Air Track HVAC Blog

Monthly Archives: October 2017

Emissions zero, the new challenge in sustainable buildings

The expansion of the urban population is a phenomenon in view of the inevitable increase in the energy consumption that demands more and better comfort and air conditioning solutions.

The growing expansion towards urban areas in search of an improvement in economic growth and quality of life are the factors that led to a total energy consumption of 16 percent. It should be aligned with the criteria of sustainability and care of the planet

Although the scenario presents a challenge of high complexity, there are other variants that may interfere in the taking of solutions. To reach positive levels in these matters, the local administration must create alliances of value with private capital and encourage citizen participation.

Improving efficiency by implementing energy efficiency standards

For buildings to improve efficiency, device and equipment manufacturers must be backed by an effective regulatory framework that addresses the local market. It is therefore the responsibility of the authorities to provide a set of standards that respond to market needs and ensure improvements in energy performance in new and existing buildings as well as components and projects for construction, windows, insulation, ventilation, hot water, HVACR systems, and so on.

Energy labels, certificates or disclosure of energy consumption
after addressing the minimum and maximum energy efficiency in buildings and their components, governments should have to demand the public dissemination of information that improves decision making, such as labels, certificates and public disclosure of energy consumption. Labeling is a useful information tool for homeowners, buyers and renters that supports informed decision-making and promotes a gradual shift in market demand towards more efficient buildings.

Objective for zero net energy consumption
As policies demonstrate the success of energy efficiency standards in buildings, it is important to continue working to seek the best possible performance, taking into account the market volatility and the incorporation of the most recent technologies. Therefore, support for research, development and implementation of buildings with low energy consumption or net zero can be beneficial to advance future building codes and standards.  The constant evolution of technologies focused on efficiency brings with it multiple tangible direct and indirect benefits such as energy saving in the operation and a balanced change in the supply-demand balance of prices, favoring a transition towards carbon-free sources.