The Impact of Buildings on the Environment

Strategies to Address Buildings Environmental Impact

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Discussion Questions

How can buildings reduce the negative environmental consequences associated with energy use?

Reducing the negative environmental effects of building energy use necessitates a holistic approach that includes energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Energy-efficient design and construction are among the best strategies to lessen adverse environmental effects. Energy-efficient systems and materials during design and construction can considerably reduce energy consumption in buildings. High-performance insulation, effective HVAC systems, and energy-efficient lighting can help (U.S. GBC, 2009). Another aspect of the energy-efficient design is incorporating passive solar heating and cooling techniques, such as appropriate building orientation, shading devices, and natural ventilation systems.

Buildings can decrease environmental damage by utilizing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal, besides energy-saving designs. These supply clean and sustainable energy, reducing the building’s footprint. Using solar or wind power on buildings reduces emissions and provides renewable energy.

Buildings can lower their negative impact on the environment through the adoption of energy-efficient operational techniques. One potential strategy to lower energy consumption entails optimizing HVAC systems, decreasing lighting loads, and employing energy-efficient appliances and equipment. Adopting eco-friendly building standards, like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, can help constructions minimize their ecological footprint through sustainable building practices, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.

What are some strategies to reduce energy demand?

With the increase of the global populace, the necessity for energy consumption persistently escalates, thereby imposing a burden on our planet’s natural resources and generating undesirable ecological implications. Mitigating adverse environmental effects stemming from energy consumption necessitates reducing energy demand. Numerous methodologies are available that can be utilized to diminish the consumption of energy in edifices. An effective approach is to enhance the building envelope (U.S. GBC, 2009). A proficiently engineered building envelope accompanied by ample insulation, high-performing windows, and appropriate air sealing can reduce the demand for heating and cooling, resulting in substantial energy conservation. Moreover, using cool roofing materials can effectively diminish the heat island phenomenon in urban regions, thereby mitigating the necessity for air conditioning.

Another viable approach is to employ energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Replacing incandescent bulbs with either LED or CFL bulbs constitutes a viable solution for reducing energy consumption. Taking action can improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Using energy-efficient equipment like fridges, air conditioners, and washing machines can reduce overall energy use in buildings. The systems regulate subsystems like lighting and HVAC to optimize energy consumption. As an illustration, automated systems can deactivate lighting fixtures and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in unoccupied spaces, decreasing energy consumption. Integrating renewable energy systems into buildings represents a prudent and efficacious approach to decreasing energy demand. The deployment of solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and geothermal systems presents a viable solution for producing sustainable energy, consequently mitigating the demand for conventional grid electricity.

Energy demand reduction may be feasibly achieved through implementing behavior change and educational techniques. Occupants of a building may be motivated to engage in energy conservation practices such as deactivating luminaries and disconnecting electronic devices while not in use, preferring natural illumination over artificial lighting sources, and modifying thermostat settings to lessen energy consumption.

How can buildings reduce the impact of energy used?

Numerous strategies aimed at curtailing energy consumption and improving the efficacy of energy systems can be implemented by edifices to mitigate the impact of energy usage. The mitigation of climate change and the reduction of environmental pollution can be accomplished by diminishing the impact of energy consumption in buildings. A viable approach to mitigate the effects arising from energy consumption is to enhance the efficacy of illumination systems. This goal can be effectively realized by employing energy-efficient light bulbs, notably LED lighting technology, which substantially minimizes energy consumption while delivering a prolonged lifespan compared to conventional incandescent bulbs (U.S. GBC, 2014). Installing lighting control systems, such as motion sensors, timers, and daylight sensors, can curb energy utilization by detecting and automatically switching off lighting fixtures when deemed unnecessary.

To save energy, improve HVAC system effectiveness with maintenance, upgrades, programmable thermostats, and better insulation. Building proprietors should utilize natural ventilation and passive solar heating techniques to mitigate reliance on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Besides enhancing lighting and HVAC system efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines or solar panels, within buildings can curtail the impact of energy consumption. Buildings can generate energy, reduce grid reliance, and lessen environmental impact. Construction materials and techniques affect energy consumption. Using sustainable materials like recycled steel and sustainably harvested wood can reduce the harm caused by building construction (ENERGY STAR Action Guide). Also, employing prefabricated building elements and passive design principles can decrease energy consumption during construction and over the building’s lifespan.

What are some LEED credits from other categories that are synergistic with energy use?

LEED certification promotes sustainable design and construction practices, including energy efficiency, across multiple categories. LEED credits from other categories are beneficial for energy. One example of such credits is the Sustainable Sites category, which includes credits for site selection and development, stormwater management, and heat island reduction. A building can reduce its overall energy demand by selecting an appropriate site, designing a landscaping plan that reduces water consumption and stormwater runoff, and using reflective and permeable materials. For instance, using reflective roofs and pavements can reduce the energy needed to cool a building by reducing the heat island effect.

Another category that supports energy efficiency is the Water Efficiency category. Buildings that reduce water consumption through efficient plumbing fixtures, water reuse systems, and landscape irrigation can also reduce energy demand. For example, water reuse systems such as rainwater harvesting can reduce the need to pump, treat, and distribute water, thereby reducing the energy needed to supply water to the building. The Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category also has credits related to energy efficiency. Employing daylighting systems may significantly diminish the requirement for artificial lighting, leading to a subsequent reduction in the energy consumption of a building. Implementing low-emitting materials and heightened ventilation may foster good indoor air quality, ultimately bolstering the health outcomes of inhabitants (U.S. GBC, 2014). A healthier indoor environment can also improve occupant productivity and reduce the need for energy-intensive ventilation systems.

Finally, the Materials and Resources category has credits supporting energy efficiency through reducing waste and using sustainable materials. Building designs that use locally sourced, recycled, or rapidly renewable materials can reduce the energy needed to transport and extract raw materials. Additionally, building materials manufactured with renewable energy sources can further reduce the environmental impact of a building.

References

ENERGY STAR Action Guide “PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT STARTS AT HOME.” https://www.energystar.gov/

U.S. Green Building Council. (2009). USGBC LEED green associate study guide. Author.

U.S. Green Building Council. (2014). LEED core concepts: Hard copy: An introduction to LEED and green building.