PLANNING FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A building might be planned in such a manner that it gives maximum ventilation, day lighting and heat insulation. If these needs are fulfilled, requirement of electric energy will be less.

(a) Light: Natural light provides hygenic atmosphere. Light might not be glaring but it might be uniformly distributed. Providing windows and ventilators of correct size at proper positions contributes a lot for natural lighting. Window area to floor area should not be less than 1/10th for residential buildings while for school buildings it should not be less than 1/5th of floor area. North light trusses should be provided to get maximum diffused light for factory buildings.

(b) Ventilation: in the building Ventilation is the circulation of the air. Natural ventilation can be achieved by choosing and positioning of windows, doors and ventilators at appropriate places. Always cross ventilations might be planned rightfully. Provision of ventilators at roof level helps in driving out hot airs. If it is not possible to achieve natural ventilation for any part of the building provide ordinary or exhaust fans.

(c) Heat Insulation: Thicker exterior walls provide insulation against heat. In achieving heat insulation appropriate ventilation also helps. Sun shades provided to windows, doors and in achieving heat insulation ventilators help. In factories and assembly halls height might be more to reduce temperature inside the building. In the factories Position of furnaces should be located away from the other parts of the factory. The openings might be provided at higher level in the wall to remove hot air.