THE ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN

Nigeria, being in a tropical region, has a lot of natural resources that we haven’t fully used yet. Renewable energy as we all know, refers to those forms of energy that come from a natural source and can be replenished naturally at a higher rate than they are consumed (with the potential of being inexhaustible).

Read on to discover the different ways in which one can incorporate renewable energy in sustainable building design.

Renewable energy comes in various forms such as solar and wind. They may be referred to as clean energy if they have a low or zero-carbon footprint but they can be called green energy since they come from a natural source. 

With sustainability as one of the priorities in our world today, new technologies have been made to incorporate renewable energy into interior design in different ways. One can use clean energy at home by installing renewable energy systems to generate electricity, or by using renewable resources for water and space heating and cooling. 

Note that before installing a renewable energy system, it is important to reduce your energy consumption and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Let’s take a look at solar energy.

You might have seen solar panels on some buildings, and it’s essential to understand how important solar energy is for making things more sustainable.

Solar energy (energy obtained from the sun) is a major source of renewable energy. Sustainable, energy-efficient, and resilient buildings must include solar energy in their design.  In recent years, solar energy has gained popularity as a renewable energy source, and its incorporation into building design has emerged as a crucial element in creating sustainable and energy-efficient constructions. Solar energy is one of the most widely adopted and transformative renewable sources in sustainable building design.

In Nigeria, despite the abundance of sunshine in the country, only some homes and offices have adopted the use of solar energy for electricity stability which is supposed to be. Photovoltaic (PV) panels, often installed on rooftops, capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, providing an on-site and clean power source. This not only reduces reliance on conventional grid energy but also allows buildings to generate their electricity, contributing to energy independence. 

Wind power is important for eco-friendly buildings. Wind turbines, placed on or near buildings, use wind to make electricity. In cities, vertical-axis turbines are becoming popular because they’re space-efficient and can catch wind from different directions. Adding wind energy to building plans gives a dynamic power source, complementing solar for a steady renewable energy supply.

Using renewable energy in eco-friendly building design has many advantages:

  • It cuts down on the pollution caused by energy use, helping fight climate change.
  • It makes energy more reliable by using different sources, reducing reliance on big power grids. This is especially important during extreme weather or other issues.
  • As the world emphasises being environmentally friendly, rules and rewards for sustainable building are becoming more common.

What role does the government play in ensuring sustainable energy usage?

Encouraging the use of renewable energy in buildings through incentives like subsidies and green certifications motivates architects, developers, and homeowners to prioritise sustainability. This ensures that renewable energy is fully utilised.

In summary, integrating renewable energy into sustainable building design isn’t just a trend; it’s a crucial shift toward creating eco-friendly and resilient structures. Using solar, wind, and Earth’s power, buildings can play a key role in the global move towards a greener and low-carbon future. As technology advances and awareness grows, combining renewable energy with sustainable design will reshape how cities are developed, providing a guide for a greener and more sustainable world.

One Reply to “THE ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN”

  • James Leach

    Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I
    clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just
    wanted to say excellent blog!

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