5 Ways to Conserve Energy with 1 Safe Solution

Daylighting System Translucent Facades used in PARK AQUATIC CENTRE VAUROUX, France

Reduce Energy Consumption with Energy Saving Solutions

Cost savings are things business owners are always looking out for. Australia’s energy demands are very high and so are the energy bills. Just a couple of solutions to conserve energy would be helpful. There are many energy saving solutions that reduce energy consumption. One in particular covers at least five ways to conserve energy.

 

The ‘Reduce Energy Consumption’ Challenge for Architects

Artificial lighting, heating and cooling appliances release heat when they are switched on. As we all know, once they are switched on, they are also consuming energy. Depending on the outside climate, they might use even more energy.

 

Daylight!

Architects are invited to test out the number one way to reduce energy consumption. Daylight solutions can be integrated into:
• Industrial factories and buildings.
• Commercial precincts such as shopping centres, offices, hospitals and workplaces.
• CBDs and outside spaces.
• Recreational buildings.
• Houses, lofts, studios and apartments.

Integrate daylighting solutions into the design of the building at the very beginning, by controlling glare and heat. Give future occupants every possible opportunity to reduce their energy consumption. 75% of their energy costs could be reduced simply through daylighting solutions. Furthermore, they will enjoy greater temperature control and comfort.

Integrate natural light into designs as commonly as you would a front door.

 

1. Start with integrating energy saving solutions into building design.

•What is free and dramatically cuts lighting, heating and cooling costs?
• What is environmentally friendly and readily available across continents?
• What improves health for free?
• What requires absolutely no extractions, transportation, fabrication or manufacturing?

 

2. Turn off artificial lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

To reduce energy consumption in already built buildings, look to your appliances. When lighting and HVAC appliances are running, they are emitting heat. If the air conditioning is on, it may be cooling one area, but it is also heating another. When a light is turned on, it is emitting heat.

 

3. Turn to Passive Temperature Control

• Passive temperature control can be used to manage inside temperatures. Utilise daylighting for indoor lighting.
• Employ shading applications to the outside of the building. Focus first on optimal positions where the sun emits the most heat during the day.
• Australian buildings need protection from the hot western afternoon sun. Plant a tree or install facades or louvres.

 

4. Insulate

• Upgrade insulation in walls, the roof and facades.
• Look for materials that offer excellent thermal insulation, and low U and high R values.

 

5. Open up to Natural lighting

• Replace low absorption materials with high absorption materials (such as brick, tiles or concrete).
• Replace un-glazed windows and facades with quality glazed materials.
• Replace brick facades with transparent facades. Quality transparent facades will balance light diffusion with thermal comfort and privacy.
• Install skylights.

 

Danpal systems:

• Boast brilliant thermal insulation.
• Eliminate glare.
• Evenly diffuse light.
• Are strong, durable and have high mechanical resistance.
• Have been tested and certified to have low U and high R values.
• Ready-to-install systems reduce on-site labour time
• Install easily via a cassette system.
• Require minimal maintenance.

 

The simplest solutions are sometimes hiding right in front of us. Daylight is one that can be overlooked. When daylight is correctly integrated, it offers dynamic energy saving solutions and dynamic architecture to the client.


Read about inspiring Australian projects through our case study articles or view our Thought Leadership Videos to learn more.

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