The impact of energy consumption in construction
The construction sector was not always considered the most efficient sector. Historically, conventional processes have had serious environmental and financial impacts, primarily due to their high emissions, contribution to poor air quality and unbridled use of resources.
According to a 2024 report from the United Nations Environment Program, the construction industry is responsible for 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, structures were responsible for 34% and 37% of global electricity demand and process-related carbon dioxide, respectively.
Excessive energy consumption leads to rising costs for developers and residents and affects future currency stability. By adopting the latest insulation and renewable energy solutions, the construction sector has managed to reduce its carbon footprint, improve sustainability and strengthen financial resilience.
Notable insulation projects for building energy efficiency
Adequate insulation provides an important thermal barrier to reduce heat transfer through windows, walls and roofs. This reduces the need to run heating and cooling systems. The following insulation projects have transformed the construction of greener buildings.
Passive building design
Passive building designs take into account location, insulation for optimal thermal comfort, an airtight building envelope, ventilation with heat recovery and high performance windows. Thermal bridges are also avoided, allowing heat to escape more easily. This strategic concept promotes natural ventilation to keep indoor temperatures comfortable without relying on HVAC systems.
The Eastgate Center in Harare, Zimbabwe is a prime example of passive design. Architect Mike Pearce took inspiration from termites when building the mixed-use complex to ensure it responded well to the climate. Today, Eastgate uses 35% less energy than six traditional buildings in Harare and maintains its natural convection even during power outages.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation has played a crucial role in reducing electricity consumption in commercial and residential construction. Remember, 40% of today's housing supply was built before efficiency was a thing.
Older buildings benefit most from insulation renovation. However, achieving maximum thermal efficiency depends on the spray foam product having a high R-factor and a low U-factor.
Cool roof installation
Cool roofs help absorb less heat by reflecting sunlight using highly reflective paint, tiles, shingles and tin flashings. This reduces heat transfer to buildings. In particular, a white cool roof can reduce cooling costs by 40%, reduce pressure and extend the life of HVAC systems.
The city of Chelsea, Massachusetts, installed cool roofs on several public schools between 2018 and 2022. After applying a white membrane coating containing semi-volatile organic compounds, the school facilities manager found the new roof to be 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the original surface and even land temperatures around the school were reduced by 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool coating also extended the life expectancy of the roofs by another 10 years.
Energy efficient windows
Older windows cause significant heat loss and gain, accounting for 25-30% of heating and cooling electricity consumption. Fortunately, developments in efficient windows – including a low-E coating and multiple panes for reduced heat transfer – have helped revolutionize energy delivery in construction.
The renovation of the Empire State Building in 2010 was unusual at the time, but significantly improved electricity consumption. Additional coated film was applied to all 6,514 windows, helping to reduce energy consumption by 40% and save $4 million annually.
Successful integration of renewable energies
Insulation projects are not the only advances in reducing energy consumption in the construction sector. The comprehensive integration of renewable energies has also proven to be extremely effective.
Geothermal energy
Although not as common as solar or wind energy, geothermal energy is on the rise. This used to be less feasible because power plants had to be located near fault lines in the earth's crust to get the necessary heat.
However, technological advances have made it possible for facilities around the world to harness the planet's subsurface temperatures to generate electricity, such as the Larderello Geothermal Complex in Italy, the Svartsengi Power Plant in Iceland, and the Chena Hot Springs in the United States. Commercial and residential buildings can utilize this renewable heat source for a more environmentally friendly way to keep the lights on.
Hybrid renewable energy systems
A hybrid renewable energy system integrates multiple renewable sources for building operation. For example, structures could approach electricity generation by combining solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cell generators and battery storage to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers have investigated the potential of hybrid renewable energy systems to meet electricity, water and heat needs. At an airport in Egypt, a hybrid photovoltaic and wind turbine system generated 0.08 kilowatt-hours of energy with a return on investment of 1.2 years.
Storage for renewable energy
Renewable electricity storage has made progress as experts consider it an essential solution for future clean energy production. For example, the demand and availability of electricity varies. Solar panels only work when they absorb sunlight, while hydropower relies on water canals. Likewise, people use different amounts of electricity at different times.
These storage systems use renewable energy for later use. While several technologies are currently being used to store different types of energy, researchers are working intensively on battery storage. In Texas, a battery storage project has successfully harnessed enough renewable energy to power 130,000 homes in 2022.
Storing energy improves reliability and stability during peak power generation periods, especially when production is lower. The introduction of these solutions in the future will further increase the efficiency of construction.
Future energy consumption in construction is clean and environmentally friendly
The construction sector has already introduced advances in insulation and renewable energy to reduce electricity consumption. As technologies and practices advance, buildings will undergo further decarbonization to create a healthier environment.