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An important concept for energy efficiency in buildings is the building envelope, which is everything that separates the interior of the building from the outdoor environment: the doors, windows, walls, foundation, roof, and insulation. All the components of the building envelope need to work together to keep a building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Your home's insulation, for instance, will be less effective if the roof, walls, and ceiling allow air to leak in or allow moisture to collect in the insulation.
Various approaches can help improve the building envelope. Storm windows and doors can reduce heat loss when temperatures drop. In warm regions, windows with special glazing can let in daylight without heat gain. Even some simple weatherization techniques, such as weather stripping doors and windows, can significantly improve a building's energy efficiency.
Heating and cooling systems typically use the most energy in a building. In homes, the addition of efficient controls, like a programmable thermostat, can significantly reduce the energy use of these systems. Some homes can also use zone heating and cooling systems, which reduce heating and cooling in the unused areas of a home. And in commercial buildings, integrated space and water heating systems can provide the best approach to energy-efficient heating.
The energy used to heat water can be reduced by both heating water more efficiently and by reducing hot water use. A wide variety of fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, can reduce hot water use. In a home, an older water heater can be replaced with a newer, more energy-efficient one, and the water heater and hot water pipes can be insulated to minimize heat loss.
Today, most common appliances and electronic devices are available in energy-efficient models-from clothes washers and refrigerators to copiers and computers. Several energy-efficient lighting options, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, are also available.
There are ways to determine how energy efficient a building really is and, if needed, what improvements can be made. Homeowners can conduct simple energy audits on their homes or have professional audits done. Professional energy audits are also available for commercial buildings.
During the commissioning of new commercial buildings, a number of tests and adjustments can be performed to ensure that the heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and other mechanical systems work together effectively and efficiently. Once the systems are commissioned, their proper operation and maintenance is critical to efficient energy use.
Building Envelope
The building envelope includes everything that separates the interior of a building from the outdoor environment, including the windows, walls, foundation, basement slab, ceiling, roof, and insulation. More.
Space Heating and Cooling
Energy-efficient heating and cooling of buildings are aided through the use of automated controls, ventilation, improved duct systems, and advanced technologies. More.
Water Heating
Energy-efficient water heating combined with water-efficient appliances and fixtures will save water, energy, and money. More.
Lighting
Compact fluorescent light bulbs and other efficient lighting technologies save energy and money. More.
Appliances
Energy-efficient options are available for clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, and stoves. More.
Office Equipment and Building Electrical Equipment
Most office equipment wastes energy as it sits idle; equipment with built-in power management features can greatly reduce energy use by switching to low-energy mode when not in use. Energy-efficient motors and transformers are also available. More.
Energy Audits
A variety of tools and technologies are used to evaluate the energy efficiency of buildings. More.
Special Buildings
Special programs exist to encourage energy efficiency in schools and federal buildings. Energy efficiency also helps those who live in affordable housing maintain affordable energy bills. More.
Whole-Building Design
Whole-building design takes an integrative approach to building design so that all elements of the building help achieve an optimal energy performance. The building has to interact effectively with the outdoor environment - a concept known as climate-responsive architecture. A variety of design tools are available. More.
Commissioning, Operation, and Maintenance
Designing a building is only half the battle; it must be put into commission correctly, then operated and maintained correctly. Measurement and verification of building performance is an important aspect of commissioning new buildings. More.
Landscaping for Energy Efficiency
Landscaping can improve a building's energy performance. Trees and bushes can provide shading or block a prevailing wind, as can earth berms. More.
Urban Heat Islands
In urban areas, building energy efficiency is hampered by higher urban temperatures, an effect known as urban heat islands. More.
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