing an HVAC system, proper sizing is also important. The performance of an HVAC system is indicated in British Thermal Units; hence, the right HVAC size is based on the home’s square footage and the corresponding BTU required for efficient heating and cooling.
Invest in renewable energy
In some parts of the world, investing in renewable energy has taken off significantly. In the UK, however, there is still big room for improvement, but the residential and industrial sectors are already paying attention to the benefits of generating energy in-house. Solar panels can be used not only to generate electricity but can also become an alternative water heating system. Power generated from solar panels can provide enough energy for small appliances, translating into long-term savings.
Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
Another crucial feature of an energy-efficient home is appliances and light fixtures that consume less power yet provide optimum performance. Simply choosing LED lighting over conventional lighting options increases the energy-efficiency factor of a home. Similarly, investing in Energy Star appliances ultimately leads to more savings on utility consumption.
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