Energy Efficient Buildings: Why We Should Have Them

There is an ongoing concern of urbanization in major cities. Congestion, sprawl, inefficiency, health hazards, and high cost of living are some of these concerns. However, there is a positive outlook in facing these challenges. It is believed that there is a possibility in turning these concerns into opportunities like mobility, connectivity, healthier lifestyle and economies of scale. How is it possible some may ask; the answer is quite simple, Energy Efficient Buildings. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is sometimes overlooked as a strategy that can help uplift many of the challenges cities face, from climate change to public health problems to unemployment and poverty.

What are Energy Efficient Buildings?

Energy Efficient Buildings can be defined as buildings that have been designed to provide a significant reduction of energy that is needed for heating and cooling. Energy efficient buildings, whether they are built with an energy efficient goal or an old building that is completely renovated to be more efficient, will pose a great number of benefits in the long run. Additionally, these buildings are less expensive to operate, more comfortable to work in, and more environmentally friendly.

What are the benefits?

Energy has become a critical economic issue and a top priority for policymakers. An unsustainable supply and demand chain has some serious implications for everything, including household budgets to international relations. Buildings are on the front lines of this matter, as they are the highest consumers of energy. It can only be imagined as to what would happen if buildings were to become more efficient with energy consumption. These are some of benefits it would have to offer:

Financial Savings

An energy efficient building will have the advantage of lower energy, water, and maintenance costs.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Energy efficient buildings will have lower greenhouse gas emissions due to having reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Buildings that use primarily clean energy such as hydroelectricity will have the lowest emission rate.

Improved Comfort and Health

Continuous ventilation and circulation of fresh air throughout the building can lead to better well-being for occupants, resulting in a more productive workforce

Higher Value

Businesses and consumers see the value in energy efficient buildings, and this will result in a premium that is associated with buying or leasing a well-built and energy efficient space.

A global economy shift is an inevitable event, so before it really begins to reset and recover from the various impacts of Covid-19, many businesses will have the opportunity to rebuild in a smarter and more sustainable way in terms of infrastructure. This crisis has further shown the importance in improving building resilience, making a positive impact on public health, and helping the environment.