REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF ENERGY USED IN A BUILDING

For an introduction to the things you should think about when designing your building in relation to how much energy it uses once it has been built and is being used, have a look at the Energy in use PowerPoint to help you.

You can investigate whether or not many common hints about how to save energy are correct or not by looking at http://www.nef.org.uk/energyadvice/mythstruths.htm

You will find lots of useful suggestions on the Australian site, http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/fs40.htm

To help you think about designing for sustainable energy use, use the following questions and links

• How can I reduce the emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases to a minimum? http://www.nef.org.uk/energyadvice/co2emissionsyr.htm gives information on greenhouse gases and renewable energy sources
• How can I reduce the amount of heat lost through roof, walls etc - http://www.nef.org.uk/energyadvice/insulation.htm and http://www.theyellowhouse.org.uk/themes/ventil.html#v1
• How can I find out information about different sources of energy and their impacts? http://www.nef.org.uk/powered/factsheets.htm
• How can you provide shelter for your building to reduce the impact of rain, snow, wind etc? http://www.dreamgreenhomes.com/plans/esactivehome.htm
• What are the most sustainable materials to use for insulating your building? http://www.greenspec.co.uk/html/design/materials/insulation.html. For information on sheep’s wool go to http://www.sheepwoolinsulation.ie/abtprods.htm
• How can you make sure there is adequate ventilation in your building? http://www.theyellowhouse.org.uk/themes/ventil.html#v1