What do you do if you want to enhance energy efficiency in sustainable design using new technology?

I agree. Energy audits are an essential tool for increasing energy efficiency in existing spaces. Conducting an ASHRAE audit, performed by a licensed PE, can provide owners and property managers with a detailed list of actions to enhance efficiency, along with implementation costs and payback information. By doing an audit businesses can gain valuable insights to prioritize technologies and interventions that will make the most significant impact. Before embracing new technologies, start with an energy audit to lay the foundation for your energy efficiency and retrofit journey.

The first step should always be an energy audit/retro-commissioning. Identifying the true issues in the building will help a building owner prioritize the best opportunities to increase energy efficiency from a need and budget standpoint. From there, you can research technologies that best fit your target projects.

Use System Simulation to enhance operation understanding. This will help getting insight performance based design of the wholistic system operations.

Continuous Monitoring and optimization : implement a monitoring system to track energy usage and performance post-construction , enabling continuous optimization for maximum efficiency

We have done extensive studies over 25 years on hull appendages to reduce resistance. We have achieved up to 30% reduction in fuel consumption. Some of this work has been applied to full size vessels. We are ready to do a complete vessel to prove out this work.

In order to energy efficiency in sustainable design using new design technologies one needs to research and integrate cutting edge solution into the design process. This involves the advancements like using smart sensors for energy monitoring, energy-efficient appliances ratings, and renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines, incorporating passive design strategies like natural lighting and ventilation. Also keeping updates on the latest emerging technologies and integrating them strategically into the design.

For digital sustainability, smart technologies like dark mode toggle, automated energy-saving modes and intelligent data processing can streamline operations and reduce energy consumption. Smart technology offers a holistic approach to energy efficiency, benefiting both physical and digital environments.

The Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates real-time monitoring of consumption and emissions, allowing more efficient management of resources and energy, integrated into "5G Networks" contributing to faster and more effective communication between devices. These strategies not only respond to a growing social demand, but also to the ethical and economic responsibility of guaranteeing long-term sustainability by companies.

In several states there are subsidy programs that will help pay for programmable and WIFI thermostats, lighting upgrades and other measures. Make sure to visit your electric and gas utility's web pages for information. Also the state often offers programs.

Circular design is crucial for smart technology because it maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes waste throughout the product lifecycle. By adopting circular principles, smart devices can be designed for longevity, repairability, and upgradability, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, circularity encourages the use of recycled materials and facilitates end-of-life recycling, ensuring that valuable resources are retained in the production loop. Embracing circular design not only enhances the sustainability of smart technology but also fosters innovation and resilience in a resource-constrained world.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the utilization of renewable energy sources has become paramount in addressing the challenges of climate change and sustainability. With advancements in various fields such as solar, wind, water, pressure, gravity, carbon, chemical reactions, magnetic fields, and physics principles, harnessing renewable energy has never been more accessible or crucial. Among the plethora of renewable energy options, solar power stands out as one of the most widely recognized and utilized sources. Solar panels, convert sunlight into electricity and advancements in solar technology, efficiency rates have improved dramatically, making solar power increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuels.

Renewable energy, rather than just design elements, must integrate processes and a global vision of architectural design. It must involve global and integrated issues such as employability, mobility, reuse, maintenance and quality. These are common but seem to have lost their prominence.

You get the most from your renewable energy investment if you make your buildings as efficient as possible first. Reduce the load. (See below re: insulation and passive strategies; do those before investing in renewables) That will reduce the size and cost of the needed system and help achieve all the other benefits of a high-performing building.

To enhance energy efficiency in sustainable design using new technology, I recommend incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines while adhering to circular design principles. By designing these technologies for longevity, repairability, and upgradability, we extend their lifespan and reduce waste. Despite initial costs, the long-term savings and environmental benefits of renewable energy, coupled with circular design, make it a compelling choice for sustainable and resource-efficient solutions.

I completely agree! In the case of small islands, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the technology to be used, taking into account its ability to withstand potential hurricanes and high-salt environments. These structural elements play a critical role in the early stages of design, and it is essential to explore suitable alternatives or upscale the design, even if it means increasing upfront costs. Moreover, in countries where there is limited regulatory adoption of renewable energy technology, it is crucial to make informed decisions on whether the system should be grid-tied or if some level of storage is required. Sustainability, efficiency and functionality are essential!

While I agree that insulation plays an enormous role in keeping the building conditioned, we cannot overlook the importance of air-sealing the structure to ensure the outside, unconditioned (and often moisture laden) air doesn’t infiltrate through cracks and holes throughout our buildings. Without proper air-sealing, the insulation can’t do its job effectively.

A properly designed and installed insulation system offers immediate and long-term benefits for the building. It creates an envelope outside the building to stop heat/cold ingress; Maintains controlled temperature for longer periods thus reduce energy demand; Increases thermal comfort; Reduce GHG emissions. Adding to it, while selecting the insulation material, thermal conductivity should not be the only property to be considered. There are few characteristics can also be important depending upon the applications such as, fire resistance, mechanical strength, resistance to high temperature, and low water absorption. Further, type of insulation material should be selected based on the insulation method for wall/roof/floor.

Upgrading insulation is like wrapping your building in a high-tech blanket. Imagine using materials from space-age technology, like aerogel, that's super light but incredibly effective at keeping heat in or out. It's like turning your walls into a thermos, keeping your space cozy in winter and cool in summer without cranking up the furnace or AC. This isn't just about comfort; it's a smart move for your wallet and the planet, cutting down on energy use and bills. Picture a home that stays warm with just the heat from a few light bulbs, thanks to these futuristic insulation materials.

Blocking solar heat at the building envelope is key to enhancing energy efficiency and comfort and supports existing insulation. This strategy reduces heat gain, meaning less reliance on air conditioning, leading to lower energy costs and emissions. It also helps in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, improving comfort and productivity. Moreover, protecting the building envelope from excessive heat preserves the integrity of materials, extending the lifespan of the structure. Implementing this approach aligns with sustainable building practices, contributing to energy conservation and climate action goals.

Bio-based insulation materials such as wool, recycled cotton, bio-based aerogels, wood foams, and mycelium not only have lower carbon footprint but enhance building performance. These materials are renewable, reduce energy consumption, and offer superior thermal and acoustic properties. Wool and recycled cotton provide natural fire resistance and moisture control, improving indoor air quality. Bio-based aerogels push the limits of thermal insulation efficiency, while wood foams offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic options. Mycelium-based insulation, being carbon-negative, showcases the potential for construction materials to positively impact the environment by sequestering carbon.

Re-commissioning of the systems such as cooling towers and boiler feed water systems by adding smart metering and monitoring can provide visibility and quantification of water used. Furthermore, by providing intelligent optimization strategies water savings can be quantified as they can be measured.

Also stormwater capture, especially into soil and nature-based systems where possible. I've seen too many expensive rain barrel/rain tank systems go unused after mandatory installation, or worse yet just rented by GCs to pass building inspections then removed.

Saving water is smart, and with today's tech, it's easier than ever. Think about swapping out old taps and showers for low-flow versions that do the job using less water. Or, imagine reusing water from your shower and sinks to water your garden, thanks to a greywater system. And for those with green thumbs, smart irrigation systems are like having a weather-savvy gardener who knows exactly when and how much to water your plants, avoiding waste. It's all about making every drop count, whether it's for a shower, a cup of tea, or keeping your garden lush.

So there is this newly built house I saw. The way they were able to manage water was awesome. You can wash your hand at the basin and use to flush immediately....other ideas like that really pay off.

Water efficiency plays a crucial role in sustainability. Despite its importance, water efficiency is often overlooked in many parts of the world. Facility owners should conduct regular water audits to identify leaks and utilise smart technologies to manage efficiency effectively. Ultimately, aiming for a circular water ecosystem through rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and wastewater recycling is essential for sustainable water management across all facilities.

Reuse existing buildings - particularly historic buildings. The greenest building already exists. It’s time people realised the incredible asset that historic building can contribute to sustainable outcomes

Leveraging a building's site, its orientation, understanding local climate, wind flow, and materials can significantly reduce energy consumption. Techniques like strategic window placement for natural lighting and ventilation, thermal mass utilisation, and landscaping for shade all contribute to enhanced energy efficiency. Pushing boundaries for better energy utilisation involves passive design innovations. For instance, shading west-facing walls to minimise heat transfer into buildings enhances the effectiveness of hybrid cooling systems and ensures occupants' thermal comfort. Solutions like using trees for shading, cool paint, and other passive design elements can further optimize energy usage and reduce environmental impact.

Most credible Architects are well schooled in good responsible passive strategies in architecture that involve design techniques that utilize natural resources and environmental conditions to minimize energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort without the reliance on mechanical systems.

one thing that we believe wont change in any building design is the use of Passive measures. Passive design measures will be at the forefront always for any project in any part of the world. Best passive measures that can be adopted which benefits the goal of energy consumption reduction and enhancing occupant comfort. Utilizing the site layout to buildings advantage (local climate), choice of materials for skin of building and balancing Opaque and Non Opaque areas on the envelope are the key elements which should help to curtail the energy demand of the building. Use of various technology / tools comes to the advantage to assess the effect of above measures.

And don't forget that some plants change with the seasons. Unlike built/tech features, deciduous trees and vines will provide needed shade and active cooling during hot summers and then automatically let the light in during cold, dark winters. So bringing significant energy usage savings, while also providing habitat/supporting biodiversity, capturing/sequestering carbon and nitrogen, and hopefully also filtering stormwater pollution (plus making handy oxygen and quality of life/mental health benefits for humans).

As you use the new don’t forget to learn the old technologies and seek to master them. Siting. Landscape. Grade. Prevailing Winds. Sun angle. Ventilation. Microclimate. Passive Shading. Insulation. Insolation (not a typo, look it up). Vernacular Buildings. Architectural Precedent. Local Typologies. Read more books, look at fewer images on the web. Study and respect the masters. Learn about architects from other cultures. There’s more there that can help you than you can ever find, read or remember. Don’t lose yesterday’s riches grasping for tomorrows.

Implement a robust monitoring and optimization strategy to track energy performance and identify opportunities for further improvement. Utilize advanced building energy management systems (BEMS) and performance analytics software to monitor real-time energy usage, identify trends, and pinpoint areas of inefficiency. By continuously analyzing performance data and fine-tuning system settings, you can optimize energy efficiency over time and ensure the long-term sustainability of the building.

Providing real-time feedback to occupants on their energy usage separated into plug loads, HVAC and lighting that is readily available and easy to understand is a critical piece in ratcheting down energy usage. We can only go so far with envelope strategies; occupant behavior is where the biggest gains are possible at this point.

New technology certainly aids us meet the sustainable design while gaining higher energy efficiency. However, we need to harness innovation and do things differently than we have done before to keep our progressive path forward in achieving true sustainability. We need to select products that have a low global warming potential and lower our carbon emissions while at the same time design a building envelope that will perform. This comes in the form of utilizing an air barrier system, along with caring for thermal bridges by implementing continuous insulation on the exterior wall. This should be used in all of our structures whether it is commercial, residential, or industrial. Passive measures make the biggest difference.

Energy efficiency enhancement in existing buildings can be achieved by conducting a detailed energy audit to determine the current energy usage of individual buildings and equipment within a building. Firstly, need to ensure HVAC systems are running occupancy based only and all supply, return and extract fans are controlled by BMS. All motors in all types of fans/equipment are run through VFDs or EC motors only. Secondly, all water meters and energy meters are smart type, providing hourly, daily, weekly and monthly usage data with usage patterns so you can focus on the energy and water consumption. Thirdly, building insulation need to be upgraded. All hot and cold water pipes, HVAC ducts shall be properly insulated.