Source:CBE UC Berkeley
Do you know how much energy is lost through the average building? What do I mean by lost energy through a building? Think about the home improvement shows which have grown in popularity in recent years. One major restriction on these types of shows which is commonly unknown -- there is a limit on how many windows which can be installed in a house renovation project. The reason is due to the amount of energy which can be lost through the window during the cold season. Not to mention the ability to 'cool' the house during the summer season -- depending on the geographical region.
A tremendous amount of energy is lost through the windows, walls, and attics -- along with every other crease, crack, joint inside buildings. A building is quite 'porous' - meaning the energy is easily - very easily lost through the structure. Which results in an increased energy consumption. Therefore, in any transition toward clean (sustainable) energy, a major part must be concerned with the improvement of building materials and construction to reduce energy usage/consumption.
In addition to the lost energy through poor energy construction, there are other factors which are impacted by the construction of a building. Ambiance is typically noted as a dominant factors such as ventilation, lighting, air flow, along with overall feeling inside the room/building. Recently, Canada came up with benchmarks for K-12 schools to aim for to reduce energy consumption. Here is the announcement shown below:
Energy benchmarking for K-12 schoolsImprove learning outcomes with energy benchmarkingStudies have shown that physical environment contributes to learning and productivity. Schools that are well lit, well ventilated, and in good repair create a healthy, comfortable learning and teaching environment, which leads to better performance and achievement.In 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that a typical school district spends more on energy than on any other expense except salaries. Energy costs are higher than the total for computers and texbooks combined. Furthermore, one third of the energy is often wasted due to poorly functioning equipment, poor insulation and outdated technology. Energy benchmarking can help shrink the waste and reduce the costs, especially if students are actively engaged in monitoring and finding ways to reduce energy use. Benefits that can arise from regular energy benchmarking include the following:-- Schools can use savings from improved energy performance to help pay for building improvements and other upgrades that enhance the learning environment.-- Energy improvements can help free up resources so they can be redirected towards educational materials.-- A more energy efficient structure will simultaneously help pay for those investments through cost savings over time.-- Improving the energy efficiency of the school can serve as a key learning tool for students in terms of science, math, the environment, and social and fiscal responsibility.-- By being more energy efficient, schools across Canada can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Collect the data you need to benchmark your schoolThe ENERGY STAR® Score for K-12 Schools in Canada applies to a building or campus of buildings used as a school for Kindergarten through Grade 12. It does not apply to CEGEP, college or university classroom facilities and laboratories, or vocational, technical, trade schools or daycare facilities. These schools will still benefit from energy benchmarking and can obtain an energy use intensity (EUI) value to identify energy-saving priorities.To obtain a 1-100 ENERGY STAR score, in addition to your school’s basic tombstone information, you need the following building data:-- Gross floor area for each building-- Gross floor area of gymnasium-- Student seating capacity-- Number of employees-- Percent of each building that is cooled-- Percent of each building that is heated-- High school (yes/no)-- Energy UseSpecific energy billing information for each building for all purchased energy. You will need to begin with at least 12 consecutive months for each energy source and update regularly with monthly usage data.Note that the above information is not required to start benchmarking. You can start using the tool to track your energy performance no matter how much data you have. However, in order to obtain the 1-100 score or an energy use intensity value, you need the details above.Apply for certificationIf your school earns a score of 75 or higher and meets certain other criteria, it could be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification. Learn more about certification and how you can apply.
The plan outlined above might be brief but is a great starting point. As countries around the world move toward renewable/clean energy, all factors should be considered to improve the overall transition. Thinking deeply about each energy contribution (and loss) will only result in a greater outcomes (in terms of energy efficiency). Opponents may argue that more or less needs to be done. Regardless, a conversation needs to be started on the transition toward a better more efficient building construction.
Getting toward a cleaner energy economy will take both time and energy. Although, if the conversation does not start now on various paths toward achieving greater energy efficiency, no progress will be made in years to come. The European Union has been at the forefront of financing (giving confidence) to various countries who start to make the transition. Here in the United States, the conversation has begun. That is good progress given the size and scope of the transition for our nation.
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