Energy efficiency is an important issue to pay attention because global warming continues to increase. There are suggestions for anyone to choose and use efficient products, including using energy-efficient buildings.

But knowing what the scope of energy-efficient buildings is not an easy task, whether it's an office or a residence. Creating an energy efficient building involves many aspects.

Choosing the type of material and the building construction process are among them. Cost is also an important consideration, especially being eco-friendly is a business now.

What is an Energy Efficient Building?

Energy efficiency is a practice that must be carried out to limit the environmental damage, especially for the health. Saving energy not only lowers building operational costs, but also reduces carbon emissions.

Moreover, energy-efficient buildings are useful for reducing indoor air pollution because they have better ventilation designs. As a result, the respiratory-related diseases, such as asthma and lung cancer, can be reduced. This means there is a medical expense that can be saved.

To make energy efficient buildings, the materials and construction processes must be efficient. When operating the building, all the equipment and furniture must be integrated on eco-friendliness.

Energy efficiency uses less energy to produce the same performance as conventional buildings. This aspect must be taken into account from the start when designing the building, choosing materials, the construction process, and when operating the building.

That is why, adopting energy efficiency techniques during the construction process and operating the building after it is completed is the key to making a sustainable building.

Tips for Making Energy-Efficient Buildings

Using solar panels and recycled materials are examples of applications of energy efficient buildings. Though efficiency can be applied in various aspects of buildings, here are examples of applications.

1. Use Renewable Power Sources

Electricity is one of the basic needs apart from water. To meet such a high demand for electricity, solar panels are a wise choice because they use renewable energy. Solar panels are the most effective form of renewable energy for buildings.

Solar panels are able to power various electronic devices. Lights, air conditioners, water heaters, and other tools that require electricity can be supplied with solar panels. Implementing solar panels is the most common strategy for energy efficient buildings.

2. Choose a Power Saving Tool

Even if you have used solar panels, buildings cannot be considered as energy efficient if all electronic devices are still consuming much energy. The majority of electricity is to power all electronic devices such as TVs, computers, ovens, refrigerators, air conditioners, and others.

For offices, electricity usage will be even higher because the electronic devices consume more power. That is why, choosing an efficient electronic device is a step that must be implemented to reduce the use of electrical energy.

3. Lighting Efficiency

In energy efficient buildings, utilizing natural light is a must. This can be done by making the building look more open so the natural light can be absorbed maximally.

In case you have to keep using lights, choose LED lights. This type of lamp is able to minimize energy usage while providing the light. LED lamps are more efficient than CFL lamps and last longer, plus they do not contain mercury.

LEDs are available in many variations, from the brightest to the softest. The key is to place the LED lights in the right position. In this way, the waste of electricity can be avoided.

4. Choose Efficient Heating and Cooling

Choosing a heating or air conditioning device with high efficiency is important to minimize energy usage in buildings. In energy-efficient buildings, this must be supported by the right layout so the air circulation can be free.

Fresh air is important for residents to avoid respiratory and lung diseases. In energy efficient buildings, integrating the latest technologies is necessary to reduce energy consumption and minimize carbon footprint.

For example, picking the cooling or heating system can be adjusted automatically so the electricity usage can be limited.

5. Window and Door Insulation

Insulated buildings provide the best opportunity to create energy efficient buildings. Consider the position of the doors and windows, choose the optimal size, and pay attention to their orientation.

The insulated building model minimizes the building's absorption of heat and increases energy efficiency. But this can be achieved if the building has an ideal air circulation, the direction of door and window openings. That way, designs can be created and modified to optimize construction costs and performance.

6. Use Recycled Materials

It is not a recycled building if the construction process does not use recycled materials such as ecobricks. Now, two out of three tons of new steel is recycled from old steel, making it one of the most recycled materials on earth.

Steel uses less energy but still emits carbon in small amounts compared to iron. This is the reason that makes steel the best material for energy-efficient buildings because it is strong and durable.

If you are living in an area with strong winds or earthquakes, recycled steel can be the best option for a building structure.