Keeping it Real

The reference for the information in this blog is from the Australian Alliance to Save Energy website. This article is about energy efficiency and how it is possible to cut our carbon emissions by using available resources and technologies.. Did you know that, if the population and businesses of Australia were to cut energy use on a large scale, 55% of Australia’s greenhouse gas abatement would be met by the year 2050. You say how does this work and what are the benefits? Your electricity bill would be reduced Reduced greenhouse gas emissions Reduce the need for more costly infrastructure Use existing technologies while new are being developed Energy Saving Tips – information found from various sources Turn off lights Turn off stand-by Insulate Install ceiling fans Install warm light LEDs. They are expensive but as demand grows the price will come down. Buy energy efficient white goods Lap Top computers use up to 90% less power Turn off your computer at night Do you need to leave your illuminated business sign on all night? Paint your interior walls a light colour Businesses that use fridges – cover at night with thermal covers, this will reduce the amount of energy required Install air curtains at entry ways – this will reduce the amount of hot air coming in & will pay for itself in no time

Fresh Air

Organic houses

Freedom: an allergy-free, eco-friendly home.

Rammed earth walls in an ittallianette style feature in this Hunter Valley winery.

Glazing as part of the external fabric of a building is used to allow natural daylight to enter living spaces and utility rooms inside which contributes to the well-being of the occupants and reduces the energy used for artificial lighting. It is important that the glazing system enables daylight to enter without the detrimental heat and glare that can accompany direct sunlight. There are many ways that this can be achieved.  When properly selected and orientated, energy efficient glazing can help provide year round comfort and reduce air conditioning energy consumption. The main factors are: The size and orientation of the windows, The amount of shading applied either internally or externally The type of glass that is used in the windows. Windows and other glazed external surfaces have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a building helping to reduce the overall need for energy consumption. A distinct improvement in comfort levels can be achieved by selecting a beyond compliance solution to glazing for a new or retrofitted development. Other considerations: Northern orientation of living rooms Minimising east and west facing windows Wider eaves and awnings for shading to control sunlight where needed Natural ventilation through windows and doorways Increased insulation in the roof space and walls Treated glazing, particularly for windows facing west and north-west Light coloured roof and external walls where possible Ceiling fans in living areas and bedrooms Well-designed and located outdoor living areas e.g. decks, verandahs and patios. Types of Glazing: Low E Single Glazing Double Clear Glazing Low E Double Glazing Gas filled Double Glazing

The building fabric is an essential component of any house, because it plays a major role in regulating the flow of energy in and out of the building. Optimal design of the building fabric can provide significant reductions in heating and cooling loads which in turn reduces demand on mechanical equipment and the energy the required to drive it. The cost of efficient external materials is offset by the savings in reduced energy consumption and also reduces the negative impact on our living environment. External materials are considered for their fitness of purpose and life cycle cost. In modern design window walls have become a recurring feature so it is important to design highly efficient glazing systems that provide low emittance values (U) and higher solar heat gain factors (SHGC) and so contributing significantly to the thermal efficiency of the house. Unconditioned utlity rooms can be isolated with insulation to internal and external walls to reduce their impact on the entire building.  When choosing structural systems and external claddings it is also important to allow adequate space in voids and cavities for thermal insulation and air gaps. The thermal efficiency of any product or material usually requires a minimum air gap to optimise its R value (R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material). The choice of the approprate thermal insulation will depend on the design of the bulding in relation to element of the building fabric, and also the inherint values of the material itself. The building fabric in conjunction with other elements such as solar orientation, summer shading, air movement, etc, contributes to the holistic energy performance of the entire building.

Sunlight is the cleanest and cheapest method of lighting your home during the day. Using passive lighting uses no electricity and is a great way to reduce carbon emissions.  If you are building or renovating, see if you can add well-designed windows or skylights to bring more sunlight into your home. Properly designed, these additions won’t make your home too hot in summer and can help to warm your home in winter. Light tubes are another cost effective option to replace the need for interior lighting and make the most of natural light. A light tube or pipe is used to bring daylight from the exterior of your home inside and can easily be retrofitted to lighten existing dark rooms or fitted at the time of building. This technology avoids some of the disadvantages associated with conventional skylights and may be cheaper to install. Look on the internet for more information. You might also think about painting your interior walls light colours, especially in the south facing rooms. This will reflect more light inside your home and reduce the need for artificial lighting.