Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Author: Dennis R. Landsberg

Publisher: SUNY Press

Published: 1980-01-01

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 9780873954006

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Intended for practical application, this book provides a guide for reducing energy consumption in those buildings that were constructed when the cost of construction, not the cost of operation, was of primary concern. Now that the "Golden Age of Energy" is over, the heating, lighting, and ventilation systems of these buildings must be adapted to present and future economic circumstances. Landsberg and Stewart approach the problem of reducing energy consumption in these buildings by providing users of this book with solutions ranging from simple measures that cost nothing to complex modifications that must be given a cost-benefit analysis. The appendixes define energy basics for those who have little or no engineering background; evaluate alternative energy systems; and analyze the basic economic decisions of making changes in a building's energy consumption. The sample forms used for energy audits of buildings in New York State that can be adapted for use in other states and for private buildings are also included.


Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States

Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-06-10

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 0309156866

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America's economy and lifestyles have been shaped by the low prices and availability of energy. In the last decade, however, the prices of oil, natural gas, and coal have increased dramatically, leaving consumers and the industrial and service sectors looking for ways to reduce energy use. To achieve greater energy efficiency, we need technology, more informed consumers and producers, and investments in more energy-efficient industrial processes, businesses, residences, and transportation. As part of the America's Energy Future project, Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States examines the potential for reducing energy demand through improving efficiency by using existing technologies, technologies developed but not yet utilized widely, and prospective technologies. The book evaluates technologies based on their estimated times to initial commercial deployment, and provides an analysis of costs, barriers, and research needs. This quantitative characterization of technologies will guide policy makers toward planning the future of energy use in America. This book will also have much to offer to industry leaders, investors, environmentalists, and others looking for a practical diagnosis of energy efficiency possibilities.


Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Author: José Manuel Andújar

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2020-04-28

Total Pages: 412

ISBN-13: 3039287028

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Buildings are one of the main causes of the emission of greenhouse gases in the world. Europe alone is responsible for more than 30% of emissions, or about 900 million tons of CO2 per year. Heating and air conditioning are the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions in buildings. Most buildings currently in use were built with poor energy efficiency criteria or, depending on the country and the date of construction, none at all. Therefore, regardless of whether construction regulations are becoming stricter, the real challenge nowadays is the energy rehabilitation of existing buildings. It is currently a priority to reduce (or, ideally, eliminate) the waste of energy in buildings and, at the same time, supply the necessary energy through renewable sources. The first can be achieved by improving the architectural design, construction methods, and materials used, as well as the efficiency of the facilities and systems; the second can be achieved through the integration of renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal, etc.) in buildings. In any case, regardless of whether the energy used is renewable or not, the efficiency must always be taken into account. The most profitable and clean energy is that which is not consumed.


Optimal Design and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban Centers

Optimal Design and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban Centers

Author: Moncef Krarti

Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann

Published: 2018-03-27

Total Pages: 648

ISBN-13: 0128118946

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Optimal Design and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban Centers presents current techniques and technologies for energy efficiency in buildings. Cases introduce and demonstrate applications in both the design of new buildings and retrofit of existing structures. The book begins with an introduction that includes energy consumption statistics, building energy efficiency codes, and standards and labels from around the world. It then highlights the need for integrated and comprehensive energy analysis approaches. Subsequent sections present an overview of advanced energy efficiency technologies for buildings, including dynamic insulation materials, phase change materials, LED lighting and daylight controls, Life Cycle Analysis, and more. This book provides researchers and professionals with a coherent set of tools and techniques for enhancing energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. The case studies presented help practitioners implement the techniques and technologies in their own projects. Introduces a holistic analysis approach to energy efficiency for buildings using the concept of energy productivity Provides coverage of individual buildings, communities and urban centers Includes both the design of new buildings and retrofitting of existing structures to improve energy efficiency Describes state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies Presents several cases studies and examples that illustrate the analysis techniques and impact of energy efficiency technologies and controls


Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting

Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting

Author: F. Pacheco-Torgal

Publisher: Woodhead Publishing

Published: 2017-01-03

Total Pages: 633

ISBN-13: 0081012276

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Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting:Materials, Technologies, Optimization and Case Studies provides essential knowledge for civil engineers, architects, and other professionals working in the field of cost-effective energy efficient building retrofitting. The building sector is responsible for high energy consumption and its global demand is expected to grow as each day there are approximately 200,000 new inhabitants on planet Earth. The majority of electric energy will continue to be generated from the combustion of fossil fuels releasing not only carbon dioxide, but also methane and nitrous oxide. Energy efficiency measures are therefore crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector. Energy efficient building retrofitting needs to not only be technically feasible, but also economically viable. New building materials and advanced technologies already exist, but the knowledge to integrate all active components is still scarce and far from being widespread among building industry stakeholders. Emphasizes cost-effective methods for the refurbishment of existing buildings, presenting state-of-the-art technologies Includes detailed case studies that explain various methods and Net Zero Energy Explains optimal analysis and prioritization of cost effective strategies


Investments to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Existing Residential Buildings in Countries of the Former Soviet Union

Investments to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Existing Residential Buildings in Countries of the Former Soviet Union

Author: Eric Martinot

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 1997-01-01

Total Pages: 166

ISBN-13: 9780821340578

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In the 1990s, the issue of human resource development in Malaysia has gained prominence in public and private policy circles. Discussions center around training policy, where there are concerns about acute labor shortages, and around industrial development policy, which strives to maintain a skilled and well-trained workforce to increase competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment. But policymakers have been forced to make critical decisions on resource allocation and to design policies without access to comprehensive training data, especially from the private sector. This usually results in supply-oriented policies stemming from mismatches between skills supplied by public training institutions and those actually needed by industry. This report attempts to fill this information gap on private sector training as an aid in formulating training policies that are more demand-driven. The report contains rigorous analysis of private sector-led training and addresses the issue of whether firms in Malaysia underinvest in training. Data came from the Malaysia Economic Planning Units 1994-95 survey and analysis of 2,200 manufacturing firms. The survey elicited information on firm-sponsored training and on a wide range of firm attributes, including size, industry, local or foreign ownership, equipment technology, quality control systems, markets and exports, workforce characteristics, wages and other compensation, and production. The data document, for the first time, the incidence and characteristics of training in Malaysian industry, across firms of different sizes, ownership, and output profiles. The data create an unprecedented opportunity to study the critical links between training, new technology, and quality control. A joint publication of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Malaysia Economic Planning Unit.