ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

Definition
Energy-efficient buildings are structures that use minimal energy to operate while maintaining a
comfortable and healthy indoor environment. These buildings incorporate design, materials, and
systems that reduce energy consumption, water usage, and environmental impact.
Introduction
More than 90 per cent of our time is spent in buildings i.e. either in the office or at home. Energy
used in buildings (residential and commercial) accounts for a significant percentage of a country’s
total energy consumption. This percentage depends greatly on the degree of electrification, the level
of urbanization, the amount of building area per capita, the prevailing climate, as well as national
and local policies to promote efficiency. The following are estimated figures for different regions:
 European Union countries > 40 per cent
 Philippines 15-20 per cent
 Brazil 42 per cent
 Florida/USA 47 per cent
 California 66 per cent
In many countries, buildings consume more energy than transport and industry. The International
Energy Agency (IEA) statistics estimate that globally, the building sector is responsible for more
electricity consumption than any other sector, 42 per cent. The building sector encompasses a
diverse set of end use activities, which have different energy use implications. Space heating, space
cooling and lighting, which together account for a majority of building energy use in industrialized
countries, depend not only on the energy efficiency of temperature control and lighting systems, but
also on the efficiency of the buildings in which they operate. Building designs and materials have a
significant effect on the energy consumed for a select set of end uses. On the other hand, building
design does not affect the energy use of cooking or appliances, though these end uses are
nonetheless attributed to the building sector. Appliance efficiency matters more for some end uses
than for others. Water heating and refrigeration each account for significant shares of building
energy use since they are in constant use. By contrast, cooking and small appliances (including
computers and televisions) generally account for only small percentages of building energy
consumption, owing to their intermittent use.
In general, building energy consumption is higher in industrialized countries. Thus, development
has an important effect on energy demand from the building sector, implying that building
efficiency becomes more significant as countries become more prosperous. The importance of
energy efficiency in building sector is especially significant in developing countries, owing to rapid
new construction with opportunities to employ efficient materials and best practices.
Analysis of the building sector produces mixed conclusions, owing to the diversity of influences
and end uses that the sector embodies. International trade and a small number of multinational
corporations play a significant role in the production and distribution of most building appliances,
including cooking appliances, lighting, heating and cooling systems. However, the opposite is true
for building construction, which is dominated by small local firms. Many materials essential to
building efficiency, such as cement and timber, are not heavily traded (aluminium and steel are

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notable exceptions), and building practices and materials vary widely depending on available
resources, customs and prevailing climate.
One consistent quality in the building sector is that it is subject to a high degree of regulation.
Building codes often influence material use, and appliance standards, both mandatory and
voluntary, have a significant effect on energy efficiency. Regulatory regimes, to the extent that they
exist, may therefore provide a pathway to improving efficiency for both building construction and
a variety of building appliances. Furthermore, government operations in commercial buildings often
constitute a significant share of total building use, as government activity at all levels is building-
dependent. By choosing energy-efficient designs and materials for their own use, governments can
thus exert significant influence over the building sector as a whole.
What is the energy efficiency of a building?
The energy efficiency of a building is the extent to which the energy consumption per square metre
of floor area of the building measures up to established energy consumption benchmarks for that
particular type of building under defined climatic conditions.
Building energy consumption benchmarks are representative values for common building types
against which a building’s actual performance can be compared. The benchmarks are derived by
analysing data on different building types within a given country. The typical benchmark is the
median level of performance of all the buildings in a given category and good practice represents
the top quartile performance. Comparisons with simple benchmarks of annual energy use per square
metre of floor area or treated floor area (kWh/m2/annum) allow the standard of energy efficiency
to be assessed and priority areas for action to be identified.
Benchmarks are applied mainly to heating, cooling, air-conditioning, ventilation, lighting, fans,
pumps and controls, office or other electrical equipment, and electricity consumption for external
lighting. The benchmarks used vary with the country and type of building.
The measure of heat loss through a material, referred to as the U-Value, is also used as a way of
describing the energy performance of a building. The U-value refers to how well an element
conducts heat from one side to the other by rating how much the heat the component allows to pass
through it. They are the standard used in building codes for specifying the minimum energy
efficiency values for windows, doors, walls and other exterior building components. U-values also
rate the energy efficiency of the combined materials in a building component or section. A low U-
value indicates good energy efficiency. Windows, doors, walls and skylights can gain or lose heat,
thereby increasing the energy required for cooling or heating. For this reason, most building codes
have set minimum standards for the energy efficiency of these components.
Why is energy efficiency in buildings important?
Governments have a responsibility to ensure that there is secure supply of energy to ensure
economic growth. In many developing countries there is normally very little margin between
existing power supply and electricity demand. With increasing electricity use from existing
consumers and new connections, new generation needs to be brought on line to meet increasing
demand. In addition, due to changing climate patterns and the increasing risk of drought, countries

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that are highly dependent on electricity from hydro as their main source of electricity are losing
much of their generation capacity resulting in intensive power rationing.
Although renewable sources of electricity such as hydro, geothermal or wind provide electricity at
a much lower cost than electricity generation from petroleum, their capital outlay is large, they are
complex and take much longer to implement. Petroleum-based generation is usually brought in in
the short term to meet this demand, which results in increased cost of electricity, over dependence
on petroleum and subsequently vulnerability to oil price fluctuations.
Investments in energy efficiency in a building can be compared with the cost of capital investments
necessary on the supply side of the energy system to produce a similar amount of peak capacity or
annual energy production. Usually, the capital costs of efficiency are lower than comparable
investments in increased supply and there are no additional operating costs of efficiency compared
to substantial operating costs for supply-side options. In addition, energy efficiency investments
generally have much shorter lead times than energy supply investments, a particularly important
consideration in countries where the demand for energy services is growing rapidly. By setting
energy efficiency targets for buildings, governments share the burden and cost of ensuring the
security of energy supply with end-users.
The need to increase generation capacity in developing countries is unavoidable. However,
governments can solve peak demand constraints by finding a balance between reducing demand
and increasing supply. To increase supply, governments in developing countries often have to
allocate funds to subsidize new generation capacity or subsidize the cost of petroleum-based
generation. Reducing demand by setting up a low interest, easy payment energy efficiency
revolving fund to incentivize consumers to implement energy efficiency measures would be a more
sustainable approach and repayments could be based on energy savings.
The main benefit from measures to improve energy efficiency buildings is lower energy costs but
there are usually other benefits to be considered too. Energy efficiency measures are meant to reduce
the amount of energy consumed while maintaining or improving the quality of services provided in
the building. Among the benefits likely to arise from energy efficiency investments in buildings are:
 Reducing energy use for space heating and/or cooling and water heating;
 Reduced electricity use for lighting, office machinery and domestic type appliances;
 Lower maintenance requirements;
 Improved comfort;
 Enhanced property value.
In developing countries where electricity is intermittent and power rationing is frequent, there is a
large demand for diesel or renewable energy-based backup/stand-by power generation from end-
users. Reducing power and energy requirements in buildings reduces the capital outlay required and
the running costs of these stand-by systems.
In industrialized countries, policy, incentives, climate change targets and corporate image drive
more efficient approaches to energy use in buildings. Codes and practice on energy regulations for
buildings in developed countries include obligations for energy audits, requirements for building
certification with ratings based on energy efficiency, carbon reduction targets for buildings, levies
on energy consumption—charged per unit consumed to discourage high consumption, incentives
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such as exemption from building tax for good energy efficiency ratings, access to interest free/low-
interest loans and grants for undertaking energy efficiency measures in buildings and, as part of
their corporate social responsibility, some companies would like to be seen as a green company that
promotes energy efficiency.

Characteristics of Energy-Efficient Buildings

Characteristics of energy-efficient buildings include:
1. Insulation and air-tightness: to minimize heat loss and gain
2. High-performance windows: to reduce heat transfer and maximize natural light
3. Energy-efficient HVAC systems: to optimize heating, cooling, and ventilation
4. LED lighting: to reduce energy consumption and extend lifespan
5. Renewable energy systems: like solar, wind, or geothermal to generate power
6. Smart building technologies: to monitor and control energy usage
7. Water-conserving fixtures: to reduce water consumption
8. Sustainable materials: with low embodied energy and environmental impact
9. Passive design strategies: to maximize natural ventilation, daylighting, and solar heating
10. Commissioning and testing: to ensure optimal performance
Energy-efficient buildings offer benefits like:
1. Reduced energy consumption and costs

2. Lower greenhouse gas emissions

3. Improved indoor air quality and occupant health

4. Enhanced durability and lifespan

5. Increased property value and marketability

6. Compliance with energy efficiency regulations and standards

By adopting energy-efficient design and technologies, buildings can minimize their environmental
footprint while providing a comfortable and productive space for occupants.

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Goals of Energy Efficient Buildings
The primary goals of energy-efficient buildings are:
1. Reduce Energy Consumption: Minimize the amount of energy required to operate the building.
2. Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Decrease the building's carbon footprint and contribute to
climate change mitigation.
3. Cost Savings: Reduce energy costs and operational expenses.
4. Improve Indoor Air Quality: Enhance occupant health, comfort, and productivity.
5. Increase Property Value: Boost the building's market value and appeal.
6. Compliance with Regulations: Meet or exceed energy efficiency standards and codes.
7. Water Conservation: Reduce water consumption and protect this vital resource.
8. Waste Reduction: Minimize waste generation and promote recycling.
9. Enhance Occupant Experience: Provide a comfortable, healthy, and productive indoor
environment.
10. Support Sustainability: Contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing environmental
impact.
11. Increase Energy Independence: Reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
12. Improve Building Durability: Extend the building's lifespan and reduce maintenance needs.
By achieving these goals, energy-efficient buildings can have a positive impact on the environment,
occupants, and the bottom line.

Regulations Guiding the Development of Energy Efficient Buildings

Regulations guiding the development of energy-efficient buildings vary by country, region, and
even municipality, but common ones include:
1. Building Codes: Mandatory minimum energy efficiency standards for new construction and
renovations.
2. Energy Efficiency Standards: Guidelines for building envelope, HVAC, lighting, and other
systems.
3. Green Building Certifications: Voluntary programs like LEED, Energy Star, and Passive House.
4. Energy Performance Requirements: Mandatory energy efficiency targets for buildings.
5. Carbon Emissions Reduction Targets: Regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Renewable Energy Requirements: Mandates for on-site renewable energy generation.
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7. Energy Audits and Commissioning: Requirements for energy efficiency testing and verification.
8. Building Labelling and Disclosure: Mandatory energy efficiency labelling and disclosure.
9. Incentives and Rebates: Financial incentives for energy-efficient design and construction.
10. Training and Education: Requirements for professionals to learn energy-efficient design and
construction practices.
Examples of regulations include:
- ASHRAE 90.1 (US)
- IECC (US)
- Energy Efficiency Directive (EU)
- Building Regulations (UK)
- National Building Code (Canada)
- Building Code of Australia
These regulations aim to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental
impact while promoting sustainable building practices.
Challenges to the Development of Energy-Efficient Buildings
Here are some challenges to the development of energy-efficient buildings:
1. Higher upfront costs: Energy-efficient materials and systems can be more expensive than
traditional ones.
2. Lack of knowledge and expertise: Building professionals may need training on energy-efficient
design and construction.
3. Insufficient building codes and standards: Existing codes may not require or incentivize energy
efficiency.
4. Difficulty in measuring energy efficiency: It can be hard to quantify energy savings and verify
performance.
5. Split incentives: Landlords may not invest in energy efficiency if tenants pay utility bills.
6. Limited access to financing: Building owners may struggle to secure funding for energy-efficient
upgrades.
7. Technological limitations: Energy-efficient technologies may not be suitable for all building
types or climates.
8. User behaviour: Occupants' actions can significantly impact energy consumption, making
efficiency gains harder to achieve.
9. Material availability and sourcing: Sourcing sustainable, energy-efficient materials can be
challenging.

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10. Policy and regulatory barriers: Inconsistent or inadequate policies can hinder energy-efficient
building development.
11. Public awareness and education: Raising awareness about energy efficiency benefits can be a
challenge.
12. Building envelope and durability concerns: Energy-efficient designs may compromise building
durability or indoor air quality.
13. Retrofitting existing buildings: Upgrading older buildings to be energy-efficient can be complex
and costly.
14. Balancing energy efficiency with indoor air quality and ventilation: Energy-efficient designs
may require careful consideration of ventilation and air quality.
15. Integrating renewable energy systems: Incorporating on-site renewable energy generation, like
solar or wind power, can be complex.
16. Data management and monitoring: Tracking energy usage and performance can be difficult
without proper data management systems.
17. Workforce training and capacity building: Ensuring a skilled workforce for energy-efficient
building construction and maintenance.
18. Material reuse and recycling: Encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials from demolished
buildings.
19. Resilience and adaptability: Designing energy-efficient buildings to withstand natural disasters
and changing environmental conditions.
20. Addressing embodied energy: Considering the energy consumed during building material
production, transportation, and construction.
21. Innovative materials and technologies: Staying up-to-date with emerging energy-efficient
materials and technologies.
22. Building information modelling (BIM) and digitalization: Leveraging digital tools for energy-
efficient building design and operation.
23. Energy storage integration: Incorporating energy storage systems to optimize energy efficiency
and renewable energy use.
24. Grid connection and distribution: Managing energy distribution and grid connection for energy-
efficient buildings.
25. Policy consistency and enforcement: Ensuring consistent and effective policy implementation
to support energy-efficient building development.
26. Tenant engagement and behaviour: Encouraging occupants to adopt energy-efficient practices
and behaviours.
27. Building management and operation: Ensuring energy-efficient operation and maintenance
through effective building management.
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28. Energy efficiency in historic buildings: Balancing energy efficiency with preservation of
historic building features.
29. Small building challenges: Addressing unique energy efficiency challenges in small buildings
and residential structures.
30. Material toxicity and health impacts: Selecting materials that minimize indoor air pollution and
health risks.
31. Water efficiency and conservation: Integrating water-saving measures and efficient systems in
energy-efficient buildings.
32. Waste reduction and management: Minimizing construction waste and implementing effective
waste management strategies.
33. Commissioning and testing: Ensuring energy-efficient systems are properly installed, tested,
and commissioned.
34. Building envelope air tightness: Achieving adequate air tightness in building envelopes to
minimize heat loss and gain.
35. Moisture management and durability: Preventing moisture-related damage and ensuring
building durability.
36. Acoustic comfort and sound quality: Balancing energy efficiency with acoustic comfort and
sound quality.
37. Aesthetic and design considerations: Integrating energy-efficient design with architectural
aesthetics and user needs.
38. Energy efficiency in cold climates: Addressing unique energy efficiency challenges in cold
climates and high heating demand contexts.
39. Building codes and standards enforcement: Ensuring consistent enforcement of energy
efficiency codes and standards.
40. Public-private partnerships and financing: Securing funding and partnerships for energy-
efficient building projects.
41. Energy efficiency in urban planning: Integrating energy-efficient buildings into broader urban
planning and development strategies.
42. Continuing education and professional development: Staying current with evolving energy-
efficient technologies and practices.
43. Addressing energy poverty and equity: Ensuring energy-efficient buildings are accessible and
affordable for low-income households.
44. Integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure: Accommodating growing demand for EV
charging in energy-efficient buildings.
45. Cybersecurity risks in smart buildings: Protecting energy-efficient buildings from cyber threats
and data breaches.
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46. Material circularity and reuse: Encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials in energy-
efficient building design.
47. Embodied carbon reduction: Minimizing the carbon footprint of building materials and
construction processes.
48. Climate resilience and adaptation: Designing energy-efficient buildings to withstand and adapt
to climate change impacts.
49. Indoor agriculture and urban farming integration: Incorporating energy-efficient indoor
agriculture systems into buildings.
50. Advanced building envelope materials: Developing and integrating new materials with
improved energy efficiency and durability.
51. Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications: Leveraging AI and ML to optimize
energy efficiency and building performance.
52. Occupant health and well-being metrics: Developing and using metrics to assess the impact of
energy-efficient buildings on occupant health.
53. Energy storage and demand response integration: Coordinating energy-efficient buildings with
energy storage and demand response systems.
54. Micro-grid and distributed energy systems: Integrating energy-efficient buildings with micro-
grids and distributed energy systems.
55. Building information modelling (BIM) for energy efficiency: Utilizing BIM to optimize energy
efficiency in building design and operation.
56. Energy-efficient building certifications and labels: Developing and using certifications and
labels to promote energy-efficient buildings.
57. Workforce development and training programs: Establishing training programs for
professionals in energy-efficient building design and operation.

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