SUSTAINABILITY: Reduce Energy Use
There are many simple, cost-effective means to reduce energy use in buildings, mainly through lowering heating & cooling demands through
- natural ventilation paired with heat recovery systems
- passive heating and cooling: storing heat/cold in thermal mass, maximizing glazing by orientation, solar shading in the summer months
- geothermal heat pumps
- landscaping (green roof as insulation & runoff reduction; deciduous trees as shading, windscreens)
- increased insulation of wall cavities and roof
- reducing air leaks and increasing insulation in older buildings
- smaller building size
Other means to reduce energy use include:
- onsite energy production
- solar hot water heating
- energy efficient appliances
- energy efficient lighting fixtures, controls and natural daylighting