Rethinking energy efficiency in construction
Energy-efficient building is no longer an afterthought, it is the benchmark against which projects are measured. The good news? It does not require a complete overhaul of techniques or an endless stream of expensive innovations. The key is to build smarter, by rethinking how we design and interact with our built environments.
Design spaces with purpose. Every corner of a building should serve a clear function. Spaces that are used efficiently minimise energy waste throughout their lifecycle, from construction to operation. Gone are the days of sky-high ceilings or endless glass windows that are merely a treat for the eye.
Rethink materials and technique. Simple methods can be extremely powerful. Think of placing trees before windows to provide cooling or choose reflective roofing materials to prevent heat absorption.
Adapt to the environment, don’t fight it. By working with the environment, buildings can achieve better energy performance with fewer resources. In areas with non-permeable soil for example, installing traditional water drainage systems may not work. Solutions like rainwater retention roofs can address the issue while reducing environmental impact.
Build for year-round comfort. A truly energy-efficient building must be liveable in both winter and summer. This means we need to focus on temperature regulation across all seasons: while triple-glazed windows are good at retaining heat in winter, they can lead to overheating in summer. A more balanced approach, such as double-glazed windows combined with external shading systems, can maintain comfort year-round.
The key to modern construction is integrated building. All disciplines need to put their heads together to create the best possible buildings, ones that consume less, waste less and serve their users perfectly. There is simply no escaping the bigger picture of a construction project if we want to reduce our impact on the environment.
