As the population in urban areas continues to rise, energy consumption leading to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is projected to continue without any reduction in intensity. Energy usage in cities today is a function of energy dependent activities by both commercial and non-commercial users and the quantum of energy demanded in cities can however be modified by the level of energy efficient practice adopted by energy users and providers. Cities themselves are inherently vulnerable to the risk associated with changing climate given their high population densities, extensive use of energy and concentrated entrepreneurial activities within a relatively limited geographical area. Risk associated with climate change can be ameliorated with efficiency in the use of energy.
In the last two or more decades, research and development in green energy has increased owing to the demand for safe energy and the control of global warming. This has given rise to hundreds of companies promising new technologies that can reduce our dependence on coal, oil and natural gas. But what is green energy and what makes it a better option than fossil fuel?
Green energy comes from natural sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, plants, algae and geo-thermal heat. These energy resources are renewable, meaning they are naturally replenished. In contrast, fossil fuels are a finite resource that takes millions of years to develop and will continue to diminish with use. Green energy also has a much smaller impact on the environment than fossil fuels which produce pollutants such as greenhouse gases as a by-product contributing to climate change.
Energy efficiency, sometimes called efficient energy use, is the goal to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services. For example, insulating a home allows a building to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature. Energy efficient buildings are those which consume less energy while maintaining or even improving the comfort conditions for their occupants compared to standard buildings. Energy efficient buildings result not only in less environmental impact but also economically sustainable and resilient.
Research into renewable, non-polluting energy sources is advancing at such a fast pace. Here are 6 of the most common types of green energy: Solar power, Wind power, Geothermal energy, Hydro-power, Biomass, Bio-fuels.
Why green energy?
Renewable energy sources are becoming far more popular. Consequently, new and better ways of using renewable energy are on the horizon. Wind, water and solar power are all renewable and in commercial real estate, it is likely for an owner to be able to install solar panels to power the building. In rural areas, harnessing wind and water options may work for their needs.
For residential and commercial real estate professionals, solar energy is becoming increasingly more prevalent. Once known as an alternate source of energy, the environmental and financial benefits are evident as more and more developers are adopting green energy to provide eco-friendly environments.
Advantages of Green Energy Adoption
The possible benefits derivable from the adoption of green energy are:
- It reduces cost:In addition to their environmental benefits, green buildings in the right location can effectively reduce cost or even realize zero utility bills as long as weather factors remain favorable. Other energy efficient home upgrades offer similar financial incentives. Green buildings have an increased lifespan and provide better return on investments. The relatively small one-time cost of installing these things is generally well worth the long term savings.
- Healthy:Green buildings are healthier because they are built to generate energy from natural sources that have few dangerous chemicals. This can reduce allergies, asthma, respiratory problems and other health related ailment which may arise from environmental pollution.
- Globally accepted: One of the biggest advantages to owners with efficient buildings is attracting good, long term acceptance by users. Companies that want a modern building with lower energy bills and companies that are interested in caring for the planet may be focused on buildings with renewable energy features.
With energy efficient options in commercial buildings, everyone involved with that building wins. As more people are going green in hopes of slowing down the global crisis of global warming, people find renewable homes more appealing; the small investment required will prove greatly beneficial for your finances in the long run.
- Environment-friendly:Green buildings depend on sunlight, wind and geothermal energy so there is reduced dependence on conventional sources of energy. This reduces carbon print and gas emission and produces less waste.
If you decide to construct a green building, it will cost you initially, however, you could benefit from higher appraisal value, easy resale, and savings in running costs for the life of the building as well as helping reduce global warming. Using green buildings also means that you contribute to saving our environment from climatic congestion and make them safer to live in. We at Novarick Homes, have adopted these to create a greener and safer environment.
Leave a Reply