Energy regulations have driven the construction industry to adopt eco-friendly materials. Many of these materials have low embodied energy, which helps reduce energy consumption during production.
Building materials with high thermal mass have the ability to absorb, retain, and slowly release passive solar energy throughout the day. This helps to regulate indoor temperatures and decrease reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.
Energy Efficiency
A key element in reducing energy consumption is to use energy-efficient insulation materials. These materials reduce heating and cooling costs, as well as improving occupant comfort. In addition, these materials are environmentally friendly and comply with energy regulations.
Energy efficiency is also important for lowering the embodied energy of a building. The embodied energy of construction materials is the total amount of energy required to mine, manufacture, transport, and administer the material. Using low embodied energy materials, such as fly ash bricks and fiber-reinforced concrete, can help lower this number.
Other measures to improve energy efficiency include using solar power, insulating walls and roofs, and sealing sources of air leakage in existing buildings. Additionally, using phase change materials (PCMs) in walls and ceilings can help improve a home’s ability to retain heat during cold weather and absorb heat during warm weather.
Research has shown that the effective use of insulation and shading in Nigerian cities can significantly reduce the cooling load, thereby reducing electricity consumption. The use of low-VOC paints and adhesives can also increase the energy performance of a building. This helps to minimize VOC emissions, which are linked to respiratory illnesses and other health problems. It is essential for the construction industry to adopt these new materials and educate architects, builders, and consumers about their benefits.
Carbon Emissions
Carbon dioxide is emitted and absorbed naturally by many microorganisms, plants, and animals. This process, known as carbon cycling, tends to balance out over time, absent human impacts. However, since the Industrial Revolution began around 1750, human activities have added a significant amount of heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. These emissions are the main driver of climate change.
The vast majority of heating in buildings and homes relies on fossil fuels, which produce undesirable emissions during combustion. Efforts to decarbonise heating must combine energy efficiency measures with rapid switching to renewable and waste-based energy sources.
Energy regulations have fueled remarkable innovations in construction materials. Eco-friendly concrete, for example, offers numerous benefits over traditional alternatives. In addition to lowering carbon footprints, these materials are durable and cost-effective. The use of these products helps meet energy regulations while enhancing occupant comfort.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a set of standards that divides greenhouse gas emissions into three categories. Emissions produced directly by an organization, such as by burning fossil fuels, are referred to as Scope 1. Indirect emissions, caused by purchasing secondary energy sources like electricity, heat, or cooling, are known as Scope 2. Finally, emissions that occur when land is used for other purposes, such as cropland or forestland, are considered Scope 3.
Sustainability
The amount of energy used to produce, transport and combine building materials contributes significantly to the environmental footprint of a construction. To reduce this burden, choose eco-friendly materials that require less embodied energy to produce and use. These materials will also have a lower ecological impact when they are recycled, and help promote a sustainable supply chain.
A good example of such a material is aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC). AAC uses less energy to make than brick and pumice, while its thermal properties are comparable to those of brick or stone. Additionally, AAC is made from renewable and recycled materials, which reduces waste.
Additionally, aerated concrete is lighter and has lower thermal conductivity than traditional brick and stone, which reduces heating and cooling costs. It is also easy to install and can be made in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours.
As global warming continues to accelerate, the need for sustainable cooling is becoming more critical than ever. Investing in energy-efficient materials and insulation can help to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, such as health impacts and reduced labour productivity. The best way to achieve these benefits is by implementing energy regulations and using eco-friendly, sustainable materials. While this may increase upfront costs, the long-term savings are significant. Choosing eco-friendly options like cellulose, sheep’s wool and recycled denim can help you meet your sustainability goals while complying with energy regulations.
Durability
Durability is a critical factor in building materials, ensuring that buildings and structures remain secure for their occupants. Durability also reduces maintenance and repair costs, which can result in significant savings. Durable constructions are more environmentally responsible, as they reduce the need for exploitation of new raw materials and lessen the waste generated by demolition.
Durable building products are made from a variety of materials, including copper and aluminum. They can withstand heavy rainfall, wind and other weather conditions, reducing damage to the building structure. In addition, durable materials are resistant to corrosion and insect attacks. This makes them the ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces, especially those that require high durability, such as lighting fixtures, like wall sconces.
The durability of a building material depends on its design, testing and quality control, as well as its maintenance and repair. For example, a roofing material should be designed to withstand harsh weather conditions without losing its structural integrity. This can be achieved by using a roof with appropriate insulation and ventilation cooling.
The durability of a building material also depends on its temperature, as it is influenced by the Arrhenius relationship: each 10 degree Kelvin increase in the temperature decreases the service life of the material by half. Another way to improve the durability of a building is by using thermal insulation and ventilation cooling in order to protect its critical elements from elevated temperatures.