Benefits of Energy Management
Choosing an appropriate range of energy ef
Integrating the principles of the energy hierarchy into the design of new development and refurbishment schemes, and implementing the various energy efficiency, low and zero carbon energy solutions, can deliver significant benefits to occupants, property owners and the wider community. These include:
- social and economic benefits:
- reduced fuel bills as less energy is required to keep homes warm and cool.
- opportunities to generate income via Feed in Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive
- healthier and more comfortable home environment
- increased energy security, both locally and nationally
- reduced maintenance bills (e.g. if natural ventilation is pursued instead of mechanical ventilation)
- reduced incidence of energy poverty and prevention of underheating of homes, in particular those of vulnerable people
- job creation as the green technology and construction industries grow
- mitigation of longer term risks to social and economic wellbeing associated with climate change
- awareness raising and educational value from highly visual technologies
- environmental benefits:
- reduced building related carbon dioxide and other atmospheric emissions
- reduced emmissions from tradtional energy supply and generation networks - gas, oil, coal and fossil fuel generated electricity.
- better management of (and less reliance on) finite fossil fuel resource
- cross benefits in terms of adaptation, improved local air quality and architectural innovation
Energy demand in buildings
Office
A - cooling can be required to respond to internal heat gains from occupants, IT equipment and lights
B - energy demands from kettles, microwaves and fridges can be reduced by using ‘A’ rated appliances
C - heating and cooling are the largest energy demands in an office
D - a computer left on standby uses 30% of the energy as when it is in use
E - lighting a typical office overnight wastes enough energy to make 1,000 cups of tea
F - mechanical ventilation is often necessary, due to noise, external air quality or internal activities
G - leaving photocopiers on standby overnight uses the amount of energy required to make 1,500 photocopies
Home
A - the energy used for hot water can be reduced by 3% by insulating the hot water tank
B - turning the thermostat down by 1 degree centigrade reduces heating energy consumption by 10%
C - on average, UK households spend 10% of their electricity bills on leaving appliances on standby
D/E - energy efficient appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and washing machines use 40% less energy
F - lighting accounts for 10-15% of domestic electricity bills