Energy efficiency in buildings is the most important factor
If we want to have a sustainable energy future with low carbon emissions, energy efficiency in buildings is the most important factor. It is also a cost-effective method, explained Jens Laustsen of the International Energy Agency (IEA), because it is the best way to reduce emissions and make money at the same time.
Jens Laustsen, Senior Energy Policy Analyst, International Energy Agency “Energy use in buildings can be reduced very dramatically by using existing solutions, existing experience and existing technologies,” said Jens Laustsen, the IEA’s senior energy policy analyst for buildings. He presented the IEA’s findings at a side event at the COP15 Climate Summit in Copenhagen on 9 December.
“We aim at showing that it is rational and economically reasonable to reduce the energy consumption in 2050 down to a quarter of the consumption today. Energy efficiency is a critical part of a sustainable path in the future. We have the solutions, we should start implementing them now.”
End-use efficiency in focus
The IEA has looked at the most efficient way to cut CO2 emissions. The figures show that by 2020, 59 per cent of the reductions in energy-related CO2 emissions could come from increased end-use energy efficiency. In other words, buildings must be made more energy efficient.
“In Germany they have a building code which sets the standard for refurbishment projects. For house owners, this standard must be the target if you want to obtain subsidies for your project,” Laustsen explained. He then showed the results of a refurbishment project which reduced the energy use in an apartment building by more than 90 per cent.
Great opportunities in hot climates, too
Efforts to increase the energy efficiency of buildings cannot be limited to the cooler Northern areas of the world. In hot climates, many buildings are cooled by inefficient air-conditioning.
In hot climates we can do the same with regard to energy efficiency, but the methods we use are different. We need to use shading to avoid buildings from becoming over-heated. Another simple principle is to use air flows and currents to cool the building,” Laustsen said. He also mentioned the possibility of greening the facade of a building by growing plants on it.
“Energy efficiency in buildings is a win-win-win technology. Win-win-win because the owners of the buildings win when they get lower costs over time, the industry wins because we will create a lot of new jobs and growth, and governments win because they can fulfil CO2 reduction targets and stimulate the economy at the same time,” Mr. Laustsen enthused and concluded with a call for action:
“There are still lowhanging fruits waiting to be picked. They come every year on this magic tree called energy efficiency in buildings, so let’s start worldwide implementation right here and right now.”
Chinese