The creation of efficient homes and sustainability has become an integral aspect of contemporary architectural design in order to reduce environmental impact and increase human comfort. Due to the pressing concern about climate change, many countries already regulate building codes to adapt them based on energy efficiency and water management.
The creation of efficient homes and sustainability has become an integral aspect of contemporary architectural design in order to reduce environmental impact and increase human comfort. Due to the pressing concern about climate change, many countries already regulate building codes to adapt them based on energy efficiency and water management. This allows today's architects to conserve resources and materials and build efficient homes that work with their natural surroundings rather than against them.
So, what makes a building sustainable?
Simply said, it is one that has minimal environmental impact, while also meeting the diverse needs of its occupants. Sustainable buildings minimize environmental impact through energy and water efficient methods, the use of sustainable materials, and landscaping that takes into account the site's biodiversity and existing natural features.
Energy in an efficient home:
One of the main bastions of sustainable architecture and construction is the use of renewable energies as the main source of energy for the building. In Spain we have the advantage of having many energy companies that invest their money, time and effort in the generation of clean and renewable energy, as is the case with Endesa.
In Spain alone, the company Endesa has 224 renewable energy generation plants including biomass, wind energy, hydroelectric energy and solar energy. This means that environmentally conscious customers can access electricity rates that use renewable electricity as the only source of energy, such as Tempo Solar.
Customers who live in areas where the sun shines for many hours a day, such as Cartagena (Murcia) or Torrente (Valencia), will be able to benefit from this Endesa rate and the installation of photovoltaic panels in their homes.
On the other hand, design elements such as double-glazed windows for thermal insulation, roof vents that allow hot air to escape, window shading, a light-coloured roof to reflect heat, and a hot water heater located as close as possible to areas where hot water is needed can improve the energy efficiency of a building.
Water in an efficient home:
Hot water consumes about 33% of the average household energy but greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 80% with an efficient hot water system, which can be a solar hot water system, a hot water with electric heat pump or a gas hot water system. To be considered sustainable, showers must be AAA rated, meaning they produce nine litres of water per minute.
Materials in an efficient home:
Constructing a sustainable building means using the right materials in the most efficient way possible. This could mean using recycled materials, avoiding on-site construction waste, and creating items such as runoff into waterways.
Landscaping and Site Impact in an Efficient Home:
Effective landscaping involves working with, rather than against, the natural surroundings of a building, for example by conserving existing vegetation, creating a garden in a way that requires minimal maintenance and water, and an environment that allows for flourishing. of local plants and wild fauna and flora.
The foundations of sustainable architecture create energy-efficient homes, which translates into significant savings in energy bills, as indicated in the article previously published in Pacheco & Arquitectos, if you want us to help you create your future sustainable home, don't hesitate to contact our architects in Murcia.
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