Nowadays, energy savings and efficiency are indisputably linked. A lot of money is spent every year on maintaining the air conditioning in busy areas such as offices, businesses, supermarkets, among others. Energy efficiency in buildings The aim is to reduce overall energy consumption. To achieve this, measures such as upgrading the lighting system, optimising spaces, using more efficient coatings, and other strategies are being implemented.
In this article, you will learn how to determine if a building is efficient, learn the key guidelines for implementing energy efficiency, and gain a thorough understanding of how it works. Keep reading!
Low efficiency in buildings
The Economic and Social Council has reported that more than 50% of homes in Spain do not meet the minimum energy saving requirements. This highlights the urgent need to improve energy efficiency in the construction sector.
Saving energy is not just an economic issue, it is also related to sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources. Reducing energy consumption reduces the need to use fossil fuels to generate electricity, which has a direct impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Households account for up to 18% of energy consumption, which generates 6.6% of the country's polluting emissions. Hence, the focus is on the construction of new low-consumption buildings, and also in the rehabilitation of old buildings to adjust them to new standards.
How to know if your building is energy efficient?
Have you ever wondered how much it costs to maintain energy consumption at home or in the office? Appliances, air conditioning systems, constant lighting... all of this influences energy consumption. But, How can you determine if a building is energy efficient?
The factors that influence the efficiency of a property are linked to the comfort required by the occupant. Heating, ventilation, hot water, lighting and the use of household appliances are the main consumers of energy..
To determine efficiency, the entire annual consumption is evaluated and compared to certain criteria, such as energy classificationThese categorizations, which range from letter A to G, provide a scale of energy efficiency of the property based on its level of consumption.
Calculation of energy efficiency in buildings
To calculate the efficiency of a property, the first step is to know the volume of energy consumed under normal conditions. This calculation includes heating, cooling, ventilation systems and the use of household appliances.
Energy consumption is measured in kilowatts per hour per square meter (kWh/m2 year) and CO2 emissions are expressed in kilograms of CO2 per square meter.
It is important to note that the energy efficiency calculation does not include energy generated by renewable sources integrated into the home, such as solar panels or mini-wind turbines. This means that even if you use renewable energy, it will not affect the energy rating, but it will affect the overall environmental impact.
Energy classification of buildings
Once the energy consumption of your building is known, its classification is determined. The energy classification uses letters, from A to G., with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient.
A category A building consumes up to 90% less energy than a category G building. In addition, it is important to note that, from 2021, new public buildings must comply with the regulations of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB).
How to improve energy efficiency in buildings?
Improving the energy efficiency of a property does not always require a huge investment. There are several simple measures that can generate huge savings and improve the sustainability of the building. Below we provide some key recommendations:
- Renew heating and air conditioning systems: Installing equipment such as heat pumps or condensing boilers will allow you to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Technologies such as geothermal or aerothermal energy are highly efficient alternatives that should also be considered.
- Improve thermal insulation: Proper insulation of walls and windows can reduce energy loss by up to 50%. Making changes to a building's envelope can result in significant savings in energy consumption.
- Take advantage of natural lighting: Reducing the use of artificial light and installing energy-saving or LED bulbs also generates significant savings.
- Incorporating renewable energies: Installing solar panels or photovoltaic panels for self-consumption can significantly reduce dependence on the electricity grid.
Important regulations and certifications
Currently, regulations in Europe and Spain strictly regulate efficiency in construction. European Energy Efficiency Directive requires Member States to reduce CO2 emissions and increase the use of renewable energy in buildings by 2050.
In addition, certifications such as LEED, BREEAM o GREEN They certify that a building is sustainable and energy efficient. These certifications not only add value to the market, but also promote savings for owners in the long term.
By implementing appropriate measures and complying with current regulations, we can aspire to have sustainable buildings that improve both our comfort and the environment.