As a sequel to our article on minimising hotel waste, we decided to reflect through this piece on another subject that is very crucial to achieving the goals of World Environment Day. Cooling your interior space is very important, especially in areas with higher temperatures.
Over the course of history, building standards have steadily deteriorated. While technology has definitely led to massive development in the real estate industry, many developers prioritise profit instead.
In the 16th century, a mansion was a fortified building sitting on acres of land with plenty of room for a library/study, nursery, kitchen, guest rooms, master bedrooms and servant’s quarters. Five centuries later, the average ‘mansion’ is a 6-bedroom, semi-detached house built on a half-plot of land.
With less space and ventilation due to poor architectural design, many modern homes – especially in upscale areas of Lagos, Nigeria – often rely on air conditioners for cooling. However, this also has its disadvantages because air conditioners consume significant energy and contribute to greenhouse emissions.
The question that needs to be asked of architects and real estate developers is: Can we design to minimise cooling requirements?
The answer, of course, is Yes! Having worked closely with sustainability-focused architects and developers, we discovered helpful tips that assisted in reducing cooling requirements on various properties.
Here are some of them:
Proper insulation
To reduce the cooling requirements, walls, roofs, and windows should be insulated. Insulation acts as a barrier that hinders heat transfer between the interior and exterior, thus stabilising indoor temperatures.
Painting with lighter colours, using reflective roofing sheets and energy-efficient windows are some of the ways this can be accomplished. By investing in high-quality insulation, the need for excessive cooling can be significantly reduced, ensuring a cooler home during hot weather conditions.
Competent architectural design
Light is one of the most important elements of architecture. As a requisite, architects are taught design principles to either accommodate or shut out natural light.
Designing windows, doors, and shading elements to obstruct direct sunlight during the hottest periods of the day minimises solar heat gain and subsequently reduces the reliance on cooling systems. A good design will also incorporate proper ventilation outlets.
Landscaping techniques can also help to enhance natural shade and cooling in the surroundings. Strategically planting trees or shrubs will create barriers that prevent direct sunlight from reaching windows and walls.
Additionally, consider implementing green roofs or rooftop gardens which can act as insulation layers. This reduces heat absorption and contributes to a cooler indoor environment.
Utilising Technology
Basically, use technology to combat technology. Smart home technology such as smart thermostats and home automation systems will help to enhance cooling efficiency.
These advanced technologies have the ability to automatically regulate cooling settings based on factors such as occupancy, outdoor temperatures, and user preferences.
This will ensure that energy is used efficiently and unnecessary cooling is minimised. Using energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures that generate less heat and require less energy to operate will also reduce the overall heat load on the home and decrease the need for cooling.
Property owners also have a role to play in this discourse. Viewing air-conditioners as status symbols instead of functional equipment has contributed to energy inefficiencies. They need to understand that it is okay to use a fan sometimes.
Having the right priorities will result in reduced energy consumption, increased comfort, and lower environmental impact.