Energy Savings

Energy efficient homes often perform well below their stated efficiency goals. The reasons for this are varied; at times cutting-edge technology is not installed correctly or components are added in a piecemeal fashion and don’t work as a combined system. Building construction has to be flawless as gaps or cracks in the building envelope will undermine insulation efforts. Read on to find how you can measure the energy efficiency of any building to ensure that it is performing as intended.

Straw bale construction has been around since the 1800s, but fell out of favor as people turned to the more fashionable brick and mortar building techniques. Now, as the construction industry struggles to find ways to reduce its carbon footprint, the ancient practice of straw bale construction is enjoying a rather jolly revival.

If the unseasonably hot weather and terribly destructive storms weren’t enough to convince you that climate change is happening, then a recent study by Mercer should sway even the most stalwart naysayers. The study estimates that inclement weather will have a negative effect on buildings, transportation and the construction industries to the tune of $8 trillion by 2030. Now an organization called Architecture 2030 is issuing a challenge it hopes will encourage the building industry to help prevent the worst effects of global warming.

Architects and designers often struggle with glass. They understand the benefits of allowing natural light into a building such as improved happiness, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and lower employee turnover, not to mention the aesthetic appeal that large windows bring. However, these large glass spaces leach heat in winter and allow the summer sun to toast unwary occupants. With smart windows, designers don’t have to choose between form and function; they can have them both.

High utility bills are one of the greatest motivators for home owners to opt for greener homes. With energy costs slated to rise dramatically in the future, there has never been a more opportune time to build a green home or retrofit your existing structure to meet exacting efficiency needs. Now there are several free programs online which can help you obtain the efficiency rate they you are aiming for.

Electric cars cause more pollution than petrol cars? Unthinkable! Everyone loves the electric car, even polar bears. Now a new study is claiming that the electric car produces far more pollution than its gas-guzzling counterparts.

Lighting costs account for 10 to 12% of national energy usage and up to 30% of your home or business’ electricity bill. Leaving lights on (especially in large office and warehouse spaces) accounts for an enormous amount of wasted energy each year. The solution? Smart lighting.

We know we have to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, but by now, most of us feel like global warming’s a lost cause. We put global warming in the same category as death; we assume that it’s inevitable and we’d rather not think about it too much. But not everyone has given up. A recent Science article shows that there are simple global warming solutions that can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions by 2050.

The world’s population exceeded 7 billion late last year and earth’s ability to sustain our growing population is reaching capacity. Resources are stretched to breaking point and the ability to process the waste places further strain on our environment. With increased consumption and pollution, recycling has become all the more important.

Energy Star is a rating system established to help consumers to procure products that will make their homes and businesses more energy efficient. Are Energy Star appliances really that much better? Read on to find out!