The Clean Boot Blog
With growing technological innovations, 2019 is definitely a year for energy management. Controlling and reducing energy consumption does not only save resources but also helps in alleviating climate change and improving business reputation. This article shows top trends in energy efficiency.
The basic purpose of energy management is to attain and maintain maximum energy procurement and consumption throughout the organization which may assist in reducing energy costs and curtailing environmental impacts. In other words, energy management can be considered the best solution for quick and effective reduction of energy consumption.
Unfortunately, there is still a huge population that lacks access to the most rudimentary energy services. This need persuades companies to come up with innovative ideas and energy-efficient solutions that can adequately meet requirements of the growing needs of humans, as well as, help in climate control. The developed countries like America, Canada, and UK are already prepared to modify their consumption patterns and encourage their corporate sector to incorporate clean energy technologies. However, since there are many developing countries that are not in a position to invest in renewable energy sources, various trends have been cropping up that allow these countries to make use of sustainable energy solutions.
Why Is Energy Efficiency Crucial for Our Future?
Similar to labor or material cost, energy should also be considered as a business cost. Effective energy management is important for organizations as it:
Alleviates Cost: Cost alleviation is one of the biggest reasons why present-day organizations are preferring energy-efficient solutions for their businesses. By effectively managing energy use, most organizations can save up to 20% on their fuel cost.
Alleviates Adverse Environmental Impacts: Reduced energy consumption also helps in the reduction of carbon emissions and represents an eco-friendly image of your organization in front of potential prospects.
2019 Trends in Energy Efficiency
Energy Management is Becoming More Human-Centric
A prominent energy efficiency trend noticed in the current years involves the human contribution in the process. Despite the fact that present-day energy management systems have progressed to incorporate IoT A.I., and continuous analytics-based insights, managers are paying more attention to involve humans to enhance efficiency and productivity.
State-of-the-Art Energy Storage Facilities
It would obviously be very easy to balance the power supply and demand if you have enough energy stored in your energy reserves. In fact, it wouldn’t be indelicate if we say innovative energy storage is the key to managing the problems of renewable energy.
The easiest way to ensure the required access to energy storage is by coupling the storage system with a renewable source. This way, you can have an uninterrupted and stable power supply even in the most unfavorable conditions.
In addition to that, batteries can also be used to store energy. But, as this option is still expensive, you can expect advancement in other comparatively cheaper alternates that can make the entire storage process more feasible and affordable.
It is also expected that the latest emerging innovations will include energy storage as a basic component and because of this, all sorts of storage solutions will eventually become more price-competitive in the coming years.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The use of AI in microgrids is yet another significant trend seen in 2019. The good thing about microgrids is that they can work both ways – independently or by staying connected to a traditional grid. Since microgrids are basically local grids, they offer a host of benefits including energy saving, energy independence, and better efficiency.
If you’re really looking forward to achieving operational improvements, AI is the solution. Yes, by integrating the potentialities of machine learning with microgrids, you can achieve enhanced operational efficiency at the same time enjoying incomparable flexibility and adaptation.
Integrating IoT and Blockchain into Energy Framework
Did you know Blockchain is not limited to cryptocurrency only and it is employed by a number of other industries these days due to its incorruptible nature? Simply put, Blockchain is primarily a distributed ledger that stores all the activity through a P2P network.
Using Blockchain technology in the energy system can eradicate the requirement for intermediaries for power suppliers. As a result, the problems of wasteful and unbalanced energy distribution will be resolved. Also, putting this technology together with IoT can have a powerful impact on energy systems.
Final Words
Organizations that invest in sustainable energy solutions can achieve a robust market position by portraying a ‘green’ image. Also, businesses implementing energy management systems can impact supply chains by selecting suppliers who embrace eco-friendly energy management practices.
All in all, energy management systems create a conducive workplace environment for workers by revamping the overall working conditions. Even homeowners are trying to achieve energy efficiency by integrating the element of modernization into their smart homes.
The trend towards effective energy management solutions will only continue to grow in the coming future. With progressing environmental knowledge, organizations and corporate sectors are showing more and more interest in the implementation of specialized energy-saving systems and the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
While energy efficient homes may sound like a buzz word to many, the fact is, they should be a key consideration of present-day homeowners. Energy costs are escalating at an alarming rate. But the good news is, you can enjoy a more comfortable living space if you opt for minimalist home architecture and design.
With proper planning, homeowners not only can save a lot of money but can also indulge in energy-efficient elements of design.
These 10 tips will help you build your dream home that is cost comparable to a traditional home.
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Smart Architecture
Energy efficient homes start with smart design and architecture. Builders should be acquainted with all the perquisites involved in designing a fully energy-efficient home. There are numerous design specifications in which builders should communicate with the designer to ensure these important details are not overlooked.
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Use Energy Modeling Software
Energy modeling software should be used during the design stage to ensure that the objective of the energy-efficient home can be accomplished while controlling the costs. Subject to the results, the design elements can be resolved or revised to offset building performance and the cost of construction.
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Control Leakage
The impact of leakage can be truly drastic if you want to build a real energy efficient home. Energy efficient homes must have appropriate air sealing mechanisms in order to curtail the overall heating cost of the building. Luckily, there are several air sealing options available on the market that work on ‘build tight, ventilate right’ principle. Just be certain to select an option that perfectly aligns with your climate and budget.
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Insulate
Once you have communicated your requirements regarding the leakage and ventilation, it is the time to consider insulating options. By using energy modeling software, you can adequately optimize the insulation levels of different areas including walls and floors.
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Control Overall Heat Gain or Loss
Besides insulating your ceiling, walls, and floors, it’s also crucial to consider insulating the doors and the windows. This way, you can easily control the overall heat gain or loss within your home. Selecting the right doors and windows is the key. Also, make sure to install them in the right spots as it may greatly influence energy consumption.
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Install Energy-Efficient Water Heating System
After heating and cooling, water heating is certainly the biggest expense in conventional homes. This is where efficient water heating technology comes to your rescue. Designers and builders should work in collaboration with each other to find out the right solution that is both functional and power efficient.
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Use Solar Energy to Reduce Heating Costs
The Sun is obviously one of the best natural resources which if used correctly can help you save a lot in terms of heating costs. In summer, you can conceal those windows to lower cooling costs. The purpose of solar tempering is to increase the passive use of solar energy, without paying the additional cost of thermal mass required to attain optimum passive solar heat.
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Install Energy Efficient Ventilation Systems
Since energy efficient homes are sealed tightly, a continuous source of fresh air is important to its success. Thanks to the innovative home design and architecture, energy-efficient homes tend to be more comfortable and temperature-controlled than conventional homes. Make sure to install a high efficiency ventilation systems to effectively recover energy and eliminate stale air.
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Choose Lightning Carefully
There is no denying the fact that a well-lit home lets you perform your tasks well. Also, it adds an element of security to your house. Thus reducing energy consumption, while maximizing light is the biggest challenge for the designers. Choose energy-efficient lightning solutions such as LEDs as they are more energy efficient than Compact florescent Lamps and also last longer than other commercially available alternates.
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Invest in Energy-Efficient Home Appliances
Did you know in a conventional home, just 40% of energy use is from the heating or cooling systems, and the remaining 60% accounts for electronic appliances? Hence, selecting energy efficient electronic appliances is essential if you’re really looking forward to building a 100% smart home for yourself. With the emergence of inverter technology, luckily you can now save a lot in terms of electricity usage.
We are living in an era where power-efficient homes aren’t an option but an ultimate necessity. Take a hint from these simple tips to construct the home of your dreams that is energy efficient. Taking into account the local climate and geography and improving accordingly with the right set of energy-saving strategies will help you save a lot in the long run.
