How to Build an Energy-Efficient Building
The key to maximizing energy-efficiency in a new building is to design an entire building system that is built with energy efficiency in mind. Collaboration among team members, starting at project conception, is crucial in creating an energy-efficient construction.
When planning an energy-efficient building, you first need to develop a design that incorporates the most energy-efficient materials. These include:
- Windows and doors should be insulated; including the building’s insulation from the floor to ceiling, and then extending up to attic ceilings and other external walls. Your doors and windows should be weathertight, even if it means they are left open or closed. All windows and doors in your building should have thermal break-down sensors for heat loss, ventilation, and air leakage.
- Insulation should be applied to the walls and floors of your building from ceiling to ground. For interior walls and floors, there are several techniques used to obtain good insulating properties, such as insulation between the drywall. You also want to insulate the floor and ceiling of your building, as well as the area beneath them. This is because if the area under the ceiling is not insulated, heat can escape, creating an unwanted draft and thus causing an uncomfortable temperature in your building.
- Interior walls and floors can be insulated using either drywall, fibreglass board, and/or wood chips. A common technique is to have the boards attached to the inside walls and floors and used as “pipes” to channel insulation down from above.
- Other options for a building’s insulation system include wood shakes and siding. While these methods are less expensive and less maintenance-intensive than their counterparts, it is important to maintain these elements properly, especially when used on an exterior wall or floor.
- For an energy-efficiency building, you also want to include certain building codes in the construction process to help meet energy efficiency building regulations. Building codes are designed to maximize energy efficiency by ensuring that building materials are manufactured under energy performance specifications. {and building systems are designed to minimize energy loss. and maximize ventilation, and air leakage, which helps save energy.
- You also want to hire a construction firm that has a proven record of building energy-efficient buildings. To avoid wasting time and money, look for companies that have been recommended by local builders, contractors, architects, and building inspectors.
- The type of structure you’re planning to build is going to play a major role in your overall energy efficiency. A compact and energy-efficient home or a larger one that has more square footage will have increased effectiveness in the heat and cooling of your house. A home with fewer square feet will be less expensive to heat and cool but will have less energy-efficient insulation and less efficient structural components.
- Make sure you have your heating and cooling system checked regularly for wear and tear. Regular inspections will help identify areas that need repairs and replacement or replacements.
- In terms of your windows and doors, make sure your heating and cooling system is properly insulated. {if you have them and make sure that they’re maintained and adjusted. {if you don’t. The right insulating materials will save money and reduce the energy needed to heat or cool your house. and keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
- If possible, don’t use old, inefficient materials for your building. Newer technology is available that will dramatically reduce the amount of heat lost in your home and make your home more energy-efficient. Also make sure that your roof and walls are treating to reduce energy loss, which will also help lower your electric bill and contribute to a more energy-efficient building.
- When you build a new home, consider having an expert assess your home to see what improvements can be made to increase the efficiency of the structure. This is especially important if your home has been built in an older neighbourhood.
- Make sure that the foundation, siding, and roof are treated to be able to withstand weather and mould. – Make sure that the materials you use in your building are treated with a fire retardant substance, which will help to keep mould and mildew at bay.