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solonavi 29 March 2007 General, Technology 81 views No Comment Print This Post  Email This Post

reuters

Better architecture and energy savings in buildings could do more to fight global warming than all curbs on greenhouse gases agreed under the U.N.’s Kyoto Protocol, a U.N. study showed on Thursday.

Better use of concrete, metals and timber in construction and less use of energy for everything from air conditioners to lighting in homes and offices could save billions of dollars in a sector accounting for 30-40 percent of world energy use.

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Simple measures include more blinds to keep out the sun in hot climates, switching to energy efficient lightbulbs, better insulation and ventilation. “Avoid building a bigger house than you need,” was among the tips.

“By some conservative estimates, the building sector worldwide could deliver emission reductions of 1.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide,” said Achim Steiner, the head of UNEP. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas.

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The report said fast-growing developing nations needed to focus on more efficient new buildings. China is the world’s top builder, adding almost 2 billion square meters (21.53 billion sq ft) of new building space every year, it said.

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The report said most energy used in buildings is during their lifetimes — from heating to lighting — rather than in construction. Overall, most energy is used by homes, ahead of shops, offices and other buildings such as schools or hospitals.

For builders, timber was often a cheaper and lighter-weight alternative for house frames than steel. Energy consumption in making steel was 2-3 times higher than in making glulam beams — wood glued together and laminated for more strength.

It also recommended refurbishing old buildings rather than demolishing them and designing new buildings for long use.

The report also said there were other factors to keep in mind — even gender. Some studies have shown women prefer higher room temperatures than men, even with similarly thick clothing.

The Wayne L. Morse U.S. Courthouse is seen in Eugene, Oregon December 5, 2006. The courthouse was awarded the U.S. Green Building Council’s gold certification for its use of environmental and energy-enhancing features. Better architecture and energy savings in buildings could do more to fight global warming than all curbs on greenhouse gases agreed under the U.N.’s Kyoto Protocol, a U.N. study showed on Thursday. REUTERS/Richard Clement